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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-20 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 20, 2019 PAGE 287 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, May 20, 2019, at 4:00 p.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 Imam Abdul Rahman Shareef, Tauheed Islamic Center 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 Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Agenda Review Meeting of May 2, 2019 and the Regular Meeting of May 6, 2019. Approval of Offer to Purchase Surplus County Property – County Attorney The Commissioners authorized staff to take appropriate and necessary action to sell surplus county parcels with deeds to the highest bidder. Sherry Scible has offered to purchase two small county parcels behind her residence for a total price of $3,000. The surplus tracts are remnants of the former Pine Tree Burial Ground the county exercised control over as an abandoned cemetery over a decade ago. The county determined no graves remained and has disposed of most of the balance of the site. The offer price is consistent with valuations established by the Tax Department. The proposed sale will be advertised for upset bids as required by G.S. 160A-269. Approval of the Second Reading of a Solid Waste Franchise for Waste Industries USA, LLC – County Attorney The Commissioners approved the second reading of a solid waste franchise to be granted to Waste Industries USA, LLC. Pursuant to Section 44.55, the applicant has provided information about his business organization, equipment, personnel and fiscal responsibility. The decision to approve the solid waste franchise agreement was considered against the implications of House Bill 56 and its impact on the county’s ability to control the flow of solid waste. Staff believes that private solid waste collection companies will ultimately make post-2020 final disposal decisions based on two factors: price and convenience/location. The New Hanover County landfill is competitive in both areas and will continue to seek methods to control costs while offering cutting-edge services to the public. The initial franchise period will be seven years. The first reading was unanimously approved May 6, 2019. A copy of the franchise agreement is available for review in the Legal Department. Approval to Award a Construction Contract to Integrity Builders, LLC for Hurricane Florence Repairs to the New Hanover County Historic Courthouse – Property Management The Commissioners approved the award of a construction contract to Integrity Builders, LLC for Hurricane Florence repairs to the New Hanover County Historic Courthouse located at 24 North Third Street. The scope includes roof replacement, plaster repairs, painting, carpet, ceiling tiles, and insulation in the attic. 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 19-056, 19-057, 19-058, 19-059, 19-060, 19-061, 19-062 Copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XLI, Page 29.1. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF THE DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION AWARD FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2018 Chairman Barfield thanked Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher and her staff for their hard work on the budget. With a budget over $400 million and having to account for all of the funds to make sure they are in the right places, that everyone gets paid, it is a lot of work, especially when events such as Hurricane Florence occur. County NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 20, 2019 PAGE 288 Manager Coudriet stated it is an outstanding accomplishment for the County to receive the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 28th consecutive year and thanked Ms. Wurtzbacher and her team for their hard work. The Commissioners presented the award to Ms. Wurtzbacher and her team. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving a retirement award: Barbara Cordero, Health, retiring with twenty and a half years of service Kathleen McLaren, Social Services, retiring with twenty-four 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. County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Years: Darlene Anderson, Social Services Flavia Lemieux, Library Amrelle Sargeant, Property Management Marisa Siervo, Social Services Fifteen Years: Tiffany Bickel, Social Services Joan Briggs, Social Services Stephanie Limoges, Social Services Holly Royals, Social Services Amber Smith, Senior Resource Center Twenty Years: Lewis Costin, Building Safety Maisha James, Sheriff’s Office Regina Kent, Library Twenty-Five Years: Nikki Todd, Public Health Thirty Years: Mark Francolini, Human Resources 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: Carrie Rhodes, Property Management Christine Donahue, Building Safety Eileen Callori, Finance Fallone Hutchens, Social Services Gideon Smith, Planning and Land Use Jeannine Viering, Tax Jessica Sawyer, Social Services Kubutrina Best, Social Services Laura Brooks, Social Services Morgan Fergus, Community Justice Services Nicole Licari, Parks and Gardens Peggy Mangan, Social Services Robert Burrows, Building Safety Trinity Simmons, Property Management The Commissioners welcomed the employees to county government and wished them success in their new positions. TIDES INC. PROGRAM UPDATE ON RESULTS YEAR-TO-DATE Dr. Skip Johnstone, Founder of TIDES, Inc. stated that 27 lives have been touched by TIDES, Inc. and there have been 14 babies born, none of which have gone into traditional foster care. They have gone into kinship foster care which means the mother has partial custody along with a supervising relative who is taking care of the baby. He does not know the cost savings by using this type of foster