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2004-04-05 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 30 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2004PAGE 1 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, April 5, 2004, at 5:30 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were Chairman Robert G. Greer; Vice-Chairman Julia Boseman; Commissioner William A. Caster; Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr; Commissioner Nancy H. Pritchett; County Manager, Allen O’Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Sheila L. Schult. Chairman Greer called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Reverend Amanda McCullough, Senior Pastor at St. Jude’s Metropolitan Community Church, gave the invocation. Commissioner Davis led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chairman Greer asked if any member of the Board would like to discuss or remove an item from the Consent Agenda. Hearing none, Chairman Greer called for a motion to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Boseman to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes The Commissioners approved minutes from the following meetings as presented by the Clerk to the Board: Regular Meeting, February 16, 2004 Work Session, March 17, 2004 Regular Meeting, March 22, 2004 Special Meeting, March 29, 2004 Approval of Request to Use Lapsed Salary in the School Health Budget for a New Information Systems Support Technician Position, Funded by New Hanover County Board of Education The Commissioners approved the request from the Board of Health to accept funding in the amount of $9,361 from the New Hanover County Board of Education. These funds will be used to hire an Information Systems Support Technician to support School Health Nurses and departmental IT needs. This position will be funded via lapsed salary in the FY03-04 school health budget, and will be added to the school health budget for FY04-05 as a 12 month position funded by the Board of Education. This position will be beneficial in the department's compliance with HIPAA security requirements for student health information. Approval to Destroy Jury Cards from 1999 to 2001 per G.S. 9-7 The Commissioners approved the request from Register of Deeds Becky Christian to destroy jury cards from the years 1999 to 2001 per G.S. 9-7. Approval of Budget Amendment # 04-0179-Social Services The Commissioners approved the following budget amendment: Budget Amendment #04-0179-Social Services Adjustment Debit Credit Child Day Care: Office Day Care Services$350,000 Day Care Services$350,000 Explanation: Additional funding was received from the State Child Development Division to allow all children who currently receive day care services to continue to receive services throughout the fiscal year with no additional County dollars required. Approval of Budget Amendment # 04-0182-Social Services The Commissioners approved the following budget amendment: Budget Amendment #04-0182-Social Services AdjustmentDebitCredit Medicaid: Medicaid Assistance Payments$50,000 General Assistance: Assistance Payments$50,000 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 30 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2004PAGE 2 Explanation: This is a transfer of County dollars from Medicaid to General Assistance due to no funds left in General Assistance and current estimates show that not all funds currently budgeted for Medicaid will be required this fiscal year. Non-County General Assistance funds are lower this year than they have been in the past. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE, CLERK TO THE BOARD Judge John W. Smith, District Court Judge, administered the Oath of Office to Sheila L. Schult, the new Clerk to the Board of Commissioners. Chairman Greer welcomed Ms. Schult to New Hanover County and wished her well during her term of office. He also recognized Hans Schult, Ms. Schult’s husband, and thanked him for attending the meeting. A copy of the Oath of Office is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXVIII, Page 26.1. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION DECLARING THE WEEK OF APRIL 11-17, 2004, AS NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATOR’S WEEK IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY Chairman Greer introduced Director of the 911 Center Steve Smith. After a short presentation Mr. Smith requested consideration of adoption of the resolution declaring April 11-17, 2004, as National Telecommunicator’s Week in honor of the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators. Chairman Greer read the resolution into the record and requested a motion for approval. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Boseman to adopt the resolution declaring the week of April 11-17, 2004, as National Telecommunicator’s Week in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Greer requested Mr. Smith to step forward to receive the resolution. On behalf of the Board, he presented the resolution to Mr. Smith and some of the employees of the 911 Center. Mr. Smith expressed appreciation on behalf of the 911 Center Staff for recognizing their contribution to public safety. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXVIII, Page 26.2. