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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-03 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 PAGE 468 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, February 3, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present: Chair Julia Olson-Boseman; Vice-Chair Patricia Kusek; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; 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 Wes Hunter, Masonboro Baptist Church, provided the invocation and Vice-Chair Kusek led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chair Olson-Boseman requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion: Commissioner Barfield 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 Regular Meeting of January 21, 2020. Approval of Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Audit Contract The Commissioners approved a one-year extension to award the audit services contract to Cherry Bekaert LLP for fiscal year 2019-2020. At the February 2, 2015 meeting, after a request for proposal process had been completed, the Commissioners adopted a resolution awarding the audit services contract to Cherry Bekaert LLP for fiscal year 2014-2015 with the option to renew the contract for each of the following four fiscal years based upon satisfactory performance each year. Each of these renewals have been utilized by the County. The one-year extension will be for an amount of $80,350 for fiscal year ending 2019-2020. An additional $3,750 will be charged per program if more than seven single audit programs are required to be audited. The County intends to issue a request for proposal for the 2020-2021 fiscal year end audit services contract. Adoption of Children’s Dental Health Month Proclamation – Health and Human Services The Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing February 2020 as Children’s Dental Health Month in New Hanover County. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLII, 3.1. Adoption of Heart Health Awareness Month Proclamation – Health and Human Services The Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing February 2020 as Heart Health Awareness Month in New Hanover County. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLII, 3.2. Approval of Four Donations for Accession into the Museum’s Permanent Collection – Museum The Commissioners approved a list of four items to be accessioned into the Cape Fear Museum’s permanent collection. The objects were approved by the Museum Advisory Board at its meeting on January 15, 2020 and a list of the items is available for review at the Cape Fear Museum. Approval of Four Items to be Deaccession from the Museum Collection – Museum The Commissioners approved a list of four items to be deaccessioned from the Cape Fear Museum’s permanent collection. The objects were approved by the Museum Advisory Board at its meeting on January 15, 2020 and a list of the items is available for review at the Cape Fear Museum. Approval of December 2019 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 December 2019. Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XLII, Page 3.3. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 PAGE 469 Approval of Order for Advertisement of 2019 Unpaid Tax Liens on Real Property – Tax The Commissioners approved the Order for Advertisement of 2019 Unpaid Tax Liens on Real Property for New Hanover County, City of Wilmington, Town of Kure Beach, Town of Wrightsville Beach, Town of Carolina Beach, and the New Hanover County Fire District. A copy of the order is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLII, Page 3.4. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS CAPE FEAR PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT Bill Norris, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) Board Chair, and Jim Flechtner, CFPUA Executive Director, presented the annual report highlighting the following:  Year in Review:  2019 saw a continued focus on CFPUA’s customers, with Customer Service handling 105,189 calls  Constructed and rehabilitated infrastructure  Ongoing projects to enhance filtration advanced public health  The Authority’s net financial position increased by $23.7 million  Customers:  Since 2008:  Customer growth has increased 14%  Operating costs per customer has decreased 5%  Value of water and sewer infrastructure conveyed to CFPUA by developers in 2019: $10,495,892  Annual CFPUA water and sewer bills as a percent of median household income: 1.67%  Brunswick County: 1.86%  Onslow Water and Sewer Authority (ONWASA): 1.98%  Fayetteville Public Works Commission: 1.82%  Source: UNC School of Government, Environmental Finance Center  2019 Projects: Construction projects valued at nearly $89 million put out to bid in 2019:  U.S. Highway 421 Water and Sewer Expansion: Cost = $15.5 million:  Joint project to extend services along the U.S. Highway 421 corridor to Pender County, completed in November  Additional Raw Water Line: Total project cost = $44 million; Cost to CFPUA = $16.1 million:  Joint project with Brunswick County to build 14 miles of pipeline from Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority’s Kings Bluff Pump Station in Bladen County to Town of Northwest  Construction began in December  New line will increase CFPUA’s raw water capacity by 15 