2000-10-16 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 28
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 16, 2000 PAGE 248
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday,
October 16, 2000 at 9:00 a.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24
North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were: Chairman William A. Caster; Vice-Chairman Robert G. Greer;
Commissioner Buzz Birzenieks; Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr; Commissioner Charles R. Howell;
County Manager, Allen O’Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie
F. Harrell.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
County Manager O’Neal gave the invocation.
Commissioner Birzenieks led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman Caster announced that time had been reserved to allow the public to present an item
that was not listed on the Regular Agenda or to comment on an item listed on the Consent Agenda.
He requested all persons speaking to limit their remarks to three minutes.
No items were presented.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman Caster requested the Board to include adoption of a resolution to support holding
a Public Hearing in Fayetteville and Wilmington to allow residents of these areas to express their
concerns regarding the Cape Fear River inter-basin transfer.
Vice-Chairman Greer requested further discussion of Consent Agenda Items 5, 6, and 10.
Discussion of Consent Agenda Item 5, Baghouse Installation on Units 1 and 2 at the WASTEC
Facility
Vice-Chairman Greer expressed concern for spending $1,498,000 to upgrade two units at the
WASTEC Facility that have not been mentioned before this request. He also noted that funding for
the upgrades had been included in the FY 1999-2000 budget with usage of installment financing, and
he requested the term of payments.
County Manger O’Neal explained that installment financing for these upgrades would be less
than 15 years. He also noted that funding was budgeted last year because the upgrades had been
planned for over a year.
Discussion of Consent Agenda Item 6, Re-Closure of Cell 1 at the WASTEC Facility
Vice-Chairman Greer referenced the contract award in the amount of $1,205,900 to re-close
Cell 1, and he requested an explanation of why the associated budget amendment was in the amount
of $1,360,000.
Director of Environmental Management Ray Church explained that Cell 1 was reopened in
1996 after Hurricane Fran. In 1997, FEMA was approached about funding this cost; however, there
were additional costs incurred for engineering services that had to be paid before FEMA funding was
received.
Discussion of Consent Agenda Item 10, Renewal of Contract with McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
for Performance of Annual Audit
Vice-Chairman Greer pointed out that no figures were presented on the cost of the annual
audit in the agenda packet. He expressed concern for being asked to vote on renewing the contract
without knowing the cost per year.
Deputy County Manager Atkinson advised that the basic fee charged last year would be the
same for this year; however, there is a separate fee in the amount of $5,000 over the basic fee because
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 28
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 16, 2000 PAGE 249
of implementing a new reporting model which will require extra time and work by the auditors. Once
this data is converted into the new system, this fee will be eliminated.
Vice-Chairman Greer requested the Board to remove this item from the Consent Agenda and
approve it at the end of the meeting once Staff has provided the cost figure.
Chairman Caster called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Motion:
Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to remove Item
10, include the Cape Fear River inter-basin transfer resolution, and approve the remaining items on
the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes
The Commissioners approved the minutes of the following meetings as presented by the Clerk
to the Board:
Jail Work SessionAugust 14, 2000
Board of Education Work SessionAugust 31, 2000
Regular MeetingOctober 2, 2000
Authorization for the Environmental Management Department to File a Grant Application
to the Water Environment Research Foundation Entitled “Use of Wetlands for Bioassessment
of Habitat Stability”
The Commissioners approved submission of a grant application in the amount of $600,000
to the Water Environment Research Foundation to study the effects of nitrogen on river bottom
dwelling organisms and the fiddler crab population. The funding will be over a three-year period
with a county in-kind match; however, there is one wetland cell that must be modified at a cost less
than $1,000. The grant application was written by the Department of Environmental Management
with Robert Y. George, Ph.D. of UNC-W and the George Institute for Biodiversity and
Sustainability, R. Michael Nelson, Ph.D. of Nelson Environmental Consultants, LLC, and Kevin
White Ph.D., of the University of Alabama.
