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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-08-28- Emergency Meetings NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF HURRICANE DENNIS EMERGENCY SESSIONSPAGE 449 AUGUST 28, AUGUST 29, AUGUST 30, AUGUST 31, 1999 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held an Emergency Session on Saturday, August 28, 1999, in Room 501 of the New Hanover County Administration Building, 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioner Buzz Birzenieks; Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr.; Commissioner Charles R. Howell; Vice-Chairman Robert G. Greer; Chairman William A. Caster; County Manager, Allen O’Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Others present were: Mayor Hamilton E. Hicks, Jr., City of Wilmington; Mayor Avery Roberts, Jr., Town of Wrightsville Beach; Mayor Ray P. Rothrock, Town of Carolina Beach; Mayor Betty Lou Medlin, Town of Kure Beach; and Sheriff Joe McQueen. Chairman Caster called the meeting to order, and he expressed appreciation to all persons present for taking time to attend the briefing on Hurricane Dennis. He requested the Director of Emergency Management, Dan Summers, to proceed with the briefing. HURRICANE BRIEFING Emergency Management Director Summers passed out a New Hanover County Department of Emergency Management Decision/Action Plan Worksheet to all persons present. He said as of 12:00 noon rain bands from Hurricane Dennis will be experienced across the coastal areas of the county. A fax release has been forwarded to the media regarding rip currents so swimmers can be warned about the conditions of the surf. Director Summers reported on the difficulty of trying to determine the path of Hurricane Dennis because of its slow movement. According to the current forecast, the decision time for evacuation will occur between 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, August 30, 1999. The estimated time for a decision to evacuate will be based upon the Action Plan which is no later than 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 29, 1999. Director Summers advised that, in his opinion, there is no need to declare a State of Emergency in New Hanover County at this time. If the storm does not escalate in forward motion as forecasted, time will be gained and an evacuation can be shifted to a day time scenario. No decision is needed at this time, but emergency preparation efforts should continue. The public should be urged to continue to monitor the movement of Hurricane Dennis because it could increase in speed and the time window for evacuation would quickly collapse. This storm is similar to Hurricane Hugo that was moving at 8 miles per hour and increased suddenly to 21 miles per hour when it crossed the Gulf Stream. The same type scenario could occur with Hurricane Dennis. The Joint Information Center will opened today, August 28, 1999, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday, if needed, from 12:00 noon until the event is over. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated on Sunday, August 29, 1999. The Special Needs EOC will also be activated on Sunday, August 29, 1999, at 12:00 noon. In concluding the briefing, Director Summers recommended holding another meeting on Sunday, August 29, 1999, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 501 of the New Hanover County Administration Building, 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Chairman Caster requested an explanation on how the emergency procedure will be handled if Hurricane Dennis should suddenly increase in forward movement. Director Summers advised that the Emergency Management Staff will have a skeleton crew in the EOC through the evening. Discussion will be held with State emergency personnel, and if there are any issues of concern about the 5:00 p.m. weather advisory, the emergency process will be fully implemented. At this point, there is enough time to respond in an effective manner. After 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, decisions will have to be made about declaring a State of Emergency and moving forward with the Action Plan to include closing of schools and courts. A majority of the emergency NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF HURRICANE DENNIS EMERGENCY SESSIONSPAGE 450 AUGUST 28, AUGUST 29, AUGUST 30, AUGUST 31, 1999 equipment has been deployed to the shelters. The smaller county-owned generators are at the shelters and the rental contract for large generators has been activated. Discussion followed on the strike probability of Hurricane Dennis. Director Summers advised that the strike probability for Wilmington ranges from 12% to 15%. The high strike probability remains in the Florida area, but the path of the storm could change. The Hurricane Center has not issued a Hurricane Watch for Dennis. More information about a watch will be known after 5:00 p.m. today. Director Summers again emphasized the importance of informing the public about the following items: (1) the need to continue to prepare for the hurricane; (2) the potential for a rapid increase in the speed and intensity of Hurricane Dennis; (3) the danger of rip currents; and (4) safety concerns regarding the use of generators. Director Summers concluded the briefing by acknowledging the overwhelming response received from the community in preparing for Hurricane Dennis. He advised that “Project Impact” had increased the awareness of individual/family preparedness, and he expressed appreciation to the retailers for performing an excellent job in supporting the community. