1994-05-16 Work Session on Strategic Planning
e
e
.e
""'IIIl
MINUTES OF STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION
MAY 16, 1994
PAGE 8'2
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a Work
session on Monday, May 16, 1994, at 1:00 P.M. in the Assembly Room
of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third street,
Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were:' Commissioners Sandra Barone; William A.
Casterr William E. sisson, Jr.; Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.;
Chairman Robert G. Greer; County Manager, Allen 0' Neal; County
Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F.
Harrell.
Chairman Greer called the meeting to order and announced the
purpose of the meeting is to hear a report from the Strategic
Planning Council. He welcomed all members present from the Council
and expressed appreciation to them for the time given to prepare a
strategic Plan for New Hanover County.
PRESENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN FOR NEW HANOVER COUNTY
Mr. Jonathan Alper, Chairman of the Strategic Planning
Council, reported in October 1991, the New'Hanover County Board of
Commissioners decided to embark upon the development of a Strategic
Plan to guide New Hanover County into the 21st Century. Reductions
in federal and state revenues, taxpayer resistance to new taxes,
and mandates for new programs have made it imperative for the
County to carefully consider how to allocate scarce resources.
Such critical issues as downsizing, consolidation, privatization,
infrastructure needs, environmental preservation, economic
development, education, and social needs, necessitated long-term
planning and a framework within which to make budget and service
delivery decisions.
strategic planning was deemed to be the most effective tool to
utilize in addressing these issues. strategic Planning allows the
County to evaluate the following issues: (1) how major social and
economic trends will affect our community; (2) determine the
County's most important issues and goals; and (3) layout specific,
feasible steps to reach these goals. Strategic planning has
several features which differentiate it from comprehensive
planning:
(1) It looks outward at trends which are beyond our control,
but will shape our destiny.
(2) It focuses on a few critical issues and goals, which are
deemed most important to our future, rather than attempting to
focus on every issue at once.
(3) It is realistic in considering available resources, and
who controls them.
(4) It is action oriented, laying out specific actions
required to achieve chosen goals.
Hopefully, development of this Strategic Plan will allow New
Hanover County to anticipate problems and act in a proactive
manner, rather than reacting to problems as they arise. .
On February 3, 1992, the New Hanover County Board of
Commissioners appointed a 16-member strategic Planning Council with
members chosen to represent various segments of the community.
They were instructed to identify' the most critical issues facing
New Hanover County, look at trends which will shape our destiny,
consider available resources, set goals, and define steps necessary
to achieve these goals.
The New Hanover County strategic Planning council held its
first meeting on February 27, 1992. Council members spent the
first several months getting to know each other, studying the basic
.....
~-
,
/
I
I
I
l
MINUTES OF STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION
MAY 16, 1994
PAGE 83
organization of New Hanover County government, and studying the
strategic planning process. The Council then identified
approximately 30 issues which were grouped under four general
headings:
(1) Social Issues/Public Services
(2) Education
(3) Land Use and Planning
(4) Economic Development
o
Subcommittees were established to research each group of
issues and identify the critical issues. The strategic Planning
Council drafted a Mission Stateme~t for New Hanover County
government and statements of purpose and critical issues for each
subcommittee. These were presented to the New Hanover County Board
of Commissioners on December 21, 1992, and the Board approved the
Mission Statement on January 4, 1993.
The next task to complete wap the environmental scan. A
subcommittee was activated to assess strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats, as they affect New Hanover County
government. Each of the four or~ginal subcommittees was then asked
to draft questions relating to their critical issues for public
opinion surveys, which would be used to validate, verify, or
challenge current assumptions. These questions were discussed,
refined, and eventually approved by the entire Strategic Planning
Council on August 16, 1993. The New Hanover County Board of
Commissioners approved the printing and distribution of 10,000
citizen opinion surveys, and they were mailed during the first week
of September to every seventh registered voter. Responses were
tabulated and analyzed by Dr. David Bejou of the UNC-Wilmington
School of Business.