The County Manager was authorized to execute the necessary documents if the grant is
awarded.
Adoption of Resolution Approving Amendment to Agreement with Richard Catlin and
Associates, Inc. Regarding New Hanover County Airport Burn Pit
The Commissioners approved an amendment to the agreement with Richard Catlin and
Associates, Inc. for implementation of the air sparging remedy at the Airport Burn Pit site. The
contract shall provide for payment of costs related to the evaluation of the alternative remedy in the
amount of $85,609. In addition, the amendment shall provide for payment of an amount not to
exceed $100,000 for completion of the remedial design for the air sparging remedy.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in
Exhibit Book XXVI, Page 18.
A copy of the amended agreement is on file in the Tax Department.
Approval of Funding Keep America Beautiful Anti-Litter Commercial
The Commissioners approved funding in the amount of $3,500 to fund the production of a
Keep America Beautiful (KAB) Anti-Litter Commercial contingent upon the City of Wilmington
agreeing to provide an equal share. The mission of KAB is to educate the public on environmental
and solid waste issues, reduce litter and improve the visual aspects of the community.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 28
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 16, 2000 PAGE 250
Adoption of Resolution to Award Contract #00-0462 to Merrick Environmental Technology,
Inc., for Baghouse Installation on Units 1 and 2 at the WASTEC Facility
The Commissioners adopted a resolution awarding Contract #00-0462 to Merrick
Environmental Technology, Inc., the lowest compliant bidder, in the amount of $1,498,000 for the
design, supply, delivery and installation of baghouses on Units 1 and 2 at the WASTEC Facility. The
Chairman was authorized to execute the necessary contract documents.
These baghouses will replace the electrostatic precipitators currently installed on Units 1 and
2 to more effectively trap particulate matter in the flue gas.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in
Exhibit Book XXVI, Page 18.
A copy of the contract is on file in the Legal Department.
Adoption of Resolution to Award Contract # 01-0112 to Robbinsville Contracting Company
to Re-Close Cell 1 at the New Hanover County Landfill and Approval of Associated Budget
Amendment #01-0055
The Commissioners adopted a resolution and approved the associated Budget Amendment
#01-0055 to award Contract #01-0112 to Robbinsville Contracting Company, the lowest responsible
bidder, for re-closure of Cell 1 at the New Hanover County Landfill in the amount of $1,205,900.
The Chairman was authorized to execute the necessary documents.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in
Exhibit Book XXVI, Page 18.
A copy of the contract is on file in the Legal Department.
Budget Amendment #01-0055 - Hurricane Fran
ADJUSTMENTDEBITCREDIT
FEMA revenue$1,360,000
Contract Services$1,360,000
Explanation:
To rollover anticipated FEMA revenue and construction expenses related to Cell 1 re-
closure, which was not completed by June 30, 2000. Permits have now been issued to proceed with
this project.
Authorization for the Health Department to File the MARCH OF DIMES BIRTH DEFECTS
FOUNDATION Grant Application to Implement a Folic Acid Awareness Campaign in New
Hanover County
The Commissioners approved submission of the MARCH OF DIMES BIRTH DEFECTS
FOUNDATION GRANT application in the amount of $10,000 to implement a Folic Acid Awareness
Campaign. This campaign will provide multivitamins with folic acid along with education information
explaining the protective effects of folic acid for the prevention of neural tube birth defects.
Approval of Budget Amendment #2001-12 for Completion of Unused Space at Northeast
Regional Library
The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment:
ADJUSTMENTDEBITCREDIT
PRAXAIR Grant$35,000
Capital Project Expense$35,000
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 28
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 16, 2000 PAGE 251
Explanation:
To increase budget for PRAXAIR grant awarded to the library to assist in the
development of the computer lab at the Northeast Branch Library
Approval of Budget Amendment #01-0057 for the Weekend Meals on Wheels Program
The Commissioners approved an exemption for the Meals on Wheels FY 1998-99 audit
report, accepted a $10,000 contribution from the Department of Aging to the Meals on Wheels
Council for the weekend program, and approved the associated budget amendment.
