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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-17 RM Exhibits -<0. 7. I , ., LICENSE AGREEMENT REGULATIONS FOR WEDDINGS & RECEPTIONS AlRLIE GARDENS 1 License Fee: $1,500 for Wedding Only or Reception Only $2,250 for Wedding & Reception 2. Damage Deposit: $300 refundable 3 Wedding Fee Includes: Bridal portrait opportunity Ground Lease Time Table REHEARSAL - TIME ALLOWED 1 Hour WEDDING ONLY - TIME ALLOWED 2 Hours WEDDING & RECEPTION - TIME ALLOWED 4 Hours DELIVERY AND SETUP TIME 4 Hours prior to event TENT REMOVAL 2 Hours - except for late evening events; must be removed by 12:00 noon following day In the event of exceptions, additional charges will be made. New Hanover County Sheriff - Access & traffic control (2hr - 4 hr) Maximum number of attendees: 300 or less, depending on location 4 Bridal Portraits Only' For those desiring BRIDAL PORTRAITS ONLY on Airlie Gardens property a site fee of $200 is required 5 Requests for use of Airlie Gardens for any event will be confirmed and scheduled through the administrative office for Airlie Gardens. No dates will be scheduled earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the wedding ceremony and will be considered firm ONLY UPON ACCOMPLISHMENT OF ITEM 6. 6. Fees: At the time of scheduling, 50% OF ALL APPLICABLE FEES MUST BE PAID AND A CONTRACT EXECUTED NO DATE IS CONSIDERED FIRM UNTIL THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED Balance of fee is due sixty (60) days prior to the event. With a written notice of cancellation within 30 days of the event, all fees EXCEPT $250.00 will be refunded. No Weddings will be held before September 1,2000 7. Delivery and Setup' Client will coordinate all services and provide delivery, setup, .and removal schedules to the administrative office, all of which will be reviewed by the Superintendent of Gardens. These schedules shall be adhered to by client's vendors. Vendors shall be responsible for all setup prior to event, all service during event and all cleanup after event. Airlie Gardens representatives will not assist with setup, cleanup or food/drink service. 8. Guests and their behavior are the responsibility of the Client. Any damage to Airlie Gardens property due to willful misconduct ofrenters and/or guests will result in legal action. Airlie GardenslNew Hanover County will not be held responsible for the safety or security of any equipment, including, but not limited to chairs, tables, tents, canopies, pianos, organs or food. Airlie GardenslNew Hanover County, its owners or agents, shall not be held responsible for, and is hereby expressly relieved from any and all liability by reason of injury, loss or damage to any person or property in or about the premises, however caused, whether loss, injury or damage be to the person or property of Airlie Gardens, the wedding party, invitees or other persons. 9 Caterers: Caterers must provide a minimum of$I,OOO,OOO general liability insurance, a current permit and sanitation grading from the New Hanover County Health Department or their local permitting agency 10. Vendors: For the purposes of this document the word "vendor(s)" shall refer to ~y type of service business, i.e., caterers, florists, equipment rental companies, etc. Vendors are to conduct their role in a professional manner in keeping with the policies and procedures outlined. Any damage to the facility caused by the vendor or its employees will be charged to the vendor and Airlie Gardens reserves the right to prohibit future use to any vendor who has violated policies. All vendors must be licensed and insured. Proof of adequate, current insurance must be provided to the administration. The client and vendor agree to indemnify and hold harmless New Hanover County (owner), its agents and employees from any and all claims, actions, liabilities and causes of action arising on account of illness, injury, death or damage to any person(s) or their property and attributable to the client/vendor use of the facility 11 Tents and Temporary Structures: Tent placement must not in any way interfere with garden trees. In order to avoid damage to underground irrigation systems, tent locations must be approved by the Superintendent of Gardens. Tent ropes and supports must be placed and flagged to avoid possible injury NoWeddings will be held before September 1, 2000 : 12. Candles, Flowers, Decorations and "Send-OCC": Flowers and decorations are limited to free standing placement. Nothing may be attached or added to any feature of the garden, including baskets, torches, luminaries, runners, bows or balloons. Any send-off of the. wedding couple must be handled in manner which considers the other paying guests of the garden. NO BIRDSEED. RICE. PETALS. ETC. MAYBE THROWN. 13 SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE GARDEN. 