1993-04-27 Work Session w/ COW
~
MINUTES OF JOINT WORK SESSION WITH CITY
APRIL 27, 1993
PAGE 432
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners and Wilmington
City Council held a joint Work Session on Tuesday, April 27, 1993,
at 7:00 P.M. in Room B of the Coast Line Convention Center, 503
Nutt Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
.
Members present were: Commissioners Sandra Barone; William A.
Caster; William E. Sisson, Jr.; Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.;
Chairman Robert G. Greer; County Manager, Allen O'Neal; County
Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F.
Harrell.
Members present from the Wilmington City Council were:
Council Members, J. D. Causey; Edward L. Evans; Hamilton E. Hicks,
Jr.; Richard C. Snyder; Michael Youngblood; Katherine B. Moore; and
Mayor Don Betz.
Chairman Greer and Mayor Betz called the Work Session to
order.
DISCUSSION OF CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
Chairman Greer reported on the proposed CAMA Land Use Plan
Update and the need to schedule a joint Public Hearing to receive
input from the public. Concern was expressed for this being a very
complicated plan with many policies that would be difficult to
enforce. Emphasis was placed on the need for both governing bodies
to thoroughly discuss and study the impact of the proposed plan on
future development in the City of Wilmington and New Hanover
County.
.
A lengthy discussion was held on the proposed update and the
need for the City and County to exchange items of concern before
holding the joint Public Hearing.
Chairman Greer reported he is not comfortable with a plan that
provides for more stringent regulations than required by current
state and federal guidelines; therefore, he would recommend that
the Commissioners schedule another Work Session to further review
the plan before establishing a date to hold a joint Public Hearing.
Commissioner Sisson reported on the numerous public hearings
held within the community with the number one public concern being
water quality. The proposed plan has been prepared to reflect this
priority as well as meet the needs of the City and County for
future orderly growth and development. Concern was expressed for
hearing from various groups after the public hearings have been
held and after the plan has been prepared. The plan as proposed is
a compromise document, which can be fine tuned, but to begin the
entire process from scratch would be unreasonable.
.
Vice-Chairman Mathews concurred with Commissioner Sisson and
complimented the City and County Planning Boards for the amount of
work and time given in preparation of the proposed plan which, in
his opinion, has been well prepared. Both governing bodies should
concentrate on adopting a plan that will be for the betterment of
the entire community, not just for certain groups.
After further discussion, it was agreed that both governing
bodies would hold separate Work Sessions with an exchange of ideas
and concerns before scheduling a joint Public Hearing.
CONSIDERATION OF ENGINEERING STUDY FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SEPTAGE
AND GREASE TREATMENT FACILITY ADJACENT TO THE CITY OF WILMINGTON'S
SOUTHS IDE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Mayor Don Betz reported on attending a meeting with the
Environmental Committee of the Board of Health, the Health
Director, Acting City Manager, County Director of Environmental
Management, and County Engineer for the purpose of determining an
appropriate way to treat septage and grease waste. Due to the
...4
,//
,
,
MINUTES OF JOINT WORK SESSION WITH CITY
APRIL 27, 1993
PAGE 433
immediate need to address this problem, it was concluded that the
City and County should jointly fund an engineering study with McKim
and Creed, a firm presently under contract with the city for
expansion of the Southside Waste Water Treatment Plant, to
determine if it would be feasible to add a septage and grease
treatment facility to the plant. The estimated cost of the study is
estimated at approximately $10,500.
After discussion, it was agreed that a jointly funded study
would be advantageous and that each governing body is to consider
this item at their next regularly scheduled meeting.
()
PRESENTATION OF PROPOSED 1% PREPARED MEALS AND BEVERAGE TAX
Ms. Louise McColl, Chairman of the Cape Fear Coast Convention
and visitors Bureau (CVB) reported on the importance of tourism to
New Hanover County through the creation of jobs and economic
development. In order for this vital industry to continue to grow,
funds must be obtained to market New Hanover County. Levying of a
1% Prepared Meals and Beverage Tax is the mechanism to use in
raising the funds necessary to properly advertise and market our
area.