Budget Amendment #01-0057 - Aging/Nutrition-Home Delivered Meals
ADJUSTMENTDEBITCREDIT
Aging/Nutrition-Home Delivered:
Aging/Bridge Donations$10,000
Meals - Bridge$10,000
Explanation:
To contribute $10,000 to the Meals on Wheels Council for the weekend program. No
additional County funds are needed since funds in the Aging Bridge Donations escrow account will
be used.
Acceptance of Tax Collection Reports Through September 30, 2000
The Commissioners accepted the following Tax Collection Reports through September 30,
2000 as submitted by the Collector of the Revenue, Patricia J. Raynor:
New Hanover County Fire District
New Hanover County
Copies of the Tax Collection Reports are hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and are
contained in Exhibit Book XXVI, Page 18.
RELEASE OF VALUES - TAX DEPARTMENT
The Commissioners approved Senior Citizen/Disability Exclusion for the following taxpayers:
Brewer, Lois Holland$20,000
Doughty, Ida$20,000
Gelvin, George$20.000
Johnson, JD$20,000
Logan, Shirley W. Etal.$18,935
Miller, Elizabeth F.$20,000
Mobley, Morris T. Sr. Donnah H.$20,000
Pearsall, Irene S.$20,000
Riday, Betty W.$20,000
Tindall, Ada Elizabeth$20,000
The Commissioners approved delinquent applications for exemption from the property tax
for the following organizations:
AME Zion Housing Development CorpR05409-036-017-000
R04813-018-002-000
R04817-008-008-000
Myrtle Grove Presbyterian ChurchR07508-005-001-000
The Commissioners approved release from late listing penalties for the following taxpayers
as it was their first offense or they certified they listed during the regular listing period:
Chemtex International, Inc.$ 832.57
Coastal Trading Co., Inc.$ 2.03
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 28
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 16, 2000 PAGE 252
Coastal Veterinary Services$ 57.18
D&E Car Exchange$ 344.37
Demetrious, James$ 14.76
Hyspeed Products Co., Inc.$ 2.78
LKL Inc.$ 2.26
Melvin Stucco Co., Inc.$ 69.92
Ocean Broadcasting LLC$ 199.47
Parts & Engines, Inc.$ 2.40
Paul Bunyan Tree Services, Inc.$ 118.18
US Bancorp Leasing & Financial$ 142.05
US Bancorp Leasing & Financial$ 540.15
Weitnauer, Steven J. Sherri G.$ 1.51
Wilmington Pathology Assoc.$ 46.31
Wright, Jeffrey, MD$ 85.71
Approval of Budget Amendment #01-0054 for Additional Rural General Public Transportation
Funds for FY00-01
The Commissioners approved the following budget amendment:
ADJUSTMENTDEBITCREDIT
General Public Allocation-Transportation$7,795
Contracted Services-General Public Allocation$7,795
Explanation:
To increase budget for additional Rural General Public Transportation funds awarded
to New Hanover County for FY 2000-2001.
Approval of Budget Amendment #01-0056 for CP&L Program
The Commissioners approved the following budget amendment:
ADJUSTMENTDEBITCREDIT
Social Services/DSS Administration:
DSS Administrative Grants$99,292
CP&L Intervention Program:
Assistance Payments$99,292
Explanation:
To budget additional State funds for the CP&L Intervention Program. No additional
County funds are required.
Adoption of Resolution to Support Holding a Public Hearing in Wilmington and Fayetteville,
North Carolina Regarding the Proposed Cape Fear River Inter-Basin Transfer
The Commissioners adopted a resolution of support for holding a Public Hearing in
Wilmington and Fayetteville, N. C., to allow residents to express their concerns about the proposed
Cape Fear River inter-basin transfer from the Cape Fear River to the Neuse River Basin.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in
Exhibit Book XXVI, Page 18.