The. subcommittees all spent a great deal of time compiling
information.derived from interviews with department heads,.heads of
outside agencies, earlier surveys, and strategic plans and other
materials developed by other agencies. This information was
presented to the entire Strategic Planning Council by the
subcommittees, and several meetings were devoted to discussing
these preliminary findings. The subcommittees were also asked to
present critical issues to the entire Council for discussion, thus
allowing other members an opportunity to express their opinions on
all major issues. The meeting schedule was expanded during this
period and a significant amount of time was devoted to discussing
these critical issues.
o
,
When the citizen opinion surveys had been tabulated and
prepared for publication, the Council held a public forum to
discuss. them and solicit feedback from the public. Approximately
50 people attended and their comments were recorded and. later
analyzed by the subcommittees. The subcommittees were requested to
draft reports and submit them to the entire Strategic Planning
Council for discussion and ratification. Each report was examined
in detail at least twice by the entire Council. Revisions were
negotiated and each report was ratified by the entire Strategic
Planning council. Background information was assembled by the SWOT
Committee and County Staff. The.County Staff prepared, the draft
document being presented today. '
o
, ,
ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN REPORT
Planning Director, Dexter Hayes, reported New'Hanover County
is becoming an' urban county with.,approximately 130,000 residents.
The growth rate historically has been approximately 1.6% annually;
Iiowever, since 1990 the county's population has grown'at'an average
rate 'oC 2.2% "and is currently .predicted by the year' 2000, to be'
134,977. Due to baby boomers flooding the job market in the
1970'S, marrying later, waiting longer to have children, and having
smaller families the populatio~' growth is expected to dec11ne by
the year 2000, and the State Da~a, ,Center envisions an aging
e
e
e
ti ~: '''/~t}.:W~',~i'!:l'(1\~~iW}1!'};:..; jij'I'f';1i~:?r;~~'~ .,
-,
,
""'IIIl
, "~'~~ff$H;'l~ ~: "1\,;,. ,
MINUTES OF STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION
MAY 16, 1994
PAGE 84
population producing fewer babies which will result in declining
growth rates to the year 2020.
The migration rate is difficult to predict. Since 1990, the
migration rate has been at least 11% annually, and if people
continue to move to this region at tpis rate, the demand for
services will greatly increase.
The age mix will be different in the future. There will be
fewer young adults, more middle-aged people (the baby boomers) and
an increase in the number of senior citizens (age 60 and over). It
is projected that the average age of a New Hanover County resident
will increase in the 1990's and on into the 21st Century. Ttle
median age of a resident is expected to increase from 33.8 in 1990
to 41.5 in the year 2020. As the adult population outgrows their
child-bearing years, a natural increase in growth will diminish.
The average household size in New Hanover County declined from
3.43 persons in 1960 to 2.43 in 1990. This decrease is mainly the
result of more single-person households, migrants of retirement
age, and the decreasing size of the average family.
Income figures for New Hanover County remain strong in
comparison to those of the state and united states. However, when
comparing poverty rates, New Hanover County has a higher rate than
the state and united states. The poverty level varies by person or
family, based on factors such as age and family size. In 1989, the
percentage of families living at or below the poverty level was
14.0%. The state level was 13.0% and the national level was 12.8%.
Progress has been made in the educational attainment levels.
In 1970, the percentage of New Hanover County residents over the
age of 25 graduating from high school was 45.5% and in 1990, the
percentage had jumped to 78.1%, which is above the national average
of 76.9%. However, the Employment Security -commission has
projected that by the year 2000, the median years of education
required for new jobs will be 13.5 years versus 12.8 years for the
work force of 1989.
Manufacturing has maintained its 20% share of the County's
gross annual product; however, over the past 18 years, the
proportion of non-manufacturing employment has continued to
increase from 70.4% of the County's total industry employment in
1972 to 84.5% in 1990. The bulk of non-manufacturing jobs have
been in the trade and service industries and in government
employment.
