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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 (