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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-22 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2019 PAGE 287 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, 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. MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Barfield led the audience in a moment of silence and Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman 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: Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, 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 January 3, 2019, the Regular Meeting of January 7, 2019, and the Special Meeting of January 8, 2019. Adoption of a Resolution Acknowledging the New Hanover County State of Emergency and Termination of State of Emergency in the County of New Hanover Proclamations – Governing Body The Commissioners adopted and acknowledged the State of Emergency Proclamation dated September 10, 2018 and the Termination of State of Emergency Proclamation dated January 22, 2019. On September 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. due to the approaching Hurricane Florence, the Chairman signed into effect the New Hanover County State of Emergency Proclamation. The State of Emergency remained in effect through the debris removal and th beginning stages of the recovery process. Since September 10, 1.3 million cubic yards of debris have been collected; 20,830 residents have registered for Individual Assistance; 7,168 individuals visited the Disaster Recovery Center; and county residents received $82.7 million in state and federal funds. Although New Hanover County will continue to lead Hurricane Florence recovery efforts, on January 22, 2019 at 9:00 a.m., having determined that a state of emergency no longer existed, the Chairman signed into effect the proclamation terminating the New Hanover County State of Emergency. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI, Page 22.1. Adoption of a Resolution to Award a Bid for the Purchase of a 23-foot Patrol Boat to Boats Unlimited – Sheriff’s Office The Commissioners adopted a resolution to award a bid for the purchase of a 23-foot patrol boat to Boats Unlimited. Bids were received and publicly opened at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 20, 2018 for the purchase of a 23-foot patrol boat for the Sheriff's Office. Two bids were received in response to the County's solicitation as detailed below: BIDDERS NAME BOATS UNLIMITED ATLANTIC MARINE BID AMOUNT $97,400 $140,777 YEAR 2019 2019 MAKE PARKER GRADY WHITE NCGS 143-129 requires Board approval for the purchase of apparatus, supplies, materials, or equipment with an estimated expenditure of $90,000 or more. Funds for the purchase of the patrol boat are provided by the 2018 Port Security Grant Program. Revenues for the grant totaled $147,635 with a required 25 percent match. The required match was transferred from the Federal Forfeited Property Fund. The budget amendment was approved by the Board at the December 17, 2018 meeting. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI, Page 22.2. Election of Board of Directors for the New Hanover County Financing Corporation – County Attorney The Commissioners appointed County Manager Chris Coudriet and Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher as directors of the New Hanover County Financing Corporation. The term for each director is three (3) years. The New Hanover County Financing Corporation was formed under the North Carolina Non-Profit Corporation Act to, among other things, assist the County in the financing of the purchase of essential real property, the construction of NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2019 PAGE 288 essential improvements, and the purchase of essential personal property with Certificates of Participation or Limited Obligation Bonds. Approval of October 2018 Tax Collection Reports – Tax Department The Commissioners accepted the Tax Collection Reports of New Hanover County, New Hanover County Fire District, and New Hanover County Debt service as of October 2018. Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XLI, Page 22.3. Approval of November 2018 Tax Collection Reports – Tax Department The Commissioners accepted the Tax Collection Reports of New Hanover County, New Hanover County Fire District, and New Hanover County Debt service as of November 2018. Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XLI, Page 22.4. Adoption of a Resolution for Documents Required for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance – Finance The Commissioners adopted a resolution for documents required for FEMA Public Assistance. Staff is currently working with FEMA and the N.C. Division of Emergency Management to determine the Public Assistance eligible expenses incurred by the County relating to Hurricane Florence. In order to proceed with the application for FEMA Public Assistance, the Resolution - Designation of Applicant's Agent and the N.C. Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management State - Applicant Disaster Assistance Agreement must be adopted and approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The Board adopted the same resolution for hazard mitigation projects in December 2018. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI, Page 22.5. Approval of Board of Education Budget Amendment #4 – Finance The Commissioners approved the Board of Education Budget Amendment #4 as follows: On December 12, 2018, the Board of Education approved budget amendment #4, which includes the following in the general and capital outlay funds:  Transfers expenses from "content replacement" to "Hurricane Florence shelter expenses."  Budgets for state funding of six (6) yellow buses.  Defers eight (8) capital projects to establish additional reserve funding for hurricane repairs. Deferred projects include building repairs and mobile classrooms for JC Roe, floor sealing for NHHS field house, window/door replacement at Johnson, electrical upgrades for child nutrition, parking lot improvements at Johnson, playground equipment at Winter Park, and school painting REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employee receiving a retirement award: Mark Vincent, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with thirty years of service Chairman Barfield presented a retirement award to Mr. Vincent and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked him for his years of dedicated service. County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Years: Kelly Colacchio, Library Ronald Mcwatty, Tax Angel Rodriguez, Sheriff’s Office Melvin Rodriguez, Sheriff’s Office Jamie Schrum, Library Shannon Zickefoose, Register of Deeds Ten Years: Carla Baker, Health Twenty Years: Jennifer Smith, Fire Services 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: Ashley Barton, Health Philip Bevilacqua, Engineering NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2019 PAGE 289 Michelle Blanton, Social Services Tufanna Bradley-Thomas, County Manager’s Office Lindsay Faulk, Social Services Rachel Fisher, Social Services Erin Gathercole, Library Rebecca Jackson, Social Services Devin Kelly, Museum Melinda Lupo, Tax John Marshall, Library Rebecca Martin, Finance Haley Moccia, Soil & Water Elmer Rayo, Social Services Anna Simmons, Library Michael Stanley, Fire Services Kim Tisdale, Property Management The Commissioners welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. NEW HANOVER COUNTY ABC BOARD ANNUAL UPDATE Zeke Partin, New Hanover County Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board Chair, presented the annual update highlighting the following:  ABC Board Organization:  Board Members: Zeke Partin, Chair; Bob Martenis, Vice Chair; William Kopp, Member; Bruce Shell, Member; and Ronald Woodruff, Member  Management Team: Marnina Queen, CEO; Charles Hill, Retail and LBD Operations Manager; Danny Meeks, Warehouse and Operations Manager; Kathy Clark, Finance Officer; Karen King, Purchasing Officer; and Steven Welty, Finance Assistant  Support from the County:  County Attorney Wanda Copley, Deputy County Attorney Kemp Burpeau, including their legal and risk management staff  Chief Human Resources Officer Mark Francolini and staff  Deputy County Manager Avril Pinder as Ex-Officio Board Member  The overall working relationship between the County and the ABC Board has been extremely beneficial  Selling Alcohol Responsibly for 83 Years:  New Hanover County ABC Board is one of 168 active local ABC Boards in the state and continually is one of the top five in sales and second most profitable in the state for the past two years.  The goals of the Board and its employees are to achieve a reasonable balance in five general areas:  Providing a high level of customer service  Contributing to the Board’s beneficiaries  Maintaining a knowledgeable and dedicated workforce  Supporting efforts to ensure the legal sell and control of alcoholic beverages  Maintaining sufficient working capital to sustain the future.  Revenue Paid to the State:  Product ordered from State ABC Commission warehouse  Bailment charge is paid per case ordered to State ABC warehouse  Surcharge is paid per case ordered to fund State ABC Commission  Product is received at New Hanover County (NHC) warehouse and delivered to ABC stores  Product is sold at NHC ABC stores with sales tax and excise tax paid to State  Product is sold to NHC restaurants/bars with mixed beverage tax paid to State  Total revenues paid to the state: $11,041,694  FY 2018 Financial Information:  Independent auditors issued a “clean” audit report for the year ended 06/30/18  Total sales increased $1,690,920 (3.83%)  Gross profit increased $533,029 (4.58%)  Local and profit distributions totaled $5,284,960  FY 2018 total sales were $45,858,126  FY 2018 Total Amount of Distributions:  New Hanover County: $2,339,390  City of Wilmington: $1,489,359  Wrightsville Beach: $569,693  Carolina Beach: $368,049  Kure Beach: $22,827  Law Enforcement: $495,642  FY 2018 total distributions: $5,284,960  Revenues paid to the state (year ending June 30, 2018): $11,041,694  FY 2018 Alcohol Law Enforcement: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2019 PAGE 290  Contracts with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Department for four full-time officers plus a direct supervisor (current year budget is $395,000 plus replacement purchase of ABC Officers’ vehicles at a cost of $25,000)  Also contracts with Wilmington Police Department and fund two ABC Law Enforcement Officers.  