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Davis to adjourn the meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Caster adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board MINUTES OF EMERGENCY SESSION, AUGUST 29, 1999 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held an Emergency Session on Sunday, August 29, 1999, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 501 of the New Hanover County Administration Building, 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioner Buzz Birzenieks; Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr.; Commissioner Charles R. Howell; Vice-Chairman Robert G. Greer; Chairman William A. Caster; County Manager, Allen O’Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Others present were: Mayor Hamilton E. Hicks, Jr., City of Wilmington; Mayor Avery Roberts, Jr., Town of Wrightsville Beach; Mayor Ray P. Rothrock, Town of Carolina Beach; Mayor Betty Lou Medlin, Town of Kure Beach; Sheriff Joe McQueen; Judge John Smith; and Clerk of Courts, Brenda Tucker. Chairman Caster called the meeting to order and requested Emergency Management Director, Dan Summers, to present a briefing on Hurricane Dennis. HURRICANE BRIEFING Emergency Management Director Summers reported the 11:00 a.m. weather advisory predicts gale force winds along the coast at 8:00 p.m. tonight (Sunday 29, 1999). He recommended beginning the evacuation process at 12:00 noon today with completion of the evacuation by 8:00 p.m. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF HURRICANE DENNIS EMERGENCY SESSIONSPAGE 451 AUGUST 28, AUGUST 29, AUGUST 30, AUGUST 31, 1999 The EOC will be fully staffed and activated at 12:00 noon, and the Special Needs EOC at New Hanover Regional Medical Center will be activated at 12:00 noon. The Joint Information Office (JIB) will be fully staffed and activated at 12:00 noon to provide information for the local and national media. Director Summers requested the municipalities and New Hanover County to declare a State of Emergency in New Hanover County under NCGS 166-A at 12:00 noon. Two shelters, Emma B. Trask Middle School and Dorothy B. Johnson Elementary School, will be opened at 3:30 p.m. Additional shelters will be opened if needed. The large standby generators will be mobilized and ready to use. Emphasis was placed on the fact that New Hanover County could experience a meteorological surprise; however, the storm could turn more northeast and pass a distance offshore. With the number of variables in predicting the path of Hurricane Dennis, no one knows the exact pattern of this storm. The evacuation order will be for the barrier islands. In concluding his remarks, Director Summers advised that schools and courts would probably be closed on Monday, August 30, 1999. After further discussion, Director Summers was requested to see if Cape Fear Community College and UNCW were planning to hold classes on Monday so this information could be announced at one time. Clerk of Courts, Brenda Tucker, asked if all courts would be closed on Monday. County Manager O’Neal recommended canceling all court hearings. Further discussion was held on the purpose of shelters. Director Summers explained that families should plan to use shelters as a last resort. Shelters are not the best environment for families, and there are not a great deal of supplies. The family action plan should be to leave the county and seek shelter inland if possible. Chairman Caster called for a motion to proclaim a State of Emergency in New Hanover County. Motion: Commissioner Davis MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Birzenieks to adopt a proclamation declaring the existence of a State of Emergency in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Discussion was held on the evacuation order. Vice-Chairman Greer recommended changing the language in the evacuation order to include the unincorporated portion of Pleasure Island, which is the Wilmington/Hanby Beach area. Motion: Commissioner Davis MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Birzenieks to order a mandatory evacuation to begin at 12:00 noon on Sunday, August 29, 1999, for the barrier islands consisting of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, the unincorporated area of Pleasure Island, Wrightsville Beach, and Figure Eight Island; to encourage residents living in Mobile Homes to seek shelter; and to open the Emma B. Trask Middle School and Dorothy B. Johnson Elementary School evacuation shelters at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 29, 1999, with no mass feeding that evening. All civilians and emergency management personnel are ordered to comply with the emergency operations plan. 