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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-07-22 Regular Meeting .- . . ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1991 Page 563 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, July 22, 1991, at 9:00 o'clock A.M. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.; Robert G. Greer; William H. Sutton; Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.; Chairman Fred Retchin; Deputy County Manager, Mary Gornto, County Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. County Manager Allen O'Neal was on vacation. Chairman Retchin called the meeting to order and welcomed all persons present. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Deputy County Manager, Mary Gornto, gave the invocation. County Attorney, Robert W. Pope, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Retchin asked if anyone from the general public would like to speak on an item not listed on the Regular Agenda or an item listed on the Consent Agenda. No items or comments were presented. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chairman Retchin asked if anyone would like to comment on an item on the Consent Agenda and requested the Clerk to the Board to correct the minutes of June 3, 1991, Page 1, change the word exist to exit; Page 10, change the word under Item 2 from associated to associates, Page 12; under additional items, correct the name of the Voting Delegate to Jonathan Barfield, Sr. from Chairman Fred Retchin; and correct the minutes on June 17, 1991, changing the occupation of Charles Dean from a boat builder to a dealer in fine hardwoods, and Page 17, at the top of the page include in the motion the member of the Board who seconded the motion; and correct the minutes of June 13, on Page 2 from a "nay" vote for Commissioner Greer to absent since he was not present. Motion: Commissioner Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Mathews to approve the Consent Agenda with the corrections to the minutes as stated. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Approval of Minutes The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 3, 1991, Special Meeting of June 13, 1991, and minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 17, 1991, as corrected. Acceptance of Budget Amendment #92-0001 for Entry into the Minutes The following Budget Amendment was accepted for entry into the minutes: 92-0001 Non-Departmental/Emergency Management Debit Credit Non-Departmental Contingen'cy $8,000 Emerqency Manaqement Cleanup - Jetstream site $8,000 Purpose: To budget funds for the cleanup of the Jetstream site. The $8,000 will cover the cleanup if the contamination is not ~ (~ , MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1991 Page 564 " hazardous waste; however, if the contamination is hazardous the cleanup cost is estimated to be $55,000. The state of North Carolina is requiring cleanup of the site. Adoption of Wachovia Bank Corporate County Accounts with Wachovia Bank. The Commissioners adopted a resolution for New Hanover County following authorizations: Resolution for New Hanover Wachovia Accounts Bank corporate designating the 1) Wachovia as depository & authority to draw checks. 2) Wachovia to honor mechanically produced signatures. 3) Wachovia authority to cash checks issued or held by New Hanover county. '~ Copies of the resolutions are on file in the Finance Office. Adoption of Resolution Amending Chapter 13, Parks and Recreation, section 13-5 of the New Hanover County Code The Commissioners adopted a resolution amending Chapter 13, Parks and Recreation, section 13-5 of the New Hanover County Code for consistency and more suitable enforcement of parking guidelines for the County's parks. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XIX, Page 12 and will be codified into the New Hanover County Code. Release of Values and Penalties - Tax Department The Commissioners approved the value adjustment on property of the following taxpayer as recommended by the Tax Administrator due to conditions brought to the attention of the Appraisal Department. John F. & Betty P. Crossley $7,875 () The Commissioners released the following penalty as recommended by the Tax Administrator since the taxpayer listed the incorrect vehicle during the listing period: Dawn Sellers Gurganus $ 7.73 Acceptance of Tax Collection Reports thru June 30, 1991 The Commissioners accepted the following Tax Collection Reports thru June 30, 1991 New Hanover County Tax Collections New Hanover County Fire District Tax Collections Copies of the reports are hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XIX, Page 12. Acceptance of Budget Amendment #92-0002 for Entry Into the Minutes The Commissioners accepted the following Budget Amendment for entry into the minutes: 92-0002 Parks Facilities (Capital Project) Debit Credit f\ ,~---) Parks Facilities Federal Grant $150,000 Other Improvements $150,000 Purpose: To budget a federal grant for River Road (grant accepted by the Commissioners at the Regular Meeting of May 6, 1991). The grant will be used to help develop eleven (11) acres on River Road to provide a water access area park on the Cape Fear River.* ~ ~~.~~' {'~r ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1991 Page 565 *The park will be passive in nature and will include a area, a boardwalk and pler, a restroom facility, and parking. A small boat launching ramp for Cape Fear River will be developed in the future. picnic paved access . Adoption of Resolution Adding Golden Eagle Court to the State Highway System The Commissioners adopted a resolution adding Golden Eagle Court, Eagle Nest SUbdivision, Division File No~ 675-N, to the State Highway System. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XIX, Page 12. RECOGNITION OF NEW COUNTY EMPLOYEES Deputy County Manager, Mary Gornto, introduced and welcomed the following new County employees: Elizabeth (Betty) Rauth Sheila Jamerson James Adcock Mary Kate Knowles Brenda Jones Sherlyn Grantham Bobbie Hayes Regina Buck Theresa Costerman Wanna Simpson Engineering Department Health Department Emergency Medical Services Health Department Health Department Dept. of Social Services Dept. of Social Services Dept. of Social Services Dept. of Social Services Sheriff's Department Chairman Retchin, on behalf of the Board, welcomed the new employees and wished them well with their new positions. . PRESENTATION OF RETIREMENT PLAQUES Chairman Retchin, on behalf of the Board, presented retirement plaques to the following employees and expressed appreciation to each of them for their years of dedicated service to New Hanover County. Marjorie G. Leeper - Library 12 years of service Texas N. Cheney - Sheriff's Department 15 years and 6 months of service David W. Jackson - Human Relations 15 years and 11 months Ralph H. Davis, Jr. - Sheriff's Department 17 years and 9 months Carlos L. Davis, Jr. - Health Department 20 years and 6 months Leon H. Sewell - Health Department 34 years . A PERFORMANCE BY THE SINGING HANDS, A SIGN LANGUAGE CHORUS FROM THE LUCILE SHUFFLER SENIOR CENTER Director of Aging, Annette Crumpton, stated the Singing Hands Language Chorus began at the Senior Center as a sign language class and gradually grew into a chorus. She introduced Ms. Beth Jarrott, the Director of the chorus and stated the group will sing "God Bless the U.S.A." and "America the Beautiful". Chairman Retchin, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation to the chorus. for an outstanding performance and requested a round of applause for this group. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO ELKS LODGE #532 FOR CONTRIBUTION TO PURCHASE FURNISHINGS FOR THE NEW SENIOR CENTER Chairman Retchin, on behalf of the Board, presented a certificate of Appreciation to members of Elk Lodge #532 for ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1991 Page 566 . ;. their generous contribution of $6,000 to the Senior Center for purchase of furnishings for the new center. PROGRESS REPORT ON CITY/COUNTY "BLUE BAG" PILOT CO-COLLECTION RECYCLING PROJECT Director of Environmental Management, Ray Church, commented on the "Blue Bag" pilot Recycling Project with the City of Wilmington and stated the purpose of the project was to determine what problems can arise from co-collections. The two key areas to be addressed were: if the blue bags were durable enough to wi thstand the acti vi ties of trash collection and truck compaction; and if the public will use blue bags at a level comparable to other recycling programs. After collecting the bags, a problem has been experienced with the durability of the bags particularly with broken glass which, in turn, contaminates the paper products. The City and County Staff are hopeful that these problems can be resolved since the State Solid Waste Reduction Office is interested in the pilot co-collection program and will probably award a grant. () Chairman Retchin inquired as to whether staff has contacted other communities utilizing the blue bag program to see if they have experienced the same problems with the durability of the bags and glass breakage? Director Church stated the Recycling Manager, Tim Cole, has contacted Texas, Philadelphia, and Chicago, who are currently using the program; however, these areas are not experiencing the glass breakage problems due to the ability to control the compaction rate on the garbage trucks. Further discussion was held on the quality of the bags. Director Church stated the firm producing the bags has been contacted for the possible use of a thicker bag; however, due to not being able to control the compaction rate and with the current rate of glass breakage at 50%, it may be necessary to implement a separate collection for glass. () Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Director Church for the report. AWARD OF CONTRACT #91-0163 TO PARKER LANDSCAPING FOR GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES OF COUNTY-OWNED PROPERTIES Deputy County Manager, Mary Gornto, stated during the budget process, Staff did investigate opportunities for privatization of county services. After review of new and expanded facilities requiring ground maintenance and the additional costs incurred by the Parks & Recreation Department in providing this service, Staff felt the grounds maintenance should be contracted out and proposals were forwarded to three firms with the following bids received: Boyco East & LDI Parker Landscaping Condominium Services $48,000 $39,248 No Bid Received Staff recommends the award of the contract to the low bidder, Parker Landscaping, in the amount of $39,248 which will reflect a savings to the County. commissioner Greer commented on the heavy workload of the Parks & Recreation Department and recommended utilizing prisoners to assist in the grounds maintenance of County buildings. () Chairman Retchin commented on prisoners not being allowed to work without law enforcement supervision and stated one of the goals of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners is to seek legislation which will permit prisoners to perform some types of work without direct supervision by deputies. commissioner Sutton inquired as to the amount of money to be saved by contracting out this service. Deputy County Manager Gornto stated the present cost of employees to provide the service is over $40,000 without inclusion of indirect costs, such ( t '. ';1.: ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1991 Page 567 ,~, ,le"' \' ,. as wear and deprecation on vehicles and travel time between facilities. Chairman Retchin inquired as to the amount budgeted for FY 1991-92 for grounds maintenance of county owned buildings. Deputy County Manager Gornto stated $70,000 was estimated, which included hiring of temporary employees. . commissioner Sutton complimented