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION DECLARING APRIL 2004 AS FAIR HOUSING MONTH Chairman Greer introduced Carl Byrd, Sr., Director of the Human Relations Department and called on him to make the Staff presentation. Mr. Byrd introduced members from the Human Relations Commission who were in attendance: Fannie Chestnut-Hairston, Advisor to the Director and Human Relations Commission; Lethia Hankins, Chairperson of the Human Relations Commission; Rev. Amanda McCullough, Member of the Human Relations Commission; Marla Rice-Evans, Secretary of the Human Relations Commission; Anthony Gentile, Jr., past President of the Human Relations Commission; and James T. Jones, Vice-President of the Human Relations Commission. Mr. Byrd requested the Board on behalf of the Human Relations Commission members to adopt a resolution declaring April 2004 as Fair Housing Month. Chairman Greer read the resolution into the record and requested a motion for approval. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to adopt the resolution declaring April 2004 as Fair Housing Month. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Greer requested Ms. Hankins to step forward to receive the resolution. On behalf of the Board, he presented the resolution to Ms. Hankins and asked if she would like to speak. Ms. Hankins, on behalf of the Human Relations Commission, thanked the Board for the resolution and spoke on the on-going need for fair housing. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXVIII, Page 26.3. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REQUEST BY JOHN SAWYER ARCHITECTS FOR PLANTATION VILLAGE TO MODIFY AN EXISTING SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A PERSONAL CARE FACILITY BY ADDING A MAINTENANCE BUILDING AND ASSOCIATED PARKING IN AN R-20 RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT LOCATED AT 1200 PORTERS NECK ROAD (S-211, 02/04) Chairman Greer opened the Public Hearing and announced that the special use process required a quasi-judicial hearing; therefore, any person wishing to testify must be sworn in by the Clerk to the Board. He requested all persons who signed in to speak or who want to present testimony to step forward to be sworn in. The following persons were sworn in: Dexter Hayes John R. Sawyer NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 30 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2004PAGE 3 Chairman Greer requested Planning Director Dexter Hayes to make the Staff presentation. Mr. Hayes reported that based on public comment at the Planning Board’s February meeting, the applicant was asked to revise the plan for the March Planning Board meeting. Mr. Hayes further explained that the petitioner was requesting a modification to an existing Special Use Permit to add a maintenance area with a building, employee parking and vehicle staging area on the northeast perimeter of a 55± acre nursing and personal care facility. The proposed location for this facility is adjacent on the north to five or six residential lots in the Porters Neck Subdivision and adjacent on the east to the Porters Neck maintenance facility. Commissioner Davis asked if this request was consistent with the Land Use Plan. Mr. Hayes replied that it was part of the original plan approval and Staff recommended approval. Chairman Greer introduced John Sawyer, the architect for the proposed project and asked if he would like to speak. Mr. Sawyer reported that as requested at the March Planning Board meeting he presented the revised plan with the proposed maintenance facility located away from the single-family homes in the Porters Neck Subdivision. At that meeting the Planning Board thanked him for accommodating their concerns and the neighbors concerns and voted 7-0 to recommend approval. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Greer closed the Public Hearing and asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Boseman to approve the request by John Sawyer Architects for Plantation Village to modify the existing Special Use Permit for a Nursing and Personal Care Facility in an R-20 District to add a maintenance area with a building, employee parking and vehicle staging area on the northeast perimeter of the approximately 55 acre facility. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the modification of the Special Use Permit is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in SUP Book III, Page 23.1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REQUEST BY DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR SCOTTS HILL HARDWARE & SUPPLY COMPANY TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 2 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8712 MARKET STREET NORTH OF FUTCH CREEK ROAD FROM R-15 RESIDENTIAL TO CD (B-1) CONDITIONAL USE NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS (Z-775, 03/04) Chairman Greer opened the Public Hearing and announced that the conditional use process required a quasi- judicial hearing; therefore, any person wishing to testify must be sworn in by the Clerk to the Board. He requested all persons who signed in to speak or who want to present testimony to step forward to be sworn in. The following persons were sworn in: Cindee Wolf John Barnhill Chairman Greer asked Planning Director Hayes to make the Staff presentation. Mr. Hayes explained that this was a two part request from the petitioner including: 1) a rezoning of 2 acres of property from R-15 residential to CD (B-1); and 2) a Conditional Use Neighborhood Business Permit. Mr Hayes continued to explain that specifically the applicant is proposing to relocate his