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 XXV, Page 18. Director Summers reminded the news media that the Joint Information Center (JIC) will open at 12:00 noon in Courtroom 317, and he said the EOC will keep the JIC updated on current forecasts and all events related to Hurricane Dennis. Mayor Hicks advised that he would be issuing a proclamation about price gouging to ensure that prices will remain standard based upon the benchmark of yesterday and today. Director Summers informed all persons present that another briefing will be held; however, NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF HURRICANE DENNIS EMERGENCY SESSIONSPAGE 452 AUGUST 28, AUGUST 29, AUGUST 30, AUGUST 31, 1999 due to the slow movement of Hurricane Dennis, the date and time will not be announced today. He assured everyone that ample notification of the next briefing will be provided once the date and time have been determined. Mayor Rothrock asked if the sale of alcoholic beverages had been addressed. Director Summers responded that the sale of alcoholic beverages will be determined at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Davis, to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Caster adjourned the meeting at 12:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board MINUTES OF EMERGENCY SESSION, AUGUST 30, 1999 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held an Emergency Session on Saturday, August 30, 1999, at 11:00 a.m. in Room 501 of the New Hanover County Administration Building, 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioner Buzz Birzenieks; Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr.; Commissioner Charles R. Howell; Vice-Chairman Robert G. Greer; Chairman William A. Caster; County Manager, Allen O’Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Others present were: Mayor Hamilton E. Hicks, Jr., City of Wilmington; Mayor Avery Roberts, Jr., Town of Wrightsville Beach; Mayor Ray P. Rothrock, Town of Carolina Beach; Mayor Betty Lou Medlin, Town of Kure Beach; and Sheriff Joe McQueen. Chairman Caster called the meeting to order and requested Emergency Management Director Dan Summers to present a briefing on Hurricane Dennis. HURRICANE BRIEFING Emergency Services Director Summers expressed appreciation to the elected officials, staff, and public agencies for performing an excellent job during the evacuation process. He advised that a Presidential Disaster Declaration will not occur with the minimal amount of damage created by Hurricane Dennis. The State may seek funding relief from the North Carolina Council of State for local governments; however, the County will probably be responsible for costs associated with carrying out the emergency process. Director Summers presented the following report. ? Carolina Beach had minimal damage. There was some flooding on the northern end of the beach from the pier to approximately three blocks south. The beach will reopen today at 12:00 noon. ? Kure Beach has power and water restored. Re-entry is scheduled at 12:00 noon. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF HURRICANE DENNIS EMERGENCY SESSIONSPAGE 453 AUGUST 28, AUGUST 29, AUGUST 30, AUGUST 31, 1999 ? The unincorporated areas of Pleasure Island will be reopened at 12:00 noon. ? EMS is moving the previously evacuated trucks and staffing from Stations 4 and 5 back to their stations. EMS will be returning to normal staffing. ? County Fire Departments are running calls related to downed power lines, flooded roads, and downed trees. Most districts have been surveyed and minimal problems have been reported. The Fire Departments willingly cut and removed downed trees from roads, which avoided having to activate forestry or park chain saw crews. The Ogden Fire Department had a mobile home destroyed by fire, and it appears that candles started the fire. ? The American Red Cross is considering closing shelters this afternoon. ? The New Hanover Regional Medical Center will resume full operation tomorrow without incident. ? BellSouth had a minimal amount of outages. There are four substations using generator power. ? The water system serving the Brickstone/Country Haven area is experiencing pressure loss problems. The Engineering Department will be testing the system. The test should be completed on Tuesday, August 31, 1999. ? The Wilmington Police Department is fully staffed. Minimal problems were reported regarding traffic management. ? The Sweeney Water Plant is operating on generator power; however, this should be converted to regular power within the next two hours. ? Wrightsville Beach was opened to local residents at 10:00 a.m. Re-entry will be allowed to the public at 12:00 noon. ? Figure Eight Island reports no structural damage and minimal erosion. ? Carolina Power & Light Company reported 24,000 customers without power in New Hanover County. The majority of restoration should be completed tonight. The following operational issues and recommendations were presented: ? Joint Information Center (JIC): The JIC will remain open until after the 6:00 p.m. newscast. The JIC will not be open on August 31, 1999. ? Emergency Operations Center (EOC): The EOC will remain fully staffed until 6:00 p.m. with a skeleton staff on August 31, 1999. The Public Information Officer, Mark Boyer, and an assistant from the JIC will relocate to the EOC on August 31, 1999 to assist the media. Representatives from key agencies will be selected to report to the EOC on August 31, 1999. ? Special Needs Emergency Operations Center: This Center will close at 5:00 p.m. ? Carolina Power & Light Brunswick Nuclear Plant: The Nuclear Plant has been approved for a routine restart at 5:00 p.m. by FEMA, the National Regulatory Commission, the State, Brunswick County, and New Hanover County. One unit will remain down for maintenance work. ? Weather: Conditions should continue to be monitored. The surf is high and beach conditions are not ideal. There is substantial debate about Hurricane Dennis becoming stationary off the coast at Morehead City, which will create winds and a rough surf. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF HURRICANE DENNIS EMERGENCY SESSIONSPAGE 454 AUGUST 28, AUGUST 29, AUGUST 30, AUGUST 31, 1999 Director Summers advised that an estimated cost of operations to this date has been requested by the State. This report will have to include overtime and equipment costs. Currently, the estimated cost for New Hanover County is $150,000. A report will be forwarded to the N. C. Council of State and possibly to FEMA. He requested the municipalities to present a rough estimate of costs, not including debris removal, by 4:00 p.m. on August 31, 1999. Director Summers requested New Hanover County and the municipalities to allow the State of Emergency to remain open to provide an opportunity to go back retro-actively and make decisions under NCGS 166-A. The County and municipalities agreed to allow the State of Emergency to remain open. Mr. Allen Golden, Assistant Director of Inspections for New Hanover County, presented the following report on damage assessments: Local GovernmentDamage Assessment Carolina Beach$108,800 Kure Beach$ 14,800 New Hanover County$ 13,750 City of Wilmington$ 9,700 Estimated Cost of Vegetative Debris Removal (75% of Geographical Survey Completed) New Hanover County $ 19,926 3,800 cubic yards City of Wilmington$ 18,300 3,050 cubic yards In closing, Mr. Golden advised that notice was just received about a housing loss at Wrightsville Beach in the amount of $20,000. He also reported that business losses in New Hanover County were estimated at $13,000 and $4,500 for the City of Wilmington. Captain Williams, United States Coast Guard, asked if the commercial damage assessment included the State Port. Mr. Golden responded that the State Port was not included in the damage assessment. Captain Williams reported that the State Port is still closed, which includes the intracoastal waterway. The bridges will remain closed until the surveys have been completed. The Cape Fear River will not be open until tomorrow. Discussion was held on the opening of New Hanover County Schools, UNCW, and Cape Fear Community College. Mr. Harris McIntyre, Director of Education and Training for the New Hanover County School System, reported that schools are currently being assessed. As of this date, there are electrical problems with Trask Middle School and Gregory Elementary School, which should be resolved by this evening. The other schools will be ready to open by tomorrow. The Board of Education will make a decision before 6:00 p.m. today if schools will be open on August 31, 1999. Chairman Caster requested Director Summers to coordinate the reopening of schools, UNCW and Cape Fear Community College so one announcement can be made to the public. Director Summers responded that he would work with the Public Information Officer to coordinate this effort. Discussion followed on debris removal. Director of Environmental Management, Ray Church, reported that Director Summers had been in contact with the N. C. Department of Transportation about the possibility of removing the debris. At this time, the debris appears to be NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF HURRICANE DENNIS EMERGENCY SESSIONSPAGE 455 AUGUST 28, AUGUST 29, AUGUST 30, AUGUST 31, 1999 minimal and it is mainly composed of pine cones, small limbs, and pine straw. After a conversation with Wilmington Materials, Inc., this company is in the position to accept the debris. A problem of concern is that New Hanover County will not be reimbursed for the debris collection or disposal. Mayor Hicks advised that street sweepers could handle the minimal amount of vegetative debris in the City of Wilmington; therefore, he would not recommend contracting for debris removal. Director Church noted that the City of Wilmington has a collection system already in place; however, the residents of the unincorporated county are in the habit of placing debris on the curb, which could remain there for a long period of time if a company does not collect the debris. Two contractors familiar with the area are interested in picking up the debris. The Commissioners must decide whether to depend on the Department of Transportation to collect the debris or contract with a company for debris pick-up. Further discussion was held on allowing individual property owners to handle the debris. Chairman Caster suggested requesting the trash haulers to be lenient in picking up vegetative debris and allow each property owner to be responsible for debris collection. Director Church responded that he would be glad to contact the waste haulers, and stated the problem will be with people who do not have a trash collection service. Assistant to the Emergency Management Director, Brenda Coffey, reported that a letter will be received from the N. C. Department of Transportation stating that vegetative debris will be picked up only on the rights-of-way of State maintained roads. After further discussion of the time that can be involved with the N. C. Department of Transportation picking up the debris, the Board agreed to request Staff