Staff for contracting out services of this type and stated in this case, the maintenance of equipment alone will be a savings. He recommended tracking this effort and moving forward with the privatization of other services. Motion: After further discussion of privatization, Chairman Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Sutton to award the contract to the low bidder, Parker Landscaping, in the amount of $39,248 and to authorize the Chairman to execute the contract documents. Upon vate, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Sutton Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Retchin Voting Nay: Commissioner Greer APPROVAL OF CHANGES ORDERS FOR THE WASTE-TO-ENERGY FACILITY Director of Environmental Management, Ray Church, requested approval of the following change orders and requested removal of Change Order No. STE-90-0010-03 with Blue Ridge Mechanical Contractors, Inc. since this was approved by the Board at a former meeting: . united McGill Corporation Change Order No. STE-89-0012-03 $ 11,950.00 Sam English, Inc. Change Order No. STE-89-0111-05 $132,950.00 Blue Ridge Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Change Order No. STE-90-0010-04 $ 81,927.80 Motion: After discussion, Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Mathews to approve the change orders as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. . DISCUSSION OF DU-PENZA SERVICE, INC. (KNOWN AS DUPLIN, - ONSLOW, PENDER CONSOLIDATED HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY, INC. ) CONTRACT WITH NEW HANOVER COUNTY FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Staff Planner, Wanda Coston, stated in FY 1989-90, New Hanover County contracted with Du-Penza Services, Inc. for administering the Weatherization Assistance Program. This program was funded by the N. C. Department of Economic and Community Development and administered by the Department's Energy Division, which provides assistance to elderly, handicapped and low-income households. During FY 1990-91, problems began to occur with the quality of work. The program has been poorly managed and Du-Penza has failed to respond to the County's complaints as well as submit status reports as requested by the County. Direction was requested from the Board with reference to renewal of the contract for FY 1991-92. Chairman Retchin commented on conversation with Jeff Brown, the Weatherization Coordinator of the Energy Division, and stated after discussing the deficiencies found in the monitoring reports, it was quite obvious that Du-Penza Services, Inc. was not performing adequately. He recommended seeking another community action agency or non-profit organization to administer the Weatherization Assistance Program. ~ ( i I l MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1991 Page 568 commissioner Barfield recommended contacting Wilmington Housing Finance Development, Inc., a non-profit agency, to see if they would be interested in contracting for the provision of this service. Staff Planner Coston stated at the present time, it appears that the state is going to continue to contract with Du-Penza for FY 1991-92. Motion: After discussion of contacting Jeff Brown or Estell Lee with reference to the quality of work being performed and the need to change firms, Vice-Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield not to renew the contract with Du-Penza Services, Inc. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. () TIME FOR EVENING MEETINGS CHANGED FROM 7: 30 P. M. TO 6: 30 P. M. EFFECTIVE AUGUST 5, 1991 Deputy County Manager, Mary Gornto, stated the County Manager has recommended beginning the evening meetings at 6: 00 P.M. instead of 7:30 P.M. in an effort to adjourn meetings before midnight. The additional time would allow Staff and the Board to address items of concern before the Public Hearings, which will begin at 7:30 P.M. Motion: After discussion, Vice-Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Retchin to change the time of evening meetings from 7:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. The floor was opened for discussion: commissioner Barfield expressed concern for starting early and not adj ourning before midnight. He recommended that the County Manager determine in advance if an evening meeting should begin early based upon the number of agenda items. He also expressed concern for agenda items that have been placed on evening meetings that should have been presented during day meetings. () Deputy County Manager Gornto stated the meetings could be scheduled on an as needed basis; however, due to the number of other items, it is felt that it would be more convenient for the Board and less confusing to the general public to change the meeting time. commissioner Greer recommended starting the meeting at 6:30 P.M. with the invocation and items scheduled in sequence with no specific time established for public hearings. After further discussion, Chairman Retchin called for a vote on the time change from 7:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. with items scheduled in sequence. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Greer commissioner Sutton Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Retchin voting Nay: Commissioner Barfield MEETING CONVENED FROM REGULAR SESSION TO HOLD A MEETING OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER & SEWER DISTRICT Chairman Retchin convened from Regular Session at 10:01 o'clock A.M. until 10:24 o'clock A.M. to hold a meeting of the New Hanover County Water & Sewer District. () ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY MANAGER Approval of Easement to Carolina Power & Light Company for Installation of the Electrical Conduit on Senior Center site Deputy County Manager, Mary Gornto, requested approval of granting an easement to Carolina Power & Light Company for installation of an electrical conduit on county property housing the new Senior Center. . . . ~,'?, ~.1. ,., MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1991 Page 569 ~f' ~ ?i ' Motion: Commissioner sutton MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Mathews to grant the easement to Carolina Power & Light Company for installation of an electrical conduit to provide electrical service to the new Senior Center. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Discussion of the County's Emergency Ambulance Service commissioner Sutton commented on the excellent ambulance service being offered by the Emergency Medical Services, but expressed concern for the $1,000,000 figure budgeted for provision of this service. He commented on not understanding the breakdown of figures at the Budget Hearing and requested staff to further outline this service. Deputy County Manager Gornto stated this item could be discussed at the Work Session to be scheduled after the regular meeting of September 16, 1991. Discussion was held on County employees volunteering to serve on the rescue squads. Deputy County Manager Gornto stated the Department of Labor has determined that New Hanover County could be liable for overtime compensation for EMS employees who volunteer to serve on rescue squads since the County provides the facilities and equipment for the squad. Staff is currently meeting with the representatives of the Ogden-New Hanover Volunteer Rescue Squad to discuss the provision of services and related County funding. The Ogden-New Hanover Rescue Squad is in the process of trying to overturn the opinion by the Department of Labor. At present, County employees are unable to volunteer wi th the squad for EMS acti vi ty; however, they can retain an inactive membership until a decision has been rendered by the Department of Labor. Commissioner Barfield inquired as to whether other alternatives will be presented for the provision of this service at the Work Session to be held on September 16, 1991, such as information on how other counties provide ambulance service and the costs involved. Consensus: After further discussion, it was agreed that an overview of the Emergency Medical Services Department would be presented at the Work Session following the regular meeting of the Board on September 16, 1991, at 1:00 P.M. in Room 501 of the County Administration Building. Staff is to prepare information in advance of the meeting. Discussion of Malfunctioning Clock on the Tower of the New Hanover County Courthouse Vice-Chairman Mathews commented on the faces of the clock located on the Tower of the Courthouse displaying a different time and asked if the clock can be repaired. Deputy County Manager Gornto stated the generously volunteered to maintain the clock therefore, Property Management will contact another firm for the repair of the clock. man who so has moved; person and/or Appointment of Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr. to Serve on a Community Task Force to Develop a Plan for the Future Use of the 801 Market Street Property (Formerly the st. James Inn) Chairman Retchin stated Mayor Betz has requested appointment of a commissioner to serve on a Community Task Force to develop a plan for future use of the 801 Market Street property, formerly known as the st. James Inn. Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to appoint Vice-Chairman Mathews as the County's representative on the Advisory Task Force. ~ ( i I I I I l ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 22, 1991 Page 570 Comments on Work Shops Attended at the National Association of Counties Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, utah Chairman Retchin commented on the privatization Work Shop held at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Counties and stated excellent guidelines were presented in establishment of departments under privatization. He also commented on Commissioner Barfield's comments on the local drug concerns and stated he had a folder on federal anti-drug grants. He recommended the possibility of utilizing these grants for establishment of a coordinated group to address drug problems. () commissioner Barfield stated presentations were presented on agencies that have combined into one department to handle the many facets of drugs abuse. These agencies have proven to be most successful; therefore, he would recommend that Staff check into this type of grouping and the grants that are available. Chairman Retchin, also, commented on a Work Shop conducted by Public Technology, Inc. with new innovative methods of technology, such as a contract with AT&T for a public coin operated telephone service with a pay back of 20%. commissioner Barfield commented on the County's expanded Waste-to-Energy Facility and stated New Hanover County is far in advance of other cities and counties in addressing the solid waste issue. The monies spent by the County for the new expansion are far less than what will be spent by local governments who are just beginning to construct incinerators. EXECUTIVE SESSION Chairman Retchin requested a motion to convene to Executive Session to discuss land acquisition and attorney consultation as outlined under the provisions of NCGS 143-318.11 (1) (5). Motion: Commissioner Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to convene to Executive Session. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. () Chairman Retchin convened to Executive Session at 11:40 o'clock A.M. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Mathews to reconvene to Regular Session. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Retchin reconvened to Regular Session at 12:28 o'clock P.M. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Commissioner Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Retchin adjourned the meeting at 12:29 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, ~V~ Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board ()