2018-12-17 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 252
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, December 17, 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 Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Vice-Chairwoman Julia Olson-Boseman; Commissioner
Patricia Kusek; Commissioner Woody White; 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 Cheryl M. Walker, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Wilmington, provided the invocation
and Commissioner Zapple led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman Barfield requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion: Commissioner White MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, to approve the items on the Consent
Agenda as presented.
Commissioner Zapple requested additional information on Consent Agenda Item 4: Adoption of Budget
Amendments, specifically budget amendment 19-023 for the Recovery Coordination Office relating to the funding
plans for the office. Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher stated that this is not coming out of additional fund
balance. Hurricane funds are being moved to the general government function because that is where the office will
be accounted for. Moving forward any needed funds for items such as supplies, salaries, etc will be included in the
fiscal year 2020 budget.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman Barfield asked for a vote on the motion on the floor.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes – Governing Body
The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Agenda Review Meeting of November 29, 2018 and the
Regular Meeting of December 3, 2018.
Approval of Second Reading to Award a Solid Waste Franchise to Carolina Cans, LLC – County Attorney
The Commissioners, pursuant to New Hanover County Code Section 44.55, approved the second reading to
award a solid waste franchise to Carolina Cans, LLC. The initial franchise period will run for seven years.
A copy of the franchise agreement is available for review in the Legal Department.
Adoption of Public Officials Bond Resolution – County Attorney
The Commissioners, pursuant to General Statute 58-72-20, adopted a resolution approving the Surety Bond
for the Chief Financial Officer, Sheriff, Register of Deeds, and Tax Collector. The designation of approval is
incorporated within the respective bond in its entirety.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI,
Page 20.1.
Adoption of Budget Amendments – Budget
The Commissioners approved the following budget amendments which amend the annual budget
ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019:
Sheriff's Office 19-024, 19-026, 19-027, 19-030, 19-031, 19-032, 19-033, 19-034
Emergency Management 19-025
Library 19-028
Department of Social Services 19-035, 19-036
Recovery Coordination Office 19-023
The general fund budget will be increased by $640,698 with these budget amendments with no change to
appropriated fund balance.
Copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in
Exhibit Book XLI, Page 20.2.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 253
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Marcia Kelly stated that she is the Coastal Southeast Regional Director for the North Carolina Department
of Insurance (DOI). Ms. Kelly provided the following information regarding the DOI and how the citizens of New
Hanover County could benefit:
North Carolina Department of Insurance: Mike Causey, Commissioner
Seven Regional Director Territories:
April Riddle 828-337-2800 april.riddle@ncdoi.gov
April Taylor 919-896-0023 april.taylor@ncdoi.gov
Rosemary Parker 919-368-0009 rosemary.parker@ncdoi.gov
Mendy Greenwood 919-218-3626 mendy.greenwood@ncdoi.gov
Jarrod Lowery 919-398-4912 jarrod.lowery@ncdoi.gov
Brent Heath 919-703-5661 brent.heath@ncdoi.gov
Marcia Kelly 919-219-2998 marcia.kelly@ncdoi.gov
Hygan Kapikian, Director of Regional Affairs
Charlotte Office Contact Information: Cell: 919-215-0796; Office: 980-523-9972
hygan.kapikian@ncdoi.gov
Multiple Divisions: Consumer Services, Agent Services, Life and Health, Property and Casualty,
Smart NC, Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), Engineering Codes, Fire and
Rescue, Risk Management, Actuarial Services, Bail Bond Regulatory, Criminal Investigations
What does DOI do:
Regulate and field complaints about insurance companies and agents, help people better
understand insurance
Help seniors understand Medicare
Investigate insurance fraud
Oversee motor clubs and collection agencies
Locate lost life insurance policies
Train fire inspectors and conduct fire station inspections
Work with building inspectors and interpret building codes
Regulate manufactured housing like modular and mobile homes
Regulate bail bonds agencies, fireworks displays, homeowners’ associations, and ATM
machines
Distribute financial grants to fire stations
Commissioner Causey’s Goals:
Work to keep insurance rates low; provide exceptional customer service; and protect
consumers
Some issues that are being addressed or reviewed:
Increasing repair costs as a result of new technology
Speak directly to the public about the cost of distracted driving:
Since 2008 there has been about a ten percent increase in distracted diving accidents
and fatalities (approximately 3,500 fatalities)
Address the cost of natural disasters:
There are pressures to increase homeowners’ insurance. The rate bureau requested
an 18.9% increase on homeowners’ insurance. Commissioner Causey negotiated the
rate increase request down to an average of 4.9%.
The new “Shared Economy”: Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, VRBO
Insurance fraud:
Adds up to 20 cents on the dollar to annual insurance premiums. It costs the
American consumer about $80 billion a year.
15 investigators were added to the Criminal Investigation Division to fight fraud as
more arrests lead to lower insurance rates
Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is under the DOI and the commissioner is the state fire marshal:
DOI trains its personnel and fire station inspectors. Many communities are seeing lower rates
due to the inspections
Prior to Commissioner Causey taking office there were several volunteer fire departments that
had not been inspected in over 20 years. Number of inspectors were increased to address this
issue
In 2017, DOI saved North Carolina consumers more than $1.5 million by assisting them with health
insurance:
Medical appeals, complaints, external reviews
In 2017, SHIIP saved North Carolina senior and disabled consumers more than $60 million in
health care costs by counseling them on decisions they make regarding Medicare
In 2017, Consumer Services Division helped save North Carolina consumers more than $11
million
DOI can help find a lost life insurance policy
Ready, Respond, Recover: The disaster response and readiness plan of DOI
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 254
Disaster Response Plan:
DOI has a new Disaster Response Plan that allows for an immediate response to disasters. For
the first time in the history of DOI, this effort is combined with the Office of the State Fire
Marshal (OSFM).
