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2004-10-04 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2004 BOOK 30 PAGE 149 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, October 4, 2004, at 5:30 p.rn. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, NC. 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 1. Schult. Chairman Greer called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Dr. Guy M. Glass, Pastor of Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian 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. Commissioner Caster requested clarification of Consent Agenda Items 3 and 5. After clarification of Consent Agenda Items 3 and 5 and hearing no further discussion, 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 the minutes of the following meeting as presented by the Clerk to the Board: Regular Meeting - September 20, 2004 Adoption of Resolution to Add Roads to the State Road System The Commissioners adopted a resolution to add the following roads to the State Road System: . Newbury Way, Thurgood Road, Rothbury Way, Selkirk Court and Valor Drive in Whitney Pines and Newbury Woods Subdivisions (Div. File No. 1047-N) A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXIX, Page 7.1. Acceptance of 2004 FEMA Fire Act Grant and Approval of Budget Amendment #05-0049 - Fire Services The Commissioners accepted the 2004 FEMA Fire Act Grant from the Department of Fire Services in the amount of $45,780 and approved the associated budget amendment #05-0049. The money will be used to purchase new protective clothing to replace aged fire suits. Training equipment and supplies are also included in this grant for fire fighter safety programs. This grant requires a 30% local match, which was budgeted in FY 04-05 for a total program funding in the amount of $65,400. Budget Amendment #05-0049 - Fire Services District Adjustment Debit Credit Fire Departments: FEMA Fire Act Funding Administrative Reserve Firefighting Supplies Safety Equipment $45,780 $19,620 $29,400 $36,000 Explanation: FEMA Fire Act funding for the fire fighter safety equipment. Adoption of Resolution to Award Contract #05-0013 to Pierce Manufacturing, Incorporated - Fire Services The Commissioners adopted a resolution to award contract #05-0013 with Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. in the amount of $160,000 for the purchase of a fire truck for the 421 Fire Station. Through G.S. l43-l29(g) the County is allowed to "piggy back" on another government's contract if the vendor is willing to provide the item at the same or better price and terms. The City of Carson, Nevada awarded a contract to Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. on February 19, 2004. Pierce Manufacturing has extended the same pricing to New Hanover County. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXIX, Page 7.2. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2004 BOOK 30 PAGE 150 Adoption of Resolution to Award Contract #05-0014 to C.W. Williams & Company, Inc. and Approval of Budget Amendment #05-0050 - Fire Services The Commissioners adopted a resolution to approve contract #05-0014 with C.W. Williams & Company, Inc., in the amount of $387,548 for the purchase of a fire truck for the Myrtle Grove Fire Station and approved the associated budget amendment #05-0050. Through G.S. l43-l29(g) the County is allowed to "piggy back" on another government's contract if the vendor is willing to provide the item at the same or better price and terms. The Town of Norwood, Massachusetts awarded a contract to the regional E-One, Inc. authorized dealer for the purchase of an E-One fire truck. The purchase order was issued on April 8, 2004 in the amount of $387,548. E-One, Inc. has agreed to extend the same pricing to New Hanover County through their regional authorized dealer, C. W. Williams & Co., Inc. Budget Amendment #05-0050 - Special Fire Services District Adjustment Debit Credit Fire Departments: Motor Vehicle Purchases Administrative Reserve $388,548 $388,548 Explanation: Move funds from Administrative Reserve into 6450 motor vehicle account to purchase E-One Fire Truck for Myrtle Grove Fire Station. The actual cost of the truck is $387,548 but an additional $1,000 is needed for payment to NC Motor Vehicles when the title and tag is requested. This $1,000 is a highway use tax and is not reimbursable to New Hanover County. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXIX, Page 7.3. Approval of Budget Amendment #05-0048 - County Commissioners/Emergency Management The Commissioners approved the following budget amendment: Budget Amendment #05-0048 - County CommissionersÆmergencv Management Adjustment Debit Credit General Fund: County Commissioners Appropriated Fund Balance Emergency Management: Communications Tower Contracted Services $50,200 $50,200 Explanation: Carry-over funds from FY 03-04 to FY 04-05 for the engineering contract for the 800 MHz Radio System Project at LORAN Station. Approval of Budget Amendment #05-0050 - County Commissioners/Emergency Management The Commissioners approved the following budget amendment: Budget Amendment #05-0050 - IT/Inspections/Auto. Enhance. and Preservation Fund Adjustment Debit Credit Auto. Enhance. & Preservation Fund: Register of Deeds: Capital Outlay Transfer to General Fund General Fund: Information Technology: Transfer In (from 115) Contracted Services Inspections: Capital Outlay $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $34,000 $9,000 Explanation: To consolidate leasing of computer hardware in the IT Department. The lease will allow for a major expansion of servers and storage to facilitate several projects for this fiscal year including: Inspections, Click2Gov and Register of Deeds storage expansion. Approval of Budget Amendment #05-0054 - Human Relations - HUD The Commissioners approved the following budget amendment: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2004 BOOK 30 PAGE 151 Budget Amendment #05-0054 - Human Relations - HUD Adjustment Debit Credit HUD Grant: Contracted Services Training and Travel $80,561 $50,000 $30,561 Explanation: To rollover unexpended grant funds from FY 03-04 to FY 04-05. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS CONSIDERATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING OCTOBER 2004 AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY Chairman Greer reported that Angel Funk, Advocate/Outreach Coordinator with Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc., requests that the Board consider proclaiming October 2004 Domestic Violence Awareness Month in New Hanover County. Vice-Chairman Boseman read the proclamation into the record. Chairman Greer requested a motion for adoption. Motion: Vice-Chairman Boseman MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett to adopt the resolution declaring October 2004 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXIX, Page 7.4. CONSIDERATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2004 AS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK Chairman Greer reported that the Commissioners have been requested to proclaim October 3-9, 2004 as Fire Prevention Week. The theme is "It's Fire Prevention Week: Test Your Smoke Alarms." Commissioner Pritchett read the proclamation into the record. Chairman Greer requested a motion for adoption. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Boseman to adopt the resolution declaring October 3-9, 2004 as Fire Prevention Week in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXIX, Page 7.5. PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Chairman Greer opened the Public Hearing and requested Senior Planner Chris O'Keefe to present background on the request. Senior Planner Chris O'Keefe introduced Darrin Punchard with PBS&J who reported that the County is required by November 2004 to have a State and FEMA approved Hazard Mitigation Plan in order to remain eligible to receive state and federal assistance in the event of a declared disaster affecting the County. New Hanover County completed a multi-jurisdictional plan with the City of Wilmington and the Town of Kure Beach. The North Carolina Division of Emergency Management, pending the completion of local adoption procedures, has approved this plan. The City of Wilmington and the Town ofKure Beach will adopt the plan after the County. There being no one present to speak in favor or opposition, Chairman Greer closed the public hearing, read the resolution into the record and requested a motion for adoption. Commissioner Caster requested that the record reflect that the resolution being approved only approves the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and does not approve the specifics listed in the Plan. Commissioner Pritchett clarified that Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach have chosen to initiate separate Hazard Mitigation Plans. Motion: Vice-Chairman Boseman MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett to adopt the Resolution for the New Hanover County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSL Y. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXIX, Page 7.6. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2004 BOOK 30 PAGE 152 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REQUEST BY JAMES BAKER AND PATRICIA RUSSELL FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO LOCATE A RESIDENTIAL DUPLEX IN AN R-I0 RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT LOCATED AT 4910 WILDERNESS ROAD (S-523, 09/04) Chairman Greer opened the Public Hearing and announced that the special use process requires a quasi- judicial hearing; therefore, the Clerk to the Board must swear in any person wishing to testifY. 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 Patricia Russell Planning Director Dexter Hayes reported that the petitioner, Patricia Russell, presented her request at the Planning Board meeting on September 2, 2004, to build an addition to her existing home for her elderly parents. A separate living unit attached to the home is by definition a duplex. No one spoke in support or opposition and the Planning Board voted 6-0 to recommend approval. The proposal is consistent with the Land Use Plan and Staff recommends approval Planning Director Hayes entered the following findings into the record: 1. The Board must find that 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. A. The subject property is located within the Myrtle Grove VFD. B. The site has access to Wilderness Road, which is a public right-of-way. C. The site is served by City Water and County Sewer. D. The proposed duplex is an addition to the rear of the existing home and attached to the main structure by a breezeway. 2. The Board must find that the use meets all required conditions and specifications of the zoning ordinance. A. The subject parcel is within the R-lO Residential Zoning District and is approximately 19,000 square feet. B. The proposed project meets all required setbacks. C. Duplexes are permitted by special use permit in the R-lO Residential District provided the lot is a minimum of 15,000 square feet. 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 located in an R-lO residential district. Duplexes are permitted by special use permit in the R -10 district. B. No evidence has been presented to indicate that the proposed use will injure 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 as Developed by the New Hanover County Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the developed class is to provide for continued intensive development and redevelopment of existing urban areas. B. Housing policies in the comprehensive plan state that "The County and City shall continue to support and enhance a broad range of affordable housing programs and increase affordable rental housing. " Petitioner Patricia Russell stated that she agreed with the Findings of Facts. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Greer closed the public hearing and requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Boseman to approve the request by Patricia Russell for a Special Use Permit to locate a residential duplex in an R-lO Residential Zoning District located at 4910 Wilderness Road based upon the evidence presented and the Findings of Facts. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNAIMOUSL Y. A copy of the Special Use Permit is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in SUP Book 3, Page 29.1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REQUEST BY SENCA PROPERTIES, LLC TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 3.36 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE 9000 BLOCK OF MARKET STREET FROM R-15 RESIDENTIAL TO CD (0&1) CONDITIONAL USE OFFICE AND INSTITUTIONAL (Z-785, 09/04) Chairman Greer opened the Public Hearing and announced that the rezoning request requires a quasi- judicial hearing; therefore, the Clerk to the Board must swear in any person wishing to testifY. He requested all persons who signed in to speak or who want to present testimony to step forward to be sworn in: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2004 BOOK 30 PAGE 153 The following persons were sworn in: Dexter Hayes Hormoze Goudarzi Mike Nadeau Mark Ragozzino N.R. Skipper, Jr. Planning Director Hayes reported that the pelllloner presented the request and explained that the Ambulatory Surgery Clinic would be operated as a partnership between New Hanover Regional Medical Center and a large group of physicians. No one spoke in opposition. The Planning Board voted 4-0 to recommend approval with the following three conditions: 1) A tree survey of all regulated and significant trees shall be provided prior to final review by the Board of Commissioners as required by Section 67 of the Zoning Ordinance; 2) The applicant shall not receive any land disturbance permits for the subject project unless an acceptable master plan for the remainder of the Sidbury properties is approved by the Board of Commissioners; and 3) Intersection designs shall be consistent with any access management plan for the Highway 17 corridor which may include the relocation or elimination of driveways. The proposed plan is consistent with the Land Use Plan with conditions and Staff recommends approval. Planning Director Hayes entered the following findings into the record: 1. The Board must find that 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. A. The subject property is located within the Ogden VFD. B. The site has access to Market Street (US 17), which is classified as an Arterial Road by the New Hanover County Thoroughfare Classification Plan. C. County Water and Sewer is proposed. D. The proposed project includes an approximately 17,400 square foot building with 165 parking spaces on 3.36 acres. 2. The Board must find that the use meets all required conditions and specifications of the zoning ordinance. A. Hospitals are permitted in the O&I zoning district. B. A site plan, which can meet all of the conditions of the zoning ordinance, has been submitted. C. Minimum setbacks and buffers from residential districts and right of ways are shown on the plan, however these requirements may change with future phases of the envisioned medical office complex. D. The addition of future phases of this project may trigger the traffic study requirement. 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 proposed zoning for the subject property is Conditional Use O&I B. Hospitals are permitted in the O&I district. C. No other medical facilities of this type are available nearby. D. The subject parcel is part of a larger parcel. The surrounding property is vacant and zoned R-15 residential. E. No evidence has been presented to indicate that the proposed use will injure 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 as 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. Chairman Greer asked if any persons sworn in by the Clerk to the Board would like to speak in favor of the request. Mike Nadeau representing SENCA Properties, LLC explained that the Ambulatory Surgery Clinic would be operated as a partnership between New Hanover County Regional Medical Center and a group of 105 local physicians. The Planning Board conditions as presented are acceptable. Dr. Hormoze Goudarzi, a physician in the partnership, spoke in favor of the request stating that the proposed project would address the growing need for operating rooms in New Hanover County and southeastern Pender County. Attorney N. R. Skipper, Jr., on behalf of the Sidbury family, the former owners of the property, spoke in favor of the proposed proj ect. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2004 BOOK 30 PAGE 154 Dr. Mark Ragozzino, a physician in the partnership, spoke in favor of the request stating that the proposed project would improve surgical access for residents in New Hanover, Pender and Onslow Counties. Chairman Greer asked if anyone from the public wished to speak in opposition to the request. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Greer closed the public hearing and requested direction from the Board on the proposed rezoning request. Motion: Vice-Chairman Boseman MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to rezone approximately 3.36 acres of property located in the 9000 block of Market Street from R-15 Residential to CD (O&I) Conditional Use Office and Institutional. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNAIMOUSL Y. A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF ZONING AREA NO.5 OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED, is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Zoning Book I, Section 5, Page 52. Chairman Greer called for a motion to grant a Special Use Permit. Motion: Vice-Chairman Boseman MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to grant a Special Use Permit to SENCA Properties, LLC to operate an Ambulatory Surgical Unit in the 9000 block of Market Street based upon the evidence presented and findings of facts with the following conditions; 1) A tree survey of all regulated and significant trees shall be provided prior to final review by the Board of Commissioners as required by Section 67 of the Zoning Ordinance; 2) The applicant shall not receive any land disturbance permits for the subject project unless an acceptable master plan for the remainder of the Sidbury properties is approved by the Board of Commissioners; and 3) Intersection designs shall be consistent with any access management plan for the Highway 17 corridor which may include the relocation or elimination of driveways. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the Special Use Permit is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in the SUP Book 3, Page 29.2. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO ESTABLISH PUBLIC HEARING DATE TO CLOSE PORTION OF PINE AVENUE (SC-80, 08/04) Planning Director Hayes reported that Bob Jones, PLS for the Carlson family is requesting the Board to consider establishing a public hearing date to close a portion of Pine Avenue located near Santa Maria Avenue, Porters Neck Community. The unimproved 20-foot right of way is located near the eastern end of Santa Maria Avenue, Porters Neck Community (Plat Book 4, Page 28). In accordance with N.C.G.S. l53A-24l, a Resolution of Intent to close a road or easement must be adopted prior to scheduling a public hearing. The purpose of the road- closing proposal is for the purpose of adjusting property boundaries of the adjoining lots. County Engineering has reviewed the road-closing petition and has indicated that utility and/or drainage easements along with a sewer lift station may be needed along the northern portion of the roadway. This road right of way has also been identified in the Public Water Access Plan for New Hanover County (1986) as a potential public access area to Pages Creek. Future utility infrastructure development and water access opportunities should be considered by the Board in deciding whether to proceed with the Resolution of Intent to close this portion of Pine Avenue. If the Board adopts the Resolution of Intent, a public hearing is proposed for November 8, 2004. Staff does not recommend closing the portion of Pine Avenue. Chairman Greer asked if anyone from the public wished to speak in favor of or opposition to the request. Attorney David Huffine, representing the Carlson Family, spoke in favor of the public hearing date being set. Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Boseman to approve the Resolution of Intent to establish a public hearing date on November 8, 2004 to close a portion of Pine Avenue located near Santa Maria Avenue, Porters Neck Community. 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 XXIX, Page 7.7. CONSIDERATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER AND 911 CENTER CONTRACT # 03-0211 Senior Project Manager Max Maxwell reported that, as directed by the Board of Commissioners on July 12, 2004, staff advertised and received bids on September 16, 2004, for the construction of the new EOC/9ll Center. The apparent low bidder for this project was Bradley-Barnes Construction Company in the amount of $1,801,140. Staff recommends that the project be awarded to Bradley-Barnes Construction Company in the amount of $1,801,140 and the Chairman be authorized to execute the contract. Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett to award Contract #03-0211 to Bradley-Barnes Construction Company in the amount of $1,801,140 for the construction of the new EOC/9ll Center and to authorize the Chairman to execute the contract. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 to 1. Commissioner Davis voted in opposition. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2004 BOOK 30 PAGE 155 A copy of the contract is on file in the legal department. CONSIDERATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER AND 911 CENTER COMMUNICATION TOWER CONTRACT #04-0204 Senior Project Manager Max Maxwell reported that in combination with the new EOC/9ll Center is an erection of a 200' Communication Tower to be located at the New Hanover County Offices at Marketplace Drive. Staff has received an authorization to construct permit from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and also a Special Use Permit from the Wilmington City Council. This tower will provide communications for the new EOC/9ll Center as well as numerous other agencies. Staff recommends that the project be awarded to Coastal Electronics, Inc. in the amount of$299,27l and the Chairman be authorized to execute the contract. Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett to award Contract #04-0204 to Coastal Electronics, Inc. in the amount of $229,271 for the erection of a 200' Communication Tower to be located at the New Hanover County Offices at Marketplace Drive and to authorize the Chairman to execute the contract. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 to 1. Commissioner Davis voted in opposition. A copy of the contract is on file in the legal department. 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 6:50 p.rn. to hold a meeting of the New Hanover County Water and Sewer District. Chairman Greer reconvened to Regular Session at 6:55 p.rn. 