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1996-07-22 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1996PAGE 490 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, July 22, 1996, at 9:00 A.M. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioners Sandra Barone; William A. Caster; Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.; Chairman Robert G. Greer; Deputy County Manager, Andrew J. Atkinson; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Commissioner William E. Sisson, Jr. was absent. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Reverend John Arnett, Pastor of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, gave the invocation. Vice-Chairman Mathews led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Chairman Greer complimented the Administrative Staff and County employees for the outstanding job performed in manning the Media Center and Emergency Operations Center during Hurricane Bertha. He commended the Director of Emergency Management and Staff for the exceptional manner in which the emergency procedures and recovery efforts were implemented to protect the public safety. NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Greer announced that three minutes had been reserved to allow anyone from the public to introduce an item not listed on the Regular Agenda or comment on an item listed on the Consent Agenda. He requested all persons speaking to limit their remarks to three minutes. No comments or items were presented. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chairman Greer requested removal of Consent Agenda Items 5, 8, and 9 for further discussion. Motion: Vice-Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to approve the Consent Agenda with removal of items 5, 8, and 9 as requested by Chairman Greer. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Regular Meetings of June 3, 1996, and July 1, 1996, as presented by the Clerk to the Board. Release of Value - New Hanover County Tax Department The Commissioners approved a delinquent application for exemption from the property tax for the following organization. The application and letter explaining the late filing are available in the Tax Office upon request. Saint Paul's Episcopal Church RO4818-023-008-000 RO4818-023-009-000 Acceptance of Tax Collection Reports Through June 30, 1996 The Commissioners accepted the following Tax Collection Reports through June 30, 1996, as submitted by the Collector of Revenue: New Hanover County Tax Collections New Hanover County Fire District Tax Collections Copies of these reports are hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXIII, Page 22. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1996PAGE 491 Approval of Contract with Arcadian Fertilizer, L. P. for the Sale of Steam - WASTEC The Commissioners approved a contract for the sale of steam from the WASTEC Facility to Arcadian Fertilizer, L. P. with the following changes: (1)Arcadian will return condensate to the WASTEC Facility without penalty for failure to return condensate. (2)The multiplier for natural gas is increased from $.95 to $1.00. Rates for steam sales are tied to On-Peak/Off-Peak hours causing steam sales to be equivalent to electrical sales above 10,000 pounds per hour during On-Peak hours. Off-Peak steam sales and the first 10,000 pounds during On-Peak hours are tied to Arcadian fuel cost. The Chairman was authorized to sign the necessary contract documents. A copy of the contract is on file in the Legal Department. Authorization for the County Manager to Accept the Victims of Crime Act Grant Award for FY 1996-97 The Commissioners authorized the County Manager to accept and sign the Victims of Crime Act Grant Award for FY 1996-97 to the Domestic Violence Shelter & Services and Rape Crisis Center. These funds will flow through a County balance sheet account and no Budget Amendment or County funds will be required. Authorization for the New Hanover County Public Library to Submit a Grant Application to the State Aid to Public Libraries for FY 1996-97 The Commissioners authorized the New Hanover County Public Library to submit a grant application to the State Aid to Public Libraries for FY 1996-97. The State Budget Office estimates that the Library will receive $156,655 in State funds to assist in providing public library service to New Hanover County residents. To qualify for the grant, New Hanover County must maintain its current level of library support, and an annual application must be submitted. Authorization for the Deputy County Manager to Submit a Grant Application for the Criminal Justice Partnership Program The Commissioners authorized the submission of a discretionary grant application in the amount of $50,000 for expansion of the Day Sentencing Center and granted permission to the Deputy County Manager for acceptance of the award and approval of the associated Budget Amendment. No County funds are required. Acceptance of FY 1996-97 Retired Senior Volunteer Program Grant Award and Approval of Budget Amendment #97-0005 - Department of Aging The Commissioners accepted the FY 1996-97 Retired Senior Volunteer Program grant award in the amount of $46,354 (which is a 2.5% reduction in funding from the previous year) and approved the associated Budget Amendment as listed below. The County's contribution is $42,871, which has been budgeted in the FY 1996-97 Budget. The grant supports funding for 600 volunteers working in 60 stations throughout the County. Budget Amendment #97-0005 Aging-RSVP Debit Credit Aging-RSVP ACTION RSVP Grant $1,189 Aging-RSVP Temporary Salaries $1,189 Purpose: To reduce budget to actual grant award for FY 1996-97. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1996PAGE 492 Approval of Budget Amendment #97-0012 - Sheriff's Department The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment: Sheriff-CRIMS Upgrade Debit Credit Sheriff-CRIMS Upgrade CRIMS Grant $64,275 Transfer from Federal Forfeited Property 21,425 Sheriff-CRIMS Upgrade Contract Services $ 4,500 Supplies 10,204 Telephone 5,400 Equipment 65,596 Purpose: To establish budget for grant awarded to the Sheriff's Department for the Consolidated Records Information Management System (CRIMS) upgrade. The grant application was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on February 5, 1996, and Staff was requested to accept the grant if awarded without any change. Authorization to Submit Grant Application to the N. C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety for Upgrade to the Criminal Justice Information System The Commissioners authorized the Sheriff to file a federal grant in the amount of $64,275 from the N. C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety to be used to upgrade the Criminal Justice Information System by installing a Consolidated Records Information System. Consent was given to accept the grant, if awarded; authorize the Chairman to sign the grant document; and prepare the appropriate Budget Amendment for the grant award. The grant will require a County match of 25% to be paid from Federal Forfeited Property revenue. Approval of Budget Amendment #97-0010 - New Hanover County School The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment: #97-0010 New Hanover County Schools Fund/Schools Capital Projects Fund Debit Credit New Hanover County Schools Fund Current Capital Outlay $124,236 Transfer to Other Funds $124,236 (to Fund 330/Schools Capital Projects) Schools Capital Projects Fund Transfer In (from Fund 125/Schools) $124,236 Capital Project Expense $124,236 Purpose: To transfer funds from the New Hanover County Schools Fund/current capital outlay, to the Schools Capital Projects Fund for additional cost of ADA capital projects as requested by the Schools. DISCUSSION OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 5 AND 8 Chairman Greer advised that Budget Amendments were normally approved by the Board of County Commissioners, and he requested an explanation as to why the Assistant to the County Manager and County Manager were being designated to approve Budget Amendments as requested in Consent Agenda Items 5 and 8? Deputy County Manager Atkinson explained that Consent Agenda Item 5 was a State Budget Amendment to transfer $95 between line items without requiring a County Budget Amendment. Authorization was requested to allow the Assistant to the County Manager, who serves as the Project Director for the Human Services Transportation System, to approve future State Human Services Transportation Budget Amendments that do not require approval by NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1996PAGE 493 the Board of County Commissioners. Under Consent Agenda 8, authorization was requested for the County Manager to approve the Budget Amendment when accepting the grant, if awarded to the County. Motion: Chairman Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barone to approve the N. C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) State Budget Amendment transferring $95 from the 20-passenger busing line item to the radio line item and authorize the Assistant to the County Manager to approve future NCDOT Human Services Transportation Budget Amendments that do not require Board approval; and approve Consent Agenda Item 8 authorizing submission of an application for the FY 1996-97 Elderly Disabled Transportation Assistance Program grant in the amount of $40,007 and authorize the County Manager to accept the grant award and approve the related Budget Amendment. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Greer Absent: Commissioner Sisson DISCUSSION OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 9, AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FOR THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT TO ESTABLISH A DRUG COURT IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY AND APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT #97-0004 Chairman Greer requested an explanation as to how the individuals would be recommended for the drug program? Deputy County Manager Atkinson advised the Drug Court would recommend the individuals to receive special drug treatment with Local Law Enforcement Block grant funds being used to pay for the services rendered by the drug rehabilitation program or agency. If the County submits a grant application and receives a grant award, the District Attorney will have an opportunity to start a Drug Court in New Hanover County. He advised that a 10% match of $6,529 would be required; however, no additional personnel would be needed. Motion: Chairman Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barone to approve Consent Agenda Item 9 for submission of a grant application to the U. S. Department of Justice for a Local Law Enforcement Block grant to establish a Drug Court in New Hanover County, and approve the following Budget Amendment. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Greer Absent: Commissioner Sisson Budget Amendment #97-0004 - Judges Debit Credit Non-Departmental Contingencies $ 6,529 Judges Bureau of Justice Grant 65,288 Judges Contract Services $71,817 Purpose: To establish a project budget for a grant from the U. S. Department of Justice for the establishment of a drug court in New Hanover County. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1996PAGE 494 PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SERVICE AWARDS Deputy County Manager Atkinson requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Bradley Parker, Sheriff's Department 5 Nancy R. Russ, Health Department 5 Patricia A. Johnson, Health Department 10 Mary M. Antley, Sheriff's Department 15 Martha A. Robinson, Health Department 15 Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, presented service awards and congratulated each employee for their years of dedicated service to New Hanover County. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES TO RETIRED COUNTY EMPLOYEES Deputy County Manager Atkinson requested the following employees to step forward to receive retirement plaques: Daniel Jezeswki, Sheriff's Department 16 years and 11 months Dorothy Woods, Deceased, Library 17 years and 8 months (Award accepted by daughter, LaRhonda Woods) Lawrence Peck, Sheriff's Department 10 years and 11 months Alexandria Traynham, Library 20 years and 11 months Cynthia R. Johnson, Health Department 17 years and 9 months Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, presented retirement plaques to each employee in recognition of their dedicated years of service to New Hanover County. RECOGNITION OF NEW COUNTY EMPLOYEES Deputy County Manager Atkinson requested the following new County employees to stand and be recognized: Barbara Coy, Health Department George Taylor, Inspections Department Marta Jean Boris, Inspections Department Robert Lee Cowan, Inspections Department Thomas McCarley, Inspections Department Ken Angel, Tax Department Phyllis Smith, Library Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, welcomed the new employees to New Hanover County and wished them well in their new positions. PRESENTATION BY DR. WILLIAM CLEARY ON BEACH EROSION IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY Dr. William Cleary, a Professor of Geology at UNC-W, presented slides to provide an overview of beach erosion in New Hanover County. He explained that regions from New River to the Cape Fear River had become literally sand starved and most of the coastal areas in New Hanover County had been impacted by inlets during the past two centuries creating severe erosion problems. The following information was presented: Mason's Inlet: Mason's Inlet has been migrating to the southwest at an average rate of 36 meters per year with a migration of 50 to 60 meters per year during the past three years. As the inlet continues to migrate to the southwest, a change will occur in the updrift of the shoreline, specifically at Figure 8 Island, and no amount of beach renourishment will stop the erosion because the shoreline has changed. If the inlet is relocated to the north, the residents of Figure 8 Island will benefit. Currently, the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1996PAGE 495 southwest migration has pumped sand into the estuary system which has clogged the channel going to the inlet and created rapid erosion. The channel must be cleaned out to restore the natural hydrologics of the system. Old Moore's Inlet: Forty percent of the erosion problem at Wrightsville Beach was created when Moore's Inlet was closed in the 1960's. This closure created a bump in the shoreline and erosion began to occur. The bump was artificially maintained through the years creating a continuous erosion problem. Since 1930, approximately 12 million cubic yards of sand has been pumped onto Wrightsville Beach. Most of the sand was taken from the estuary until passage of the Clean Water Act in the 1970's, which prohibited removal of sand from the estuary. Since that time sand has been removed from the inlet to replenish the shoreline. Approximately one-third of the sand that is pumped onto the beach washes out into water depths of 60 feet without ever returning to the system. Masonboro Island and the Dual Jetty System: The north jetty was built in 1965 and the south jetty was built in 1981. This dual jetty system has been a barrier for sediment moving to Masonboro Island. This barrier has created severe erosion problems through the years because sand is impounded on the updrift side without crossing from one side of the inlet to the other unless being artificially maintained. If Congress cuts the dredging program, Masonboro Island will have severe erosion problems, particularly on the southern end of the island. Carolina Beach Inlet: The Carolina Beach inlet was opened in 1952 and erosion began to occur immediately at a rapid rate on Masonboro Island and the northern end of Carolina Beach. Much of the sand on Masonboro Island was removed by the Carolina Beach inlet. Kure Beach: The southern portion of New Hanover County has received numerous replenishment projects by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. Due to the depletion of sand in the area, the Corps searched and found sufficient sand in many old channels of the Cape Fear River. Once this source is used, there will be a real problem in finding enough sand for future replenishment projects. Fort Fisher Area: In 1980 before placement of the Riggins Condominium project, there was a bump in the shoreline that had already created severe erosion problems. Due to a thin layer of sand on top of the rock, any intense storm activity removes the sand. This rock extends from Fort Fisher to Masonboro Island into the off-shore area 60 feet. When New Inlet was closed in 1881, the inlet that existed in this area was the second largest system in North Carolina. The closure of New Inlet caused the shoals to move and allowed wave action to occur with continual erosion. If the Kure Beach Renourishment project is approved by the State, erosion will occur faster at Ft. Fisher. In closing, with or without artificial maintenance of these areas, erosion will continue to occur, and the lack of sand will become a severe problem for all coastal areas in New Hanover County. Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation to Dr. Cleary for an informative and interesting presentation. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE 1996 UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Mathews to adopt a resolution of support for the 1996 United Way Campaign. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Vice-Chairman Mathews NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1996PAGE 496 Chairman Greer Absent: Commissioner Sisson A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXIII, Page 22. ADOPTION OF A ROAD ORDER TO CLOSE WATERCREST STREET Planning Director, Dexter Hayes, reported the Board had already taken action on the road closure; however, Staff was requested to present the revised road closing order that included the establishment of a conservation easement. Chairman Greer inquired as to whether the parties involved were satisfied with the revised order? Planning Director Hayes responded that no negative comments had been received. Motion: Commissioner Barone MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to adopt the order closing Watercrest Street contingent upon establishing a conservation easement on the 60 foot right-of-way out of which 20 feet will be reserved and maintained by the County for future utility purposes. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Greer Absent: Commissioner Sisson A copy of the order is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXIII, Page 22. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN AMENDMENT TO THE VISION SOFTWARE PROJECT IN THE I-40 BUSINESS PARK Chairman Greer opened the Public Hearing. Staff Planner, Wanda Coston, advised that Vision Software, Inc. has requested the Board to consider amending the original loan by an additional $225,000 to construct the entire building, including the expansion. She presented a site plan for the expansion and advised that CDBG had agreed to consider the request since fifteen additional jobs would be created by completing the entire building. No additional County funds will be required if the proposed amendment is authorized by the Board. Chairman Greer inquired as to whether anyone from the public would like to comment. The following remarks were received: Mr. William Funderburg, representing the Castle Hayne community, expressed concern for the N. C. Department of Commerce not addressing environmental concerns relative to discharge of wastewater into the Northeast Cape Fear River as required under NCGS 159-C. He asked Ms. Coston if she had received a copy of this form for the Vision Software project? Staff Planner Coston replied that no form had been received. Mr. Funderburg reported the County could not approve the additional $225,000 for expansion of Vision Software, Inc. until the N. C. Department of Commerce had filled out a form to address discharge environmental concerns as outlined under NCGS 159-C. He requested the Board to table action on this amendment until the Planning Department had received a copy of the form from the N. C. Department of Commerce. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1996PAGE 497 Staff Planner Coston reported the study for the environmental impact statement, including the expansion of the facility, had been completed when the original application was approved by CDBG; therefore, the County was not required to provide another environmental impact statement. Mr. Funderburg reported he had a copy of the environmental impact statement and advised that industrial funds borrowed through the N. C. Department of Commerce had to meet the conditions listed under NCGS 159-C. After reviewing the original application file in the Planning Department, he could not find a copy of the required form. The residents of Castle Hayne have been concerned about any additional discharge into the Northeast Cape Fear River and have petitioned the N. C. Department of Environmental Management to hold a Public Hearing regarding the NPDES discharge permit. Notification has been received from the N. C. Department of Commerce that a Public Hearing will be held on August 8, 1996, at New Hanover High School at 7:00 P.M. to receive public input about the proposed discharge site. Mr. Funderburg requested placement of the following items into the public record: (1)A copy of the Public Notice published in the Legal Section of the Star-News Newspaper on May 4, 1996, regarding renewal of the NPDES permit for discharge of wastewater into the Northeast Cape Fear River from Vision Software, Inc. and the Bridge Port Treatment Plant in NorthChase. (2)A copy of the Public Notice published in the Legal Section of the Star-News Newspaper on July 8, 1996, issuing the citizens of New Hanover County and Pender County a Public Hearing. Discussion was held on whether all requirements had been met under NCGS 159-C. County Attorney Copley reported the Legal Department had been involved with the Vision Software project since its inception and stated the County had followed the proper procedure for the CDBG loan. Mr. Funderburg reported a lawsuit was filed by the residents of Castle Hayne against New Hanover County and the State of North Carolina regarding the NorthChase discharge into the Northeast Cape Fear River. In settling the lawsuit, the court ruled that New Hanover County must place a pumping station in Castle Hayne at the end of the sewer line to pump the wastewater back to the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant, which would abandon the two wastewater treatment plants in NorthChase. Due to the construction of other preferred projects by the Water and Sewer District, the Castle Hayne pumping station has never been constructed. He, again, reiterated the concerns of the residents living in Castle Hayne and requested the Board to table this issue until these environmental concerns had been addressed by the N. C. Department of Commerce. Mr. Richard Holloman, Vice-President of Vision Software, Inc., reported that construction of the expansion would not negatively impact the Cape Fear River system because the discharge permit was based on completion of the entire plant. Vision Software, Inc. had decided to construct the entire plant because it would be less expensive to build now than in the future. When the original application was filed, the company committed to hiring 49 employees; however, since that time the company has obtained new contracts that will require 15 new employees bringing a total of 64 new jobs to the Castle Hayne area. Mr. Holloman offered to meet with the citizens of Castle Hayne to discuss their concerns and assure them that Vision Software, Inc. was bringing a clean industry into the community that would provide good paying jobs in an aesthetically attractive project. He requested the Board to approve the amendment to the project. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1996PAGE 498 Mr. William Funderburg reported the residents of Castle Hayne were not opposed to the software company locating in the County; however, they were concerned about future development of the I-40 Business Park and the environmental impact on the Northeast Cape Fear River. He stressed the importance of this company or any other company being required to comply to the discharge regulations outlined in NCGS 159-C. Mr. Hollomon advised that additional funds would be used for the expansion, not for sewer construction. Chairman Greer informed Mr. Funderburg that New Hanover County had a 1,000,000 gallon per day permit, therefore, the permit was already in place for the Vision Software project. Mr. Funderburg advised that the NPDES permit had expired and reported the State may not be interested in renewing the permit unless the County constructs a pumping station in Castle Hayne to pump the wastewater discharge to the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant. Chairman Greer requested Staff to provide a copy of the agreement referenced by Mr. Funderburg regarding the placement of a pumping station in the Castle Hayne area. Staff Planner Coston reported she would be glad to discuss the concerns presented by Mr. Funderburg with the Assistant County Attorney, Kemp Burpeau, to be sure that all requirements had been met under NCGS 159-C. There being no further comments, Chairman Greer closed the Public Hearing. Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barone to authorize the Planning Staff to submit an amended application to the N. C. Department of Commerce requesting an additional $225,000 to the original $525,000 loan under the CDBG Economic Development Category to be used to construct a 20,230 square foot addition to the building for the Vision Software project located in the I-40 Business Park. The Chairman was authorized to sign the necessary documents. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Greer Absent: Commissioner Sisson BREAK Chairman Greer called a break from 10:23 A.M. until 10:43 A.M. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR CONTINUATION OF THE UNC-W TIDAL CREEK WATER QUALITY STUDIES Planning Director, Dexter Hayes, requested the Board to approve a contract with UNC-W to continue water quality studies in major estuarine creeks. He advised that funds had been budgeted in FY 1996-97 to continue the study. The study will provide a better understanding of the water quality in the tidal creeks, identify sources of pollution, and provide recommendations for management strategies. Additional funds for the project have been provided by the New Hanover Conservancy and the UNC-W Center for Marine Science Research. Motion: Vice-Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barone to approve the contract to continue the Tidal Creek Water Quality Studies and authorize the County Manager to sign the necessary contract documents. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1996PAGE 499 Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Greer Absent: Commissioner Sisson A copy of the contract is on file in the Legal Department. APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT TO CO-SPONSOR THE N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD IN WILMINGTON Assistant to the County Manager, Pat Melvin, advised the funding request of $7,500 was submitted by the Chamber of Commerce to co-host the N. C. Board of Transportation meeting to be held in Wilmington, N. C. on September 4-6, 1996. She informed the Board that New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington were preparing a video tape on area growth and its impact on the infrastructure, particularly in the area of transportation. The video will be produced by a video production company and will become the property of the City and County for broadcasting on television and making presentations at various meetings and events throughout the community. The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County have been requested to contribute up to $7,500 for sponsoring the event and producing the video tape. Motion: Vice-Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to approve the following Budget Amendment in the amount of $7,500. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Greer Absent: Commissioner Sisson #97-0016 Non-Departmental/Outside Agencies/Economic & Physical Debit Credit Non-Departmental Contingencies $7,500 Non-Departmental/Outside Agencies Economic & Physical Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce $7,500 ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION TO PURCHASE THE CAPE FEAR UTILITIES, INC. AND QUALITY WATER SUPPLIES, INC. WATER SYSTEMS County Attorney Copley presented a revised resolution for the County to purchase the Cape Fear Utilities, Inc. and Quality Water Supplies, Inc. water systems with financing of the purchase through Certificates of Participation instead of revenue bonds. She advised that the resolution would be presented to the Local Government Commission for approval. Deputy County Manager Atkinson reported after discussion of the financing alternatives, it was felt that Certificates of Participation would be the appropriate way to finance the project. He advised that New Hanover County had agreed to purchase the systems at a cost of $22 million and stated the water system would be used as collateral for the loan with no property tax monies pledged for the purchase. Chairman Greer stressed the importance of everyone understanding that New Hanover County did not initiate the purchase. He stated the County was approached by the owners about the possible purchase of the systems. Mr. William Funderburg asked if he could comment. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1996PAGE 500 Chairman Greer replied that this was not a public hearing, therefore, no public comments would be received at this time. Commissioner Barone inquired as to whether a Public Hearing would be held? Chairman Greer responded that a Public Hearing would be scheduled at a later date. Motion: Commissioner Barone MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to adopt a resolution approving the purchase of the Cape Fear Utilities, Inc. and Quality Water Supplies, Inc. water systems in the amount of $22 million contingent upon the terms and conditions outlined in the revised resolution as presented by the County Attorney. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Greer Absent: Commissioner Sisson A copy of the revised resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXIII, Page 22. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS TO THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY PLANNING BOARD Chairman Greer announced there were two vacancies on the Planning Board and reported that twelve applications had been received with two applicants, Joyce Fernando and James E. Wolle, being eligible for reappointment. Motion: Vice-Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to reappoint Joyce Fernando and James W. Wolle to serve three-year terms on the Planning Board with the terms to expire July 31, 1999. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Greer Absent: Commissioner Sisson MEETING CONVENED FROM REGULAR SESSION TO HOLD A MEETING OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT Chairman Greer convened from Regular Session at 10:58 A.M. until 11:17 A.M. to hold a regular meeting of the New Hanover County Water and Sewer District. ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RATIFICATION OF CONTRACT WITH D&J ENTERPRISES OF AUBURN, ALABAMA TO REMOVE STORM DEBRIS AND APPROVAL OF ASSOCIATED BUDGET AMENDMENT Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Mathews to ratify the contract with D&J Enterprises of Auburn, Alabama, for removal of storm debris from Hurricane Bertha. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Greer Absent: Commissioner Sisson A copy of the contract is on file in the Legal Department. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1996PAGE 501 APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT #97-0015 TO BUDGET FEMA REIMBURSEMENT FUNDS FOR HURRICANE BERTHA CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES Motion: Commissioner Barone MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to approve the following Budget Amendment. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Greer Absent: Commissioner Sisson 97-0015 Emergency Management/Hurricane Preparedness Debit Credit Emergency Management/Hurricane Preparedness FEMA Reimbursement $500,000 Contracted Services $500,000 Purpose: To budget FEMA reimbursement funds for Hurricane Bertha cleanup activities. There is an estimated 800,000 cubic yards of debris to haul (30,000 truckloads). The FEMA reimbursement will also fund equipment purchases and repairs necessary for the clean- up activities. DISCUSSION OF NEW HANOVER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER REQUEST FOR CONVEYING THE MEDICAL CENTER TO A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION THAT WILL OPERATE AS A COMMUNITY GENERAL HOSPITAL Deputy County Manager Atkinson requested the Board to schedule a Work Session with the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees to discuss the proposed change in the structure of the Hospital from a public to private non-profit Community General Hospital. Motion: It was the consensus of the Board to schedule the following meetings: Work Session - August 1, 1996 Assembly Room, New Hanover County Courthouse 10:15 A.M. Public Hearing - August 12, 1996 Assembly Room, New Hanover County Courthouse 7:00 P.M. Consideration of Conveying New Hanover Regional Medical Center to a private non-profit corporation that will operate the facility as a Community General Hospital at the August 19, 1996, regular meeting. DESIGNATION OF PATIO GARDEN #46 IN THE LOWER CAPE FEAR HOSPICE CARE CENTER Chairman Greer advised that a letter had been received from Ms. Eloise Thomas, the Executive Director of the Lower Cape Fear Hospice, offering the County another naming opportunity in the new Hospice Care Center. He requested direction from the Board. Motion: After discussion of selecting Patio Garden #45 least year, Commissioner Barone MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Greer to select Patio Garden #46. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Greer Absent: Commissioner Sisson NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 25 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1996PAGE 502 DISCUSSION OF RESCHEDULING THE HURRICANE BRIEFING Commissioner Caster emphasized the importance of being prepared for a future hurricane and recommended rescheduling the Hurricane Briefing as soon as possible. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Greer adjourned the meeting at 11:26 A.M. Respectfully submitted, Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board