According to the 1990 UNC-Charlotte 1-40 Economic Impact
Study, the completion of 1-40 is expected to provide a boost to the
County's economy, adding about 500 jobs per year and contributing
about $6 million per year.
Tourism has played a significant role in New Hanover County's
economy. In 1988, travel and tourism contributed $252 million to
the County's economy, ranking New Hanover County eighth in the
state. In 1989, travel and tourism declined to $173 million while
New Hanover County remained eighth in total tourism expenditures.
More than $1.5 million in revenue was generated in 1993 by the
County's 3% Room Occupancy Tax, of which 75% is contributed to
beach renourishment and 25% to travel and tourism promotions. Golf
courses are emerging as a major attraction for tourism.
The North Carolina state Ports Authority operates its largest
port facility out of Wilmington. The Port has contributed 2,064
jobs since 1~92 and provided $8.5 million in taxes to the region.
This region included New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus, and 'Pender
Counties.
.....
MINUTES OF STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION
MAY 16, 1994
PAGE 85
In 1993, construction activity has been through a boom cycle
with new construction estimated to be $180 million dollars. It is
difficult to predict if this rate of construction activity will
continue.
The Airport will continue to expand and according to the 1989
Airport Master Plan study by Talbert, Cox and Associates, the
Airport contributes about $20 million dollars annually to the local
!,!conomy.
o
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Frank Conlon, Chairman of the Economic Development
Committee, reported there are many opportunities for New Hanover
County to promote orderly growth. Slides were presented with the
following issues presented:
I. PROMOTION OF FISCAL EFFICIENCY
GOVERNMENT, INCLUDING ELIMINATION OF
CONSOLIDATION
OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY
DUALITY OF SERVICES AND
Recommendation: Conduct a serious and unbiased study of
consolidation. Complete this study in time to undertake
legislative action at the next Long Session of the. N. C.
General Assembly.
II. PROMOTION OF TOURISM, INCLUDING A HIGH QUALITY CONVENTION
CENTER
Recommendation:
(1) Increase the Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors
Bureau's Budget by the following methods: (A) reapportionment
of the Room Occupancy Tax Revenues; (B), find additional
sources of revenue leaving the apportionment of the Room
Occupancy ~ax unchanged; or (3) a combination of A and B.
o
(2) Construct a full service convention center with integral
banquet facilities and integral or immediately adjacent
lodging. Private assistance may be gained through franchising
or. leasing portions of the operation, but it will remain
basically a public function.
III. RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF HIGH SKILL, HIGH TECH, AND CLEAN
INDUSTRIES
Reco~endations:
(1) Ensure that the resources, capacity and flexibility of
Cape Fear Community College are provided in order to maintain
a local quality, technical education institution..
(2) The merits of cooperative vocational education at the
high school level and in conjunction with Cape Fear Community
College should be given greater emphasi~.
IV. PROMOTION OF CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND ONC-WILMINGTON AS
RESOURCES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
o
Recommendations:
(1) UNC-W should be involved in economic development efforts
of the County.
. .'
(2) Cape Fear Community College should expand and~advertise
the technical training and resources available and being
developed.
l
;,;' ,.
'~lt' ~.:-:'r&:
""
"""'I11III
..~ !
v.: .,,>:~
,
MINUTES OF STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION
MAY 16, 1994
(3) UNC-W should become a major player within the N. C.
University System. Its current role and status in Marine
Biology, Marine Sciences, Small Business Centers, and most
recently, the Information Highway System comprise the
principle avenues of that achievement.
PAGE 86
e
(4) Cape Fear Community College should acquire more
capabilities and become a regional asset, not solely a New
Hanover County asset. New Hanover County is the center of
many developing industries and businesses in the counties to
the north, west, and south. Cape Fear Community College
should become the epicenter of technical education in support
of those industries and businesses.
V. COOPERATION BETWEEN BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE THE
FAVORABLE ECONOMIC CLIMATE NECESSARY FOR GROWTH
Recommendations:
(1) Coordinate with all New Hanover County agencies, and
perhaps the agencies of adjoining counties, in a review of
permitting and regulatory policies to minimize complexity and
bring about uniformity.