The following reports were presented:
Benefits of Tourism: Dr. Nancy Gladwell, an Associate Professor at
UNC-W, reported last year tourism generated $172 million in sales;
$7.2 million dollars in state taxes; $5 million dollars in local
taxes; and 6,400 jobs directly related to tourism with thousands of
jobs indirectly related to tourism. In order for tourism to
continue to grow, the Convention and visitors Bureau must be
competitive and market the area.
Presentation of 1993-94 Budget for convention and visitors Bureau:
Mr. Dave Scheu, a Board Member of the Convention and visitors
Bureau, presented the budget for FY 1993-94 reflecting the expenses
needed for operation of the Center and the importance of preserving
the fund balance. Emphasis was placed on the need to place
advertisements in leading publications and actively market the
area, which requires additional revenue.
()
Benefits of Tourism to Economic Development in New Hanover County:
Mr. Jay Kapner, a Board Member of the Convention and Visitors
Bureau, reported on the impact of tourism to hotels and
restaurants. This industry has created new businesses and
thousands of jobs. It is hoped that tourism can be promoted
throughout the entire year with special marketing of the "shoulder"
season, the months of October through March. Advertising is costly
and in order to promote this industry, funds must be generated.
The restaurants and hotel owners are very much in favor of
implementing the 1% Prepared Food and Beverage Tax.
In summary, Ms. McColl stressed the importance of generating
funds to promote tourism in New Hanover County and urged the
governing bodies to support the 1% Prepared Food and Beverage Tax.
Discussion was held on the usage of monies collected from the
1% Prepared Food and Beverage Tax. Ms. McColl reported the monies
collected from the Room Occupancy Tax cannot be used to promote the
Convention and visitors Bureau; however, monies collected from the
Food and Beverage Tax can be used for marketing the area including
Thalian Hall and the Coast Line Convention Center.
()
Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board of County
Commissioners, expressed appreciation for the presentation and the
efforts given by members of the CVB Board of Directors to promote
the tourism industry. He reported the County Commissioners will
make a decision on this matter at the regular meeting of May 3,
1993.
l
.
.
.
~
MINUTES OF JOINT WORK SESSION WITH CITY
APRIL 27, 1993
PAGE 434
DISCUSSION OF INCINERATION AND LANDFILL COSTS
Councilman Ed Evans expressed concern for the escalating tip
fee charged at the incinerator and requested Assistant City
Manager, Susan Dankel, to present a report on the negative impact
of this fee to City residents for refuse disposal:
The following report was presented:
-The City is presently a $1.5 million customer of the County's
incinerator.
-At $60 per ton, the City is paying one of the highest rates
in the southeast.
-Lined landfills are available in adjacent counties for $25 to
$28 per ton.
-Every $1 per ton in disposal rates represents $.10 per month
on the City customer's rate.
-If the tip fee increases to $80 per ton as projected, City
customers will pay an additional $2 per month totally negating
the savings achieved by going to a once per week collection.
Councilman Evans inquired as to whether the County can
maintain the current tip fee and/or reduce the rate in order to
save dollars for the City's customers?
Chairman Greer reported the City is the County's largest
customer and the Board is aware that the $60 per ton tip fee is
extremely high; however, the rate is going to remain at this level.
Costs for operating the incinerator continue to increase and are
expected to escalate in the future. Hopefully, with the recent
implementation of a preventative maintenance program, the
incinerator will reach its full capacity and increase the sale of
steam and electricity to generate additional revenue. Once this
capacity level is obtained, the County will consider the
possibility of accepting solid waste from surrounding counties.
The Commissioners are very concerned about the escalating tip fee,
but feel the best method of disposal is through incineration not
through lined landfills. Every effort is being made to maintain or
reduce the current tip fee if at all possible.