The plan is divided into three fundamental areas: Ready, Respond, Recover
Disaster Response Plan – Ready: Helping NC citizens to be better prepared for disasters through
various methods:
State Fair and festivals
Disaster readiness presentations throughout the year to church groups, civic groups, town
halls, neighborhood associations, senior centers
Outreach brochures and other materials
Disaster Response Plan – Respond: Once DOI knows a storm is imminent, how does it respond:
As Hurricane Florence approached the North Carolina coast, Commissioner Causey and the
DOI were already hard at work in the “respond” phase of the DOI Disaster Plan
How DOI responded:
Combined DOI and OSFM daily briefings and updates that included Raleigh staff as well
as regional and field-based personnel via skype
Public service announcements on social media and television
More ways that DOI responded to Hurricane Florence:
The Department’s Criminal Investigation Division staff was mobilized to provide
security in Emergency Shelters
Criminal Investigation Division and OSFM assisted local law enforcement and first
responders
Phones were rolled over to National Association of Insurance Counsellors for
business continuity
Consumer Service Division staff were equipped with laptops and soft phones so they
could work remotely and continue assisting consumers
Disaster Response Plan - Recover: The immediate danger has passed, but the clean-up and
rebuilding has just begun:
Bulletins were sent to insurance companies reminding them to prohibit cancellations
Activation of the Disaster Mediation Program
Insurance Camps and Victim Assistance Centers (VAC) were set up:
Insurance camps are needed when a major widespread disaster strikes. It allows
Insurance companies to set up their RVs in one location
DOI notifies the public through every source available (i.e. TV, social media, etc) where
and when the insurance camp will be located
Public can come to the insurance camp and speak face- to- face with a representative
from their carrier
DOI coordinates this process and has staff on site to help direct individuals and answer
questions
Victim Assistance Centers (VAC):
VACs are often in a location where multiple local and state agencies as well as service and
charitable groups are available to assist disaster victims
DOI notifies the public through every source available (i.e. TV, social media, etc) where
and when DOI staff will be available at a VAC
Public can come to the VAC and speak face-to-face with an DOI representative about their
insurance policy, questions about coverage and assistance with claims
DOI works alongside county/municipal agencies as well as charitable agencies such as the
Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse to aid victims whenever possible.
Citizens can contact the DOI via www.ncdoi.com, www.nchurriclaims.com, or 1-855-408-1212
Chairman Barfield thanked Ms. Kelly for the presentation and expressed appreciation for the work she does
on behalf of this region and the work Commissioner Causey does on behalf of the state.
In response to Board questions, Ms. Kelly stated that the DOI does inspections of all the fire stations, not
just the volunteer fire stations. Primarily, the volunteer fire stations receive grant funds.
PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving a retirement award:
Karen Batton, Parks and Gardens, retiring with twenty-seven years of service
Samuel Burgess, Planning and Land Use, retiring with thirty-four years of service
David Ciamillo, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with thirty years of service
Wanda Marino, Social Services, retiring with nineteen years of service
Travis Robinson, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with twenty-eight years of service
Chairman Barfield presented retirement awards to the retirees and the Commissioners expressed
appreciation and thanked them for their years of dedicated service.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 255
County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
Five-Years: Tammy Flynn, Social Services
Ten Years: Jonathan Barfield, Governing Body
Fifteen Years: Gloria Batts, Property Management
Thelma Boston, Property Management
Christopher Clayton, Property Management
Amanda Cullen, Health
Teresa Huffman, Community Justice Services
Twenty Years: Dominic Segers, Sheriff’s Office
Twenty-Five Years: Carol Honeycutt, Tax
Thirty Years: Susan Wright, Health
Chairman Barfield 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:
Christian Capra, Health
Amber Garner, Social Services
Barry Graham, Finance
Jamaica Lemons, Tax
Whitney Parish, Health
Sarah Seidel, Social Services
Kathleen Steger, Social Services
Terri Wilkes, Health
The Commissioners welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new
positions.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY JUVENILE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL ANNUAL UPDATE
J.H. Corpening, II, Chief District Court Judge and New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
(JCPC) Chairman, presented the annual update highlighting the following information:
Overview:
Strategy:
Provide dispositional alternatives for adjudicated youth
Develop Community-focused, research based approaches
Treat the needs of at-risk juveniles
Provide funding for treatment, counseling or rehabilitation
Currently fund four programs
Teen/Youth Court:
July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018: 98 youth served
Ten Teen Court Sessions (youth volunteers):
89 successful completions and 86% from prior year remain successful
Most referrals come directly from School Resource Officers
Managed by Vantage Point:
Restorative justice approach; take responsibility; held accountable by peers; and return to
good standing in community
Youth Empowerment Services:
Chris Preston, Manager
Psychological Assessment and Counseling Program:
Served 98 youth and families in 2017/2018
Provides individualized and timely behavioral health assessments
Designed to reduce targeted delinquent behaviors; improve family functioning; and to reduce
recidivism
Community Service and Restitution Program:
Served 226 youth in 2017/2018
Court ordered or court diverted obligation
Provides a safe and structured environment; encourages positive civic involvement; utilizes a
service learning model; includes basic job skill development; and includes time management
skills
Alternative to Commitment Services:
Housed within Coastal Horizons
Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS):
Lisa Burris is IFPS Supervisor
Short term, crisis-intervention program
Provided primarily in home or community
Designed to prevent out of home placement and to support reentry as well
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 256
Target population:
Youth 10-17
Level III reentry youth (highest level of risk youth) or At-Risk Level II or III youth
Services are for ten hours per week for four to six weeks
Fosters positive social connections
Enhances social-emotional wellness
Provides concrete supports in time of need (i.e. money):
Flex funds - $300 per family
Promotes resiliency for parents and siblings
Increases parents’ knowledge of parenting and teen development
Served 14 youth and their families in 2017/2018
Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP):
Erin Ditta is program manager
Housed within Coastal Horizons
Evidence based program for parents or caregivers of youth ages 12-17
Provides seven parent sessions, one and a half hours each, and a four-hour family day on challenge
course
No cost to family
Transportation assistance available
Focuses on understanding child behavior, positive listening, exploring alternative parenting, and
expressing ideas and feelings
Intentionally addressing youth access to drugs:
Proper use, proper disposal, secure storage in homes, provides medication lock boxes and other
resources to parents to reduce access in homes
Functional Family Therapy:
Argelia Moya is Clinical Site Lead
Sponsored by AMIkids North Carolina Family Services
Serves youth on probation at Level I, Level II, or post-release supervision (higher risk)
Serves 89 counties in North Carolina
83% favorable discharge rate has been seen for the last five years
13 children served here (one of highest) in 2017/2018
One referral can save over $100,000 by a family learning to manage crisis, instead of using
emergency services, hospitalization, detention, Medicaid services, etc.
