1996-05-03 Special Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25
SPECIAL MEETING, MAY 3, 1996PAGE 343
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners and Wilmington
City Council met in a joint session on Friday, May 3, 1996, at 7:30
A.M. in Room B of the Coast Line Convention Center, 501 Nutt
Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were: Commissioners Sandra Barone; William A.
Caster; William E. Sisson, Jr.; Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews. Jr.;
Chairman Robert G. Greer; County Manager, Allen O'Neal; County
Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F.
Harrell.
Members present from the Wilmington City Council were: Mayor
Don Betz; Mayor Pro-Tem Katherine B. Moore; Councilmembers Frank S.
Conlon; Hamilton E. Hicks, Jr.; Harper Peterson; Charlie Rivenbark,
Laura Padgett; City Manager, Mary Gornto; City Attorney, Thomas C.
Pollard; and City Clerk, Penelope Spicer-Sidbury.
Mayor Betz called the Wilmington City Council to order and
announced the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the
establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee on Urban Growth and other
related issues.
Chairman Greer called the Board of County Commissioners to
order.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A JOINT CITY/COUNTY AD HOC COMMITTEE ON URBAN
GROWTH
Discussion was held on how to create and appoint members to
serve on a joint City/County Ad Hoc Committee. Mayor Betz opened
the floor to receive comments from the elected officials.
Councilmember Conlon advised that growth in the unincorporated
County had greatly affected what was occurring within the City, and
he stressed the importance of the City and County working together
to correlate a plan for better control and management of future
growth. He commented on the differences that occurred between the
City and County governing bodies during the 1995 Consolidation
Study and suggested using the services of the Cape Fear Council of
Governments for the provision of an objective facilitator.
Mayor Betz stated there is a gap in the overall blue print of
what New Hanover County has in place for future growth. He advised
that New Hanover County was very proactive when rapid growth began
to occur by providing water and sewer utilities in the
unincorporated County; however, as this growth has continued, the
infrastructure had to be funded with revenue generated from the
sales tax, which could have been used for the construction of new
schools. In order to control and better manage future growth, the
Ad Hoc Committee should develop a blue print that will provide one
unit for the provision of water and sewer, a joint drainage plan,
and a review of transportation issues that can be presented to the
N. C. Board of Transportation as a City/County unit on September 5-
6, 1996. Also, the schools must be included in the blue print.
Once the plan is produced, copies should be placed in the Library,
and a video should be prepared to air on Channel 8 so the public
will be informed about the joint City and County plan for future
growth in the County.
Chairman Greer reported the City and County have worked
together in joint projects such as the Land Use Plan Update and the
Unified Development Ordinance which is currently being developed by
the City and County planning staffs. He advised that in the past
a number of plans have been prepared which now lie on a shelf
because the two governing bodies could not agree on various issues.
Emphasis was placed on the importance of both governing bodies
developing an acceptable plan to all elected officials so the plan
will be a guideline for the future. Chairman Greer stated that he
felt combining the water and sewer services under one unit would be
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25
SPECIAL MEETING, MAY 3, 1996PAGE 344
more cost-effective and provide a better quality of utility
services to the customers.
Commissioner Sisson requested the plan to include addressing
the following items:
(1)A complete review of transportation needs for future growth
into the unincorporated county with a focus on better
coordinating the City and County efforts. During this review,
traffic choke points should be studied as well as other
traffic generators, such as the State Ports Authority.
(2)Other than the Unified Development Ordinance, the plan should
identify areas where joint planning ordinances can be
developed, such as a Tree Ordinance.
Councilmember Peterson stressed the importance of the plan
being specific about the amount of growth, the location of growth,
the type of growth, and transportation access. He stated, in his
opinion, the City and County should work together on the 17th
Street Extension as well as the provision of many services that
could be provided more cost effectively under one unit. Also, both
governing bodies must be aware of future trends and development in
surrounding counties because this growth will greatly impact New
Hanover County.
Mayor Pro-Tem Moore recommended focusing on traffic and the
movement of traffic in the City and County. She advised that in
the past twenty-four months, New Hanover County had received more
State funding for roads than in the past; therefore, the City and
County must work toward a coordinated Transportation/Traffic Plan
as well as the Land Use Plan in order to know the location of roads
and purchase rights-of-way properties.
A lengthy discussion was held on the composition of the Ad Hoc
Committee. Councilmember Conlon stressed the importance of
involving persons from the community on the committee to allow the
public to participate. Commissioner Caster agreed and recommended
appointment of representatives from the beach communities to serve
on the subcommittees.
Councilmember Hicks commented on the resolution adopted by the
Wilmington City Council reflecting the composition of the Board and
asked if each member of the governing bodies really wanted to serve
on the Ad Hoc Committee, which in his opinion, would create an
unwieldy number of members. He advised that a large committee
could create difficulty in rendering decisions, and he recommended
leaning toward a more representative Ad Hoc Committee with the use
of subcommittees.