care, but knows it is making a difference in the lives of the children. It is known that babies do much better when they are held by their mothers, hearing their voice, etc. On the TIDES website, there is a story of a young woman who was a heroin addict for ten years. She was a prostitute and willingly shares about her experiences. Dr. Johnstone met her at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. If a person has symptoms of bacterial endocarditis and walks in the hospital, the mortality rate is 95%. This young lady experienced a couple of bouts of it, but the urge took over her psyche each time and she left the hospital before completing treatment. This time something clicked with her and she was introduced to Dr. Johnstone. At the beginning of April, she celebrated a year of sobriety. She has done five interventions via Skype and has taken it upon herself to start her own nonprofit. She has a home, a car, and custody of her children. She's a productive member of society after a long history of being wrapped up in the throes of addiction. He encouraged everyone to look at the website to see the news stories and radio interview. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 20, 2019 PAGE 289 Along with partners, TIDES is trying to treat women who have an abuse disorder with a holistic approach. It is not a 28-day program. When they are sent out after 28 days without the appropriate tools, there is a high recidivism. TIDES wants to help them get out and have a life they could not have had without help. Dr. Johnstone commended the Board for funding the program. He does plan to provide a written report at the end of the fiscal year so the County can have the data it asks for as far as demographics. The confidence of the County is paying off for the citizens. This program is getting a lot of attention statewide and it may result in a model replica for the rest of the state. Chairman Barfield thanked Dr. Johnstone for his work. This is a phenomenal program designed to help mothers addicted to a substance and those who are pregnant to stay with their child and not have the child go into foster care. APPROVAL OF THE SCHOOL JUSTICE PARTNERSHIP MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (INTER-AGENCY GOVERNANCE AGREEMENT ON THE HANDLING OF SCHOOL OFFENSES) Judge Corpening stated that in 2015 Chairman Barfield signed, on behalf of the County, the School Justice Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entitled “Inter-Agency Governance Agreement on the Handling of School Offenses” and there has been incredible success. The year before the MOU was executed, about 88% of the students who were referred to School Resource Officers (SROs) were sent to court. Last year, 24% were sent to court. Behavior is managed when and where it happens is changing it for the better. The SROs are in the schools and on the campuses more than ever before. New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Markley reported that schools and graduation rates are higher than ever before. He credits the School Justice Partnership as being part of the reason for the improvement. It is time to execute a new agreement and the New Hanover County Board of th Education voted unanimously to approve it. There will be a signing ceremony on June 18 and Judge Corpening invited the Commissioners to attend and take part in the event. Due to the success of this partnership, the North Carolina General Assembly included the School Justice Partnership model in the Raise the Age legislation and school justice partnerships are starting to grow across the state. Chairman Barfield thanked Judge Corpening for his remarks and asked the Board for direction on the request. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, to approve the County’s continuation of the School Justice Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (Inter-Agency Governance Agreement on the Handling of School Offenses). Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Barfield thanked Judge Corpening for the work that has been done through the partnership. It has had a tremendous impact locally. ADOPTION OF BYLAWS ESTABLISHING THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMMISSION ON AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, HERITAGE AND CULTURE Community Affairs Coordinator Tufanna Bradley-Thomas presented the following information on the proposed New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage and Culture:  Purpose of the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage and Culture:  Research, discover, preserve, collect and catalog African American historical sites and landmarks within the unincorporated county  Establish programs and initiatives that educate, preserve and protect New Hanover County’s African American history, heritage and culture  Educate the community on the positive contributions that local citizens have made in New Hanover County  Opportunities:  Highlight African American historical sites and landmarks within the county areas such as the beaches (Seabreeze), Castle Hayne and Ogden  Discover and highlight untapped sites, landmarks and information  Share the expertise of the Cape Fear Museum and New Hanover County Library as well as other county staff (i.e. Planning, Register of Deeds and Tax)  Collaborate with the City’s Commission on African-American History  Share information or design initiatives or programs for schools  The Commission will be comprised of thirteen residents of New Hanover County representing the:  Education community; business community; faith community; civil rights community; at-large; Cape Fear Museum and Library staff (ex-officio) Chairman Barfield thanked Ms. Bradley-Thomas for the presentation. He believes it is time for the County to have this commission. The City of Wilmington has a Commission on African American History and it has been very involved in the community to bring people together to have conversations about race issues in the community, unearthing different historical monuments, being involved in the school system with the implicit bias training, etc. He spoke about his family history and connection to this community, what he has learned growing up here, watching it grow and change, and the rich history that many are not aware of. His father was the first person of color to serve on the Board of Commissioners since 1898. He is glad the County is leading in the effort on this front and looks forward to the great work of this commission. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 20, 2019 PAGE 290 Motion: Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve the bylaws to establish the New Hanover County Commission on African American, History, Heritage and Culture. Commissioner White stated that he plans to vote in favor on this matter. He spoke about moving from Wilmington to Clarkton where he attended a one-room school house that covered the first through eighth grades. There were three kids in the school which were himself, an African American boy, and a girl. It was the most diverse class possible and he grew up there without a notion or awareness of racism. During college, he was exposed to many things including racism. In 1989 at 20 years old, he wrote a letter the NAACP executive director and staff asking to meet with them, which they agreed to. He wanted to understand as a young white male how it existed, what the issues were, and wanted to do something about it. The discussion revolved around inner city blight, the achievement gap in public schools (which continues to be discussed), poverty, disparities, and sentencing guidelines. The organization was two years old at the time, passed by the congress of 1987. The meeting made an indelible impression on him and he has done all he can to bridge that and this does not eradicate racism, but an ancillary benefit is history. As a history major, it is important to him, but it is no substitute for doing more. It does not close the poverty gap, the achievement gap nor increase entrepreneur participation of African-Americans in our community. Appointing 13 people to the commission is important as well as speeches and having discussions. However, he would like to challenge this community to do more than that. History is important to know, understand, remember, and honor. Discussions also need to be about job creation, safety and all of the things that matter every single day and not just certain times of the year. There are some people trying to live in an environment where gunshots are routine. Sometimes you are in a room with young people and parents and you see things you wouldn't believe in these homes. He does not mean to be negative on this positive thing that is being done. He just thinks this community can do better and it’s not just about these type things, but it’s a part of it. Chairman Barfield stated that Commissioner White’s comments are not negative. They are real, right on point, and very much appreciated. As this community comes together to address those things, Chairman Barfield stated he is looking forward to working with him and the Board. Commissioner Zapple stated he supports the motion to establish the commission. Bringing forward so many issues with the heritage and culture in New Hanover County, sets the platform for what is done in the future and how to move forward. He looks forward to future conversations about what is really happening in our community. Ms. Bradley-Thomas stated that the Community Relations Advisory Committee (CRAC) will be providing an update to the Board in July or August. The CRAC members have been trying to go into the community to hear the needs and connect community members with resources, institutions, and organizations like the Wilmington Housing Authority and other things that will help people better themselves within the community. 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 bylaws is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XLI, Page 29.2. PRESENTATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020 RECOMMENDED BUDGET AND FISCAL YEAR 2020-2024 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN County Manager Coudriet presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-2020 Recommended Budget and FY 2020- 2024 Capital Improvement Plan for New Hanover County (NHC) highlighting the following:  Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Recommended Budget: Advancing the Board of Commissioners’ priorities through fiscal responsibility:  Recommended Budget Framework:  Priorities set by the Board:  Intelligent Growth and Economic Development  Superior Education and Workforce  Superior Public Health and Safety  Revenue parameters set by the Board:  Minimize taxes and fees  Restore fund balance to policy goal of 18% - 21%  Spending Recommendations for Major Funds:  All funds: $398.5 million  General Fund: $349.9 million  Environmental Management Fund: $23.1 million  Fire Services: $16.1 million  General Fund Revenues:  Ad valorem: $192 million:  Tax base: $34.84 billion  Ad valorem rate of $0.555 ($0.4903 General Fund, $0.0647 Debt Service Fund)  Sales taxes: $76.5 million:  Assumes 5.6% growth over current year projected actual collections  Historical Tax Base: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 20, 2019 PAGE 291  FY14-15: $29.75 billion; FY15-16: $30.20 billion; FY16-17: $30.82 billion; FY17-18: $33.74 billion (revaluation year); FY18-19: $34.22 billion (budgeted); FY19-20: $34.84 billion (recommended)  Historical Tax Rates:  FY14-15 General Fund Tax Rate: 55.40 cents  FY15-16 General Fund Tax Rate: 55.40 cents; Debt