PRESENTATION VINTON FOUNTAIN ON PROPOSED CONVENTION CENTER
Mr. Vinton Fountain, Chairman of the Convention Center Development Team, reported that
the proposed Convention Center was a defining moment for the community. A team composed of
15 citizens, including Chairman Caster, was appointed to study the feasibility of a Convention Center
in the community. This team is broken down into four subcommittees, the Site Subcommittee,
Funding Subcommittee, Education Subcommittee, and Request for Proposals Subcommittee.
Meetings are held on a regular basis and are open to the public.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 28
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 16, 2000 PAGE 253
After considerable study, the Team plans to recommend a $30 to $35 million public
investment leveraged by an estimated $40 to $50 million private investment to construct a major
convention center hotel complex. In order to proceed with the plan, it is imperative to provide the
Board of County Commissioners an update on the project and solicit support of the project.
An in depth market analysis was conducted involving input from elected officials of New
Hanover County, Brunswick County, Pender County, State Representatives, the Wilmington
Chamber of Commerce, Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, Wrightsville Beach Chamber of
Commerce, Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, UNCW, Cape Fear Community College,
area real estate developers, owners and management staff of hotels and motels including the Hilton
Wilmington Riverside, Residents of Old Wilmington, Castle Street Partnership, DARE, and input
from the local community.
The results of the analysis and further study have provided the following findings:
•The need for a 30,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall and 52,000 sq. ft. of space attached to a seamless
full service hotel complex in downtown Wilmington.
•The conference and convention business is healthy throughout the state and country with a
growing economy.
•Wilmington is well positioned in North Carolina to target a mid-market destination for
conventions. This means that the primary focus will be on recruitment of regional convention
business from 200 to 2,200 delegates. In the future, there are plans to expand the convention
facility to 82,000 sq. ft.
•Three general sites in the survey were presented to users to determine the preferred site and
following ratings were received from the respondents:
Downtown Wilmington66%
Market/College Street31%
Site Across the River11%
•Investment: $32 million public investment
Annual Funding: $3.5 million including debt service, marketing and operation expense.
Financing: Increase the Room Occupancy Tax by an additional 3% and a 1% prepared food
and beverage tax to cover the operating cost and build a surplus.
•Create a public/private partnership leveraging the dollars received to create economic output.
This partnership may involve funding from the public sector to provide financing assistance
with land acquisition. The private sector would develop the hotel complex including parking,
provide management of the complex, guarantee room blocks, etc.
In summary, the construction of a convention center hotel complex will enhance economic
prosperity to the taxpayers and the entire region. This complex is estimated to provide additional
spending annually in the amount of $61 million, create 1,200 jobs, increase property values, and
provide the citizens with a facility that can be used to showcase Wilmington, North Carolina.
Mr. Fountain offered to answer questions and stated that additional written information will
be provided to the Commissioners within the next week. He stressed the importance of the
Commissioners having time to review the information, and stated he would appear before the Board
at a later date to request support of this project.
Chairman Caster opened the floor to receive questions from the Commissioners.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 28
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 16, 2000 PAGE 254
Commissioner Birzenieks asked Mr. Fountain if a time frame had been established for the
project.
Mr. Fountain advised that in November 2000, the team will request the Wilmington City
Council, Board of County Commissioners, beach communities, restaurant association, and hotel
groups to adopt a resolution or provide some type of endorsement for the proposed convention hotel
complex. Once this support is received, the N. C. General Assembly will be requested to amend the
local Room Occupancy Tax legislation to allow these funds to be used for a convention center and
increase the occupancy tax from 3% to 6%, and request enabling legislation to enact a 1% food and
beverage tax. Once the enabling legislation has been approved, which should be in March 2001, bids
for the project will be let and reviewed by the end of the summer 2001, and the facility should be
completed by 2004.