14 Clean Up and Removal: All garbage must be bagged and removed from the premises by . vendor. 15 Entertainment: The City of Wilmington noise ordinance (copy attached) is the guideline for music volume. Should Airlie Gardens representative request sound volume be lowered, compliance is expected. Other garden guests and surrounding residents must be considered. 16. Photographers: Commercial photographers and videographers taking pictures at the event must sign an agreement prior to the event which prohibits the commercial use of any photography taken at Airlie Gardens. Who is a commercial photographer? - Anyone whose intent or business puts photos on the market for sale in any venue. 17 Parking: Parking is allowed ONL Y in designated areas. On site parking is limited, and remote or valet parking should be considered by Client (depending on size of event, date and other public events scheduled). New Hanover County/Airlie Gardens cannot guarantee parking availability 18. Disabled Access: Please contact Superintendent of Gardens for special instructions. 19 Provided the above regulations have been properly followed, the $300 damage deposit will be returned. 20. We hope that you will respect the beauty and serenity of the Gardens and leave them as you found them for others to enjoy To accomplish this goal, we ask that you not pick or cut any plant materials or collect seeds. 21 Cancellation: In the event Gardens are deemed unsafe to accommodate scheduled event due to circumstances beyond control of Airlie Gardens/New Hanover County, event may be canceled by either party and all fees will be refunded. No Weddings will be held before September I, 2000 , LICENSE AGREEMENT AIRLIE GARDENS Date I, agree to comply with stated regulations. have read the rules and regulations and do Responsible person(s): Address Phone # FAX # email address: Requested Wedding Date: Time: Requested Rehearsal Date: Time No Weddings will be held before September 1, 2000 .z~. 7,~ RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY I WHEREAS, G.S. 143-129(g) allows local governments to buy off of another government's contract if the vendor is willing to provide the item at the same or better price; AND WHEREAS, the Fire District of Sky land, North Carolina formally bid a mini-pumper and awarded the bid to Anchor-Richey EVS, Inc. on February 23, 2000 in the amount of$179,972.00 to secure product; AND WHEREAS, Anchor-Richey EVS, Inc. has a demo unit exactly the same as the unit ordered by Sky land, North Carolina and Anchor-Richey EVS, Inc. has offered to extend to New Hanover County the price of$155,000 00 to purchase the available demo mini-pumper; AND WHEREAS, funds shall be made available through approval of budget amendment # 00-0150 being submitted as part of this agenda item; AND WHEREAS, the Fire Services Director, the Finance Director, and the County Manager recommend that the contract for a mini-pumper be awarded to Anchor-Richey EVS, Inc. in the amount of One Hundred Fifty-five Thousand Dollars ($155,000.00); AND WHEREAS, through approval budget amendment # 00-0 150 funds are appropriated and made available in Account No 130-436-4340-6450 to cover this contract; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of New Hanover County that the contract for a mini-pumper for the Fire Services Department, be awarded to Anchor-Richey EVS, Inc. in the amount of One Hundred Fifty-five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($155,000.00); and that the County is hereby authorized and directed to approve budget amendment # 00-0150 and execute contract # 00-0345, contract form to be approved by the County Attorney This 17th day of April, 2000. (SEAL) D~O~ Chairman, Board of County Commissioners ;(..~, 7,-3 Resolution of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners WHEREAS, the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners is charged with the responsibility of promoting the health, safety and welfare of residents of New Hanover County, as well as those who work within or visit the County; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners has determined that there exists an increasing need for capital facilities outlay; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners is seeking alternatives to continued reliance on ad valorem property tax as property owners carry a disproportionate share of the tax burden for providing the funding for necessary services and facilities; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners believe that having the ability to assess an additional one-cent ($.0 1) local option sales tax returned to its point-of-origin is the best alternative to raise revenue for capital outlay; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners ofNew Hanover County hereby requests that all members of the New Hanover County Legislative Delegation introduce and support a one cent point-of-origin sales tax for New Hanover County 11'" This the,r day of April, 2000 Rt.)