Continue to fund the Wilmington Downtown Task Force ($180,000 annually to the County)  The Board is required by law to expend at least 5% of its profits for law enforcement. This ABC Board expends 9%. Total amount expended last year was $495,642  New Hanover County ABC Innovations:  Customer service training for all employees  Product knowledge training for all employees  Intellicheck ID scanners at all store locations  New point of sale computers at all store locations  Energy efficient lighting at each store inside and out  Extended hours for bars and restaurants to pick up orders  Interactive and informative website  Boutique sections/specialty spirits at all store locations  Community education and outreach  New ABC store at Wrightsville Beach coming soon  The New Hanover County ABC Board continually strives to improve customer service and optimize profitability to make these significant financial contributions for the citizens of New Hanover County Commissioner White stated that he sees a glaring omission in the mission statement in terms of needing to take actions to stem alcohol related injuries and deaths in this community. It is statistically higher than elsewhere in the state. He asked that the ABC Board consider not only through community outreach but also in interactions with customers, that a piece of paper containing the statistical deaths and injuries caused by the irresponsible use of the product be included in each paper bag. It is a low cost way to communicate the information. He expressed appreciation for the work of the ABC Board, the efficient running of the business, and how it gives back to the community. However, he would like this suggestion to be considered and see how it can be included in the mission statement. A brief discussion was held about the ABC Board’s efforts with underage drinking and how statics show that it is more the binge and experienced habitual drinkers that cause deaths. Ms. Partin stated that the staff is trained to recognize someone who is intoxicated and do not sell the person alcohol. The ABC Board will discuss Commissioner White’s suggestion and investigate further other options to support non-profits to address these issues. Commissioner Zapple stated he echoed Commissioner White’s comments and asked Ms. Partin to have a direct conversation with the ABC Board about supporting alcohol abuse prevention and recovery programs, many of which are located in this community. He thinks the board can develop more creative and/or direct ways to address the alcohol abuse problems in New Hanover County. Ms. Partin stated that can be done and the board can explore how to contribute more to some of the programs available in the community. Chairman Barfield thanked Ms. Partin for the update. CAPE FEAR MUSEUM ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL UPDATE Robert F. Cameron, Jr., Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board Chairman, presented the annual update highlighting the following:  Strategic Plan Focus Areas: Develop new audiences; increase community engagement; and improve the product. The staff is committed to providing relevant, meaningful, and engaging programs and exhibits for the community.  Development of new programs and exhibits to appeal to wide range of ages and interests:  First Sundays each month present lectures, films, and performances. Topics vary widely and staff and community organizations provide the content. Presentations include, but are not limited to, the Public Archaeology Corp highlighting their work finding Rock Spring at the Riverplace development, local resident Ed Hawfield presenting research on his grandfather’s letters written during his WWI service, and local residents reminiscing about their attendance at the 1963 March on Washington, to name a few.  There are a number of family events each year. In February 2018, Dino Day was held and attended by more than 1,350 enthusiastic children and adults. To date, it is the largest family event to be held on-site.  Solar Eclipse: The Museum partnered with the Parks and Gardens department to present Solar Eclipse Day at Airlie Gardens. More than 2,500 people attended to view the eclipse and participate in activities developed by the museum and garden staff. The Museum continues to look for opportunities to collaborate with other county departments to provide unique, educational services to residents.  Tried and True: Programs with Impact:  Museum After Dark welcomed more than 750 young adults to the museum for special science nights. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2019 PAGE 291  The Little Explorers Pre-K program tripled in attendance to more than 2,900 participants with two weekday sessions that continued into the summer. The Museum recently launched Little Explorers Out & About at its neighbor community centers, a program sponsored by a PNC grant.  