million gallons per day (MGD)  New treatment enhancements coming to Sweeney Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP): Total project cost = $43 million:  Plans were finalized in 2019 to add eight new deep-bed granular activated carbon (GAC) filters to the Sweeney Water Treatment Plant  The new filters will substantially reduce levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our treated water  February 2022: Filters expected to come online  FY 19 Revenues and Expenditures:  Revenues: Total = $88,349,469  Fixed water/wastewater charges: $29,997,568  Volumetric water/wastewater charges: $44,274,588  System development charges: $5,175,342  Investment earnings: $2,213,571  Grants from other governments: $1,407,834  Other service charges: $5,280,566  Expenditures: Total = $83,298,631  Debt Service: $22,348,150  Operating: $19,619,156  Salaries and benefits: $23,178,918  Capital projects: $18,152,407  Thank you:  These and other accomplishments result from our employees’ hard work and dedication to customers  Whether repairing broken water mains in the middle of the night or helping customers get the most out of their service, the staff at CFPUA gets the credit for our achievements Commissioner Zapple thanked Mr. Norris and Mr. Flechtner for the report and the work they and the staff have been doing. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 PAGE 470 Vice-Chair Kusek expressed appreciation for the report, for the opportunity to get to know the CFPUA staff, and their hard work. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Norris and Mr. Flechtner for the update. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL TO CONTINUE UNTIL THE APRIL 6, 2020 REGULAR MEETING THE REZONING REQUEST BY LOGAN DEVELOPERS, INC. ON BEHALF OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS, MURRAY, SPRADLEY, FOY, ET AL, TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 52.39 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED NEAR THE 8300 BLOCK OF “OLD” MARKET STREET AND THE 8300 BLOCK OF SHIRAZ WAY, FROM R-15 AND R-20, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, TO (CZD) RMF-L, CONDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY LOW DENSITY DISTRICT, IN ORDER TO CONSTRUCT A RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF MULTI-FAMILY, DUPLEX, AND SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING (Z19-14) Chair Olson-Boseman stated the applicant, Logan Developers, Inc. on behalf of Murray, Spradley, Foy, et al, has requested that this item be continued and invited the petitioner to provide information regarding the request. Allison Engebretson with Paramounte Engineering stated her company is representing the applicant and the continuance request is to allow time to work through additional information received late last week from the Coastal Federation that was also sent to the Board. The applicant has not had adequate time to obtain and fully find the answers to some of the concerns posed in the letter and a continuance to the April 6, 2020 meeting would allow the time needed to conduct the review. Chair Olson-Boseman requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Kusek to continue the public hearing for a rezoning request by Logan Developers, Inc. on behalf of the property owners, Murray, Spradley, Foy, et al, to rezone approximately 52.39 acres of land located near the 8300 block of “Old” Market Street and the 8300 block of Shiraz Way, from R-15 and R-20, Residential Districts, to (CZD) RMF-L, Conditional Residential Multi-Family Low Density District, in order to construct a residential development consisting of multi-family, duplex, and single-family housing until the Regular Meeting of April 6, 2020. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF THE TEXT AMENDMENT REQUEST BY NEW HANOVER COUNTY TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE, SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE, MOBILE HOME AND TRAVEL TRAILER PARK ORDINANCE, AIRPORT HEIGHT RESTRICTION ORDINANCE, AND FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE - THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WILL CLARIFY PROVISIONS TO REFLECT CURRENT PRACTICE AND REORGANIZE AND CONSOLIDATE THE SEPARATE CODES INTO A UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (TA19-04) Chair Olson-Boseman opened the public hearing and requested staff to make the presentation. Senior Planner Rebekah Roth presented the request to amend the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Mobile Home and Travel Trailer Park Ordinance, Airport Height Restriction Ordinance, and Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The document is the final deliverable of the second phase of the three-phase Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Project. The first phase, completed this past summer, added new districts to the County Zoning Ordinance to allow for the residential densities and mix of uses needed to create the complete communities envisioned by the County’s 2016 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The proposed document, which completes the core UDO product, provides the framework needed for the targeted code updates that will be focused on over the coming months. Work has been done with stakeholders and other customers to make sure the document is as