~G.~ William A. Caster, Chairman New Hanover County Board of Commissioners ~:)\ / /V~ ie F Harrell, Clerk to the Board .;((p, 7. 'I CONSENT AGENDA DATE ITEM NO NEW HANOVER COUNTY TAX COLLECTIONS COLLECTIONS THRU 3/31/00 CURRENT TAX YEAR - 1999 ORIGINAL TAX LEVY PER SCROLL DISCOVERIES ADDED LESS ABATEMENTS TOTAL TAXES CHARGED AD VALOREM $ 77,390,208.16 3,556,991.28 386,72443 $ 80,56047501 ADVERTISING FEES CHARGED LISTING PENALTIES CHARGED CLEANING LIENS CHARGED TOTAL LEVY COLLECTIONS TO DATE OUTSTANDING BALANCE PERCENT AGE COLLECTED 12,54500 58,064.81 8,730.00 $ 80,639,814.82 78.297,628.93 $ 2,342.185.89 97 10%* BACK TAXES REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY CHARGES ADDED LESS ABATEMENTS TOTAL TAXES DUE COLLECTIONS TO DATE OUTSTANDING BALANCE PERCENTAGE COLLECTED $ 2,824,866.85 6,142.29 151.28611 $ 2,67972303 951.399.55 $ I 728,323 48 35.50% ROOM OCCUPANCY TAX COLLECTIONS PRIVILEGE LICENSE COLLECTIONS MARCH 2000 $ 96,96434 200.00 MOTOR VEHICLE $ 5,963,415.07 24,364.20 77.273.42 $ 5,910,505.85 .00 00 .00 $ 5,910,505.85 4,726,356.38 $ 1,184,14947 79.97%* FISCAL YTD $ 1,845,234.59 14,020.54 TOTAL MONEY PROCESSED THRU COLLECTION OFFICE FOR NEW HANOVER COUNTY, CITY OF WILMINGTON, WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, CAROLINA BEACH AND KURE BEACH TO DAT~08 20 THIS REPORT IS FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY I, 1999 r ~CTF~LL Y SUB~ITTED, -YClh"1,;.... 9\. A ~l~GY PATRICIAJ.RAYNQa) . C COLLECTOR OF REVENUE * COMBINED COLLECTION PERCENTAGE 7 95.93% <2~, 7'i CONSENT AGENDA DATE. ITEM NO NEW HANOVER COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT TAX COLLECTIONS CURRENT TAX YEAR - 1999 ORIGINAL TAX LEVY PER SCROLL DISCOVERIES ADDED LESS ABATEMENTS TOTAL TAXES CHARGED LISTING PENAL TIES CHARGED TOTAL LEVY COLLECTIONS TO DATE OUTSTANDING BALANCE PERCENT AGE COLLECTED BACK TAXES REAL EST ATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY CHARGES ADDED LESS ABATEMENTS TOTAL TAXES DUE COLLECTIONS TO DATE OUTSTANDING BALANCE PERCENTAGE COLLECTED COLLECTIONS THRU 3/31/00 THIS REPORT IS FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY I, 1999 ~T~L.Y SUBMITTEA .fA -VCl\-nt,.... >\. . d"OV PATRICIAJ RAYNOY COLLECTOR OF REVENUE * COMBINED COLLECTION PERCENTAGE - 96.08% r AD VALOREM $ 2,060,293.51 115,841.32 48,576.50 $ 2,127,558.33 1.677.25 $ 2,129,235.58 2,071.511.16 $ 57 724 42 97.29%* $ 55,058.73 166.32 4.237.15 $ 50,987.90 18,508.02 $ 32,47988 36.30% MOTOR VEHICLE $ 160,432.20 844.56 1.921.24 $ 159,355.52 $ .00 159,355.52 127,3 13.20 32,042.32 79.89%* $ ~to. 7, ~ , ,- RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A CITIZENS SOLID WASTE ADVISORY BOARD WHEREAS, New Hanover County is a densely developed coastal County with sensitive environmental conditions; and WHEREAS, the County has developed innovative and integrated technological systems for the disposal of solid waste to provide environmental protection; and WHEREAS, the County desires to continue planning for sound, efficient, and economical solid waste collection and disposal services; NOW; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the New Hanover County Board of County Commissioners does hereby establish the New Hanover County Citizens Solid Waste Advisory Board, hereinafter referred to as "Advisory Board", and charges it with the following purpose. Special emphasis will be placed on providing direction on how to most effectively manage the increasing solid waste stream over the next seven years: "The New Hanover County Citizens Solid Waste Advisory Board is hereby charged by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners to review the New Hanover County Solid Waste Planning Area Solid Waste Management Plan, and to recommend sound, sensible and practical strategies necessary to accomplish the solid waste management goals contained in the I 0- Year Plan." In so serving, the Advisory Board may be expected to perform any the following: To review with County staff all information relevant to solid waste collection and disposal, 2. To evaluate and recommend short- and long- range plans for waste reduction a the source, recycling, yard waste compo sting and waste disposal, 3 To evaluate and recommend reasonable alternatives for assuring revenue necessary to fund the existing solid waste programs; and 4 To evaluate and recommend public service programs for litter control. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Advisory Board shall consist of members, approved by the County Commissioners. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That,the Advisory Board shall operate in accordance with the Bylaws as established by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners and according to the following guidelines: .. 