Councilmember Padgett commented on the consolidation process
and she cautioned appointing too many members to serve on the Ad
Hoc Committee. She recommended making a list of major items that
need to be addressed, such as transportation, mass transit, water
and sewer with subcommittees formed to address the key issues.
Councilmember Peterson advised that the strategy should be to
select two to four major issues to be specifically addressed by the
Ad Hoc Committee in lieu of trying to address too many topics. He
also questioned if a procedure could be developed to require the
next seated boards to adopt and maintain the plan once it is
approved.
Commissioner Sisson reported the only way to assure that
future boards will adhere to the plan is through codification of
the plan.
Chairman Greer cautioned trying to address too many issues at
one time. He recommended more involvement by both governing bodies
through scheduling joint Work Sessions during the preparation
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25
SPECIAL MEETING, MAY 3, 1996PAGE 345
process of the Land Use Plan Update, the Unified Development
Ordinance, and the plan that will be presented by the Ad Hoc
Committee. He noted that more involvement would allow the
governing bodies to resolve conflict areas before the plans are
presented to the public and approved by the governing bodies.
Councilmember Padgett commented on the increase in funding
from the State for road projects in New Hanover County and reported
the City and County must be prepared for the impact of development
on new roads when opened to traffic. For example, when I-40 was
opened, the County was not ready for the rapid development that
occurred in that area. Presently, both governing bodies are aware
that Independence Boulevard and Smith Creek Parkway will become a
reality; therefore, should the City and County be sure the
infrastructure is available to encourage development on these roads
when opened, or should mass transit play a role in this issue. She
stressed the importance of developing a plan that will allow the
City and County to better manage growth in future areas of rapid
development.
Mayor Pro-Tem Moore reported she felt a consensus had been
made by both governing bodies to form the Ad Hoc Committee. She
recommended moving forward with deciding on the composition of the
committee to prepare a master plan to be completed within a certain
time frame.
Chairman Greer recommended allowing the City and County Staffs
to perform the work with involvement of both governing bodies
during the process.
Commissioner Sisson requested the members of Staff to provide
a list of items to be addressed by the Ad Hoc Committee.
Motion: Mayor Pro-Tem Moore MOVED, SECONDED by Councilmember
Conlon to establish a nine (9) member Ad Hoc Committee.
Mayor Betz asked if any member of the City Council would like
to volunteer to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee?
Councilmember Padgett and Councilmember Peterson volunteered
to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee.
Consensus: It was the consensus of the City Council to appoint
Councilmember Padgett and Councilmember Peterson to serve on the Ad
Hoc Committee.
Chairman Greer asked if any member from the Board of County
Commissioners would like to volunteer to serve on the Ad Hoc
Committee?
Vice-Chairman Mathews and Commissioner Sisson volunteered to
serve on the Ad Hoc Committee.
Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board of County
Commissioners to appoint Vice-Chairman Mathews and Commissioner
Sisson to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee.
Vice-Chairman Mathews commented on the offer by the Cape Fear
Council of Governments and he recommended using these services
whenever possible.
Mayor Betz explained that the resolution adopted by the City
Council has addressed this issue as well as involving services from
other municipalities, counties and State agencies.
A lengthy discussion was held on appointing members from the
private sector. Councilmember Conlon recommended appointing
members from professional groups, such as representatives from the
Committee of 100 and the Chamber of Commerce. Chairman Greer
agreed and recommended appointment of representatives from local
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25
SPECIAL MEETING, MAY 3, 1996PAGE 346
architectural firms, the Home Builders Association, the Homeowners
Association, and the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors.
Councilmember Padgett reported the plan should be limited to
New Hanover County with the capability of expanding the plan to
include other counties in the future. She suggested considering
the offer by the Cape Fear Council of Governments for the provision
of a facilitator to assist the Committee in reaching a consensus on
major issues of concern.
Councilmember Peterson suggested establishing the following
subcommittees: (1) City/County Land Use Subcommittee; (2)
City/County Transportation Subcommittee; (3) City/County Utilities
Subcommittee; (4) School Subcommittee; and (5) a Regional Planning
Subcommittee.
Discussion was held on the purpose of establishing a School
Subcommittee since the school system is under the leadership of
elected officials that serve on the Board of Education.
Councilmember Peterson reported a School Subcommittee could address
education and recreational/athletic facilities as well as the
coordination of where schools will be located and the road systems
to access these schools.
Mayor Betz asked if the Council was ready to vote on the
MOTION on the floor to establish a nine member Ad Hoc Committee.
Councilmember Rivenbark inquired as to how the Ad Hoc
Committee would be broken down? He advised that all persons in all
areas of the County would be affected by the Ad Hoc Committee;
therefore, large subcommittees should be established to involve
citizens from every part of the county.