(2) Encourage all levels of administration, especially the
senior and middle levels, to warmly receive applicants and
inquiries. Develop a friendly, helpful, welcoming attitude
similar to that which is the bedrock of the hospitality
industry.
e
VI. HEALTH SERVICES
~1) New Hanover Regional Medical Center should take the lead
~n establishing coordinated local and regional health
services. Through a cooperative effort with all health
service providers, develop a coordinated program and resources
in New Hanover County and ultimately the region.
(2) Whether at New Hanover Regional Medical Center or
elsewhere in the immediate vicinity, continue to develop and
expand unique health care capabilities, eliminating the
necessity for a parent to travel miles away from home for a
particular treatment.
Commissioner Sisson
through non-hospital
recommendations?
inquired as to whether services provided
resources were considered in the
Mr. Conlon reported the facilities and health care providers
beyond the hospital were discussed at length and considered in the
recommendations ."
_..-~.-
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Jonathan Alper reported the following topics should be
investigated:
e
I. FACILITIES REQUIRED TO MEET OUR EDUCATIONAL GOALS
Recommendations:
(1) In concert with the Board of Education, develop a
Comprehensive Facilities Plan for the next 10 years.
Determine ~inimum needs and how they will be funded..
(2) Consider re-using plans from existing sch?ols. . This
would permit an immediate construction start to take advantage
of low interest rates and a competitive construction market.
....
,~
MINUTES OF STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION
MAY 16, 1994
PAGE 87
(3) Consider the use of pre-engineered buildings, standard
plans for elementary schools, and additions to existing
facili ties to reduce construction costs. Set up a value
engineering program to encourage contractors to recommend cost
saving measures which will not affect the quality of the
building or its functions.
II. TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED TO PROVIDE "STATE OF THE ART" EDUCATION
Recommendations:
o
.
(1) Set a goal to provide that all students who graduate from
New Hanover County Schools will be computer literate. Provide
sufficient computers and instructors to achieve that goal.
(2) Ensure that use of the "Information Highway" is expanded.
III. VOCATIONAL EDUCATION NECESSARY TO PROVIDE A SKILLED
WORKFORCE, CAPABLE OF FILLING FUTURE JOBS
Recommendations:
(1) Promote vocational training at Cape Fear Community
College and the New Hanover County Public Schools. Work with
local industry and other users of vocationally trained
employees to set up Job Fairs, Apprenticeship Programs, and
advertising to attract new students and eradicate the stigma
attached to vocational training.
IV. SPECIAL PROGRAM NEEDS SUCH AS SPECIAL EDUCATION, AFTER-SCHOOL
DAY CARE, PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAMS, AND CULTURAL ENHANCEMENT
Recommenda,tions:
o
(1) It is critical that participation in early childhood
educational programs, such as Head Start and Smart Start, be
dramatically increased.
(2) In concert with the Board of Education, set up a Task
Force to determine how we can make early childhood programs
available to as many eligible children as possible.
(3) Make a strong effort to qualify for the Smart Start
Program in its second year.
(4) .In concert with the Board of Education, investigate the
possibility of providing inexpensive after school day care in
County facilities.
V. RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF QUALITY ADMINISTRATORS AND
FACULTY, INCLUDING MORE MINORITY STAFF MEMBERS
Recommendations:
(1) Consider hiring "Second Career" persons, such as
retirees, to fill specialty teaching positions and to increase
the percentage of minority educators.
o
VI. SOLUTIONS TO GROWING SOCIAL NEEDS SUCH AS CRIME, DRUGS, SINGLE
PARENTS, ETC. AS THEY AFFECT SCHOOLS
Recommendation:
(1) Encourage and expand existing task forces consisting of
representatives of the School system, Department of 'Social
Services, Health Department, Juvenile Courts, Police
Department, Sheriff's Department, Housing Authority',. 'Child
^ .Adv9cacy commission, and others who work with children to
.. "'investigate'these problems'and recommend solutions.