easy to use as possible so it is clear how the rules apply. By specific intent, the document does not change the regulations that affect what can be done with a piece of property. Potential changes to use permissions and development standards will be dealt with in the upcoming targeted code updates. The scope of what is being presented is limited. This amendment provides a unified format so that all of the County’s locally-adopted development regulations have a place in one document so all the regulations work together and will be easier for property owners and other users to find the information that they need. The reorganization of the existing ordinances helps make it clear what the County’s current regulations and standards are before conversations begin about making changes. It also sets up the framework and organization that is needed to easily find a place for any new standards or fit in new amendments without causing conflicts or confusion. The proposed unified code document is organized into 12 articles or chapters. A summary sheet for each article is included in the Board’s packet that describes the types of provisions included in each section of code, along with where those provisions can be found in the County’s current codes and a list of any clarifications or updates. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Ms. Roth for her presentation and announced that no one had signed up to speak in favor or in opposition, and closed the public hearing. She then opened the floor for Board discussion. In response to Board questions, Ms. Roth stated that the amendment would have a negligible impact on mobile homes/travel trailer parks. Currently, there is a separate ordinance for mobile homes/travel trailers. It will now be treated as any other use in the table of permitted uses and all of the standards in the current separate documents are considered to be use standards in the reorganized document. There were few differences in terms of fees for nonconforming uses, but because of the overlap in the current regulations, those charges would be applied regardless of which ordinance is in effect. There should be no practical changes to those uses. As to whether they would be allowed to be developed in the unincorporated county, Ms. Roth stated they are in certain districts. They are currently allowed as special use permits in the residential agriculture, R-15, 10, and 7 districts and are NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 PAGE 471 permitted in the planned development (PD) district subject to the rezoning that created the PD. The last district is by-right so long as its approved as part of the PD rezoning. In response to further Board questions, Ms. Roth stated that all of the documents are available on the UDO project website which is https://planning.nhcgov.com/udo/documents/. If anyone has questions they can contact her at 910-798-7465. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner White, to approve the amendment consolidating New Hanover County's Zoning, Subdivision, Mobile Home and Travel Trailer, Airport Height Restriction, and Flood Damage Prevention Ordinances into one unified development ordinance, as the Board finds that this request as described is: 1) Consistent with the purpose and intent of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan because it will provide the framework for the code updates the plan recommends; and 2) Reasonable and in the public interest because it clarifies the current practices in the county's development regulations for stakeholders and code users. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the text amendment amending the Zoning Ordinance is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLII, 3.5. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS Adoption of a Resolution to Honor the Service and Sacrifice of Antonio I. “Tony” Moore At the request of Chair Olson-Boseman, Commissioner Barfield read the resolution into the record and stated on behalf of a grateful nation, the County honors the family and this outstanding member of the armed forces for his service and paying the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country. He also thanked the citizens for coming out to be a part of the processional. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Kusek, to adopt the resolution to honor the service and sacrifice of Antonio I. “Tony” Moore. 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 XLII, 3.6. Presentation of Letter from Governor Roy Cooper Thanking New Hanover County for Re-establishing the New Hanover County Commission for Women The Honorable Robin Robinson presented to the Board a letter from Governor Roy Cooper expressing appreciation for the re-establishment of the New Hanover County Commission for Women. Judge Robinson stated that she is a member of the North Carolina Council for Women. There are several goals and initiatives this year including addressing pay equity issues and working towards providing an updated Status of Women report. For 2020, th one particular goal leading into the 100 anniversary of women’s suffrage is to reactivate commissions for women across the state by starting new ones or working with local governments to restart the commissions. The New Hanover County Commission for Women consists of five community