Discussion was held on the lack of steam and electricity sales
as well as the lack of maintenance on the facility for the past
eight years. Commissioner Sisson reported the lack of maintenance
has caused the incinerator to function poorly; however, with proper
maintenance the facility should operate as originally designed.
Councilman J. D. Causey inquired as to how the incinerator
compares to the Charlotte/Mecklenburg system?
County Manager O'Neal reported the Charlotte/Mecklenburg
facility is contracted out to a firm who operates the plant. New
Hanover County chose to construct the facility with the County
operating the plant. The incinerator was the first facility of
this type constructed in the State; therefore,
Charlotte/Mecklenburg was able to avoid many of the problems
experienced by the County. Staff has investigated the possibility
of contracting out the incinerator, but it has been determined by
the Waste-to-Energy Advisory Commission that County operation of
the facility is in the best interest of the public.
Councilman Hamilton Hicks requested that the members of the
Wilmington City Council be placed on the mailing distribution list
to receive minutes and reports from the Waste-to-Energy Advisory
Commission.
~
/
I
MINUTES OF JOINT WORK SESSION WITH CITY
APRIL 27, 1993
PAGE 4,35,
County Manager O'Neal reported the members of the City Council
will be placed on the mailing list. He also invited Council
Members to attend meetings of the Waste-to-Energy Advisory
Commission which are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at
5:30 P.M. in the County Administration Building, Room 501, 320
Chestnut street.
After further discussion, Chairman Greer commented on the
complexity of this heavy industrial facility and invited the City
Council Members to tour the Waste-to-Energy Facility to better
understand the incineration process.
DISCUSSION OF SALES TAX DISTRIBUTION
Director of Administrative Services, Brent McAbee, presented
a report reflecting the loss of revenue on the distribution of the
local sales tax when the County raises the ad valorem property tax
and the City allows the tax to remain unchanged. with the County's
proposed tax increase of five cents, the city of Wilmington will
experience a loss of revenue in the amount of $440,000 in the sales
tax distribution. Over a period of three years, the City will
experience a loss of revenue in the amount of $1,000,000.
Councilman Mike Youngblood emphasized the importance of the
County being fully aware of the negative impact received from an
increase in the County tax rate and stated, perhaps, the
distribution formula should be reviewed.
County Manager O'Neal reported the sales tax distribution is
based upon the ad valorem method. Changing to the per capita
method would generate a loss of $3,000,000 to New Hanover County.
Chairman Greer reported both the City and County need
additional revenue; however, the County is mandated by the state
and federal law to provide human service programs through the
Department of Social Services; fund schools; provide public health
services; and dispose of solid waste under stringent state and
federal regulations. These mandates continue to rise without
funding assistance; therefore, the County must generate enough
revenue to pay for these services. Unfortunately, the property tax
is the main source of revenue.
Appreciation was expressed to Mr. McAbee for the informative
presentation and to the Council Members for bringing this matter to
the attention of the Board of County Commissioners.
BREAK
Chairman Greer called for a break from 8:50 P.M. until 9:05
P.M.
CITY COUNCILMAN HAMILTON HICKS TO SERVE ON THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY
GROUNDWATER PLANNING COMMITTEE
Chairman Greer reported on the formation of a Groundwater
Planning Committee to study the quality and availability of
groundwater in New Hanover County. The Board of Commissioners
requested that a member from the Wilmington City Council be
appointed to serve on the Committee, and the Board is delighted
that Councilman Hamilton Hicks has agreed to serve.
Councilman Hicks emphasized the importance of protecting our
groundwater supply and expressed appreciation to the commissioners
for inviting a member of the city Council to serve on this
committee.
DISCUSSION OF MERGING THE CITY AND COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
DEPARTMENTS
Councilman Hamilton Hicks inquired as to whether the County is
interested in merging the City and County Parks and Recreation
Departments.