Vice-Chairman Greer informed Mr. Fountain that in order to gain endorsement of the project
from the elected officials, the team will need to receive support from owners of local restaurants,
hotels, and other businesses that will be impacted by the project.
Mr. Fountain agreed with Vice-Chairman Greer and stated a meeting will be held on
November 2, 2000, with the area restaurants and hotel representatives as well as the public.
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Caster expressed appreciation to Mr. Fountain for an
informative presentation.
PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SERVICE AWARDS
County Manager O’Neal requested the following persons to step forward to receive service
awards:
Pamela J. HorneHealth Department 5 years
Tim R. HeistandWASTEC10 years
Larry BrewerSheriff’s Department 15 years
Mary F. GaskinTax Department 25 years
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Caster presented a service award to each employee and
expressed appreciation to them for their years of dedicated service.
A round of applause was given to these employees.
RECOGNITION OF NEW COUNTY EMPLOYEES
County Manager O’Neal requested the following new employees to stand and be recognized.
Gentry Turner, Fire Services
Laura West, Health Department
Patricia Hanes, Health Department
Gayle Bordeaux, Health Department
Rebecca Balthazar, Health Department
Anthony Nichols, Health Department
George Manire, Property Management
Eddie Brown, Property Management
Brian Pope, Vehicle Management
Lisa Lavoie, Health Department
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Caster welcome these employees to County government
and wished them well in their new positions.
ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING NOVEMBER 2000 AS KOREAN WAR
VETERANS MONTH
“Korean War Veterans
Chairman Caster read a proclamation designating November 2000 as
Month”
in New Hanover County. He requested a motion from the Board to adopt the proclamation.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 28
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 16, 2000 PAGE 255
Motion:
Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to adopt a
“Korean War Veterans Month”
proclamation designating November 2000 as in New Hanover
County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained
in Exhibit Book XXVI, Page 18.
APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER TO THOMSON AND COMPANY CONTRACT FOR
PHASE IIIA OF THE VETERANS PARK PROJECT
Mr. Paul Boney reported that Phase IIIA was a continuation of the project and he presented
a map showing the location of the school/parks complex. Aerial views were presented of the site
showing surrounding adjacent subdivisions, school facilities, parks and passive areas with a
breakdown of the project into the following phases:
Phase IA:
Grading of the site has been completed.
Phase IB Road and Infrastructure:
- This infrastructure contract was awarded to Thomson
and Company and is under construction and on schedule. This phase contains the main road
through the complex, sewer lines, water lines, water tower, and electrical power.
Phase IISchool Facility:
- The new high school is under construction. It is located on the
left of the site with a 1,000 seat auditorium in the center and a middle school on the right of
the site.
Phase IIIA Playable Athletic Fields with No Support Facilities:
- This phase will consist
of grading, paved parking lots, storm drainage, and erosion control measures. There is an
opportunity to amend the contract with Thomson and Company to perform this phase under
a separate contract to establish permanent seeding, install an irrigation system, provide clay
infields, backstops, and fencing. Completion of this work will provide practice facilities for
use by the community.
Phase IIIB:
Completion of the Park by providing restrooms, lights, concessions, water
fountains, a maintenance facility, press boxes, sidewalks, bridges, walkways, landscaping and
signage.
In closing, Mr. Boney offered to answer any questions, and he expressed appreciation to Mr.
Greg Thompson, Mr. Max Maxwell, Mr. Dave Weaver, and Mr. Neal Lewis for the assistance and
cooperation given to Boney Architects in developing the plan for this site.
Commissioner Birzenieks asked Mr. Bony if a time frame had been established for the Phase
IIIA project.
Vice-Chairman Greer explained that sidewalks, restrooms, press boxes and concessions will
not be in place, but the practice fields will be available for play by March 2001.
Mr. Boney informed the Board that the passive areas and tennis courts would be in a later
phase of the project.