Councilmember Padgett reported if a third party is
facilitating the process, the members of the subcommittees could be
enlarged.
County Manager O'Neal reported on the numerous documents that
are already available, such as the City's Master and Neighborhood
Plan, the County's Strategic Plan, a joint City/County CAMA Land
Use Plan and development of a joint Unified Development Ordinance.
He advised that the governing bodies may wish to schedule a Work
Session to hear a presentation on the existing plans before
deciding on the issues to be addressed in the development of a plan
for future growth.
Mayor Betz agreed with County Manager O'Neal and reported this
would be an excellent starting point.
Councilmember Hicks reported he would prefer a copy of the
written documents in lieu of scheduling a three to four hour Work
Session.
Councilmember Conlon reported while serving as a member of the
Strategic Planning Committee for New Hanover County the
presentations by the Planning Staff and the County Manager were
very beneficial throughout the entire process.
Councilmember Rivenbark reported he felt the County Manager
was saying that many of the issues discussed at this meeting have
already been addressed in written documents; therefore, it would be
redundant to identify areas before reviewing the plans.
Mayor Betz reported the Ad Hoc Committee should be responsible
for gathering the existing plans as resource materials. This would
move the committee away from the bureaucracy of the City and County
governments.
Councilmember Padgett suggested that the primary goal of the
first Ad Hoc Committee meeting should be to hear a report from the
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25
SPECIAL MEETING, MAY 3, 1996PAGE 347
City and County Planning Staffs on existing plans with the
committee preparing a list of issues to be addressed. This list
will be presented to the two governing bodies at which time
subcommittees could be appointed.
Mayor Betz reported a MOTION WAS ON THE FLOOR.
Councilmember Padgett requested identification of the nine
members to be appointed on the Ad Hoc Committee.
Commissioner Sisson recommended removing the two staff members
from the Ad Hoc Committee making them adjunct members with the
addition of two more members from the private sector.
Amended Motion: Mayor Pro-Tem Moore AMENDED THE MOTION, seconded
by Councilmember Conlon to appoint a nine member Ad Hoc Committee
composed of two City Council Members, two County Commissioners, one
representative from the Board of Education, and four members from
the private sector with the staff members of the City and County
serving as adjunct members. The first meeting of the Ad Hoc
Committee will be to hear a presentation on existing City and
County plans from Staff members of the City and County governments
with a report prepared on the items that need to be addressed by
the Ad Hoc Committee. This report will be presented to the two
governing bodies for consideration and approval at a later date.
Councilmember Rivenbark inquired as to how people in the other
incorporated areas of the County will be included in the process.
Mayor Betz responded these areas should be included in the
subcommittee appointments.
Councilmember Rivenbark requested that the motion be read.
Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell read the motion.
Mayor Betz called for a vote on the motion. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Greer called for a motion from the Board of County
Commissioners.
Motion: Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster
to duplicate the motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Moore as read by the Clerk
to the Board. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Vice-Chairman Mathews inquired as to whether the issues will
be prioritized by the Ad Hoc Committee?
Councilmember Padgett advised there may be areas that have
already been addressed with other areas not addressed, or areas
where the City is going in one direction and the County in another
with the need to correlate these efforts. The Ad Hoc Committee
will determine these needs after hearing the presentations on
current plans.
Mayor Betz advised that both governing bodies had adopted the
preparation of a joint Unified Development Ordinance and reported
he had urged the members of Staff to prepare the first draft of the
ordinance before the present members of the Board of County
Commissioners leave office in December.
Discussion was held on how the four members from the private
sector would be appointed and the amount of time that would be
involved with advertising the vacancies. Mayor Betz recommended
authorizing the Board of County Commissioners and City Council to
appoint two members each from the private sector.
County Manager O'Neal suggested deciding on the four groups to
be represented and then allowing these groups to provide one
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25
SPECIAL MEETING, MAY 3, 1996PAGE 348
representative each to serve on the committee as members from the
private sector.
Mayor Betz responded this was an excellent idea. Chairman
Greer recommended allowing the two City Councilmembers and two
County Commissioners to decide on the representative groups.
After discussion of trying to move forward as quickly as
possible, it was the consensus of both governing bodies to
authorize the two City Councilmembers and two County Commissioners
serving on the Ad Hoc Committee to appoint the four representative
groups from the private sector with those associations appointing
one member each to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee. The Ad Hoc
Committee will establish the date for its first meeting and the
date when the information will be presented to both governing
bodies.
Status Report on Legion Stadium
Councilmember Peterson reported the Study Committee
established to review the operation of Legion Stadium had made
progress and was very close to reaching an agreement. He requested
the City Manager and County Manager to schedule another meeting
within the next week so a final agreement could be presented to
both governing bodies.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Sisson
to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Greer adjourned the Special Session at 9:05 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board