2003-08-04 Water & Sewer
NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICTBOOK 3
REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 4, 2003PAGE 29
ASSEMBLY
The District Board of Commissioners of the New Hanover County Water and Sewer District met in Regular
Session on Monday, August 4, 2003, at 6:25 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24
North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were: Chairman Robert G. Greer; Vice-Chairman Nancy H. Pritchett; District Commissioner
Julia Boseman; District Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr.; District Commissioner William A. Caster; County Manager,
Allen O’Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the District Board, Lucie F. Harrell.
Chairman Greer called the meeting to order.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman Greer announced that time had been reserved for anyone from the public to present an item that
was not listed on the Regular Agenda. He requested all persons to limit their remarks to three minutes.
Ms. Betty Scott, representing concerned citizens of Kings Grant, reported that a few weeks ago, calls were
made to the County requesting a detailed schedule of when the phases of the Kings Grant Sewer Project would be
completed. She spoke on discussing this matter with Ms. Cynthia Kee- MacPherson, Fiscal Support Supervisor in the
Legal Department, and stated that she was most helpful and answered many of her questions. When the District
Commissioners discussed this request at the last agenda meeting, it was denied because the Board felt that mailing a
schedule was too expensive and unnecessary since County Engineer Wyatt Blanchard sends a letter informing each
property owner when sewer will be available and the cost to connect to the system within the six-month period. Many
property owners, particularly the elderly, are worried about paying the monthly fees and $16 installment payments (plus
6% interest) to connect to the system. It is difficult to understand why the District Board does not want to spend money
for postage when $10 to $12 million is received annually from fees charged for water and sewer services.
Ms. Scott also noted that residents in Castle Hayne received two notices of public meetings with one meeting
held before sewer line construction began and one meeting after construction started. No notice of public meetings
or letter of explanation have been mailed to residents living in Kings Grant and Middle Sound. It is difficult for the
citizens to understand why meetings were held in Castle Hayne and not in Kings Grant and Middle Sound.
Ms. Scott advised that during the past 20 years, more than 6,000 permits have been issued by the New
Hanover County Health Department for septic tank repairs in the Kings Grant area. These repairs have ranged from
$1,000 to $25,000 for alternative systems that had to be installed to prevent condemnation of properties. The cost of
maintaining these septic systems over the years has ranged in the millions of dollars. This has been particularly difficult
on the elderly who struggle to pay their daily expenses and medical bills. The District Commissioners and County
Management have been aware of these problems for years, and perhaps it is time to rethink the decision and mail a
detailed letter of explanation to the residents of Kings Grant and Middle Sound. The residents would greatly appreciate
this information.
Mr. Scott reported that citizens are also concerned about cutting into the asbestos water pipes. They are asking
if boiling water removes the loose asbestos fibers, and if the District will replace the asbestos pipes. With a high rate
of cancer in one section, the citizens would like for the Health Department to check the water for asbestos residue and
report the findings back to the community. This is a serious problem that must be addressed.
In closing, Ms. Scott again requested the District Board to mail a detailed letter within the next month to
better inform the citizens about the availability of water and sewer services and the cost to the property owners.
Chairman Greer informed Ms. Scott that due to several different phases being constructed at one time with
different contractors performing the work, it would be impossible for the District to mail a detailed letter on when each
NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICTBOOK 3
REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 4, 2003PAGE 30
phase would be completed because some phases are already behind schedule. He explained that a letter will be mailed
to the residents of each area once the date of completion is reached and sewer is available.
Ms. Scott requested that a letter providing a general idea of the schedule and the amount of money that will
have to be paid to connect to the system would be beneficial to the residents. She asked Chairman Greer if he would
say yes to this request.
Chairman Greer responded that he would not say yes, but he would discuss this matter with Staff to see if some
plan can be developed.
Vice-Chairman Pritchett suggested working with the media to provide the information requested by Ms. Scott
and the residents. She advised that the estimated cost to send a letter including postage, Staff’s time to write the letter,
and stuffing the envelopes is approximately $5 per letter. Mailing 1,700 letters would cost the District $8,500.
Ms. Scott strongly objected to the $8,500 figure and stated as a secretary she could do the work herself and
mail a letter to 1,700 residents at a cost of less than $1,000. She expressed concern for the District Board not
complying to a request that would greatly benefit the residents.
Chairman Greer thanked Ms. Scott for the information and requested County Engineer Blanchard to meet
with Vice-Chairman Pritchett and him to see if there is some information that can be made available to these citizens.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Greer called for a motion to approve the minutes of July 7, 2003.
Motion:
District Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Boseman, to approve the
minutes of the Regular Meeting held on July 7, 2003 as presented by the Clerk to the District Board. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF A REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE IN OVERSIZING THE WATERLINE ON MARKET
STREET - CONTRACT #03-0276
County Engineer Wyatt Blanchard reported that Oak Landing Properties at Porters Neck, LLC is planning
to construct a new shopping center at the southeast quadrant of the intersection of Market Street and Porters Neck
Road. The developers are requesting permission to extend the District's water line 460 linear feet along Market Street.