Enables reduction in recidivism by creating sustainable change in the family
In response to Board questions, Judge Corpening stated when grandparents are the primary caregivers for
older or younger children, they can participate in the STEP program. Grandparents step up in this community, there
is also a grandparents support group, and they can participate in parenting programs with the youth. The STEP
program provides lockboxes for proper storage of medicines but he does not believe the disposable pouches are
provided. The staff also provides education on the safe storage and disposal of medicines.
In response to Board questions about the proposed new treatment center having beds for men but none for
women, Judge Corpening stated Trillium had the funds to build a 200-bed facility. The health leadership council
worked with Trillium to provide beds for men, women, and also adolescents and the funds were on hand in the
general fund to build the facility. The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) took away all of the funds. Efforts
were then made to see what could be done in the short-term for a wet-drop treatment facility that did not require
going to detox first. He feels there was a compromise made and there was open discussion about the need for a
treatment facility for women and also for adolescents. This is a first step, not an end game. Judge Corpening further
stated he plans to be at the upcoming Wilmington City Council meetings to support the facility.
Commissioner White stated that at the time, the proposed 200-bed facility was all men and he recalls asking
Trillium about 18 months ago what the plans were for women and adolescents. It is accurate that the funds being
taken away caused the facility to go from 200 beds to 100 beds, but it was never Trillium’s intention to have beds
for women and children. It was a deficiency from the outset, but the compromise Judge Corpening refers to is exactly
what it was. As important as it is to start this, there needs to be a continued focus on women and adolescents.
Currently, the care given to adolescents is very good care, it is up to the standard of care in legal terms, but it's
disgraceful there is not an adolescent facility. He expressed appreciation to Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman for
raising the question.
Commissioner White further stated the facility needs to be approved and it is critical to convince the City of
Wilmington and the surrounding neighbors of the need in the community. It is also important to continue to apply
the pressure and focus on ensuring funding for women and children.
Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman described a recent encounter she and her family had with a lady who was
crying outside a store they stopped at and it is someone Judge Corpening would know. The lady explained her family
situation and how she has substance abuse problems but has been unable to find help for herself and there is
nowhere for her to go. Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman stated that she knows with Judge Corpening’s help this
will be figured out. She was lucky to be able to get treatment six years ago and needs to help other women to make
sure they have the same opportunity.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 257
Judge Corpening stated that he supports the plan for the 100 bed facility and will be present to support the
County in this matter. It will make this community safe and will provide a needed service.
Commissioner Zapple stated he supports the treatment center and its location. He will be at the City Council
meetings along with the other Commissioners and Judge Corpening to support it. Absent from this discussion is the
County’s support of the TIDES program, which is also important. The program treats pregnant women with substance
abuse issues and this is first step forward for the County.
Judge Corpening stated that he and his team were able to place a young woman in the TIDES program last
week. It is a wonderful resource and he is thrilled the County saw the need and helped fund it. It is also a proven
program that is working in other communities.
Chairman Barfield thanked Judge Corpening for the presentation and for all he does for this community.
FOREIGN TRADE PROMOTION COUNCIL (FTPC) PRESENTATION
Foreign Trade Promotion Council Executive Director Dr. John G. Hayes provided an update regarding the
total economic domestic and global perspective and the value the FTPC brings to the county, their success stories
and what they offer New Hanover County and the region. The FTPC was started here by the Board several years ago
when it asked for guidance and direction in how to promote trade in the County and in the region. Since that time
the FTPC has been very active in the community and across the state in looking at economic development.
The FTPC vision is to grow North Carolina businesses globally. One focus area is the service industry. Some
service industry board members are, but not limited to, the North Carolina Ports, Wilmington International Airport,
United Parcel Service (UPS), Hanes Corporation, Caterpillar, J.P. Morgan Bank, North Carolina Chamber at the state
level, Brooks Pierce law firm, Nexsen Pruet law firm, and New Hanover County. Approximately a quarter of a million
people in this state are employed in global trade via foreign countries. Over 90,000 of those jobs are just from France,
Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom companies.
Dr. Hayes explained one of the tasks that launched the FTPC was how to get the Wilmington International
Airport and its facilities to be a magnet site in a foreign trade zone. This region is the only trade zone that is managed,
administered, and marketed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). NCDOT published a
brochure containing data about this trade zone. Nothing more is being done to promote and market this particular
trade zone. Efforts have been made to work with the state to try to promote the airport for many years. Dr. Hayes
has been unsuccessful in having the state recognize it has to help. The market has to be promoted and effort has to
be made to educate companies about the opportunities here. The FTPC has been working on this effort through
various events about how to create economic growth opportunities.