Service Fund Tax Rate: 2.00 cents  FY16-17 General Fund Tax Rate: 55.40 cents; Debt Service Fund Tax Rate: 6.90 cents  FY17-18 (Revaluation Year) General Fund Tax Rate: 50.53 cents; Debt Service Fund Tax Rate: 6.47 cents; Revenue Neutral Rate: 58.38 cents  FY18-19 General Fund Tax Rate: 49.03 cents; Debt Service Fund Tax Rate: 6.47 cents  FY19-20 Recommended General Fund Tax Rate: 49.03 cents; Debt Service Fund Tax Rate: 6.47 cents  General Fund Sales Tax:  FY14-15: $58 million; FY15-16: $61.5 million; FY16-17: $65.1 million; FY17-18: $70.2 million; FY18-19 Budgeted: $76.5 million; FY19-20 Recommended: $76.5 million  $7.2 million in federal and state government reimbursements from Hurricane Florence:  For capital outlay and other one-time expenditures  Appropriated fund balance: $1.9 million:  Full amount pre-funded via capital reserve  Anticipated unassigned fund balance of 13.6% at June 30, 2019  New Hanover County Schools (NHCS):  Current expense: $2,900 per pupil:  $100 increase  $81 million total (3.4% increase)  Increase equates to 40% of county’s revenue growth  Capital: $3.7 million  Pre-k expansion: $487,000 (third year)  Debt service: $31 million  Total: $116.2 million  Historical Total School Funding Comparison (including operating, capital, pre-k, and debt service):  FY14-15: $91.5 million; FY15-16: $93.1 million; FY16-17: $96.8 million; FY17-18: $100.3 million; FY18-19 Budgeted: $108.7 million; FY19-20 Recommended: $116.2 million  Historical Funding per Pupil (Average Daily Membership \[ADM\] Rate):  FY14-15: $2,575; FY15-16: $2,600 (+ 1.0%); FY16-17: $2,660 (+ 2.3%); FY17-18: $2,700 (+1.5%); FY18-19: $2,800 (+3.7%); FY19-20 Recommended: $2,900 (+3.6%) In response to Board questions, County Manager Coudriet stated over the seven years it is approximately a four percent growth in the school system. ADM is 11% growth year over year and from the current year to the next year is .6% when looking at the traditional school system and charter school system. He confirmed that education is about 41% of the County’s budget. Chairman Barfield stated it is important the citizens know that the County is heavily investing in education in the community.  Historical School ADM Comparison:  FY14-15: 26,817 (NHCS: 26,019; Charter and Virtual Charter Schools: 798)  FY15-16: 26,961 (NHCS: 26,087; Charter and Virtual Charter Schools: 874)  FY16-17: 27,389 (NHCS: 26,287; Charter and Virtual Charter Schools: 1,102)  FY17-18: 27,857 (NHCS: 26,213; Charter and Virtual Charter Schools: 1,644)  FY18-19: 27,818 (NHCS: 25,822; Charter and Virtual Charter Schools: 1,996)  FY19-20 Projected: 27,990 (NHCS: 26,000; Charter and Virtual Charter Schools: 1,990)  Cape Fear Community College:  Operating: $11 million  Capital: $0 requested/recommended  Debt service: $15.2 million  Total: $26.2 million  Public Health and Safety:  $203,000 for the Sheriff’s Office to assume responsibility of Forensic Lab from City of Wilmington, with the City funding 40% of the annual cost  $46,000 for digital forensic equipment for the Sheriff’s Office  Detective for Crimes Against Children Unit in the Sheriff’s Office  Crime analyst for Intelligence and Analysis Unit in the Sheriff’s Office  Administrative support technician for the Community One program in the Sheriff’s Office  $1 million for new dispatch consoles and radio equipment for 911 Communications  $100,000 for a federal prosecutor in the District Attorney’s Office (second of two years)  Two school-based health nurse positions  Five social worker positions to meet caseload demand and manage supervisors’ span of control NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 20, 2019 PAGE 292 In response to Board questions about the detective position, County Manager Coudriet stated that he does not know the number of calls each New Hanover County Detective receives for referrals from the Department of Social Services (DSS). It is a significant amount in terms of the number of children in the investigations of Child Protective Services (CPS) and where the County takes custody. Regarding discussions held about more collaboration with DSS and the new/existing positions in combating this issue, staff will be working closely on a range of policies and areas of focus with Social Services, Community Justice Services, law enforcement, and the Health Department. The state standard for social work is one social worker for every ten or 15 CPS cases. Due to the workloads of social workers and economic services caseworkers, steps are being taken to establish what the New Hanover County standard should be for caseloads based on this community’s complex problems and issues. This will be a standard better than the state standard so the right resources are in place in order to address the needs of kids. If there are 200 referrals per day, with a limited number of social work staff to handle them, although the state standard is being met, staff is not in a position to deal effectively and immediately with those challenges. A County standard for the adult side is being reviewed as well. There is also no state standard for the number of cases a children and family Medicaid staff person should have and the team will establish what is the New Hanover County standard. The idea is to understand the story to put people in touch with all of the resources and across the system of public support to get them where they need to be.  