existing hardware store from the corner of Futch Creek Road to this proposed location. The subject property has frontage on a service road being constructed with the (I-140) 17 By-Pass which will become the primary access to Market Street and the (I-140) By-Pass. Development on the subject parcel should be coordinated with the adjacent property owner to interconnect the associated commercial parking lots. The subject property is located in the Futch Creek watershed and is classified resource protection by the Comprehensive Plan. The resource protection classification does not preclude commercial development and no County regulated resources have been identified on site. As construction of the (I-140) 17 By-Pass commences, staff expects new subdivision proposals for several large acreage tracts in this area. The combination of new development with the extension of water and sewer services may result in multiple rezoning requests along this service road. While the intersection of the service road and Market Street will have a large volume of traffic staff believes that the existing commercial node at the Porters Neck Road Intersection provides adequate services for the region, therefore, establishing another regional node at this new intersection and along the service road is unnecessary. Mr. Hayes continued that Staff recommends that the Board establish a policy to avoid commercial zoning continuing down this service road and limit this new intersection to neighborhood services. Establishing this Conditional Use Zoning District is consistent with the purpose of Conditional Use zoning which is intended for use between zoning districts of very dissimilar character where a particular use with conditions and safeguards can create a more orderly transition. This Conditional Use Zoning District can be used to define the limits of the commercial zoning along the service road. Mr. Hayes stated that Staff recommends approval with the following conditions: 1)The list of uses shall be amended to remove convenience store and service station, NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 30 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2004PAGE 4 2)The architecture of the proposed building shall be low country style architecture. Planning Director Hayes presented the following findings of facts: 1. The Board must find that the use will not materially endanger the public health or safety located where proposed and developed according to the plan as submitted and approved. A.The subject property is located within the Ogden VFD. B.Proposed access to the site is from Market Street. Market Street is classified as an Arterial Road. C.The site is served by private well and septic. 2. The Board must find that the use meets all required conditions and specifications of the zoning ordinance. A.The proposed hardware store is permitted within the B-1 District. Other uses listed on the site plan are also permitted by right or by special use permit in the B-1 Neighborhood Business District. B.A site plan meeting the setback and buffer requirements of the ordinance has been submitted and reviewed. C.Inter-connectivity with the adjacent commercial district to the north is shown on the site plan. D.The proposed hardware store contains 12,800 square feet with 32 associated parking spaces. E.The proposed site plan accommodates the setbacks and signage in accordance with the Special Highway Overlay District. 3. The Board must find that the use will not substantially injure the value of adjoining or abutting property or that the use is a public necessity. A.The subject property is in close proximity to a developing intersection which will likely have a significant volume of traffic after the By-Pass is completed. B.The subject property is adjacent to an existing B-1 Neighborhood Business District C.Landscaping and buffering can be accommodated to protect adjoining residential properties. D.No evidence has been presented that the proposed project will negatively affect adjoining property values. 4. The Board must find that the location and character of the use if developed according to the plan as submitted and approved will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located and in general conformity with the plan of development for New Hanover County. A. The site is classified Resource Protection by the New Hanover County Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the Resource Protection class is to provide for the preservation and protection of important natural, historic, scenic, wildlife and recreational resources. The Resource Protection class has been developed in recognition of the fact that New Hanover County, one of the most urbanized counties in the State, still contains numerous areas of environmental or cultural sensitivity which merit protection from urban land uses. B.Clearing for the construction of (I-140) 17 By-Pass has begun. C. There is a significant amount of residential development proposed and under construction nearby. Chairman Greer asked the petitioner to present her case and introduced Cindee Wolf from Design Solutions. Ms. Wolf responded that Staff had done an excellent presentation of the facts. She explained that the applicant would like to move his existing hardware store to the proposed location with the opportunity to change the use in the future and had agreed to the Planning Board’s two conditions: 1) the list of uses shall be amended to remove the convenience store and service station, 2) the design of the proposed building shall be low country style architecture. Chairman Greer asked if anyone from the public wished to speak on the request. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Greer closed the Public Hearing. He requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Boseman to approve the request by Design solutions for Scotts Hill Hardware and Supply Company to rezone approximately 2 acres of property located at 8712 Market Street north of Futch Creek Road from R-15 Residential to (B-1). Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF ZONING AREA 5 OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED JULY 6, 1971, is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Zoning Book I, Section 5, Page 50. Chairman Greer called for a motion to grant the Special Use Permit. Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Boseman to grant a Special Use Permit to Design solutions for Scotts Hill Hardware and Supply Company to construct a project comprised of Residential, Office and Commercial uses in a Conditional Use Neighborhood Business District located at 8712 Market Street subject to the two conditions recommended by the Planning Board based upon the evidence presented and findings of fact concluding that: (1) the use will not materially endanger the public health or safety if located where proposed and developed according to the plan as submitted and approved; (2) the use meets all required conditions and specifications of the Zoning Ordinance; (3) the use will not substantially injure the value of adjoining property or abutting property or that the use is a public necessity; and (4) the location and character of the use if developed according to the plan as submitted and approved will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located and in general conformity with the plan of NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 30 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2004PAGE 5 development for New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the Conditional Use Permit is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in SUP Book III, Page 23.2. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR RURAL OPERATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDS AND DISCRETIONARY RURAL GENERAL PUBLIC FUNDS TO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO SPECIFIC POPULATIONS OF THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF THE COUNTY Chairman Greer opened the Public Hearing and requested Deborah Houston, New Hanover County Transportation Program Manager to make the Staff presentation. Ms. Houston reported that New Hanover County is eligible to receive $134,577 via the N.C. Department of Transportation's Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) for FY 2004-05. She reported that funding must be used to provide transportation services to specific populations of the unincorporated areas of the County and no local match is required. Funding categories and amounts as determined by NCDOT are: Elderly/Disabled Assistance$ 80,740 Work First Assistance$ 14,368 Rural General Public Assistance$ 39,469 Total $134,577 Ms. Houston continued reporting that the County is applying for $100,430 of discretionary rural general public funds. These funds will cover the cost of general public transportation beyond what can be supported with the amount originally allocated. A local match of $10,043 is required if the request for discretionary rural general public funds is awarded. This amount is approximately $6,000 more than the original projection for the merged transit system because the County did not have the ROAP application criteria upon making stated projections. The N.C. Board of Transportation will make the decision on the availability of discretionary funds in FY 04-05. Chairman Greer asked if anyone from the audience wished to speak in favor of or against the proposal. Hearing none, Chairman Greer closed the public hearing and called for a motion. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Boseman to approve the request to submit an application for Rural Operating Assistance Program Funds in the amount of $134,577 and Discretionary Rural General Public Funds in the amount of $100,000 and to direct Chairman Greer, County Manager O’Neal and County Attorney Copley to execute the appropriate certifications and assurances for the application and to accept grant if awarded. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION BY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD TO CHANGE PARK FEES AND USE POLICIES Chairman Greer reported that the changes in parks fees and revisions in parks use policies were presented at the March 22, 2004, Board Meeting, and the action was continued until today’s meeting. He asked Parks Director Neal Lewis to present the changes. Parks Director Lewis reported that since adoption of the Athletic Tournament Fee Schedule by the Board of County Commissioners on August 18, 2003, the department has been asked to reconsider the fees charged to community groups for tournament activity. The revised fee schedule has the endorsement of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board including the addition of the fee schedule for the use of the Equestrian Ring at Hugh MacRae Park. Commissioner Pritchett asked Mr. Lewis if there has been an on-going problem of groups using the Equestrian Ring leaving it in an unacceptable condition, and if so, would requiring a refundable deposit in advance be a solution to the problem. Mr. Lewis replied that this has been an on-going problem and requiring a refundable deposit in advance would be a solution to the problem. Vice-Chairman Boseman introduced Allen Ludlum, Board Director of the Winter Park Optimist League. Mr. Ludlum reported that he had not seen the revised fee schedule, but with the information that has been relayed to him, he was pleased that the fees for the Optimist leagues had been reduced but would like to see local non-profit league fees reduced also. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Greer called for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett to approve the revised parks fees and use policies as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with the revision of the Equestrian Ring fees to include the following: 1) One-third of fee due at time of reservation booking with the balance due ten calendar days prior to the event; and 2) A refundable maintenance deposit fee of $100.00 due in advance. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 2004 AS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH. Chairman Greerintroduced a proclamation declaring April 2004 as Child Abuse Prevention Month at the request of the Department of Social Services Board. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 30 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2004PAGE 6 Chairman Greer read the proclamation into the record and requested a motion for approval. Motion: Commissioner Davis MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett to adopt the proclamation declaring April 2004 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Greer requested Wanda Neidig, Assistant Director for Social Services to step forward to receive the resolution. On behalf of the Board, he presented the resolution to Ms. Neidig and asked if she would like to speak. Ms. Neidig expressed appreciation to the Board on behalf of the Department of Social Services and the community for the proclamation supporting Child Abuse Prevention Month. She continued by reporting that statistics show that if child abuse was an illness it would be classified as an epidemic. She again thanked the Board for its support. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXVIII, Page 26.4. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY MAYOR DENNIS BARBOUR TO SUPPORT THE REQUEST OF THE TOWN OF CAROLINA BEACH TO THE NC STATE PARK DIVISION TO REPEAL AND RECONSIDER RECENTLY ADOPTED POLICIES AFFECTING FORT FISHER STATE PARK Chairman Greer shared an e-mail from Mayor Barbour of Carolina Beach requesting the Board’s support of their Resolution dated February 26, 2004, to the NC State Park Division. The Resolution requests that the Fort Fisher State Park and Advisory Committee repeal the recently adopted closure hours until a management plan can be developed that incorporates the interest of all involved persons including the Town of Carolina Beach, Town of Kure Beach, their businesses, residents and tourists. A similar request was received from Mayor Medlin of Kure Beach. Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Boseman to adopt the resolution as presented by the Town of Carolina Beach. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXVIII, Page 26.5. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CAMA LAND USE PLAN ADVISORY PANEL Chairman Greer explained the need to appoint a Commissioner to serve on the CAMA Land Use Plan Advisory Panel and the additional need to direct staff to advertise for applicants for a second at large position. The panel will be composed of eight members which include two appointments from each of the following boards: New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, Wilmington City Council, Wilmington Planning Commission and the New Hanover County Planning Board. Appointments by the Commissioners should be made by Monday, May 17, 2004. Chairman Greer opened the floor to receive nominations. Vice-Chairman Boseman nominated Commissioner Caster.The nomination was seconded by Chairman Greer. Commissioner Davis nominated Commissioner Pritchett. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Pritchett. Hearing no further nominations, Chairman Greer declared the nominations closed. Chairman Greer called for a vote on the nomination of Commissioner Caster. Vote: The nomination of Commissioner Caster received 3 votes and he was appointed the Board’s representative on the CAMA Land Use Plan Advisory Panel. The Clerk to the Board was directed to advertise for applicants for the second position, with the appointment to be made at the May 17, 2004, Board Meeting. MEETING RECESSED TO HOLD A REGULAR MEETING OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT Chairman Greer convened from Regular Session at 7:20 p.m. to hold a meeting of the New Hanover County Water and Sewer District. Chairman Greer reconvened to Regular Session at 7:40 p.m. NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Greer announced that time had been reserved to allow the public to present an item that was not listed on the regular agenda. He requested all persons speaking to limit their remarks to three minutes. . No items were presented ADDITIONAL ITEMS Additional Items Presented by Commissioner Caster: •Commissioner Caster shared that he had received an e-mail from a