members appointed by the County Commissioners, five members appointed by the City of Wilmington, and a YWCA designee. Consideration and Approval of Wave Interlocal Agreement Amendment 2 County Manager Coudriet stated that he is bringing this item forward in response to an item that the City Council is going to consider at its meeting on Tuesday evening. He understands it was also part of their agenda th review. On Thursday, January 30, he indicated to the Board he felt the City was working on a resolution to not only loan proceeds to Wave based on the current ask, but to also consider amendments to the interlocal agreement (ILA) to appoint a seven-person board. The City did ultimately publish its agenda on Friday that included that and in response he is bringing this item forward. The document is parallel and in keeping with what the City Council will st consider. From the County perspective, it would appropriate a $300,000 loan to Wave. On Tuesday, January 21, Wave submitted a letter to the City and the County noting that it required at least $700,000 or that it would th potentially suspend operations on February 15. The City has a revolving loan established within its budget authorizing staff to make available up to $400,000. The County does not have a similar provision and so it would require the consent of the Board through the amendment of the ILA to issue a $300,000 loan payable back to the County by June 30th, 2020. If a payback is not achieved, then it would be withheld as part of the FY21 appropriations. It also suggests appointing a seven-person board keeping in concert with the City's ask. It would consist of the city and county managers, the city and county attorneys or their associated designees, the city and county finance officers, and the executive director of the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO). It also establishes the first meeting of the board to be Monday, February 10th at noon. County Manager Coudriet further stated he is bringing the matter forward based upon the City's ask of the County. It is predicated primarily on the January 21st memo to the City and the County asking for a loan of $700,000. Commissioner White stated he would make a motion to adopt the amendment. Vice-Chair Kusek stated she would second it. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 PAGE 472 Motion: Commissioner White MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Kusek to approve the amendment as drafted which includes approving a loan of $300,000 to Wave; appointing a board of seven persons; and to hold a meeting of the board on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. conditioned on the City Council taking identical action(s) at its meeting on February 4, 2020. If the City Council does not adopt the amendment, then the record should reflect the County’s action is null and void. Chair Olson-Boseman asked if there was any discussion by the Board. Commissioner Barfield stated he has concerns with the loss of the institutional knowledge on the Wave board as the County Commissioner seat on the Wave board represents Wave on the WMPO. The loss of an elected voice on the WMPO will weaken the County’s voice in terms of road projects. He knows there has been one consideration to have two additional appointees, one from the City and one from the County. He would recommend that addition to make sure that we have a voice on the WMPO and to bring an institutional knowledge perspective to the Wave board. He asked if Commissioner White would mind amending his motion to include that. Commissioner White asked Commissioner Barfield if his question was that he move to include a county rep on the interim board. Commissioner Barfield responded that was correct. Commissioner White stated he would respectfully decline to do that. Commissioner Barfield asked County Manager Coudriet what does this action do for the County in terms of the WMPO. County Manager Coudriet responded that as he understands the bylaws of the WMPO and Wave, the County makes an appointment of a County Commissioner to Wave and that is the cross appointment to the WMPO. It has always, to Commissioner Barfield’s point, been a County Commissioner sitting in that role. The City does make an appointment of a City Council person to the Wave board, but it is not by the assignment of the City Council. It is by the person and so, while their current Wave board person is there, he is no longer on City Council. There is a bit of uniqueness in the way that is structured. As the City was moving this forward, he did raise that as a point of consideration for it to contemplate. Commissioner Barfield stated currently all the members of the WMPO, with the exception of one person, are all elected officials and that one person is the DOT/Board of Transportation representative. County Manager Coudriet confirmed the same. Commissioner Barfield asked County Manager Coudriet if having a non-elected official being on the WMPO board is consistent with the WMPO makeup. County Manager Coudriet responded it would be an outlier for the term that this particular structure is in place, unless there is some way to amend the bylaws of the WMPO or whatever the governing organization is, but the point is well made that the County, under this structure, would not have an elected official because it is