1 The Advisory Board members shall serve without compensation, but may be refunded necessary expenses incurred by them in carrying out their duties consistent with the adopted budget. 2. A majority of the members of the Advisory Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. An affirmative vote of the majority of members present at a meeting of the Advisory Board shall be required to constitute action of the Advisory Board. 3 The officers of the Advisory Board shall be chairman, vice-chairman, and a secretary The Advisory Board shall elect the chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary from its membership at the organizational meeting. 4 The organizational meeting shall be called by the Chairman of the County Commissioners and shall be held within thirty days after the appointment of the members of the Advisory Board. All appointments to the Advisory Board shall be completed within ninety days. 5 The Advisory Board shall continue until such time as the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners declares the Advisory Board to be dismissed. 6. New Hanover County shall bear all costs of the Advisory Board. As soon as practicable after its organizational meeting, the Advisory Board shall prepare a budget for its operations. The budget shall be reviewed and subject to the approval of the County Commissioners. The employment of personnel, purchasing procedures and financial management by the Advisory Board shall be subject to the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act. 7 The Advisory Board may utilize officers, employees, agents, and facilities of New Hanover County as needed to carry out the Advisory Board purposes. 8. The Advisory Board shall have the authority to appoint such subcommittees consisting of its membership as well as other citizens as necessary for the accomplishment of its purposes. Signed this the nth day of April .2000 D~Q~ William A. Caster, Chairman Board of County Commissioners ,I. NEW HANOVER COUNTY CITIZENS SOLID WASTE ADVISORY BOARD BY LAWS ARTICLE I - NAME This organization, established by the New Hanover Board of County Commissioners, shall be known as the "New Hanover County Citizens Solid Waste Advisory Board", hereinafter referred to as the Advisory Board ARTICLE II - STATEMENT OF CHARGE Acting in an advisory capacity to the New Hanover County Commissioners, the Advisory Board shall review the New Hanover County Solid Waste Planning Area Solid Waste Management Plan, and recommend sound, sensible and practical strategies necessary to accomplish the solid waste management goals contained in the 10-Year Plan. Special emphasis will be placed on providing direction on how to most effectively manage the increasing solid waste stream over the next seven years. The Advisory Board shall evaluate all pertinent aspects and issues relating to the management of solid waste in order to achieve the following goals and objectives: To assist local governments in New Hanover County in the development and implementation of a coordinated, long-term solid waste management plan that is acceptable to the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, and the City and Town Councils, II. To recommend sound, sensible and practical solid waste strategies that address, but are not limited to A. Distribution of the waste stream among the integrated management options available. material recovery, energy recovery, landfilling and waste transfers, B Alternative or expanded material and resource recovery systems. III. To assist in developing the most effective allocation of solid waste management functions among all local governing bodies in New Hanover County; IV To review and make recommendations on the awarding of any major planning, engineering or construction contracts involving or affecting the County solid waste management program; V To evaluate and provide recommendations to the County Commissioners for modifications to and implementation of the New Hanover County Solid Waste Management Plan, C:lwindowsITEMPIADVISO-1,doc 04/05/00:3:07 PM Page 1 of 4 ARTICLE III - MEMBERS I. The Board shall consist of members, including a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and a Secretary as elected by the Advisory Board membership II Members of the Board shall be A. Residents of New Hanover County, and shall be persons having some concern, interest and/or expertise in managing solid wastes, B Appointed for terms no greater than three (3) years, with unlimited number of terms, and C Subject to the approval of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. II The Membership of the Board shall consist of" A. Persons appointed by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners as follows: one (1) sitting County Commissioner, representatives from among the current solid waste hauling