citizen concerned about litter control. He NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 30 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2004PAGE 7 reported that Allen Pope, engineer with the N.C. DOT stated that the Department of Corrections is hesitant to use prisoners in urban areas. County Manager O’Neal will follow-up on the specific area that concerned the citizen. •Commissioner Caster advised that the Tidal Creeks Watershed Management Advisory Board met last week and reported that additional funding will be requested from the N.C. Clean Water Trust Fund. North Carolina County Alliance •Commissioner Caster informed the Board that an article published in the magazine reported that Verizon had chosen New Hanover County for a customer call center location. •Commissioner Caster shared a letter he had received from the Cape Fear Resource Conservation Development Inc. containing a budget request. The request has been turned over to County Manager O’Neal. •Commissioner Caster shared a letter from Brunswick County requesting support of a resolution advocating raising the Homestead Exemption for elderly and disabled people. He requested that this be placed on a future agenda for discussion. •Commissioner Caster relayed to the Board that he received notification of the possible establishment of a Tri- Care Supplement for retired military. He informed the Board that County Manager O’Neal and Human Resource Director Mallette have met with the City and are pursuing the possibility of implementing the supplement. He requested that County Manager O’Neal keep the Board updated. •Commissioner Caster advised that the Tourism Development Authority met this past week and he was elected Chairman; Carl Marshburn was elected as Vice-Chairman; and Mayor Broadhurst was elected as Secretary. Additional Items from Vice-Chairman Boseman: •Vice-Chairman Boseman requested from Staff that the Homestead Exemption for the elderly and disabled be brought back during the appropriate budget time. •Vice-Chairman Boseman acknowledged that Assistant County Manager Weaver represented New Hanover County at Opening Night for Winter Park Baseball. Additional Items from Chairman Greer: •Chairman Greer requested Staff to follow up on what authority local county government had in granting property tax exemptions for the elderly and disabled and update the Board. •Chairman Greer informed the Board that he had requested that the problem of littering be put on the agenda at the next Judges Luncheon which will be held on May 7, 2004 at 12:30 p.m. in the Assembly Room. Additional Items from Commissioner Pritchett: •Commissioner Pritchett informed the Board that compost bins would be available for sale on Saturday, April 17, 2004 at the Lowe’s on South College Road between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at a charge of $35. •Commissioner Pritchett shared that she had attended the Long Range Planning Meeting for The Ability Garden at the Arboretum. She continued to report on the wonderful program which allows mentally and physically disabled individuals the opportunity to work in the garden and encouraged Commissioners to visit and support this program. Additional Item from Commissioner Davis Commissioner Davis thanked the Azalea Festival Officers and volunteers that put on a wonderful Azalea Festival last weekend. Additional Items from County Attorney Copley Special Use Permit for a Convenience Store/Tea Shop Granted to Amanda Smith County Attorney Copley stated for the record that pursuant to the instructions of Judge Ernest Fullwood, a Special Use Permit for a Convenience Store/Tea Shop located within the Myrtle Grove VFD has been granted to Ms. Amanda Smith, 7903Myrtle Grove Road. A copy of the Special Use Permit is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in the SUP Book III, Page 23.3. Woodrow Allen Ward vs. New Hanover County Court Settlement Reported County Attorney Copley stated for the record that the litigation designated as Woodrow Allen Ward vs. New Hanover County, et al, filed in the New Hanover County Superior Court, has been resolved with the approval of the Board, through a settlement in the amount of $3,500. A copy of the settlement agreement is on file in the County Attorney’s office. Additional Item from Assistant County Manager Melvin Assistant County Manager Melvin shared with the Board that the Partners for Economic Inclusion Coalition NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 30 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2004PAGE 8 Board will be hosting an event Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at 12:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers. She encouraged the Commissioners to attend this event since New Hanover County is one of the key participants in this effort to ensure support of local small businesses. Additional Item from Clerk to the Board Schult : Clerk to the Board Schult reminded the Commissioners of the joint dinner with the legislative delegation, Monday, April 12, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. in the Williston Auditorium at the Cape Fear Museum. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further comments, Chairman Greer called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Greer, to adjourn the meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Greer adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sheila L. Schult Clerk to the Board