. .
e
e
e
~ ;l:"'~',"Il;!'" ~
""'IIIl
~t.~
MINUTES OF STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION
MAY 16, 1994
PAGE 88
VII. INCREASING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN OUR SCHOOLS
Recommendation:
(1) Appoint a Volunteer Coordinator to work within the
community and with each school administration and parent-
teacher organization to set up programs that will attract
members of the community to become involved in the schools.
VIII. UTILIZING THE TREMENDOUS RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT UNC-W AND
CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO ENHANCE EDUCATION FOR ALL CITIZENS
OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY
Recommendation:
(1) Encourage continued cooperation between the leadership of Cape
Fear Community College, UNC-W, and the New Hanover County Public
Schools.
LAND USE AND PLANNING COMMITTEE
Dr. Donald R. Latham, a member of the Land Use
Committee, presented the following critical
recommendations:
and Planning
issues and
I. PRESERVATION OF OUR ENVIRONMENT, WHILE ALLOWING FOR GROWTH AND
DEVELOPMENT
Recommendations:
(1) The County should weigh economic and environmental
issues, based on preceding information before deviating from
existing standards. The object should be to allow for
affordable residential development in New Hanover County which
has a nominal or minimal impact on the ecosystems.
(2) The County should preserve unique natural areas, such as
estuaries, creeks and sounds.
II. DEVELOPMENT OF ROADS AND HIGHWAYS TO PERMIT ORDERLY GROWTH AND
REDUCE CONGESTION
Recommendations:
(1) The County should continue to pursue the Long-Range
Transportation Plan and implement it as soon as possible.
Transit access between downtown and the beaches should be
improved.
(2) County Government should lobby for State and Federal
funds to upgrade and augment the current road system. A
review of surrounding county/state plans should be included.
(3) Traffic monitoring should be researched and updated.
Alternate transportation options should be studied as a
potential solution to existing chronic traffic bottlenecks.
III. WATER QUALITY ISSUES, INCLUDING THE COUNTY SEWER SYSTEM AND
STORMWATER RUN-OFF, FOR THE PROTECTION OF OUR RIVERS, STREAMS AND
ESTUARIES
Recommendations:
(1) A complete Stormwater Drainage Plan should be developed
to, protect the environment and resources; to alleviate
existing problems where possible; and to prevent' 'future
contamination.
, .
. .
. . ,
(2) Extensive use of
minimize the impact
retention ponds should pe~~xp~~~ed to
of our co-existence with our water
..oIIl
~-
/
MINUTES OF STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION
MAY 16, 1994
PAGE. 89
resources while developing needed recreation areas for
citizens. Funding for such a proactive position may
necessitate the use of property taxes or be subsidized by the
Water & Sewer District funds.
(3) Every effort should be made to work with communities
upstream to help clean and preserve the Cape Fear River.
Efforts of organizations such as the Cape Fear River Watch
should be supported.
o
(4) The County Sewer System, which was established to
eliminate the problem of failing septic tanks, remains
incomplete. A completed County Sewer System would encourage
development and growth of residential land while minimizing
the impact of development.
IV. REVIEW OF ZONING LAWS TO ENSURE THAT GROWTH CAN BE PERMITTED
WHERE DESIRABLE AND LIMITED IN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
~ecommendation:
(1) The County should provide for mixed use development in a
neighborhood manner.
V. CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING THE STATE
PORT AND NEW HANOVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Recommendations:
(1) County government is encourage.to assist where possible
in support of increase Port activity.
(2) Zoning or development restrictions are recommended to
assure continued development of air traffic and passenger
saf'ety. The private land between the runways should be
acquired with revenues generated by facility users.
o
Vice-Chairman Mathews expressed concern for not knowing the
land between the runways was privately owned and inquired as to
where this information was obtained?
Mr. Frank Conlon responded that this information was obtained
from the Airport Director, Bob Kemp.
