2000-11-14 Regular Meeting Cont
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 28
MINUTES OF CONTINUED MEETING, NOVEMBER 14, 2000 PAGE 296
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners reconvened to the Continued Meeting
of November 13, 2000 on Tuesday, November 14, 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 Charles R. Howell; County Manager Allen O’Neal;
County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board Lucie F. Harrell.
Commissioner Davis was absent.
Chairman Caster called the meeting to order and asked if any Commissioner would like to
present an additional item.
The following items were presented:
Discussion of Compensation to Boards and Committees Appointed by the County
Commissioners
Commissioner Birzenieks spoke on requesting Staff to provide information on the
compensation paid to various boards and committees appointed by the Commissioners and stated that
some adjustments need to be made. He referenced the ABC Board, which is an example of a board
that has not received an increase since 1985 during a period when the growth in revenue has
significantly increased. He requested the Board to consider increasing the compensation to the
chairman and members of the ABC Board to the same level as being paid in Cumberland County.
Consensus:
After discussion of the fact that compensation for all boards and committees should be
reviewed, it was the consensus of the Board to place this item on the agenda for November 27, 2000.
Discussion of Museum Exhibit Regarding the Jewish Community in Eastern North Carolina
Chairman Caster commented on attending the opening of the Jewish Community in Eastern
North Carolina exhibit at the Cape Fear Museum on Sunday and he encouraged everyone to see this
interesting exhibit.
Report on Bond Rating Trip to New York
Vice-Chairman Greer reported that instead of visiting each bond rating company, the meeting
was held in the attorney’s office with the bond rating firms attending the session. After hearing the
presentation from Staff, the first bond rating company complimented New Hanover County for an
excellent job and indicated that the County would do well with its bond ratings. This was good news
for New Hanover County and the taxpayers because thousands of dollars will be saved in obtaining
better interest rates.
Finance Director Bruce Shell stated when preparing the upcoming $28,000,000 Certificates
of Participation financing issue, he found that one basis point in the percentage of the interest rate was
worth $25,000. He stressed the importance of everyone understanding that maintaining an excellent
bond rating is the key factor in receiving lower interest rates.
Report of Settlement in the Angevine V. Sheriff McQueen Lawsuit
County Attorney Copley requested the Clerk to the Board to enter into the record that a
release has been received for the settlement of the Angevine v. Sheriff McQueen lawsuit in the
amount of $25,000.
MEETING CONVENED FROM REGULAR SESSION TO HOLD A CLOSED SESSION
Chairman Caster announced that the County Attorney has requested a Closed Session
pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(5) to instruct the public body’s Staff concerning the position to be
taken by, or on behalf of the public body, in negotiating the price and material terms of a proposed
contract for the acquisition of real property.
Motion:
Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to convene to
Closed Session. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED by a 4 to 0 vote.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 28
MINUTES OF CONTINUED MEETING, NOVEMBER 14, 2000 PAGE 297
Chairman Caster convened to Closed Session at 9:07 A.M.
Motion:
Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to reconvene
to Regular Session. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED BY a 4-0 vote.
Chairman Caster reconvened to Regular Session at 9:36 A.M.
Chairman Caster reported that in Closed Session the Board gave instructions to Staff
regarding the terms of the proposed contract for the acquisition of real property. The terms of the
contract will be released when a buy-sell agreement is executed.
Chairman Caster requested the Board to go into Closed Session pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-
318.11(6) for evaluating the County Manager, County Attorney, and Clerk to the Board.
Motion:
Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to convene to
Closed Session. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED by a 4 to 0 vote.
Chairman Caster convened to Closed Session at 9:40 A.M.
Motion:
Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to reconvene
to Regular Session. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED by a 4 to 0 vote.
Chairman Caster reconvened to Regular Session at 11:58 A.M.
Chairman Caster reported that all three employees were performing at an exceptional grade
level and requested a motion to approve the increases as discussed in Closed Session.
Motion:
Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer to approve
increases retroactive to July 1, 2000 for the following appointed employees:
County Manager:
Increase the annual compensation to $125,000 plus a $6,000 auto
allowance, 5 additional vacation days, and approve an Employee Contract.
County Attorney:
Increase the annual compensation to $95,844 plus a $3,600 auto
allowance, and approve an Employee Contract.
Clerk to the Board:
Increase the annual compensation to $62,574 plus a $2,400 auto
allowance.
County Commissioners:
Increase the auto allowance retroactive to July 1, 2000 as follows:
County Commissioner - $2,830 per year
Chairman of the Board -$3,510 per year
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED by a 4 to 0 vote.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Caster called for a motion to adjourn.
Motion:
Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to adjourn.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED by a 4 to 0 vote.
Chairman Caster adjourned the meeting at 12:09 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board