the County Commissioner assigned to the Wave board by this Board that is the cross appointment to the WMPO. It is a bit unique in terms of the City as they do not operate under the same model. Chair Olson-Boseman asked County Manager Coudriet in his conversations with City Manager Cheatham, if he knows how long the temporary board will be in place. County Manager Coudriet responded no later than June 30, 2021 or until such time as the City Council and the County Commissioners amend the makeup of the board or any other changes. Commissioner Barfield stated he would make a substitute motion to increase the board membership, reiterating the County Commissioner seat on the Wave board represents it on the WMPO and will bring an institutional knowledge perspective to the board. Commissioner Zapple stated he would second the motion. Substitute Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple SECONDED to approve the amendment with the modification to increase the number of board members to nine (9) with the addition of one County Commissioner and one City Councilmember; to approve a loan of $300,000 to Wave; and to hold a meeting of the board on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. conditioned on the City Council taking identical action(s) at its meeting February 4, 2020. If the City Council does not adopt the amendment, then the record should reflect the County’s action is null and void. Commissioner Zapple stated the resolution that is being brought forward as written does not address the fundamental problems that Wave is having. The problem is about having a dedicated revenue source and not about the board of directors. The current Wave board is being blamed, by inference, for a lack of funding which is out of their control. Firing the board members and replacing them with city and county employees that have little, if any, background in local transportation issues will damage the organization and could seriously affect the ability of Wave to provide ongoing services. The resolution does not address the root problem that has plagued Wave from day one. Back in April 2004, the CEO and Wave board were given a far reaching mandate to provide safe, reliable public transportation, and para-transport for those who have challenges with accessibility throughout the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County, and the neighboring communities at the lowest cost possible to the consumer. Federal, State, and local funds dedicated to Wave at each budget cycle are not enough to fulfill that mandate. Wave was underfunded in 2004 and has continued to be 16 years later in 2020. Until a sustainable, dedicated source of revenue is outside of the political processes as identified, Wave will continue to suffer the rollercoaster of political whims that drive their annual budget appropriations from the City and the County. There is a need to have discussions about a quarter-cent sales tax or an additional fee placed on motor vehicle registrations (which are only two options that have been mentioned to achieve the sustainable revenue source dedicated to the region’s transportation needs) including an annual based funding for mechanism for Wave, and that will take it out of the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 PAGE 473 political arena. The discussion needs to be there and any resolution that just seems to arbitrarily blame the board of directors, they are dedicated public servants that have serviced our community well, he cannot support that. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the substitute motion on the floor. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. County Manager Coudriet asked if it was correct that the substitute motion was to expand the board to nine members. Commissioner Barfield stated yes. County Manager Coudriet stated that he will convey that to the City immediately and ask that they amend their resolution, which they initiated, to be a nine-person board. Chair Olson-Boseman also confirmed that was correct and it would be a representative from the Commissioners and a representative from the City. Commissioner Zapple stated there is continuing conversation about the need of Wave. As far as what he knows and has heard, they may not need $300,000 from the County as that need has been mitigated by two sources. One was that the state is coming in with additional funding of $175,000 per month for the next three months. The fact that it is a loan, as the County Manager mentioned before, the City has a history of mitigating or applying bridge loans to help. It is possible the City could do the bridge loan without any help from the County at all and maintain service levels. He thinks there is certainly more discussion that is happening here and that we might be way ahead of ourselves. Chair Olson-Boseman stated she appreciates everyone’s support in the unanimous decision. A brief discussion was held about the possible need to vote on the main motion. County Manager Coudriet stated his impression from the substitute motion was that the Board approved the amendment to include a modification of the members to nine to include one from the County Commissioners and one from the City Council, the loan remains the same at $300,000, and for a meeting to be held on February 10, 2020 at noon. Chair Olson- Boseman stated that was correct, Commissioner Barfield made a substitute motion, the Board dealt with the substitute motion. Clerk to the Board Crowell confirmed that there did not need to be a vote on the main motion, what has been stated is correct, the substitute motion passed and everything stood with the addition of two more members. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked staff for the clarification. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS Chair Olson-Boseman stated she has spoken with fellow Commissioners over the weekend regarding what is happening in the local school system and to say the Board is upset is an understatement. The Board is prepared at this time to put resources where they need to be and she asked Chief Deputy Sarvis and/or County Manager Coudriet to explain how the County is going to move forward. County Manager Coudriet stated that this is a matter that each Commissioner has been speaking about individually with the team, from a staff perspective. Sheriff McMahon, Chief Deputy Sarvis, Assistant County Manager Kathy Stoute, Budget Officer Sheryl Kelly, and others from the team have developed a set of resources available at the call of the New Hanover County Board of Education, and this set of resources is made known and available to them. It would include no less than three two-person teams made up of specially trained investigators and forensic social workers who can step in and evaluate any open or prior complaints regarding inappropriate contact with students in the New Hanover County school system. They are prepared to step in, evaluate, follow that information, and bring proper closure to it. Additionally, staff is prepared to make available on the call of each individual school or the system at large not less than five school based mental health counselors that are employees of New Hanover County to help deal with any of the ongoing concerns and/or crisis of the students based on things that have been uncovered or potentially things that may be found. Additionally, staff is prepared to make the call for mobile crisis units, not only for students, but also for families being affected directly or indirectly by the ongoing issues. It is also known that there are men and women that work for the school system who are concerned and challenged by what is happening and also need the availability of resources. Staff prepared to make that available as well. The Sheriff and the County’s social workers are prepared at the call of the Board of Education to come in and begin this process. As it relates to school-based mental health, mobile crisis units, support for teachers, faculty, and others those are services that again, when the problem is identified or the call is made, the County will deploy that as well. Chief Deputy Sarvis stated he would reiterate what County Manager Coudriet stated in that Sheriff McMahon has spoken with the school board to let them know the Sheriff’s Office is available to them as a resource and anything they might need would be available. He understands there will be discussions over the next couple of days to determine exactly what they do need and the Sheriff’s Office stands ready and available to help in any way, shape, or form. Commissioner Barfield expressed appreciation for the Board and Sheriff’s Office doing the necessary and right things to augment what the school board has and needs to make sure every student in the school system has the ability to talk with someone and know that they should have the opportunity to be in a safe environment. For the families, it is tough when you have a kid that has endured a sexual assault and that trauma can last a long time and can develop into PTSD for some. It is important that the right resources are provided to make sure these students are okay. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 PAGE 474 Chair Olson-Boseman stated what needs to be made very clear in what the County is doing is that the five Commissioners are extremely upset about what has been going on in the school system and will give the school system whatever resources they need. If it is Sheriff’s deputies, mental health counseling, social workers, whatever the school system needs to stop the systemic problem, they will be given the resources. The Commissioners are committed to this and spoke over the weekend numerous times and are disgusted and overwhelmed by it. The Board is doing everything in its power to help. It is also important for everyone to know that the school board will have to ask the County for the help before it can send in the resources. She encourages anyone to go to the school board meetings to get the school board to pass and ask for the help. If that can be done, hopefully we'll get to the point of feeling safe sending our kids to school. Everyone has connections a bit too close and it has to stop in New Hanover County. Commissioner White stated there is not a person in the community except those perpetrating these awful crimes, that would disagree with the idea that it is an unacceptable situation that our community finds itself in. There are bad apples in every system. This appears to him not to be that, but rather to be a systematic failure on the part of a group of children over a long and sustained period of time with no accountability. It