'{:t. MAINTENANCE OF GOOD AIR QUALITY: There are no recommendations
in this category since, the air quality remains "good" - due to
favorable ocean breezes.
VII. ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR CONSERVATION AND RECREATION
. .
Recommendation:
01
(1) Land donated for conservation should be encouraged.
CHAIRMAN GREER AND COMMISSIONER CASTER EXCUSED FROM THE MEETING
Due to 'unavoidable conflicts', Chairman 'Greer and Commissioner
Caster ,excused themselves from the Work Session at 2:00 P.M.
SOCIAL ISSUES/PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Mark Boyer, Chairman of the social Issues/Public Services
Committee presented the following major issues and reco~endations:
I. IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY/REDUCTION OF CRIME
o
Recommendation:
"
(1) Consolidate Law Enforcement services (i.e. dispatching and
Drug,Task F.orce) and develop, a precinct strategy similar to
the Wilmington Neighborhoo'd area base stations;, ,investigate
c. ~r
~ ~ .".
e
e
e
IH"'l, ~
;ff" ' ,"
MINUTES OF STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION
MAY 16, 1994
PAGE 90
whether any real cost savings will result by polling all
agencies under one roof.
II. ADEQUATE ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL CITIZENS OF NEW
HANOVER COUNTY
Recommendation:
.
(1) All health care providers and organizations should be
encouraged to collaborate in the efficient delivery of health
services. New Hanover County should continue to support
funding and development of a Community Health Center, for the
purpose of providing preventive health care services to the
local citizenry.
commissioner sisson commented on the need to break
barriers among the health care providers and stressed
importance of cooperation among all health care providers.
necessary, health care agencies that receive County funding can
told if they do not cooperate with all agencies, funding will
cut.
down
the
If
be
be
III. IMPROVED SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR THE FAMILY UNIT, THE CHILDREN,
ELDERLY, WORKING PARENTS,' ETC.
Recommendation:
(1) Seek. support from the private sector. Develop
cooperation between agencies to offer parenting classes,
affordable child day and health care, and case management in
senior services. The homeless family should not be forgotten.
IV. PROTECTION OF THE CHARACTER OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
Recommendation:
(1) Work with other governmental bodies, including the City
of wilmington and the Wilmington Housing Authority, toward
improving the character of all neighborhoods.
V. RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND CULTURAL ENHANCEMENT
Recommendation:
(1) Complete the Park Development Plan as it was approved.
Promote more community and cultural events.
VI. ADDITIONAL ISSUES
1. Affordable Housing
~
Recommendation: New Hanover County needs to make a firm
commitment to affordable housing through an establishment of
a Minimum Housing Code. Such a requirement would allow
renovations to be made to existing homes through Community
Development Block Grant money and increase the County's
competitiveness for these funds. There should also be a study
of the housing needs to determine which areas and segments of
the population need help in locating affordable housing.
Public housing should be located throughout the County where
-transportation can be made available. '
EMERGING ISSUES
I.
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL
, -
Recommendation: . Develop a comprehensive plan for mandatory,
County. "managed .trash collection. Customers would pay the
County, and all suitable refuse would be disposed of "in the
.....
.---.
/
~~NYT~S OF STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION
MAY 16, 1994
PAGE.91
County's incinerator. This would be accomplished by
contracting with one contractor, selected vJ.a an open bid
process. The successful contractor would be the firm which
offered the best service at the lowest possible cost. This
must take effect no later than July 1, 1995.
II. REGIONALIZATION
Recommendation: with leaders of surrounding counties, develop
a forum for addressing issues of mutual concern. Build a
relationship which will result in cooperative resolution of
issues. The meetings could be facilitated by UNC-W.
o
III. GLOBAL TRANS PARK
Recommendation: Unless the County is able to negotiate a
significantly lower share of the expenses, reflective of its
distance and anticipated benefits from the Global TransPark
Project, the County should decline to participate.
IV.
