1992-02-17 Regular Meeting
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HINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 17, 1:992
PAGE 8'06
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular
Session on Monday, February ,17, 1992, at 9:00 A.M. in the Assembly
Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street,
Wrlmington, North Carolina.
Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.;
Fred Retchin; william H. sutton; Vice-Chairman Robert G. Greer;
Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.; County Manager, Allen O'Neal; County
Attorney, Robert w. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell.
Chairman Mathews called the meeting to order.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Finance Director, Andrew J. Atkinson, gave the invocation.
Mr. william J. Van Travis, Commander of the Wilmington
Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 2, led the audience in the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman Mathews asked if anyone from the general public would
like to present an item not listed on the Regular Agenda or comment
on an item listed on the Consent Agenda.
No items or comments were presented.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Vice-Chairman Greer commented on Consent Agenda Item #14, and
inquired as to whether the appellant would like to comment on the
tax appeal.
No comments were received on the Tax Appeal.
Motion: After further discussion, Vice-Chairman Greer MOVED,
SECONDED by commissioner Retchin to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes
The Commissioners approved the minutes of the regular meetings
of January 21, 1992, and February 3, 1992, as presented by the
Clerk to the Board.
Budget Amendments #92-0116, #92-0117, #92-0118; #92-0119; and #92-
0120 Reported for Entry Into the Minutes
The following Budget Amendments were reported for entry into
minutes for accounting purposes only:
92-0116 Emergency Medical services
Debit
Credit
Emerqencv Medical Services
Installment Loan Process
$29,487
Motor Vehicle Purchases
$29,487
Purpose: To budget installment loan proceeds for an advanced life
support vehicle for the EMS shift commands as approved in the FY
1990-91 budget.
92-0117 New Hanover County Schools
Debit
Credit
New Hanover County Schools
Installment Loan Proceeds
$131,352
Capital Outlay - Equipment
Depqrtmental Supplies
$130,371
$ 981
Purpose:
To budget installment loan proceeds for high school
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 17, 1992
PAGE 807..
computer lab equipment as approved by the Commissioners on
September 16, 1991.
92-0118 Health Department/Admin.
Debit
Credit
Health Department/Admin.
Installment Loan Proceeds
$239,780
Departmental Supplies
Capital Outlay - Equipment
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$ 14,474
$225,306
Purpose: To budget installment loan proceeds for the Health
Department computer system as approved in FY 1991-92 Budget.
92-0119 Sewer operating Fund
Debit
Credit
Sewer Operatinq Fund
Installment Loan Proceeds
$120,563
Water & Sewer Enqineering
Capital Outlay - Equipment
$120,563
Purpose: To budget installment loan proceeds for remaining half of
the telemetry system for the sewer system as approved in FY 1991-92
Budget.
92-0120 Landfill Operations
Debit
Credit
Landfill Operations
Installment Loan Proceeds
Sale of Fixed Assets
$239,470
$ 7,000
Capital Outlay - Equipment
$246,470
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Purpose: To budget installment loan proceeds for a new bulldozer
for the landfill and to record sale of old bulldozer as a trade-in
as approved in the FY 1991-92 Budget.
Approval of Budget Amendment #92-0121 to Budget - Water & Sewer
Engineering
The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment:
92-0121 Water & Sewer operating/Water & Sewer Engineering
Debit
Credit
Water & Sewer Operatinq
contributions - Builders
$619,219
Water & Sewer Enqineerinq
Transfer of Capital Project/Sewer
$486,528
Other Improvements
$1,105,747
Purpose: To budget builder's contribution for construction of
sewer system. The County is paying a part of the cost of
constructing this system to ensure that the lines are larger than
required so they can be used in the county-wide sewer system.
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Budget Amendment #92-0122 Reported for Entry Into the Minutes
The following Budget Amendment was reported for entry into the
minutes:
92-0122 Aging/Administration/Nutrition - Home Delivered Meals
Debit
Credit
Aqing/Administration
FEMA Grant
$6,414
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 17, 1992
PAGE 808
Aqinq/Nutrition - Home Delivered Meals
FEMA Meals
Credit
$6,414
Purpose: To budget FEMA Home Delivered Meals Grant accepted by the
Board of County Commissioners on January 6, 1992.
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Adoption of Resolution Requesting the Addition of Country Place
Road Extension to the State Highway system
The Commissioners adopted a resolution requesting addition of
Country Place Road Extension (Division File #692-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 29.