In a recent U.S. Trade Representative’s Office report on North Carolina, it lists areas such as Charlotte,
Greensboro, and Virginia Beach, as benefitting from trade, but does not list this area. This region is a conduit for
trade through the airport and the port and is not developing enough new businesses to benefit from the growth.
The state has been stagnant the last ten years in growth and ranks about 16th in the U.S. This region is dependent
upon global trade and the issues that are being dealt with nationally. There is a need to educate, inform, and keep
companies informed of what needs to be done to help them be successful.
Dr. Hayes asked the County to engage with the FTPC and himself. He has run into road blocks with state
legislators in being able to move forward with organizing the state to work around a central mission for jobs and
growth. The FTPC needs the political support of this County and other resources it can afford to give the FTPC to be
able to be successful.
Chairman Barfield thanked Dr. Hayes for his presentation.
PRESENTATION OF THE 2017-2018 WATER QUALITY MONITORING IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
Brad Rosov with Aptim Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc., stated that the monitoring of seven tidal
creeks, a total of 19 sampling sites, within New Hanover County on a monthly basis has been done since November
2007. The creeks included in this study are Pages and Futch Creeks, which drain into the Atlantic Intracoastal
Waterway (ICW) and Lords, Motts, Barnards, Smith, and Prince Georges Creeks, which drain into the Cape Fear River.
He then presented the 2017-2018 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:
New Hanover County Water Quality Monitoring Program:
Methods: monthly sampling from July 2017 – June 2018
Physical parameters, chemical parameters, and biological parameters are utilized
Results:
2016-2017:
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 258
Prince
Barnards Futch Lords Motts Pages Smith
Parameter Georges
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
2017-2018:
Prince
Barnards Futch Lords Motts Pages Smith
Parameter Georges
Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek
Creek
Turbidity GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD
Dissolved Oxygen GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD FAIR FAIR GOOD
Chlorophyll-a GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD
Enterococci FAIR FAIR POOR FAIR POOR POOR POOR
Results for each of the seven creeks from the past year are as follows:
Barnards Creek – located in the western part of the County draining into the Cape Fear River:
Parameter BC-CBR
Turbidity Good
Dissolved Oxygen Good
Chlorophyll-A Good
Enterococci Fair
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 Good Fair Good Fair Good
Chlorophyll-A Good Good Good Good Good
Enterococci Good Good Fair Poor Fair
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 Poor
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 Good Good Good
Chlorophyll-A Good Good Good
Enterococci Fair 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 Poor 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 Good Fair Poor Fair
Chlorophyll-A Good Good Good Good
Enterococci Poor Fair Poor Poor
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 Poor Fair Poor Poor Poor
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 259
Summary Results 2017-2018:
Prince
Barnards Futch Lords Motts Pages Smith
Parameter Georges
Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek
Creek
Turbidity GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD
Dissolved Oxygen GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD FAIR FAIR GOOD
Chlorophyll-a GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD
Enterococci FAIR FAIR POOR FAIR POOR POOR POOR
Enterococci Ratings over the past three years:
Prince
Barnards Futch Lords Motts Pages Smith
Georges
Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek
Creek
Enterococci 2015-2016 POOR FAIR FAIR POOR POOR POOR FAIR
Enterococci 2016-2017 GOOD GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR GOOD FAIR
Enterococci 2017-2018 FAIR FAIR POOR FAIR POOR POOR POOR
Airlie Gardens Lake Monthly Monitoring:
AG-IN (northern part of lake), AG-Floating Dock (FD), AG-Outfall (OUT)
Physical Parameters, Orthophosphate, Nitrate/Nitrite
Airlie Gardens Lake Water Quality Results:
Parameter AG-IN* AG-FD AG-OUT
Turbidity Good Good Good
Dissolved Oxygen Fair Fair Fair
Chlorophyll-A Good Fair Good
* Nutrient levels at AG-IN have been higher, on average, compared to the other two sites
further south and closer to the outfall.
Conclusions:
Turbidity and Chlorophyll-a levels were deemed to be “good” in all creeks.
Enterococci bacteria levels worsened while dissolved oxygen levels have improved this past year
compared to last, however long term trends have demonstrated fluctuations on an annual basis
Enterococci bacteria issues persist at Pages Creek.
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
In response to Board questions regarding fish kills at Greenfield Lake, Mr. Rosov stated that Aptim does not
monitor Greenfield Lake. It is handled by the City of Wilmington. He believes the fish kills were a result of Hurricane
Florence.
Regarding the high levels of enterococci in Lords Creek and only one site being monitored, Mr. Rosov stated
more data would provide more information to offer insight as to the possible issue. Due to bridge work, the site was
only able to be monitored six of the 12 months. The three of the six sampling results reported higher than the
standard for enterococci. He is unable to say if the sampling had been done 20 times if the higher amount would still
be seen. This year’s results were an anomaly and in years past the water quality was good. If there was the ability to
add another monitoring and make more visits, more information may be learned on what the water quality situation
is and the possible things that need to be fixed.
In response to additional questions about Lords Creek, Mr. Rosov confirmed that there were only six rounds
of testing because the site was not accessible due to bridge work. There is enough funding monitor for the full 12
months. If there was additional funding, additional monitoring sites could be added. Monitoring is currently only
done close to the mouth of the creek.
Regarding Pages Creek and the deferment of the grant from the Duke Energy Water Resource Fund, Mr.
Rosov stated the source of the contamination was found and identified as human contamination at two of the
sampling sites through studies done in tandem with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The next step is
to determine where the issue stems from. Reapplication is being made for the grant funds to move forward with the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to further study and determine the actual location of the problem.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman Barfield thanked Mr. Rosov for the presentation.