Project Engineer Greg Thompson requested the Board to approve a change order to the
Thomson and Company contract so work can begin immediately on Phase IIIA of the project.
Motion:
Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to approve a
change order to the Thomson and Company contract in the amount of $893,854.34 for Phase IIIA
of the Veterans Park Project. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the change order is on file in the Legal Department.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 28
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 16, 2000 PAGE 256
County Manager O’Neal requested the Board to decide on a date for the groundbreaking
ceremony.
Consensus:
After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to hold the groundbreaking
ceremony on October 30, 2000 with Boney Architects coordinating the event.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointment of Harry Lee Lovic, Jr. to Serve as the At-Large Volunteer Fire Department
Representative on the Board of Fire Commissioners
Chairman Caster announced that one At-Large Volunteer Fire Department Representative
needed to be appointed to serve on the Board of Fire Commissioners to fill the unexpired term of
Jonathan A. Wrenn. The Castle Hayne Volunteer Fire Department has recommended the
appointment of Mr. Harry Lee Lovic to fill the unexpired term.
Motion:
Commissioner Howell MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Birzenieks, to appoint
Harry Lee Lovic, Jr. to fill the unexpired term of Jonathan A. Wrenn as the At-Large Volunteer Fire
Department Representative for the Castle Hayne Volunteer Fire Department. The term will expire
July 1, 2001. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MEETING CONVENED FROM REGULAR SESSION TO HOLD A MEETING OF THE
NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
Chairman Caster convened from Regular Session at 9:50 a.m.
Chairman Caster reconvened to Regular Session at 10:26 a.m.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Presentation of Matching Improvements Grant Check to Winter Park Optimist Club
Chairman Caster announced that the Winter Park Optimist Club has been awarded a
50%/50% Matching Incentive Grant in the amount of $19,100 to make improvements to the Brock-
Scott Baseball Field located in Hugh MacRae Park. The improvements include construction of a new
restroom/pressbox building and dugouts, installation of a new backstop and fencing, sodding of the
infield, and installation of a new irrigation system. The total project cost of $38,200.
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Caster presented the check to members of the Winter Park
Optimist Club and expressed appreciation to them for the work and effort given to improve the
baseball field.
Vice-Chairman Greer, the Board’s representative on the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Board, spoke on this arrangement being an outstanding public/private partnership and stated the time
and effort given by these members of the Winter Park Optimist Club to maintain this field is an
exceptional example of people who want to help our youth to be successful through these programs.
A round of applause was given the members present.
Adoption of a Resolution to Purchase a Portable Communications Tower for the Emergency
Management Department
Director of Emergency Management Dan Summers presented a resolution to the Board for
sole source procurement of a portable communications tower to enhance the routine operation of the
Emergency Management Department.
Chairman Caster asked if the tower would have 911 capabilities.
Director Summers explained that the tower is not a mobile command center, but a transmitter
and transmitter building. During emergency events, the tower can be towed and serve as a backup
communications system within a five to ten mile radius.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 28
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 16, 2000 PAGE 257
Chairman Caster called for a motion.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Birzenieks, to adopt a
resolution to sole source procure and enter into a contract with Aluma Tower Company, Inc., in the
amount of $45,615 to purchase a portable communications tower with 100% funding through a
FEMA grant. The Chairman was authorized to execute the necessary contract documents. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in
Exhibit Book XXVI, Page 18.
Discussion of the Project Impact Summit
Chairman Caster requested Emergency Management Director Summers to comment on the
Project Impact Summit being held on November 12 -17, 2000, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
in Washington, D. C.
Director Summers announced that a Project Impact Summit will be held for all designated
Project Impact communities to have an opportunity to network and share success stories, explore
grant funding, and continue to help communities nationwide to build a disaster resistant community.
He invited the Commissioners to attend the conference to share experience with other communities.