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 Items Presented by Commissioner Caster Commissioner Caster reported that he attended several meetings and events including a Health Seminar in Raleigh, the Verizon ribbon cutting ceremony, the Port, Waterways and Beach Commission meeting, the Jail Open House, the Winter Park Optimist Club 50th Anniversary Celebration, the reception for Police Chief Evangelous at St. Nicholas Church, the Department of Social Services Board Meeting and the Children's Champions Breakfast. Commissioner Caster asked County Manager O'Neal why the Board of Elections has decided to move the upcoming election returns to Markeplace from the Courthouse and if this was the department's decision to make. County Manager O'Neal clarified that the decision is for the Board of Elections to make and requested Assistant County Manager Pat Melvin to clarifY the reasons for the change in location. Assistant County Manager Melvin clarified that the decision to move the election returns from the Assembly Room to the Marketplace location was to enhance staff efficiency and reporting to the state. She reported that there were difficulties during the last election in reporting the elections results from the Courthouse. There will be a big screen TV set-up and public seating will be provided. Commissioner Caster reported that Congress passed a continuing resolution funding government from October 1 to November 20, 2004, which contains language prohibiting the administration from enforcing its proposed policy to stop funding beach re-nourishment projects. Items Presented by Vice-Chairman Boseman Vice-Chairman Boseman stated that it has come to the attention of the Board members that Dr. Howard Armistead no longer resides in New Hanover County and is living in Pender County. Since it is a requirement to be a resident of the County to serve on any County board, this information would excuse Dr. Armistead from his position on the ABC Board. Motion: Vice-Chairman Boseman MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Greer to authorize the Clerk to the Board to compose a letter for the Chairman's signature thanking Dr. Armistead for his service to the County and excusing him from his seat on the ABC Board and to advertise the vacant position. After a brief discussion the motion was withdrawn and the consensus of the Board was that this item would be placed on the November 8, 2004 meeting agenda and Dr. Armistead will be notified of the meeting. Items Presented by Commissioner Pritchett Commissioner Pritchett commented that she enjoyed attending a successful Big Sweep event where a total of one ton of trash was collected, the Chamber of Commerce Infrastructure Committee where Rick Catlin gave an update on funds for deepening the Cape Fear River and beach re-nourishment, the Military Cutoff Extension Planning Meeting at the DOT, the Wrightsville Beach Babies Hospital Memorial Garden Dedication honoring NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2004 BOOK 30 PAGE 156 Babies Hospital and Dr. Sidbury, the Jail Open House, and the Art in the Garden reception. Commissioner Pritchett gave a report from the Senior Services Forum, which is a pilot program that New Hanover County is participating in and suggested that the Board be kept up to date on the committee findings. Commissioner Pritchett reported that Melissa Hight has informed her that the Arboretum has been awarded a two-year, $70,000 grant from the Cape Fear Foundation to expand the Ability Garden. Commissioner Pritchett reported attending the Partnership for Children's Breakfast which recognizes Children's Champions and congratulated the honorees Larry and Barbara Cannon as foster parents, Carol Ford with NHRMC, Kathy Kittleston with the Fit for Fun Center, and Cystic Fibrosis volunteer Beth Moody. Item Presented by Commissioner Davis Commissioner Davis requested Assistant County Manager Weaver to explain why the communication tower being built at the EOC/9ll Center will not provide coverage for the entire county. Assistant County Manager Weaver responded that the 200' tower that is being built at the EOC/9ll Center is not capable of providing service for the south end of the county but is as large as FAA regulations will allow. The search for an appropriate site to cover the south end of the county is continuing. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Greer adjourned the meeting at 7: 15 p.rn. Respectfully submitted, Sheila 1. Schult Clerk to the Board NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4,2004 BOOK 30 PAGE 156 Babies Hospital and Dr. Sidbury, the Jail Open House, and the Art in the Garden reception. Commissioner Pritchett gave a report from the Senior Services Forum, which is a pilot program that New Hanover County is participating in and suggested that the Board be kept up to date on the committee findings. Commissioner Pritchett reported that Melissa Hight has informed her that the Arboretum has been awarded a two-year, $70,000 grant from the Cape Fear Foundation to expand the Ability Garden. Commissioner Pritchett reported attending the Partnership for Children's Breakfast which recognizes Children's Champions and congratulated the honorees Larry and Barbara Cannon as foster parents, Carol Ford with NHRMC, Kathy Kittleston with the Fit for Fun Center, and Cystic Fibrosis volunteer Beth Moody. Item Presented by Commissioner Davis Commissioner Davis requested Assistant County Manager Weaver. to explain why the communication tower being built at the EOC/911 Center will not provide coverage for the entire county. Assistant County Manager Weaver responded that the 200' tower that is being built at the EOC/911 Center is not capable of providing service for the south end of the county but is as large as FAA regulations will allow.' The search for an appropriate site to cover the south end of the county is continuing. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Greer adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~\i~ '-. ~tJ\\..\\ Sheila 1. Schult Clerk to the Board . . .