HURRICANE FLORENCE RECOVERY UPDATE AND ADOPTION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT’S DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT’S AGENT FOR THE HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAMS
(HMGP) RESOLUTION
Chief Strategy Officer and Hurricane Florence Recovery Manager Beth Schrader stated the Board is being
asked to adopt the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management's Designation of Applicant's Agent for the
HMGP resolution which allows the designated primary and secondary agents to file applications for assistance on
behalf of New Hanover County for the HMGP, receive information about programs and eligibility, and represent and
act for the County with the State of North Carolina and FEMA in regards to matters related to the program. In
adopting and executing the resolution, the Board of Commissioners also assures and certifies that the County will
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 260
comply with FEMA and federal regulations, policies, guidelines and requirements. Ms. Schrader provided the
following Hurricane Florence recovery update:
Individual Assistance:
Individual Assistance cut-off for registration has been extended to December 19, 2018
As of December 14, 2018 there have been:
IHP Housing Housing Other Needs
Registrations Referrals IHP Amount Assistance Assistance Referrals Other Needs
Referrals Amount Amount
20,830 17,954 $11,049,752.61 17,087 $9,168,000.13 7,497 $1,881,752.48
Housing Assistance is either via financial or direct:
Financial Housing Assistance: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides
funds paid directly to eligible individuals and households and may include the following types
of assistance:
Rental Assistance: To secure temporary housing while repairs are being made to the pre-
disaster primary residence or while transitioning to permanent housing. Rental Assistance
may be used to rent a house, apartment, manufactured home, recreational vehicle, or
other readily fabricated dwelling.
Lodging Expense Reimbursement: Reimbursement for hotels, motels, or other short-term
lodging while an applicant is displaced from their primary residence.
Home Repair Assistance: To help repair an owner-occupied primary residence, utilities,
and residential structure, including privately-owned access routes (driveways, roads, or
bridges) to a safe and sanitary living or functioning condition.
Home Replacement Assistance: To help homeowners replace their uninsured or under-
insured primary residence, destroyed by a disaster.
Direct Housing Assistance: FEMA may provide direct housing services to eligible individuals
and households, when disaster survivors are unable to use Rental Assistance due to a lack of
availability
Other Needs Assistance:
Small Business Administration (SBA) Dependent Types of Other Needs Assistance – Only
individuals or households who do not qualify for a loan from the SBA may be eligible for the
following types of assistance:
Personal Property Assistance: To repair or replace essential household items including,
but not limited to, furnishings and appliances, accessibility items defined within the
Americans with Disabilities Act, and specialized tools and protective clothing required by
an employer.
Transportation Assistance: To repair or replace a vehicle damaged by a disaster and other
transportation-related costs.
Moving and Storage Assistance: To relocate and store personal property from the
damaged primary residence to prevent further disaster damage, such as ongoing repairs,
and returning the property to the primary residence.
Non-SBA Dependent Types of Other Needs Assistance: May be awarded regardless of the
individual’s or household’s SBA disaster loan status and may include:
Funeral Assistance: Assistance is available to individuals and households who have
incurred or will incur eligible funeral expenses that are directly or indirectly related to the
disaster.
Medical and Dental Assistance: To assist with medical or dental expenses caused by a
disaster, which may include injury, illness, loss of prescribed medication and equipment,
or insurance co-payments.
Child Care Assistance: A one-time payment, covering up to eight cumulative weeks of
child care expenses, for a household’s increased financial burden to care for children aged
13 and under; and/or children aged 14 to 18 with a disability as defined by federal law.
Transitional Sheltering and Direct Housing (TSA):
As of December 14, 2018 there have been:
Pre-Placement Eligible For Haul And Install Work
Issued Site Inspections Units Licensed In
Interviews Inspection Orders Issued
456 120 11 8 4
TSA cumulative eligible = 1,348
Cumulative used = 203
Currently checked in = 108
New Hanover County is the only county that continues to see an uptick in TSA usage. It is
believed a large portion of this is due to people leaving other people’s homes to now be moved
into a hotel as some hotel space is becoming available. Another contributing factor is the
displacement of people from Jervay.
In regard to direct housing, four units have been licensed and placed and eight more are on the way. New
Hanover County has been vocal about advocating for the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) program.
This is where a contractor or volunteer organizations are paid by FEMA to come in and rapidly get people’s houses
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 261
in order so it is safe and sanitary. Houses are not restored to the condition before the hurricane, but to a point where
people can move back into their homes and live. The state has selected a contractor who will be the organization
that will handle projects in excess of $8,000 but less than $17,000 of expenditures. At the state level, teams are
doing evaluations, based on the FEMA records and case management, to identify people for both the contractor
program and the volunteerdriven program. All of these people have $8,000 or less worth of damage. Based on the
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preliminary damage assessment, this is more than 1,900 of homeowners in the unincorporated part of the County.
SBA Loan Program:
The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes (including landlords),
nonprofits, homeowners and renters to cover uninsured or uncompensated losses or damage from
Florence. After registering for disaster assistance, applicants may be referred to the SBA. There’s
no obligation to accept a loan, but you may miss out on the largest source of federal disaster
recovery funds if you don’t apply. If you don’t qualify for an SBA disaster loan, you may be referred
back to FEMA for Other Needs Assistance grants.