ANNEXATION/CONSOLIDATION
Recommendl!>tion: New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington
should develop a new proposal for consolidation, and form a
committee to re-draft legislation to finally accomplish the
consolidation as soon as possible. Consolidation would
effectively cut the cost of government for the 2nd smallest
geographical county in North Carolina, and provide a much more
efficient form of government. This consolidated government
should feature an enlarged governing board and a combination
of district and at-large representation.
. .
Recommendation: Consider enlarging the Board of County
Commissioners and instituting a system of district and at-
large representation.
o
V. DISTRICT ELECTIONS
The following comments were received:
Mr. Frank Conlon stated he is not sure New Hanover County
would receive any direct benefit from the Global TransPark but he
is concerned about a threat to the Wilmington Port if shipping is
involved. The Morehead City Port has a deeper depth, is closer to
the Kinston Airport, and has a four-lane highway from Kinston to
Morehead City. There is only a two lane highway from Kinston to
Wilmington. Also, the Global TransPark is a threat to the New
Hanover International Airport. If the Kinston Airport is expanded
as being discussed, the Kinston Airport will be more attractive to
cargo handlers. Since these threats do exist, perhaps, the
Commissioners should negotiate with Global TransPark as to the
County's participation in this project.
Ms. Linda Pearce reported the problems with social issues are
becoming worse in New Hanover County. Teenage pregnancies, elder
abuse, child abuse, domestic violence and AIDS are continuing to
increase. She stated these needs will not go away and they must be
addressed.
o
commissioner Sisson reported another area of concern is mental
health which is never discussed. The demand for these services has
doubled over the past two years. Not only are the patients needs
not being met, but other agencies such as the Department of Social
Services, are not receiving the delivery of these services. This
issue must also be addressed.
In summary, Mr. Alper expressed appreciation to the following
persons for serving on the Strategic Planning council, particularly
to the Assistant to the County Manager, Pat Melvin, for her
-
-
-
'I"":~'>l
""'l1lI
,+".
",' -\-'
MINUTES OF STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION
MAY 16, 1994
PAGE 92
exceptional assistance and
county Planning Director,
complete the report:
dedication to the project and to the
Dexter Hayes, for the time given to
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Ms.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Dickson Baldridge
J. "Buzz" Birzenieks
Mark Boyer
Janice Cavenaugh
Frank S. Conlon
John E. Galarde
James Gargan
Herb McKim
,
Mr. Ed Neidens
Ms. Linda Pearce
Mrs. Juanita Ralston
Mr. Fred Retchin
Mr. Robert S. Rippy
Canon Edwin E. smith
Mr. Mack Tate
Mr. Michael Titterton
Also, Mr. Alper expressed appreciation to the following
facilitators:
Dr. Don Latham, Professor, Cameron School of Business, UNC-W
Dr. David Bejou, Professor, Cameron School of Business, UNC-W
Mr. Dexter Hayes, Planning Director' for New Hanover County
Ms. Patricia A. Melvin, Assistant to the County Manager
Mr. Chris O'Keefe, New Hanover County Planning Department
Vice-Chairman Mathews, on behalf of the Board, complimented
the Strategic Planning Council for the outstanding job performed in
preparing a strategic Plan for New Hanover County. The
recommendations presented are stimulating and reflect the hours of
time given to develop this plan. Each County Commissioner was
encouraged to thoroughly read and review the plan.
Assistant to the County Manager, Pat Melvin, reported this is
a draft document and will be presented in its final corrected form.
The Commissioners were requested to consider adopting any or all of
the recommendations and decide if the Strategic Planning Council
should be reappointed to assist the County in providing strategies
for implementing the recommendations. If the Council is not
reappointed, members of the County Staff will handle the
implementation procedure.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice-Chairman Mathews adjourned the meeting at 2:55 P.M.
;'
Respectfully submitted,
~~~
Clerk to the Board
'.
.....
-----
/
(
G~ l'!~\l
1.' .i).~
"
, ,
"
~.
~, "l}\. P
~.
e"I'l'14~r~
.
,<
o
o
o