Economic Development: • $320,000: WBD, WDI, SEDC, Arts Council, Southeastern Partnership, Highway 17/64 Association • $148,000: Cucalorus Film Foundation, Wilmington Regional Film Commission • $60,000 for Blue Clay Road project • $100,000 for Preliminary Engineering Review for the Sidbury Road water line • $525,000 for CFPUA for fire flow along US 421 (third of three years) • $250,000 for continued partnership with Wrightsville Beach on improvements near Johnnie Mercer’s Pier (second of two years)  Other:  Emergency Preparedness:  Redesign of WebEOC software: $30,000  Consolidated EOC/logistics facility space study and design: ($150,000)  Stormwater Management:  Drainage projects (CIP): $140,000  Stormwater utility study – Phase 2: $10,000  Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality: $10,000  Non-County Agencies – Human Services:  $953,000 for 28 agencies and 34 programs  Additional $235,000 for seven programs transitioning to vendor status  Workforce Housing:  50/50 cost-share with City of Wilmington for Workforce Housing study and survey ($45,000)  Capital Planning:  Five-year Capital Improvement Plan for General Fund:  $2.3 million for FY19-20  $1.9 million funded from capital reserve/$244,000 grant funding/$89,000 General Fund revenues  Capital Outlay for General Fund:  $9.5 million for FY19-20  $7.1 million financed via loan proceeds/$2.4 million General Fund revenues  Environmental Management:  $48 per ton tip fee (no change)  Capital projects: $8 million  Capital outlay: $2.9 million  Three new positions: Two equipment operators and one fiscal support technician  Environmental Management Tipping Fee:  FY14-15: $55; FY15-16: $52; FY16-17: $50; FY17-18: $48; FY18-19: $48; FY19-20 Recommended: $48  Fire Services:  Revenues: 7.75 cents per $100 of value (unchanged)  Capital outlay: $1.2 million (equipment, vehicles)  $151,000 to improve fire flow capacity for the Northern Water Main  Personnel:  20 new positions recommended for the General Fund:  Eight for Sheriff’s Office (five for Forensic Lab, one detective, one crime analyst, one administrative support technician)  Five for Social Services (two social workers, two social worker supervisors, one senior social worker trainer)  Four for Building Safety (two code compliance officials, two development services specialists) NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 20, 2019 PAGE 293  Two for Health (public health school nurses)  One for Parks (program coordinator)  Three new positions recommended for Environmental Management: two equipment operators and one fiscal support technician  Market: Greater of 2% or $1,040  1.5% merit pool (same as two previous fiscal years)  $3 million salary lag In response to Board questions, County Manager Coudriet stated he believes the five DSS positions are needed as moves are being made towards establishing caseload standards for the County. In meetings with social work staff, economic services staff, and supervisor teams to discuss what can be done to support them, it is clear the social workers have cases that while they meet some standard on the social work side, they are more complicated when they have a CPS case. The number of visits are increasing, not enough staff and added stress are encouraging people to leave the organization. He believes as the County standard is established and the social work positions are filled, the County will retain the employees. New positions are critical for the County to keep the good employees it has, help people exit who don't belong in that line of work, and attract and retain those that are the right people for the job. Discussion was held about the additional five DSS positions and some Commissioners expressed concern st about adding positions before the new person overseeing the consolidated departments as of July 1 assesses whether or not there are savings that could be generated from staff redundancy. County Manager Coudriet explained that currently there is an assessment being done with the positions in support of the operation and how st to repurpose them. This is in an effort to deploy those people to the front line of service delivery on July 1 as well as other parts of the department. Two weeks ago there were 22 vacant positions which is approximately eight percent of the work force and it is above ten percent when including people on vacation, at training, or out sick. The recommendation to add positions when the authorized positions cannot be maintained is related to the complexity of the caseload size. This will not be a 100% cost to the County. There are federal and state reimbursements that are received for the social work function. It is an approximate return of 50% of the costs. While he understands the st concerns, staff is doing the analysis and believes this is positioning the County for July 1 to appropriately deal with the complexities in this community. The DSS turnover rate is about 18% over the course of the year. He does not believe that is common across the state or country. It is high stress work, but he thinks the attrition rate is higher than the County’s peers. It is clearly understood by staff that this needs to be fixed and will force a need to look at how to do things in a different way. The Board expressed appreciation to County Manager Coudriet and staff for seeing that there are multiple issues and their efforts to assess all aspects of how to make improvements. In response to Board questions, County Manager Coudriet stated that funding for the Healing Place is a debt service. There is no direct service for the operations because the operations come out of the County’s annual appropriation to Trillium, which is approximately $2.2 million. Trillium is going to redirect some of the $2.2 million to purchase 20 to 25 beds per night at a cost of approximately $325,000. Once the facility becomes operational, the County will support it via an annual appropriation of approximately $2.2 million and an additional $319,000. County Manager Coudriet requested that Non-County Agency Funding Committee member Damien Buchanan present the information on Committee’s recommendations. Mr. Buchanan provided the following overview of the Non-County Agency Funding