Renewal of VISTA Application for 1992-93
The Commissioners approved renewal of the VISTA project for
1992-93. The application provides for one VISTA volunteer to be
assigned to the Department of Aging to work with the Home Delivered
Meal BRIDGE program. Community contributions and grants to BRIDGE
provide meals for 16 frail elderly persons who are on the home
delivered meal waiting list. If the grant is approved, the
County's contribution will be $300 for mileage reimbursement.
Approval for Advertisement of Tax Liens on Real Property
The Commissioners authorized the Collector of Revenue to
advertise tax liens on real property on March 14, 1992, in
accordance with N.C.G.S. 105-369.
A copy of the list is hereby incorporated as a part of the
minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XIX, Page 29.
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Authorization for Release of Taxes Barred by G.S. 105-378
The Commissioners authorized the Collector of Revenue to
release 1981 tax charges since N.C.G.S. 105-378 does not allow
force collection of any taxes after ten years from the date due.
A copy of the charges released is hereby incorporated as a
part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XIX, Page 29.
Approval of Delinquent Application for National Gypsum Company/Gold
Bond Building Products
The Commissioners approved the delinquent application for
exemption of pollution abatement facilities for National Gypsum
Company/Gold Bond Building Products as provided by N.C.G.S. 105-
282.1. On December 23, 1992, the company provided the exemption
request for $588,755 in value of pollution abatement facilities.
certifications from the State indicate qualifications were being
maintained. Documents are on file in the Tax Office.
Acceptance of Tax Collection Reports Through January 31, 1992
The Commissioners accepted the following Tax Collection
Reports through January 31, 1992, as submitted by the Collector of
Revenue:
New Hanover County Tax Collections
New Hanover County Fire District Tax Collections
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Copies of the reports are hereby incorporated as a part of the
minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XIX, Page 29.
scheduling of 1992 Board of Equalization and Review Meeting
The Commissioners scheduled the 1992 Board of Equalization and
Review meeting for Tuesday, April 21, 1992, at 9:00 A.M. in the New
Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third street, Wilmington, North
Carolina, for the purpose of hearing property owners or
representatives who wish to appeal tax values.
Release of Values - Tax Department
The Commissioners released the following penalties as
taxpayers certified they made a valid listing during the listing
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 17, 1992
PAGE 809
period:
Johnson, Michael William
Krohn, Sue Cartledge
Warren, Harry Stephen
Whitehurst, William L. II
$ 4.33
$ 3.72
$ 4.10
$18.45
The Commissioners approved
adjustments because conditions
attention of the Tax office:
following
not been
the
had
property value
brought to the
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Brewington, Alfred Henry
Lund, Richard Roger
Malpass, Daniel Dean
Morgan, Catherine C.
Oyler, David Allen
Wright, Glen Ashley
$2,120
$2,574
$3,243
$ 625
$2,187
$1,185
The Commissioners released the following certification penalty
since the taxpayer certified a valid listing was made during
January, 1992:
Long, Robert Wesley
$ 100
The Commissioners approved the following delinquent exemption
requests resulting from vehicle discovery notices. Organizations
gave responses and under N.C.G.S. 105-282.1, the exemptions can be
approved for the calendar year in which the untimely application
was filed. Applications were filed with the Tax Administrator
during 1991.
Southeastern Athletic Club
Wrightsboro Baptist Church
86 Penn Trailer
88 Ford Van
Denial of Request for Refund of 1991 Taxes as Submitted by stephen
sugheir
The Commissioners upheld the recommendation of the Tax
Administrator and denied the release of a $100 certification
penalty since the taxpayer has a record of consistent failure to
list the vehicle.
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Authorization to File a Grant Application to the Governor's Crime
commission - Sheriff's Department
The Commissioners authorized the filing of a grant application
to the Governor's Crime commission for a project entitled, "New
Hanover County Comprehensive criminal Justice System" in the amount
of $267,566 with a local match of $89,189 to be obtained from
federal forfeiture funds. If the grant is awarded, $356,755 of
equipment will be purchased.
A copy of the grant application is on file in the Finance
Department.
RECOGNITION OF NEW COUNTY EMPLOYEES
County Manager O'Neal recognized the following new County
employees:
E. A. Rivenbark, Jr.
Robert Mazzeo
Sammie Rogers
Loretta Rose
Purnell Morris
Erick smithwick
Tenita Dawkins
Jayson Canter
Brenda Faulk
Linda Kohler
Susan Kyzer
Inspections
Engineering
Engineering
Tax Department
Health Department
Health Department
Department of Social Services
Department of Social Services
Department of Social Services
Department of Social Services
Department of Social Services
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Chairman Mathews, on behalf of the Board, welcomed the new
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 17, 1992
PAGE 810
employees to the County and wished them success in their new
positions.
