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