Committee process and recommendations:  Non-County Agency Funding Committee:  Committee Members: Damien Buchanan; Elizabeth DeBiasi; Fred Gainey; Neal Lewis; Randy Reeves; Rosetta Royster; and Shannon Winslow  Committee steps to improve process:  Survey non-county agencies  Modify applications based on key learnings  Training to non-county agencies on applications and process  Review Process:  Read/review application  Review of agency mid-year performance reports and funding history  Determined appropriate buckets and scoring rubric  Individual scoring and questions to agencies  Reponses and final aggregated scores  Discussion and allocation decisions  Evaluation:  Programs scored individually by committee members and aggregated  Discussion about areas of difference in scoring and key drivers  Objective Rating Instrument / Rubric:  Seven pre-identified criteria (reduced from 11)  Each criterion scored on a four-point scale  Equally weighted (max score 24)  Subjective Rating:  Overall rating that allows committee to capture other attributes not easily quantifiable or that may not be broadly applicable NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 20, 2019 PAGE 294  Scored on a four-point scale (max score four)  Fund this:  Salaries for staff providing services to clients/patients/participants, etc.  Supplies, tools, contract services, and other materials for staff to deliver programs  Organizations that deliver a program or service  Not that:  Administrative salaries/administrative overhead  Marketing dollars  Capital expenditures (buildings/ vehicles)  Intermediaries/pass through organizations (receive dollars and then redistribute it to other organizations)  Funding Recommendations:  Next Steps:  Survey non-county agencies regarding process and incorporate feedback into FY21 process  Modify non-county agency application based on key learnings  Continue training for modified application; site visits for specific identified agencies  Better integrate the mid-year performance reports into the decision-making process  Set due dates and work schedule/calendar for FY21 process Chairman Barfield stated he agrees with the County Manager’s recommendation regarding funding charter schools. He does support GLOW Academy’s work, but feels it would set a precedence for county government to fund charter schools outside of what it already funds. There are five or six charter schools and some private schools that may want to request county funding to offset their budgets. It is not a role county government can play at this point. He thanked the committee members for their time, effort, and energy to work through the funding requests. Commissioners Kusek and Zapple expressed appreciation to the committee for its work. County Manager Coudriet continued the presentation:  FY 2019-2020 Recommended Budget in Summary:  Advances the Board’s stated strategic priorities of Superior Education and Workforce, Superior Public Health and Safety and Intelligent Growth and Economic Development  Fully funds prior obligations and policy commitments NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 20, 2019 PAGE 295  Enhances and expands services while maintaining ad valorem tax rates and tipping fees  Demonstrates fiscal responsibility and sets the county on a path to rebuild our fund balance position to the stated policy range of 18% - 21%  Next Steps:  Public hearing scheduled for Monday, June 3  Budget workshop: recommended for Thursday, May 30  Budget adoption: recommended for Monday, June 17 In response to Board questions, County Manager Coudriet confirmed that staff made the decisions on the economic development items on page 23 of the budget packet. Commissioner Kusek asked, in light of the other items approved at 100% funding, why the Friends of Fort Fisher was not included. She requested that funding for the Friends of Fort Fisher be put back into the budget. Commissioner Zapple stated that he supports Commissioner Kusek’s point. County Manager Coudriet stated that at the work session, staff will be prepared and have made the change assuming there is agreement on that. th General Consensus: After a brief discussion about the proposed May 30 work session, there was general consensus th of a majority of the Board that there was no need for a work session on May 30. Discussion was held about the GLOW Academy funding request, the large increase in charter and virtual school enrollment in five years, and the $2,900 ADM funding for the school system. The increased enrollment in charter and virtual schools is an indication that parents have more options, are making more choices where to send their kids to school and as such, this is keeping the traditional public schools enrollment and facilities challenges that presents static. In response to Board questions, County Manager Coudriet stated that charter schools take care of their own capital. Commissioner White stated he initially did not agree with providing funding to the GLOW Academy. However, he is now asking why is it not being discussed more and what is wrong with it. It’s a trend he thinks should be actively encouraged and philosophically gives parents more choice. The more choices given, the better the schools will be and informs the questions the County asks about facility needs. The marketplace is dictating this and it is going to continue. He asked that as staff is working the school system next year to talk about bonds and facility needs, and as it relates specifically to the GLOW Academy request, those are things the County probably should get ahead of. Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman stated that she understands funding the GLOW Academy is precedent setting, but the County needs to look at different things. The GLOW Academy provides something that public schools cannot provide, as a lot of charter schools do. This one in particular is all girls. Given the increasing suicide rate amongst youngsters, particularly women, she thinks it is an addition to the community. The County is fortunate to have this charter school addressing inner city kids, providing them with such things as uniforms and school lunch. It is not asking for funding like other charter schools and it is a non-profit organization. She would happily support GLOW Academy being added back into the budget. Chairman Barfield stated that he does not know if there is consensus to add GLOW Academy back into the budget. This year he has been part of the North Carolina Leadership Forum, which is a think tank of individuals from across the state, sponsored in part by Duke University, the John Locke Foundation, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, and others. The topic for this year’s group is about school choice. Through those meetings, he has a different understanding of school choice, what it means to different communities, and as it relates to funding. School choice at the end of the day is what a parent thinks is best for their child, whether is it public schools or not, but understanding that we have school choice within public schools. As a Board, the Commissioners need to have conversations about where to go from here when it comes to the six charter schools and the many private schools in this community about whether or not to provide funding. He thinks that is the conversation the Board needs to have as opposed to adding an organization in and the floodgates open up. He supports the work the GLOW Academy is doing and thinks they and the other charter schools are doing a great job. With the ADM increase this year in public education, and $100 increase last year, and knowing a bond will be forthcoming in the next year or so along with the needs that are there, the Board needs to have the conversation before stepping out in front of it. Commissioner Zapple stated the $2,900 ADM funding for the school system deserves a longer conversation as much of it is based on projections. The projections in May of this year will not be confirmed until September/October of this year. Yet the decisions the Board is making now and funding now, as was found out last year, is putting another $1.5 million into the School Board pocket. There should be a way to identify that and shift the cost or get it back if indeed the school system’s projections are wrong. Otherwise the system, as currently set, encourages over projection. There is no mechanism to pull back the money in good faith. He knows there have been several conversations about mechanisms that could be put forward with conditions on the money. He hopes the process can be moved forward quickly to possibly connect it to these dollars. He shares Chairman Barfield’s concerns about having two back to back $100 ADM increases. A brief discussion was held about the Fire Services District Tax. County Manager explained that it was too early to predict if it would be reduced next year. As to whether or not it was possible, he stated that anything the Board directs, as staff is here to serve, is possible. For any number of reasons, sales taxes and otherwise, the Fire Services fund balance generally speaking will be too low, probably lower than he believes the Board, and staff, would NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 20, 2019 PAGE 296 be comfortable with. Ensuring an adequate flow of revenue, he does not believe at this point would suggest a reduction is possible. Commissioner Zapple requested that funding for the Double the Impact program, which he thinks is $115,000, be included in the budget. County Manager Coudriet stated he understood. Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman asked if it was possible for the County to quantify all the things being done to show what is being saved from the programs being funded. County Manager Coudriet stated that he believes the County has a team that is very capable of pulling the quantitative analysis together. A brief discussion was held about the US Geological Survey to study the aquifers and the funding not being listed in the budget. County Manager Coudriet stated he recalls that is an ongoing concern and if the County is entering into the third year, the specific amount of money is available. There has been no change from policy directed by the Board and items it has directed as a matter of policy remain part of the budget. Staff can prepare a briefing on where the work is at this point. Commissioner Zapple stated that given the recent information heard and the concerns about contamination in our aquifers, the USGS report will be timely. In response to Board questions, County Manager Coudriet confirmed there is $1.8 million budgeted for 60 vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office. That is part of the department’s vehicle rotation. Commissioner Kusek stated as a comment for record, last year when school funding was discussed she believes several of the Commissioners had conversations with the superintendent and expressed a little bit of concern for the amount they requested last year and he said that he anticipated we would remain level this year. That obviously did not happen for whatever reason. Not only is there no way to claw back anything that is not used from the funding that we give, but it does not seem like we have any control over it as well. She thinks the Board asked about trying to be more involved early on in this process last year and we were told we would and we were not again. It is a third of our budget for the County. While very important, three need to be a little more cooperation she thinks from the school staff with the Commissioners us so that we understand what they