to provide more information and options for the collection of debris and to schedule a meeting on August 31, 1999 at 4:00 p.m. Mayor Hicks reported that no major calls were received by the City of Wilmington Fire and Police Departments. The public service facilities have reported there is minimal vegetative debris, which can be handled by the City’s collection system. Trash for Monday customers will be picked up on Wednesday, and all operations and public utilities are back to normal. The Sweeny Plant has been running on a generator as part of a drill. The Dobo System provided normal services, and generators have been procured at the Dobo pump stations. The City Offices will resume normal operation on August 31, 1999. Mayor Hicks reported that the emergency process had been a good team effort. The information gained through “Project Impact” has greatly benefited the community and all parties involved with knowing how to plan for hurricane events. He complimented the City and County Managers for keeping the plan together and making it work. Mayor Rothrock, on behalf of the Town of Carolina Beach, expressed appreciation to the Board of County Commissioners, Director Summers, the Emergency Management Staff, and the Sheriff’s Department for the assistance given with coordinating the efforts to protect the citizens of Carolina Beach and the entire county. Mayor Medlin, on behalf of the Town of Kure Beach, expressed appreciation to the Board of County Commissioners, Director Summers, and all persons involved, for the outstanding manner in which the hurricane plan was implemented. Commissioner Howell stressed the importance of properly informing the public about the debris removal process. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Caster, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation to the elected officials and agencies for their cooperation in carrying out the emergency plan. He complimented Director Summers and his Staff for an excellent job in handling the emergency event. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF HURRICANE DENNIS EMERGENCY SESSIONSPAGE 456 AUGUST 28, AUGUST 29, AUGUST 30, AUGUST 31, 1999 Motion: Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Davis to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Caster adjourned the meeting at 1:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board MINUTES OF EMERGENCY MEETING, AUGUST 31, 1999 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Emergency Session on Tuesday, August 31, 1999, at 4:00 p.m. in Room 501 of the New Hanover County Administration Building, 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioner Buzz Birzenieks; Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr.; Commissioner Charles R. Howell; Chairman William A. Caster; County Manager; Allen O’Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Vice-Chairman Robert G. Greer was absent due to a scheduled meeting of the NACo 2000 Committee in Charlotte, North Carolina. Chairman Caster called the meeting to order and he requested Mr. Ray Church, Director of Environmental Management, to report on options for removing vegetative debris from Hurricane Dennis. He stressed the importance of everyone understanding that due to the minimal impact of Hurricane Dennis, it is unlikely that a Presidential Disaster Declaration will be received to allow New Hanover County to become eligible to receive federal reimbursement for cleanup activities. He said that contracting with a firm to collect the debris could be costly to the County. County Manager O’Neal advised that Director Church had spent a great deal of time in preparing options for debris pick-up. He also informed the Board that discussion has been held with Ms. Louise McColl, a member of the N. C. Department of Transportation Board, who is very supportive of the N. C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) picking up debris on State rights- of-way. After discussion with Mr. Doug Bowers, District Engineer of the local NCDOT Office, the debris will be collected on a call-in basis. The NCDOT will be as responsive as possible; however the public must be well informed about the fact that debris will be picked up only on State maintained roads with the debris being placed in the State rights-of-way. Director Church reported that vegetative debris was minimal throughout the County and stated he had received quotations from contractors that were familiar with the area. The following proposals were presented: Phillips & Jordan Proposal: Both scenarios are based on 1,000 ton per day as a benchmark. ? Based on a Skid Steer Loader, a foreman, three dump trucks, three laborers, a cost of $305 per hour for a 10-hour day, and the administrative cost of $500, the total cost for collection per day is $3,550. The disposal cost will be $21 per ton at a cost of $3,970 per day. It will take 50 days to complete the debris collection at a total project cost of $198,500. ? Based on a Grapple Crew, the process will move more quickly and cost $4,170 per day. The disposal cost will be $21 per ton at a total cost of $4,800 per day. It will take 33 days to complete the debris collection at a total project cost of $158,400. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF HURRICANE DENNIS EMERGENCY SESSIONSPAGE 457 AUGUST 28, AUGUST 29, AUGUST 30, AUGUST 31, 1999 Wilmington Materials, Inc.: The residents will be able to deliver debris directly to Wilmington Materials at $20 per load minimum. This will allow homeowners without access to a State maintained road to have a way to dispose of debris. Under this proposal, the cost for disposal of 1,000 tons will cost the County $21,000. Director Church advised that if the City decides to contract with a contractor, the County could piggyback on their contract to pick up debris on private roads. Commissioner Birzenieks requested Director Church to recommend the best way to collect the debris. Director Church responded that for the convenience of the public and saving money in the long-term, he would recommend opening Wilmington Materials, Inc. to private individuals. He also recommended allowing people to contract with private haulers to pick-up debris in private communities with disposal at Wilmington Materials, Inc. He said at this time, the NCDOT does not know whether the department will pay for the disposal cost; therefore, the County could be responsible for the cost. County Manager O’Neal expressed concern for allowing individuals to dispose of debris without some form of policy. He cautioned that some people will not dispose of the debris in a satisfactory manner which could cause drainage problems and become a fire hazard. Commissioner Birzenieks stated that he felt the debris should be collected. Many people will not understand why the NCDOT is collecting debris in some areas and not in others. He noted that citizens in the unincorporated county expect New Hanover County to handle the disposal of debris as done with previous storms. The issues involved are safety, the protection of the public health, and the need to return to normal business so the County can continue to attract tourists. Director Church commented on the amount of burning already occurring in the unincorporated county and he expressed concern for fires and heavy smoke in neighborhoods. Chairman Caster requested Director Summers to work out an equity factor on the disposal of debris so the County will not end up paying for the entire cost. Director Church stated if the County decides to collect the debris, he would recommend opening Wilmington Materials, Inc. to allow people access to the facility and dispose of the debris. County Manager O’Neal said if the County decides to collect vegetative debris, New Hanover County will contract with Wilmington Materials, Inc. to receive the debris from citizens who are willing to carry materials to the facility. Director Church offered to contact Blue Clay Road Recycling and Big Cypress Landfill located off Myrtle Grove Road to see if these facilities would be interested in collecting debris. This could provide three different locations throughout the county. He also recommended cooperating with NCDOT and working with them to resolve who will pick-up the disposal tab. If the State agrees to pick-up debris on State maintained roads and contracts are negotiated with Wilmington Materials, Inc., Blue Clay Road Recycling, and Big Cypress Landfill for private citizens to dispose of debris at these facilities, the debris disposal problem should be resolved. Director Church said that a notice has already been prepared to inform the citizens about the collection process. Chairman Caster suggested placing a deadline on when debris can be placed on State maintained roads. Director Church suggested using the date of September 6, 1999 as the deadline for placing vegetative debris on State rights-of-way. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF HURRICANE DENNIS EMERGENCY SESSIONSPAGE 458 AUGUST 28, AUGUST 29, AUGUST 30, AUGUST 31, 1999 Motion: Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Howell, to contract with Wilmington Materials, Inc., Blue Clay Road Recycling, and Big Cypress Landfill to receive vegetative debris free of charge for New Hanover County residents, negotiate an agreement with the N. C. Department of Transportation to collect vegetative debris on State maintained roads with debris being placed in the State rights-of-way, and contract with Phillips & Jordan to collect debris on private roads. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED by a 4 to 0 vote. Director Summers stressed the importance of establishing a time line for debris removal in case FEMA should decide to provide funding at a later date. County Manager O’Neal requested the Board to appropriate $200,000 from the unappropriated fund balance for the debris removal process. Motion: Commissioner Howell MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Birzenieks, to appropriate $2000,000 from the unappropriated fund balance. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED by a 4 to 0 vote. Chairman Caster complimented Emergency Management Director Summers and Staff for the outstanding job performed by the department in carrying out the hurricane procedures. He said that compliments are being received from many citizens within the community about the excellent manner in which the plan was implemented. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Commissioner Davis MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Birzenieks, to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED by a 4 to 0 vote. Chairman Caster adjourned the meting at 4:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board