The deadline for filing an SBA application for low-interest disaster loans for physical damage as a
result of Hurricane Florence is December 19, 2018
The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is June 14, 2019
SBA loan statistics as of December 14, 2018:
Home Loans Business Loans Economic Injury Loans
FEMA Referrals 14,200 3,139 164
Applications Received 2,496 342 137
Applications Approved 1,143 125 51
Total $ Approved $35,080,600 $6,633,600 $2,667,900
Disaster Recovery Center (DRC):
Total Daily Interactions = 113
Cumulative number of individuals seen = 7,168
Most Frequent Reasons for Visits:
Housing assistance; SBA residential loans; document assistance; and rental assistance
th
Currently, New Hanover County is the only DRC open in the state. As of December 20, FEMA will decamp
from the DRC site. However, the SBA and State Individual Assistance teams will remain onsite to continue to assist
residents throughout the end of January.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program:
December 14, 2018 was the first deadline in regards to the accelerated buyout program which is
known as the 407 Acquisition / Buy Out Program:
12 Letters of Interest (LOIs) were filed on December 14, 2018
Limited number of people eligible due to program terms:
Home has to have been substantially damaged, which means more than 50% of the home
was destroyed
Have to be in the 100-year flood plain and be the owner
404 program is the broader All Uniform Hazard Mitigation Program:
Program is for people who do not qualify for the 407 portion
LOIs due by February 8, 2019
Additional categories of mitigation eligible
Working with staff, community partners, and homeowners to develop projects / complete the
LOI
Public Assistance:
27 entities in New Hanover County have filed a Request for Public Assistance (RPA):
22 eligible
Five pending
New Hanover County has elected to break up the Category A Debris Removal Project Worksheets
(PWs) into phases in an effort to obtain reimbursement as quickly as possible for the County:
Filing for work completed through November 18, 2018
It is $9,486,000 in expenses
Goal is to have this particular PW through the system to obtain reimbursement prior to the
end of this fiscal year. This will be dependent on the audit function at FEMA as well as the
state’s ability to disperse the payments.
Damage Inventory for Permanent Work (Categories C-G) due January 4, 2019
Chairman Barfield thanked Ms. Schrader for the update and asked for direction from the Board on the
resolution.
Motion: Commissioner Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to adopt the North Carolina Division of
Emergency Management’s Designation of Applicant’s Agent for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs resolution
and designate Chief Strategy Officer/Recovery Manager Elizabeth Schrader and Emergency Management/911
Director Steven Still as the New Hanover County Agents.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 262
In response to Board questions regarding the STEP program, Ms. Schrader stated no one has been served
and evaluations are still being done at FEMA for the state. The 1,900 is staff’s estimate based on the preliminary
damage assessments initially conducted by the County in conjunction with the FEMA teams. The number may
decrease as some houses deteriorate over time, which may move some people into the higher reimbursement area.
Regarding whether or not all the small businesses in this community have been reached out to about the
SBA process, Ms. Schrader stated that she does not believe so and staff is working with the SBA and the Chamber of
Commerce to do additional outreach to make people aware of their options. One challenge is that this is a loan that
not all of the businesses want to take on, despite it being a relatively low interest rate. The key challenge for most
business owners is the income loss, although a number also experienced physical damage. The SBA loan really does
not address that. With the working capital part, it is a temporary working capital loan. It is not necessarily a
replacement for lost income so there is still a gap. There are two parts to it: 1) to try to make as many people aware
of this option being available and 2) to keep them solvent and help keep them up and running.
In response to additional questions, Ms. Schrader stated the recovery office is located at 1241 Military
Cutoff Road, Unit A and the phone number is 910-798-7007. If a person who has a small business has not applied for
an SBA loan, the person can come to the office to receive help to work through the process. People can also meet
with SBA specialists at the DRC located at 3500 Independence Boulevard, which is in the Independence Mall,
immediately next door to the old Sears building. Currently, no assistance money has been identified for loss of
income by small businesses. It does not mean money will not be identified in the future and that may be an
opportunity for legislative agenda items moving through the process and into next year. Ms. Schrader encouraged
people or small businesses to submit an application in hope of future relief. No guarantees can be made in regards
to availability and again, there is no obligation to take the SBA loan but it is helpful to apply for it.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman Barfield asked for a vote on the motion on the floor.
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 20.3.
APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER ZAPPLE AS THE VOTING DELEGATE TO THE NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION
OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (NCACC) 2019 LEGISLATIVE GOALS CONFERENCE
Chairman Barfield presented the request to appoint a voting delegate to the NCACC Legislative Goals
Conference which will be held January 10-11, 2019 in Wake County, North Carolina. Each Board of County
Commissioners is requested to designate a voting delegate and submit the information to NCACC by December 28,
2018.
Motion: Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman, to appoint Commissioner
Zapple as voting delegate to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Legislative Goals Conference
which will be held January 10-11, 2019 in Wake County, North Carolina.
Chairman Barfield stated that during the December NCACC Board of Directors meeting a review was done
of all the legislative goals culled by the NCACC steering committees over the past several months. He believes several
of the County’s goals made it through the process. Goals of significant importance that moved forward and will be
discussed in January during the conference are:
Environmental Goal Number One: Seek legislation to restore county authority over solid waste
management and oppose any further shift of authority away from local governments
Environmental Goal Number Two: Support increased state funds for the clean water management trust
fund and other water quality programs and oppose a relaxation of environmental regulations for water
supplies; and
Environmental Goal Number Three: Support legislation that provides resources for the state agencies
to develop health advisory levels for emerging contaminants.
Discussion was also held about moving forward in tax and finance section a goal geared toward reinstating
the affordable housing tax credits, recognizing the need for developers and others to build affordable houses in
communities. Chairman Barfield looks forward to Commissioner Zapple being the County’s voting delegate.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman Barfield called for a vote on the motion on the floor.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointment to the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority/WAVE Transit Authority
Chairman Barfield reported that two vacancies exist on the Cape Fear Public Transportation
Authority/WAVE Transit Authority with one applicant eligible for reappointment and three additional applications
available for consideration.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 263
Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman nominated Steven D. Kelly reappointment and Caylan J. McKay for
appointment.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman Barfield called for a vote for the nominations on the floor.
Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Steven D. Kelly and appoint Caylan J. McKay to the Cape
Fear Public Transportation Authority/WAVE Transit Authority to serve three-year terms with the terms to expire
December 31, 2021.
Appointment to the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Community Relations Advisory Committee
Chairman Barfield reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington
Community Relations Advisory Committee in the Education Community category with two applications available for
consideration.
Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman nominated Anne York.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman Barfield called for a vote for the nomination on the floor.
Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Anne York to the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington
Community Relations Advisory Committee in the Education Community category to serve an unexpired term with
the term to expire September 30, 2019.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Board of Health
Chairman Barfield reported that three vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Board of Health with
two applicants eligible for reappointment and six additional applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Zapple nominated for reappointment Dr. Stephanie D. Smith in the Nurse category and Dr.
Kim Thrasher-Horne in the Pharmacist category, and nominated Michael G. Musselwhite for appointment in the
General Public category. Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman seconded the nominations.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman Barfield called for a vote for the nominations on the floor.
Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Dr. Stephanie D. Smith in the Nurse category and Dr.
Kim Thrasher-Horne in the Pharmacist category, and appoint Michael G. Musselwhite in the General Public category
to the New Hanover County Board of Health to serve three-year terms with the terms to expire December 31, 2021.
Appointment to the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Chairman Barfield reported that up to four vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Nursing Home
Community Advisory Committee with one applicant eligible for reappointment.
Chairman Barfield nominated Pamela O’Quinn for reappointment. Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman
seconded the nomination.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman Barfield called for a vote for the nomination on the floor.
Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Pamela O’Quinn to the New Hanover County Nursing
Home Community Advisory Committee to serve a three-year term with the term to expire December 31, 2021.
Appointment to the New Hanover County Plumbing Board of Examiners
Chairman Barfield reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Plumbing Board of
Examiners in the Journeyman Plumber category with one application available for consideration.
Chairman Barfield nominated Thomas L. Crittenden, Jr. for reappointment in the Journeyman Plumber
category. Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman seconded the nomination.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman Barfield called for a vote for the nomination on the floor.
Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Thomas L. Crittenden Jr. to the New Hanover County
Plumbing Board of Examiners in the Journeyman Plumber category to serve a three-year term with the term to
expire December 1, 2021.
Appointment to the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority
Chairman Barfield reported that three vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Tourism Development
Authority with one applicant eligible for reappointment.
Chairman Barfield nominated LeAnn Pierce for reappointment in the Carolina Beach Hotel Owner/Manager
category.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman Barfield called for a vote for the nomination on the floor.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 264
Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint LeAnn Pierce to the New Hanover County Tourism
Development Authority in the Carolina Beach Hotel Owner/Manager category to serve a three-year term with the
term to expire December 31, 2021.
Appointments to the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors
Chairman Barfield reported that three vacancies exist on the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County,
Inc. Board of Directors with four applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Michelle Fogle and Amy McGlinn for unexpired terms expiring June 30,
2021 and Spero Pekatos for an unexpired term expiring June 30, 2020.
Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman nominated Mark J. Ihnat.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman Barfield called for a vote on the nominations on the floor.
Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Michelle Fogle and Amy McGlinn to the Parks Conservancy
of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors to serve unexpired terms expiring June 30, 2021.
Vote Results: The Board voted in the majority to appoint Mark J. Ihnat to serve to the Parks Conservancy of New
Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors to serve unexpired terms expiring June 30, 2020. Chairman Barfield, Vice-
Chairwoman Olson-Boseman, Commissioner Kusek, and Commissioner White voted in favor.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman Barfield reported that no one had signed up to speak on non-agenda items.
ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Consideration and Adoption of Chemours Consent Order Resolution
Chairman Barfield requested County Manager Coudriet to provide information regarding the request for
the Board to consider adopting the Chemours Consent Order Resolution.
County Manager Coudriet stated that staff, in taking direction from the Board via e-mail and other
conversations, has drafted the resolution with an aim toward improving the draft consent order via the comment
period that is in place and closes December 31, 2018. The resolution is being presented based on general consensus
of the Board. Specifically, it begins by identifying four points that the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA)
identifies as what it saw as deficiencies when the order was released in draft form just before Thanksgiving. The
CFPUA followed up with comments and identified four things specifically that it had concerns with, which is
referenced within the resolution. The resolution also offers five things this Board has collectively identified as specific
things that should be done to improve the consent order that is in place. Commissioner Kusek who sits on the board,
along with CFPUA Executive Director Jim Flechtner and CFPUA Attorney Linda Miles, attended a CFPUA meeting that
took place this morning regarding this matter. He cannot speak as to what took place in the meeting but certainly
they would be able to answer questions.
County Manager Coudriet stated he would review the key pieces of the resolution and then take comments
from the Board. One whereas statement notes that since the presence of GenX specifically and clear recognition
around PFAS are in our water supply, local, state and federal officials have been advocating very clearly for research,
water treatment, and the enforcement of PFAS and specific interest in GenX. It also notes that the North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) along with others have been diligently negotiating a consent order
with Chemours. However, it also notes that the negotiations have taken place at least apparently with no local, state,
or federal officials offering input to the order itself. The lack of participation by local, state, and federal officials, who
officially represent the residents and businesses of the region, has resulted in a draft of a proposed consent order
that is not comprehensive enough and does not go far enough. This Board, through this resolution, is reiterating the
four problems identified by CFPUA in its postThanksgiving comments that were not addressed in the consent order:
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1.The proposed order does not resolve the problem of PFAS contamination in drinking water supplies for
New Hanover County.