The developer is required to install an 8 inch line; however, the District would like to install a 16 inch line that will
eventually be extended to the Bald Eagle Lane area and up to the Pender County line.
County Engineer Blanchard presented a map showing an overview of the water system plan for the area and
demonstrated how cooperation with developers has resulted in construction of the water line at a reduced cost to the
District. The proposed water line for the shopping center was shown in purple and the waterline section that was
previously approved by the Board was shown in green. Construction has begun on the green section and the blue
section has been constructed in cooperation with a developer. The remaining portion of the existing water system was
not shown on the map but it basically extends from the blue section southwest through Marsh Oaks to Market Street.
The total cost for the 16 inch water line extension is $56,970 and the cost for the 8 inch water line is $25,060;
therefore, District's portion is $31,910.
County Engineer Blanchard recommended granting the water line extension and authorization for the District
to participate in oversizing the 16 inch water line with the developer.
Motion
: Vice-Chairman Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Caster, to grant the water line
extension on Market Street up to Porters Neck Road and authorize the District to participate with the developer to
NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICTBOOK 3
REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 4, 2003PAGE 31
oversize the water line to 16 inches at a cost not to exceed $31,910. The Chairman was authorized to execute the
necessary contract documents. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the contract is on file in the Legal Department.
ADDITIONAL ITEM
ACQUISITION OF A WATER SYSTEM IN THE BROOKFIELD\BRIERWOOD SUBDIVISION
County Engineer Wyatt Blanchard reported that Mr. Allie Moore, the owner of an old water system in the
Brookfield\Brierwood area has requested the District to purchase the water system prior to the District beginning
construction of the water and sewer system. Acquisition of the water system will allow the District to have control over
the entire system during the construction process. The water system is old and outdated; however one of the wells will
provide additional water for the District’s water system until the water treatment plant is constructed in the northern
part of the County. A portion of the old water system in Brierwood may be usable, and if so, it will be incorporated
into the new water system.
The negotiated price for purchasing the water system from Mr. Moore is $70,000, and if the District Board
decides to acquire the system, the sale will have to be approved by the N. C. Utilities Commission.
Chairman Greer asked if any members of the District Board would like to comment.
District Commissioner Boseman asked why Mr. Moore was not giving the system to the District.
County Engineer Blanchard responded that Staff made an effort to secure the system free of charge, but was
not successful. He advised that $70,000 was expensive but stated based on the problems experienced with the
Wilmington/Hanby Beach project, it would be worth the money to have control over the entire system.
Chairman Greer pointed out that the negotiated price represents the purchase of the water system and a 100'
x 100' lot on Old Oak Road which will be beneficial to the District in the future. He stated that acquiring the system
will allow the District to have control over the entire water system and know where the old water lines are located.
This will prevent the contractors from cutting lines and creating problems for the property owners and additional costs
to the District.
Hearing no further comments, Chairman Greer called for a motion.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Caster, to purchase the water
system from Mr. Allie Moore in the amount of $70,000 subject to the sale being approved by the N. C. Utilities
Commission. The County Manager was authorized to execute the necessary contract documents.
A copy of the sale agreement is on file in the Legal Department.
DISCUSSION OF STATUS REPORT ON JOINT CITY\COUNTY EXPANSION OF THE NORTHSIDE
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Chairman Greer reported that discussion was held at the last meeting about receiving a status report on the
joint City\County expansion of the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant at the August 18, 2003 meeting. He asked
if Staff was prepared to discuss this item at the next meeting.
County Engineer Blanchard responded that a status report would be on the agenda for the August 18, 2003
meeting.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICTBOOK 3
REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 4, 2003PAGE 32
FURTHER DISCUSSION OF THE REQUEST MADE BY MS. BETTY SCOTT ON BEHALF OF THE
RESIDENTS OF KINGS GRANT AND MIDDLE SOUND
District Commissioner Boseman referenced the letter being sent by the District to the residents when water
and sewer becomes available in an area and asked if this letter has any exemption for elderly and low-income property
owners who cannot pay to connect to the system.
County Engineer Blanchard responded that the Water and Sewer Ordinance does not consider the income of
property owners in determining fees; however, the County Engineer is designated to review a request of this type on
a case-by-case basis.
District Commissioner Boseman advised that if a letter is mailed, this type of information should be included
to help the citizens understand the process, because it is frightening to an elderly citizen to receive a letter requesting
payment of $2,000 within six months.
District Engineer Blanchard responded that the information letter could be mailed two months earlier with
the six-month period not beginning until the water and sewer becomes available. The letter will be approximately three
pages consisting of cost figures, the financing installment plan, fees, and the criteria for temporary exemption. The
first section will be completed in 60 days, and a letter can be forwarded to the residents next week.
After discussion, the District Board requested County Engineer Blanchard to prepare and mail the letter as
proposed.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greer called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion:
District Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Boseman, to adjourn the
meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Greer adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the District Board