REQUEST OF FUNDING ALLOCATION BY THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY VETERANS
COUNCIL
Mr. E. T. Townsend and Mr. Ben Halterman, members of the New
Hanover County Veterans Council, requested a county funded Veterans
Service Officer in order to amply respond to the needs of county
veterans. currently veteran affairs are being handled by a State
District Office', located in New Hanover County which serves the
counties of Brunswick, Columbus, Onslow, Pen~er, Bladen and New
Hanover. The office is staffed with two Veterans Service Officers
and two secretaries with approximately 55 calls received per day,
of which 50 calls are from New Hanover County veterans. Ninety-four
counties in the State fund a Veterans Service Program with 88
counties employing a County Veterans Service Officer. Emphasis was
placed on importance of promptly processing benefits to New Hanover
County veterans.
Mr. Steve Guthrie, Senior District Veterans Service Officer of
the N. C. Division of the Veterans Affairs Office located at 721
Market Street, commented on problems being experienced with
processing of benefits for veterans in six counties and stated with
the increased workload, services must be more evenly distributed.
In order to respond to the entire district, it will be necessary
for the District Office to reallocate time and staff; therefore,
only 37 of the 55 calls per day from New Hanover County veterans
will be duly processed creating a backlog and waiting period for
other requests. He emphasized the need for the County to fund a
Veterans Service Officer and urged the Board to consider funding
the position.
Chairman Mathews commented on budget constraints for FY 1992-
93 and stated with the existing downsizing policy adopted by the
B~ard, it would be difficult to fund a new outside agency; however,
he is aware of the veterans needs.
commissioner Sutton inquired as to the cost of funding the
position as well as funding a Veterans Program? Mr. Guthrie stated
a professional Veterans Service Officer could be hired at a salary
of $18,500 and clerk at a salary of $11,000. A county operated
Veterans Program would cost approximately $50,000 annually.
commissioner Barfield stated the Veterans are experiencing
problems and recommended utilizing a half-time position in
coordination with the District Office until the present budget
constraints are met.
After
volunteers,
the veteran
Board.
further discussion of utilizing the services of
Chairman Mathews expressed appreciation to members of
groups for bringing this matter to the attention of the
PRESENTATION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF HOUSE BILL 20 IF ENACTED BY THE
NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Tax Administrator, Roland Register, stated House Bill 20 will
not become effective until 1993 and presented the following
definition of the bill:
The bill will require the listing of licensed vehicles upon
renewal of a license or when the license is purchased. The
County will receive a magnet tape of all registrations from
the N. C. Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for
valuation and billing of the property tax to the individual
purchasing the license plate. This cycle will take
approximately 120 days and will stagger the tax listing period
as opposed to the current January listing period.
Commissioner Barfield inquired as to whether vehicles will
have to be listed after enactment of HB 20? Tax Administrator
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 17, 1992
PAGE 811
Register stated all vehicles must be listed in 1992; however,
effective 1993 under the proposed legislation, all registered
vehicles will be effected on the date the license plate is
purchased or renewal of an existing license. Only unlicensed
vehicles and/or other items will have to be listed.
commissioner Retchin stated the proposed bill will prevent an
individual from renewing their license for the second year if taxes
have not been paid. Tax Administrator Register agreed and
expressed a desire for additional verbiage to be added to the
proposed bill that would clearly stated the law would apply to "any
vehicle in the same name". Commissioner Retchin stated he would be
attending a Taxation and Finance Committee meeting of the N. C.
Association of County Commissioners on February 18, at which time-
the bill will be discussed, and he will propose the additional
wording.
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Discussion was held on the importance of properly informing
the general public of their listing responsibilities if the bill is
enacted. Commissioner Barfield emphasized the need to very simply
inform people of requirements under the new legislation.
After further discussion of the excellent manner in which the
MIS and Tax Departments have prepared to implement the bill, if
enacted during the Short Session of the General Assembly, Chairman
Mathews expressed appreciation to Staff for an excellent
presentation.
PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL REPORT BY THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY NURSING
HOME ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Ms. Anne Hardaway, presented the annual report by the New
Hanover County Nursing Home Advisory Committee and encouraged the
cd:rtunissioners to thoroughly review the report. The aim of the
Committee is to become familiar with the Nursing Home
Administrators as well as the patients and focus on providing
better care for the elderly. Currently, the minimum state and
federal standards are 2.2 hours of care per patient every 24 hours.