actually need and how we can best fund it. Commissioner Zapple stated that he agrees with Commissioner Kusek’s comments. He hopes the Board will, or staff will, take the initiative to set up a work session with the School Board to discuss these issues. There needs to be more detailed communication to avoid what has happened the last two years. He is surprised by the large increase in the school budget. County Manager Coudriet stated he believes the Board of Education and its staff as well as County staff are committed to a work session. Based on conversations with the school system Chief Financial Officer, staff would suggest the planning session occur in the latter part of this calendar year and he believes there is full commitment to do that. He understands the Board’s concern and frustration and staff is working to find ways to create more of a partnership moving forward. As it relates to the ability to claw back money, staff is examining how the Board can accomplish that and also other mechanisms available by general statute that deal with a more granular level approach on the purpose and function authorities within the general statutes. Commissioner White stated in looking five to ten years from now, if there are no conversations about ADM, the budget process used for per pupil funding, and facility needs, the two governing boards are not doing their jobs. As a community, there has been an underestimation of the disruptions that distance learning is having as an impact on the public schools. There may or may not be a need for another high school in the next decade. Conventional thinking is that it is the School Board’s sole province to think about it and sole province and territory to tell this Board that is not its job. It is this Board’s job and all of our jobs together. The disruptions are being seen in retail, the job market, and what’s being driven by technology. Five years ago, no one would have predicted 600 kids in charter school and now it is at almost 2,000. The downside of not thinking ahead is the County continues to borrow $200 million in a new bond question next year and have millions of dollars for 20 years on an amortization schedule to pay for the debt. He understands there is a need to take care of the schools and have the biggest and the best. However, if one were to go to New Hanover High School right now and every semester, what will be seen is a larger portion of that student body is not in a classroom. They are working on their laptops remotely. He does not know who needs to be part of the conversation between the two boards to provide information on what education looks like five or ten years from now. It does not look like what it looks like today. These are important conversations to have before asking the voters to borrow $200 million for buildings next year. Chairman Barfield thanked County Manager Coudriet for the presentation and stated the Board has a lot to consider based on the presentation. County Manager Coudriet that the County has an outstanding team as a whole and things have been done this year that have never been done. There are a lot of people involved in putting the budget together and it is always an honor. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointment to the New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Chairman Barfield reported that up to eight vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Adult Care Home NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 20, 2019 PAGE 297 Community Advisory Committee with one applicant eligible for reappointment. Chairman Barfield nominated Carolyn Jackson for reappointment. The nomination was seconded by Vice- Chairwoman Olson-Boseman and Commissioner Zapple. Hearing no further nominations, Chairman Barfield called for a vote for the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Carolyn Jackson to the New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee to serve a three-year term with the term to expire May 31, 2022. 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 with two applications for consideration. Chairman Barfield nominated Dr. Maurice K. Locklear for appointment. Commissioner Zapple nominated Nancy Bullock for appointment. Hearing no further nominations, Chairman Barfield called for a vote for the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted in the majority to appoint Dr. Maurice K. Locklear to the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Community Relations Advisory Committee to serve an unexpired term with the term to expire September 30, 2019. Chairman Barfield, Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman, and Commissioner White voted in favor. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Barfield reported that one person signed up to speak on non-agenda items. Jessica Cannon, resident of South Live Oak Parkway, expressed her concerns about Project Grace, in particular the plans to demolish the downtown library and the environmental aspect of the plan. She believes there is a commitment to sustainability and from an environmental standpoint, the greenest building is already built. The architects have extensive experience taking old buildings and turning them into dynamos across the south and have indicated their willingness to do this. She asked that the Board make good on the idea of the parallel proposal. She has sent the Board, via email, a petition about Project Grace that contains 220 signatures and 120 comments of residents making suggestions about what they would like to see. She thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS There were no additional agenda items of business. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Barfield adjourned the meeting at 11:37 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.