companies serving as ex officio members, and at-large appointees. B A total of five (5) persons appointed by the municipal governments as follows: City of Wilmington two (2) appointees, and the Towns of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach one (1) appointee each. III. The County Environmental Management staff and other County staff, as requested by the Advisory Board Chair, will provide staff and technical assistance to the Advisory Board ARTICLE IV - DURATION OF ADVISORY BOARD The Advisory Board shall continue until such time as the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners declares the Advisory Board to be dismissed. ARTICLE V - OFFICERS I. Officers Defined: The officers of the Advisory Board shall consist of a Chairperson, a Vice- Chairperson, and a Secretary The Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary shall be elected by the members of the Advisory Board annually II Duties: The Chairperson shall call and preside at meetings and appoint committees. In the absence of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson shall assume the duties of the Chairperson and perform other duties delegated by the Chairperson. The Secretary shall maintain minutes of the Advisory Board meetings, advise on the Advisory Board budget status, and prepare reports for circulation to each Advisory Board member and the Board of County Commissioners. III Elections: Election of Officers shall be at the first meeting of the Advisory Board and annually during July, thereafter C:\windowsITEMPIADVISO-1.doc 04/05/00:3:07 PM Page 2 of4 IV Officers of the Advisory Board Officers shall hold their offices and exercise powers and duties given to them under these Bylaws during the term of one year No limits are placed on the number of terms a member of the Advisory Board may serve as an officer ARTICLE VI - COMMITTEES The Advisory Board shall establish as many committees or ad-hoc committees as the Advisory Board may deem necessary to carry out its goals and objectives. Each committee shall have at least one Advisory Board member as a committee member Non-Advisory Board personnel serving on committees shall have no voting power within the Advisory Board proper ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Advisory Board shall be held as established by a majority of the Advisory Board, but at least once every three-(3) months. II. Special Meetings: Special meetings of the Advisory Board may be called by the Chairman or at the request of a majority of the members. The purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the call. At least three- (3) days advance notice shall be given. III. Advisory Board Committee Meetings: Meetings of the Advisory Board Committee shall be held at the frequency deemed necessary by the Chairperson of such committee and upon due notice in a timely fashion to committee members IV Quorums. Unless otherwise established by law or these Bylaws, a quorum shall consist of a majority of the membership If a quorum fails to attend any meeting, the Chairperson may adjourn the meeting until a quorum shall attend. V Actions of the Advisory Board: A majority vote of the members present at a meeting of the Advisory Board with a quorum in attendance shall be required to constitute an action of the Advisory Board VI Action By Consent: Any action may be taken without a meeting if all Advisory Board members entitled to vote thereon consent in writing to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the action. VII. Attendance: Each member shall be expected to attend all regular Advisory Board meetings and Committee meetings on which the member serves. VIII Open Meetings. The meetings of the Advisory Board and its Committees shall be open to the public in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina. IX. Rules of Procedure. Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised, subject to these Bylaws, shall govern the procedures of all meetings of the Advisory Board and its Committees. ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS Amendments to the Bylaws of the Advisory Board may be considered and approved by the C:\windows\TEMPIADVISQ-1.doc 04/05/00:3:07 PM Page 3 of 4 affirmative vote of a majority of the membership of the Advisory Board at any regularly scheduled or special meeting provided, however, written notice of the proposed amendment must be sent to each member of the Advisory Board at least three (3) days before the scheduled vote. Also, such amendment shall be subject to the approval of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners prior to taking effect. ARTICLE IX - DISBURSEMENTS I. New Hanover County shall bear all the costs of the Advisory Board. As soon as practicable after its organizational meeting, the Advisory Board shall prepare a budget for its operations. The budget shall