This is very minimal care and often, due to understaffing, many
patients do not receive this amount of care. The following
recommendations were presented:
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1. Posting Reports: Due to a recent federal regulation,
nursing homes no longer have to post State Survey Reports and
Corrective Action Reports. The Nursing Home Advisory Committee
requests the Board of County Commissioners to pursue legally any
local ordinance that would override the federal law and ensure
continued posting of reports. Most families are not aware of the
new regulation and have no way of knowing the home has been cited
for a violation without visibility of survey reports.
2-. Issuing certificates of Merit: The Board of County
Commissioners may wish to issue certificates of Merit to nursing
homes who exceed the minimal staffing standards by 25%, or more,
during a period of one year.
3. Encourage Physicians to visit Nursing Home Patients: The
Board of County Commissioners may wish to encourage physicians to
more frequently visit nursing home patients. The nursing home
staff spends a great deal of time consulting with physicians by
telephone, which reduces the amount of time given to patient care.
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In conclusion, Ms. Hardaway invited each County Commissioner
to accompany the Nursing Home Advisory committee on an unannounced
visit to a nursing home.
Dr. Eleanor Maxwell, a member of the Nursing Home Advisory
Committee, commented on minimum standards and stated New Hanover
County seems to focus on the "minimum" instead of exceeding the
minimum standard. She urged the Board to reach for a high level of
care for our elderly.
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 17, 1992
PAGE 812
Ms. Ann Boseman, a member of the Nursing Home Advisory
Committee, commented on visiting a nursing home several years ago
with a malfunctioning septic tank and stated the Health Department
was contacted; however, no response was received, nor was the home
closed. She stated if the home had been a restaurant, the facility
would have been closed.
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Commissioner Sutton recommended a review of the County's
ability to have more authority and control over local nursing
homes.
Assistant County Attorney, Wanda Copley, stated the Legal
Department will be glad to check into federal and state regulations
and prepare a report.
After further discussion, commissioner Retchin requested the
Nursing Home Advisory Committee to provide a list of suggestions to
the Commissioners in order to see if legal fines and/or other
. procedures can be imposed to ensure minimal care for our elderly.
Chairman Mathews, on behalf of the Board, expressed
appreciation to the members of the Nursing Home Advisory Board for
an excellent report.
ACCEPTANCE OF AUDIT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 20,
PRESENTED BY THE ACCOUNTING FIRM OF MCGLADREY & PULLEN
Mr. Paul K. Hamlin, CPA & Partner, of McGladrey
presented the audit for the fiscal year ended June 30,
discussed the following items:
1991 AS
& Pullen,
1991, and
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1. Cash Management: An excellent job has been performed in
investments to produce the highest yield of return at approximately
$3,250,000 in earned revenues.
2. General Fund: Revenues and expenditures were wi thin the
projected figures. The undesignated portion of the Fund Balance
was one month, approximately 8% which is acceptable to the Local
Government Commission; however, the average fund balance should be
approximately 17%. Emphasis was placed on rebuilding the
unappropriated fund balance when preparing the 1992-93 budget.
3. Tax Base: The collection rate for the year was 97.3% as
compared to 97.5% projected, which is an excellent record during
difficult economic times.
4. special Revenue Funds:
-Room Occupancy Tax: 3% tax with 75% designated for beach
erosion control and 25% designated for tourism. The County
collected $1,350,000 during the past year with disbursements
of $335,000 for tourism and $850,000 for beach erosion. The
fund balance as of June 30, 1991, was $3,765,000.
-Convention & visitors Bureau: Operating revenues of
$388,000, including a share of the Room Occupancy Tax, with
expenditures of $352,000 with an increase in the fund balance
of $173,000.
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-special Fire District: 4-cent tax. rate with a 97.4%
collection rate as compared to 97.8% for the previous year.
Revenues collected were $1,530,000 with expenditures of
$1,160,000 for an increase in the fund balance of $363,000.
The fund balance as of June 30, 1991, was $1,657,000.
5. New Hanover County Public School System: New Hanover County
paid out $17,509,000 during the past fiscal year plus payment of
debt service in the amount of $1,800,000.
6. Long-term Debt Financing: As of June 30, 1991, the County had
$1,000,000 of bonds from the previous $27,500,000 bond order
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 17, 1992
PAGE 813
authorized but unissued for the expansion of the Waste-to-Energy
Facility.