The annual star party was named a signature event by North Carolina Science Festival. The curriculum staff developed was used by star parties across the state.  Efforts to take science content out into the community reached more 200 interested adults at the Museum’s “What’s Brewing in Science” program at Waterline Brewery.  School Programs:  More than 17,000 school-aged youth were served through field trips, outreach, and summer programs in history, science and math.  Creation of a new middle school program, Universe in Motion which combines a planetarium show and classroom fieldtrip. The Museum typically serves elementary school students so getting more than 300 middle school students at this new program was an accomplishment.  Looking for new ways to bring history content to students, the Museum received a grant from the Landfall Foundation to fund theater performances of Let Freedom Ring. More than 400 students and adults attended these performances.  Exhibitions:  Smithsonian exhibit, Changing America, which looked at two great peoples’ movements: 1) the Emancipation Proclamation and 2) the March on Washington.  UNC-Chapel Hill Archives’ exhibit, Photographs by Hugh Morton: An Uncommon Retrospective, a look at the work of Wilmington-born photographer Hugh Morton. Playtime! also opened which is a highly-interactive exhibit, designed and built entirely in-house by staff, and features historic toys and games from the Museum collection.  Collection Selections featured two smaller exhibits: 1) a camera display and 2) a collection of family items from the estate of Dr. and Mrs. Samuel James Gray. Displays featuring family histories encourage visitors to think about what items they might have to donate to contribute to helping us better tell the unique stories of this community.  Taking the Collection on the Road:  The staff is committed to showcasing the collection outside the Museum walls. This past year, artifacts went to six events, conferences, and a school. Among the artifacts displayed were medical devices, an 1850s chair, a bracelet worn by Wilmington-born opera singer Caterina Jarboro, 1960s newspapers, and a 1968 Williston High School yearbook.  Community Partnerships:  Much of the Museum’s success lies in forging partnerships which help expand program offerings and broaden reach into the community.  More than 880 people visited when the Museum partnered with the Cape Fear Garden Club to open its park for the Cape Fear Garden Club tour. The Williston Alumni Community Choir performed for the opening of the exhibit, Changing America. The North Carolina Shell Show and North Carolina Fossil Club Fair brought in many attendees who would not ordinarily visit the museum.  Active duty military and their families were welcomed for free during the summer through the Blue Star Family Museum initiative. The Museum also participated in Smithsonian Museum Day Live! which allows Smithsonian members to visit partnering museums. A new partnership has also been initiated with Bellamy Mansion and Wilmington Water Tours to offer a ticket providing discounted admission to all three locations.  For the second year in a row, the Museum won Encore Magazine’s Best Museum of 2018. It was also chosen as the best museum in WWAY’s “This is Our Place” competition. These awards voted on by locals speak to the Museum’s relevance in the community and its proactive engagement.  Cape Fear Museum Associates Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Income:  Membership: $14,500 (11%)  Grants: $68,000 (53%)  Fundraising Events: $24,500 (19%)  Annual Appeal: $5,700  Friend Raisers: $11,000 (9%)  Store: $4,300 (3%)  Total income for Fiscal Year 2017-2018: $128,000  The Museum’s vision of being welcoming, engaging and meaningful underlies all of the work done and helps set a course for success. The number of residents and tourists served by the programs, exhibits and outreach was up by 5% at the end of fiscal year 2018. Chairman Barfield thanked Mr. Cameron for the updated. The Cape Fear Museum is one of his favorite places to visit. It provides a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about local and worldwide history. Commissioner Zapple stated that it is great to see the numbers continue to increase. He thanked Cape Fear Museum Director Sheryl Mays for her energy and efforts since she started here almost four years ago. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2019 PAGE 292 CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES GRANT FOR DESIGN OF OGDEN PARK CONNECTOR TRAIL New Hanover County Parks and Gardens Director Tara Duckworth stated this is a request for the Board to adopt a resolution supporting the application to apply for a Federal Transportation Alternatives Set Aside-Direct Attributable grant that would be for a bicycle pedestrian trail around Middle Sound Loop Road, Lendire Road, and Ogden Business Lane to Ogden Park. This trail would provide connection to the existing trail along Middle Sound Road as well as the planned bicycle and pedestrian trail along Market Street which is already funded and designed. The grant provides 80% federal funds and requires a 20% local cash match. The total project cost is estimated at $305,000. The grant will provide $244,000 in federal funds with a $61,000 local match. Chairman Barfield asked for Board direction on the request. Motion: Commissioner Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner White, to adopt a resolution in support of authorizing the Parks and Gardens Department to apply for the Transportation Alternatives Set Aside-Direct Attributable (TASA-DA) funds in the amount of $244,000 for the Ogden Park Connector Trail. New Hanover County will provide the local cash match of $61,000 for a total project cost of $305,000. 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 22.6. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointment to the New Hanover County Board of Social Services Chairman Barfield reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Board of Social Services with two applications available for consideration. Chairman Barfield nominated Dr. Virginia W. Adams. 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 appoint Dr. Virginia W. Adams to the New Hanover County Board of Social Services to serve an unexpired term with the term to expire June 30, 2020. Appointment to the New Hanover County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chairman Barfield reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with fifteen applications available for consideration. Chairman Barfield nominated Claud “Buck” O’Shields, Jr. Commissioner Kusek nominated Nicholas J. Leger. Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman seconded the nomination. Hearing no further nominations, Chairman Barfield called for a vote for the nominations on the floor in the order received. Vote Results: The Board voted in the majority to appoint Nicholas J. Leger to the New Hanover Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to serve an unexpired term with the term to expire June 30, 2020. Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman, Commissioner Kusek, and Commissioner White voted in favor. Appointment to the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority Chairman Barfield reported that two vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority with one applicant eligible for reappointment. Chairman Barfield nominated Angela Rhodes for reappointment in the Restaurant Owner/Manager category. Hearing no further nominations, Chairman Barfield called for a vote for the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Angela Rhodes to the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority in the Restaurant Owner/Manager category to serve a three-year term with the term to expire December 31, 2021. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Barfield reported that no one signed up to speak on non-agenda items. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS County Manager Coudriet stated that staff has been in discussions with the Wilmington City Council, at the Council’s invitation, to consider a continuation request of the special use permit scheduled to be heard this evening NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2019 PAGE 293 for Healing Place. His understanding from the City Manager is there was general agreement by the Council to grant the continuance this evening. Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman stated she knows some are concerned about losing a lot of the film industry to most recently the Netflix show to South Carolina. She requested the County Manager to bring forward a resolution for the Board’s consideration requesting the NC General Assembly to consider the early sunset of House Bill 142. Commissioner Zapple stated that in regard to Consent Agenda Item #2, Acknowledgement of a Resolution Acknowledging the New Hanover County State of Emergency and Termination of State of Emergency in the County of New Hanover Proclamations, it needs more attention to it. While the County is now out of a state of emergency, what it has done is tremendous. 1.3 million cubic yards of debris was collected over the past few months and was dealt with at the County landfill. 20,830 residents registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Many visited the center and the community received $82.7 million in state and federal funds. All of this has been organized by County staff working, in many cases overtime, for literally months. The citizens’ county government has met the challenge and has really delivered. He thanked County staff for being able to deliver that to the residents of New Hanover County. Chairman Barfield thanked Hollis Briggs for the Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration events held in the community over the weekend. It is wonderful to be able to acknowledge the great work Dr. King has done and the legacy that continues. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Barfield adjourned the meeting at 9:56 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.