Discussion of Property Tax Burden Placed on Senior Citizens
Commissioner Davis spoke on being concerned about the ability of senior citizens to pay
property taxes in New Hanover County and stated that N. C. General Statutes presently allow for a
homestead exemption. This is a partial exemption from property taxes for persons either 65 years
of age or totally disabled with an income of less than $15,000. The value of this exemption is
$20,000.
Commissioner Davis informed the Board that he would like to start a petition to raise the
income eligibility from $15,000 to $25,000 and increase the exemption amount from $20,000 to
$25,000. In order to change the General Statutes to increase the income level and exemption for
seniors, a statewide amendment will have to be approved by the N. C. General Assembly. There is
a current bill in the N. C. House of Representatives Finance Committee that would increase the
income level and exemption. Commissioner Davis suggested circulating a petition at the New
Hanover County Senior Center located at Shipyard Boulevard and College Road for persons
interested in signing and supporting this effort. After the petition has been circulated, he will request
the Board of County Commissioners to adopt a resolution in support of the petition. This resolution
would then be presented to the local legislators and members of the N. C. General Assembly.
Vice-Chairman Greer reported that the bill in the House Finance Committee does not deal
with seniors, but low income seniors. Due to rapid growth in regions throughout the State,
particularly in the mountains and coastal areas, property values have increased significantly and many
seniors that are not at the poverty level are being driven out of their homes due to property taxes.
He requested Commissioner Davis to include in the petition some type of protection to seniors that
are not poor but want to keep their homes. He suggested allowing these seniors to defer payment
of property taxes until the title of the property is transferred. He pointed out that the existing bill will
not take care of many seniors who need help with paying their taxes.
Commissioner Davis expressed appreciation to Vice-Chairman Greer for his suggestion, and
advised this concept could be incorporated into the petition.
After further discussion, the Board authorized Commissioner Davis to move forward with
circulating the petition.
Discussion on Uses of the Room Occupancy Tax
County Attorney Copley referenced the presentation made by Mr. Vinton Fountain regarding
the convention center and informed the Board that the local enabling legislation authorizing the Room
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 28
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 16, 2000 PAGE 258
Occupancy Tax prohibits the use of these funds for a convention center. Legislation from the General
Assembly will have to be obtained to change the use of funds.
Vice-Chairman Greer spoke on this being an excellent time for the Board to request the
General Assembly to authorize New Hanover County to implement a local option sales tax with a
percentage of the funds designated for funding the convention center. He referenced the unsuccessful
effort of the N. C. Association of County Commissioners to lobby the General Assembly to allow all
counties to impose a local option sales tax and stated if all counties joined in this effort, the General
Assembly might be willing to support this request.
Approval of Consent Agenda Item 10, Renewal of Annual Audit Contract with McGladrey &
Pullen, LLP - Finance Department
County Manager O’Neal advised that in response to Vice-Chairman Greer’s question
regarding the cost of the annual audit by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, the cost of conducting the audit
for the current year was $74,900. Assuming that the Consumer Price Index remains at 3%, the cost
of the audit for the next year will be $77,147, and $84,461 for the year after.
Vice-Chairman Greer expressed appreciation to County Manager O’Neal for providing this
information.
Chairman Caster called for a motion to approve Consent Agenda Item 10.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Birzenieks, to award a five-
year contract to McGladrey & Pullen, LLP to conduct the annual audit with a separate fee of up to
$5,000 to implement a new reporting model (GASB34) effective for the year ending June 30, 2002.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Presentation of Resolution of Appreciation from the City of Rocky Mount, North Carolina
County Manager O’Neal presented a resolution from the City of Rocky Mount, North
Carolina to New Hanover County in appreciation to the County for donating the “Hole World”
exhibit to the City of Rocky Mount Children’s Museum after damages from Hurricane Floyd.
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Caster accepted the resolution and stated that he would
write a letter of appreciation.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Caster called for a motion to adjourn.
Motion:
Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to adjourn the
meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Caster adjourned the meeting at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board