I
l
o
o
C)
",-,
.
.
.
~
MINUTES OF JOINT WORK SESSION WITH CITY
APRIL 27, 1993
PAGE 436
Chairman Greer commented on the need to investigate this
possibility and recommended further study to see if a merger would
be cost effective.
Council Member Katherine Moore concurred and recommended a
study of this issue with a report showing the actual operational
costs for each park and the amount of funds that can be saved with
the proposed merger.
County Manager O'Neal reported approximately a year ago,
Deputy County Manager, Mary Gornto, and the Assistant City Manager,
Susan Dankel, did prepare a report with assistance from UNC-
Wilmington on the possible merger of the Parks & Recreation
Departments. After completion of the study, it was determined that
a merger would not be cost effective.
commissioner Barone requested separate figures on the cost of
recreation since the County is not involved in recreational
activities.
Mayor Betz suggested that a study be prepared to allow New
Hanover County to focus on park services and the City of Wilmington
to focus on recreational services.
After further discussion, it was agreed to direct staff to
prepare a report reflecting facts and figures on costs involved
wi th the County providing park services and the city providing
recreational services. These reports are to be prepared and
presented after adoption of the FY 1993-94 budget.
commissioner Caster commented on the consolidation of various
departments and recommended performing a study on the merger of law
enforcement and the fire departments as a future objective.
DISCUSSION OF SENATE BILLS 798 AND 801
Chairman Greer reported Earl Sheridan, President of the NAACP,
requested the Board of County Commissioners to support Senator
Jordan's bill for district representation. After discussion, a
majority of the Commissioners felt that at-large representation is
the best form of representation, particularly with the size of New
Hanover County.
Councilman Youngblood inquired as to whether the Commissioners
have taken formal action to oppose Senate Bills 798 and 801?
Chairman Greer recommended calling for a vote in order to
clarify New Hanover County's position on this issue.
Motion: After discussion of the proposed bills, Vice-Chairman
Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to oppose Senate
Bills 798 and 801. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
REPORT ON FEMA REIMBURSEMENT FOR DEBRIS REMOVAL FROM THE MARCH 13,
1993, WINTER STORM
Mayor Betz inquired as to whether the County has received
notification on FEMA reimbursement for debris removal expenses
incurred by the City and County after the March storm?
County Manager O'Neal reported on receiving a call from
Congressman Rose who notified the County that a Presidential
Declaration has occurred and that the City of Wilmington and New
Hanover County are included in the declaration. No additional
information has been received; however, once a decision has been
rendered, the City will be notified.
RELOCATION OF EMPIE PARK EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES STATION (EMS)
Chairman Greer reported on the need to relocate the EMS
Station at Empie Park due to firemen being disturbed by EMS
personnel when responding to calls during the night. Under the
~
/~
/
MINUTES OF JOINT WORK SESSION WITH CITY
APRIL 27, 1993
PAGE 437
present law, sleep interruptions can result in overtime liability;
therefore, it is felt these operations cannot be housed in the same
building. The County is in the process of trying to locate a site
for construction of a building in the same vicinity. If the City
can assist the County with finding a suitable site, it would be
greatly appreciated.
City Attorney, Tom Pollard, commented on potential liability
to incur overtime and reported the law does not prohibit having a
joint operation in the one station; however, the sleep
interruptions must be recorded and this can result in overtime
liability. In his opinion, this matter is an administrative
problem and can be worked out.
()
After further discussion, it was agreed to authorize staff to
see if this problem can be resolved without the County having to
relocate the EMS station at Empie Park.
ADJOURNMENT
It was agreed by all present that joint meetings should be
held quarterly or semi-annually in order to keep the lines of
communication open. Emphasis was placed on the importance of
cooperation between the City and County and the need to understand
the problems incurred by both governing bodies.
There being no further business, Chairman Greer adjourned the
meeting at 9:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
~d4~
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
()
()
I
:r
I
(