angers him and it should anger everybody in this community. While it is one thing to try and do something within the jurisdictional boundaries that the Board and County has, which is what is being done today, it is also paramount that to demand an explanation as to how this has happened and implement policies to prevent it from every happening again. This is not about finding out who is at fault, the one person or the three people, etc, or who did or did not, it is a lot more than that. This is a systematic failure. It is not one person’s fault. It is everyone’s fault. He hopes that more will be heard from the school system soon about the investigation that was convened last year with a law firm. Nothing has been heard and there have been no comments about where it is in the investigation. That is also not acceptable. He commended Chair Olson-Boseman for leading the effort over the last few days and his fellow board members for joining her, in expressing their disgust and their commitment to do whatever they can to protect our kids. A brief discussion was held about the need for a formal action by the Board on making County resources available to the school system. County Manager Coudriet stated he believes staff has the ability to assemble the resources, but thinks there is the strength with direct support of the Board for staff to proceed. He would request a formal motion of support to be made by the Board for the resource package that the Sheriff's Office and others have assembled. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Kusek to approve and support the resource package that has been assembled by the Sheriff’s Office and County staff to respond to this matter. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Olson-Boseman reported that five people signed up to speak on non-agenda items and invited the speakers to step forward. Meg McGraw, resident of Eastwood Road, stated she is speaking on behalf of the group Responsible Tech for Southeastern North Carolina on the concerns it has about the effects of radiation and how that would increase if the 5G deployment is allowed in this community. The group is particularly concerned about a state law passed in 2017, House Bill 310, that simplifies the permit application process for such technology within cities. The group wants to make the Board aware of the simplification of the submission process for the telecom industry and decrease control through the municipalities. She then reviewed proposed solutions to the issue. Kathy Otis, reside of VistaMar Drive, stated she is a member of the group Responsible Tech for Southeastern North Carolina and there is great risk to people’s health with the 5G rollout. Independent scientific studies do not support the claims that 5G technology is a safe advancement. She then provided an overview of the various studies highlighting their findings. The group asks that this matter be investigated and that there is a need to stop the increase of exposure that would be brought to the current overload. Beth Ventre, resident of Sandybrook Lane, stated she is a member of the group Responsible Tech for Southeastern North Carolina and a local physical therapist. She provided an overview of electromagnetic (EM) exposure and how it can change into a harmful oxidant and the need to turn Wi-Fi off for at least eight hours to recover from the constant exposure to it. nd Cardinas Candelaria, resident of NE 42 Street, stated she is a member of the group Responsible Tech for Southeastern North Carolina and that the World Health Organization (WHO) Agency for Research on Cancer has classified radiation from all wireless devices as possible carcinogens. She provided an overview of recent studies done about the effects of cellphone usage on the body and what can be done to protect children from the effects of being exposed to 5G technology. Patrick Naudet, resident of Rice Gate, stated he is not making remarks in relation to his job or any committee he serves on, except as a member of the film industry and thanked the Board for its support of the film industry. He is part of a group called FILMingtonNC that is a movement to get the word out that this is the place to be, trying to get people and projects to come here. One thing the group participates in is the Adopt-A-Highway program in the area of where I-40 ends in the King’s Grant area. The group has been working to understand how to get flowers or plants in the median as part of its King’s Grant Welcome Project. Discussions have been held with the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the office has said it has done as much as it can do and the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 PAGE 475 Commissioners would need to ask it to suggest examples to improve the area. As a result of those discussions, he is now here asking the Board if it would ask the NCDOT in whatever is deemed the proper way for some suggested examples. In looking at other areas in the state, he thinks there would be some nice visual choices and would appreciate any assistance to get the process started. Commissioner Barfield stated that as a member of the WMPO, he would be glad to ask NCDOT. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Olson-Boseman adjourned the meeting at 5:09 p.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.