be reviewed and subject to the approval of the County Commissioners. The employment of personnel, purchasing procedures and financial management by the Advisory Board shall be subject to the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act. II The Director of the New Hanover County Finance Department shall disburse the funds approved and budgeted for the Committee in the same manner as other County Department funds are disbursed. The signature of an officer of the Advisory Board is required for requests for funds. III All funds received from revenue producing activities shall be deposited with the New Hanover County Finance Department to the credit of New Hanover County and shall be disbursed by the County's Finance Director ARTICLE X - PUBLIC INFORMATION The New Hanover County Public Information Officer shall assist the Advisory Board in the dissemination of information to the public. ARTICLE XI - GENERAL POWERS The Advisory Board shall have no powers, except as stated in previous articles or as entrusted to it by City, County or State authority Specifically, the Advisory Board shall not have the power to 1) Borrow money 2) Encumber property 3) Dispose of any properties either real or personal C:lwindowsITEMPIADVISQ-1.doc 04/05/00:3:07 PM Page 4 of 4 0<..0, 7. to A REGULATION ENACTED PURSUANT TO AN ORDINANCE OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS The Board of Commissioners of New Hanover County, North Carolina, having ordained in Chapter 13, Parks and Recreation, Section 13-2, "General Regulations," Subsection (c)(1), of the New Hanover County Code, that the Director of Parks and Recreation shall have authority to establish and enforce rules and regulations for parks and recreational facilities, the following "Special Rules and Regulations" are herein ratified and enacted: A, Control of Pets on County Parks: The following rules shall apply to the presence of dogs and other pets on County Parks: 1) Dogs and pets must be on a leash and under control at all times. 2) Dogs and pets are prohibited from entering any park building (rest rooms, community centers, etc.) 3) Dogs and pets are prohibited from any established athletic field or court (i.e. baseball/softball fields, football/soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts). 4) Dogs and pets are prohibited within fifty feet (50') of any children's playground. 5) Dogs and pets are prohibited within fifty feet (50') of any concession or vending area. 6) Dogs and pets are prohibited for any mass gathering, identified Sls any planned gathering of two hundred (200) or more people, 7) The owner or person in charge of a dog or a pet on a County Park is responsible for removing feces or other litter left behind by that animal. 8) The owner or person in charge of a dog or pet on County Parks is subject to Section13-4, "Authority of Parks Director to Eject Disorderly Persons," and Section 13-5, "Penalty for Violation of Chapter" 9) Paragraphs 2, 3, 5, and 6 of these Rules do not apply to assistance dogs accompanying persons with disabilities. This the 17th day of April, 2000 NEW HANOVER COUNTY ~\L {J ~ William A. Caster Chairman ~~, '7. 7 New Hanover County Board of Commissioners I Resolution on Behalf of Children Awaiting Adoption And Families Awaiting Children WHEREAS, the Safe Families and Adoption Assistance Act requires fingerprint checks for all prospective adoptive and foster parents; and WHEREAS, while there are now more foster homes in New Hanover County than ever before, demand for foster home placements continues to far exceed the supply; and WHEREAS, children raised in safe foster homes deserve the opportunity to become permanent members of their foster or other adoptive family as soon as possible; and WHEREAS, too many children in New Hanover County languish in foster care without finalization of their adoptions because of inordinate and mexcusable delays m the processmg of fingerprints and the transmission of the results to the County Ocpm tment of Social Services; and WHEREAS, we are informed that other countIes across our state as well as other licensed child placmg agcncies expericnce the.same delay mld lack of response; and WHEREAS, moving children from foster care to ,afe permanent homes is a pnonty for our courts, our agencics and our legislature, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners calls upon the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to investigate the causes of the unconscIonable delays in the processing offingerprint studies for adoptIve and foster parents, and propose immediate solutions so that children available for adoption and children in need of the safe haven of foster homes can find a measure of justice in their permanent placements in a reasonable time reflective of children's needs and free of bureaucratic considerations; D~Q.~ Chairman