2.The proposed order fails to provide a solution for the citizens of New Hanover County who continue to
be exposed to the PFAS compounds at levels higher than 10 parts per trillion, individually, and 70 parts
per trillion combined.
3.The proposed order does not address river sediment contamination, nor does it suggest possible
remediation solutions.
4.The proposed order does not address damages to groundwater in New Hanover County through the
contamination of the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) site.
This Board is also asking that the consent order to be inclusive of:
1.Chemours reimburse CFPUA no less than the cost for the new Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC)
Filtration System at the Sweeney Water Treatment Plant, estimated at $46 million, and the potential
for additional GAC filtration systems installed at the multiple wastewater treatment plants in New
Hanover County, and other associated costs with planning and operations for these plans;
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 265
2.NCDEQ develop a plan of how to address the PFAS and PFOA (C8) build up in the riverbed sediment
and in local ground water and crops;
3.Installation of under counter Reverse Osmosis systems, or, bottled water distribution to homes
affected by PFAS contaminants, until CFPUA water can be cleaned;
4.Long term monitoring for all PFAS and PFOA in CFPUA water supply; and
5.Medical monitoring requirement, which may take additional action by the Legislature to make happen.
County Manager Coudriet stated that the resolution contains the four points identified as deficiencies by
the CFPUA and the five specific requests from this Board. The CFPUA staff did review the resolution and did not take
exception to it in its draft form. This summary provides what this resolution attempts to accomplish with the consent
order.
Chairman Barfield stated that this resolution has brought about great community debate and concern.
Some from misinformation, some from correct information, and some from major assumptions based on people’s
own thought process without any conversations with the Commissioners. He thinks it is important that the Board
comments on the consent order as it has been asked, along with the entire state. He spoke with NCDEQ Secretary
Regan recently about his concerns with the consent order and the fact that the County needed to speak on behalf
of its citizens. Secretary Regan asked others to make comments, so this Board is going to respond to the ask. It is
understood there are concerns that if asks come forward, Chemours may step back from the table. However, NCDEQ
and the other parties involved will hear the comments from all across and they will ultimately determine how to
move forward in negotiations with Chemours. The comments will assist in determining exactly what to address.
Chairman Barfield further stated that he finds oftentimes that many people operate for the saying that “the
fear of loss is a greater motivator than the opportunity to gain.” The fear will cause them to shut down and not go
after the greater good. The fact is there will be a need to spend at least $46 million to build a facility that will treat
the GenX that is in the water and other emerging contaminants going forward. He understands that CFPUA is
considering charging every citizen utilizing it services $5 a month until the system is paid for and it is unknown how
long that will take. For him, when a single mom is struggling and is getting assistance, $5 a month can makeor
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break a budget. For some people that is a significant amount of resources in their household.
Chairman Barfield expressed appreciation for the work done by the Southern Environmental Law Center
and the Cape Fear River Keeper in this matter. However, for him the reality is he has never seen those individuals’
names on a ballot in this community to represent the entire citizenry of this county. Everyone has their interests in
this resolution, but his job as a Commissioner is to represent not just one particular group but the entire community
and speak for everyone. There are some people who come to these board meetings wearing their red shirts, speaking
for their interests, but at the same time a lot of people who do not attend are also expecting the Commissioners to
speak on their behalf. The demands that are being made in asking the state to consider reimbursing the cost of the
filtration facility and coming up with a plan to address the PFAS and PFOAS in the future is nothing short of what
should be done. People in Bladen County have been given the ability to have clean drinking water. The same things
should be done for the citizens here in this community that are concerned about the water quality they have. Again,
he thinks the Board would be derelict in its duties if it did not make this ask and did not make the comments. It is
one thing if NCDEQ said it does not want any comments, but the ask has been made for comments.
Commissioner Zapple stated that he joins Chairman Barfield’s comments about the good work done by the
Cape Fear River Keeper, River Watch, Southern Environmental Law Firm, and NCDEQ and about NCDEQ asking for
comments about what needs to happen here. He thinks every person on this board has been very vocal in the past
and will continue to be on this matter. The situation here in New Hanover County is unacceptable. Until citizens can
turn the taps on and know that they can drink, cook, and bathe with the water, the problem will not be solved. He
thinks the comments in this resolution reflect the seriousness by which this Board addresses this problem. It is not
to take away from the work done by the organizations to get a hold of the problem when there was no motion on
the issue several months ago. There is now a plan to stop most of the pollution at the source and he appreciates the
organizations’ efforts on this front.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman Barfield asked for direction from the Board.
Motion: Commissioner Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner White, to adopt the Chemours Consent Order
Resolution. 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 20.4.
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS
Chairman Barfield thanked Natalie English and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce for coordinating the
InterCity Visit to Greenville, SC to look at what that city is doing from an economic development standpoint. Much
was learned about some of the innovative things being done there. One thing he heard in terms of economic
development, is that it is building wealth in one’s community. Not about jobs and other things, but about building
wealth in one’s community. This was an opportunity to gauge one’s own community against other communities and
see what they are doing that may be better or worse. It also allowed the opportunity to recognize in some cases you
are doing the same things and how improvements can be made in terms of planning.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 17, 2018 PAGE 266
Commissioner Zapple stated that what was heard over and over again during the trip was that the plan for
Greenville’s success was intentional and they followed the plan. It took over two decades to get where they are now.
The group saw the before pictures and saw what had occurred as a result of the efforts when touring the downtown
area. The message given to all of the local officials attending was create the plan, agree on the plan, and then follow
it. It really worked for Greenville.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman Barfield stated this was the last meeting of the year and he
wished everyone Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and asked that everyone celebrate responsibly
and wisely during this holiday season and adjourned the meeting at 11:28 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.