7. outstanding General Long-term Debt: As of June 30, 1991, the
outstanding general long-term debt was $37,000,000 compared to the
previous year at $34,500,000.
8. capital project Funds: Expenditures were $3,337,000 for the
past fiscal year. The major capital project expenditures were for
the construction of the Senior Center, expansion of the Museum, and
acquisition of land for parks. At the end of the year, outstanding
budget authorizations in projects were $15,000,000 of which the
County had spent $9,000,000.
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9. Enterprise Funds:
-Airport: The Airport is included in the New Hanover County
financial statement even though it is a separate Authority.
There was an operating loss of $529,000 as compared to the
previous year at $616,000. The loss decreased and the net
income was a positive $146,000 including provisions for
depreciation expense, which is not a cash expenditure.
-Water & Sewer District: As of June 30, 1991, the District
had an operating loss of $1,075,000 as compared to a loss of
$1,279,000 for the previous year. The loss decreased with ,a
net income, after transfers, of $678,000.
-Environmental Management Fund: As of June 30, 1991, the net
operating income was $110,000 compared to $100,000 for the
previous year. After considering debt service requirements,
there was a net loss of $423,000. This fund decreased due to
additional downtime experienced with expansion of the Waste-
to-Energy Facility.
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The report has been submitted to the Government Finance
Officers' Association under the certificate of Achievement Awards,
which the County has received for the past ten years.
Discussion was held on the internal control policies and
procedures. Vice-Chairman Greer requested that the Commissioners
be furnished a copy of the report showing corrective measures that
will improve the internal control structure.
Motion: commissioner Sutton MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman
Greer to accept the audit report as presented by McGladrey &
Pullen.
BREAK
Chairman Mathews called for a break from 10: 28 A.M. until
10:47 A.M.
ACTION DEFERRED ON ESTABLISHMENT OF NON-PROFIT CORPORATION TO
MANAGE AND OPERATE THE WASTE-TO-ENERGY FACILITY
County Manager O'Neal stated since no name has been selected
for the non-prOfit corporation and the WTE Board of Directors has
not reviewed the Articles of Incorporation, he would recommend
deferring action on this item until the meeting of March 4, 1992.
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Motion: After discussion, Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by
Vice-Chairman Greer to defer action on this item until the regular
meeting of March 4, 1992. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Commissioner Barfield requested Staff to clearly define the
proposed powers and responsibilities of the non-prOfit corporation~
particularly with reference to the acquisition, purchase, and lease
of property.
County Attorney Pope stated powers are granted by the North
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 17, 1992
PAGE 814
Carolina General 'Statutes and can be reduced or increased in the
by-laws of the non-profit corporation. The by-laws will not be
considered until after establishment of the non-profit corporation;
therefore, the Commissioners should be involved with the drafting
of the by-laws. Once by-laws are established, the Commissioners
can require that all future amendments be approved by the Board of
County Commissioners.
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Discussion was held on the importance of incorporating the
necessary restrictions into the by-laws of the non-profit
corporation. Chairman Retchin requested Staff to begin drafting
the by-laws as soon as possible with this item being placed on an
agenda within the near future. '
AUTHORIZATION FOR FILING OF.A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE N. C. ARTS
COUNCIL FOR DESIGN COMPETITION FOR THE URBAN PARK
Deputy County Manager, Mary Gornto, stated the Urban Park
Advisory Committee recommends seeking a grant as a source of
funding a design competition for the selection of art features
planned for the Park. Following the completion of this process,
the Committee intends to apply for another grant to fund the
acquisition of the selected work. The budget for this process will
be approximately $7,000 and the previously committed city funds
will be used as the required 50% cash match. The expenditures
involve fees to artists serving on the selection panel, promotional
materials, and other printing costs.
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The Urban Park Advisory Committee feels that this design
initiative and planning process will provide additional publicity
for the Park and fund-raising efforts as well as enhance citizen
participation in awareness of the selection of public art. The
Arts Council of the Lower Cape Fear will assist in the preparation
of the application and the administration of the grant.
At the conclusion of the design competition, a second grant
application can be submitted to help fund the commissioning of the
actual art features. Private funds, secured through the fund-
raising efforts would be used as the match for this grant.
Deputy County Manager Gornto recommended approval of the grant
application, authorization for the County Manager to execute the
necessary documents, and acceptance of the grant funds if awarded.
Chairman Mathews requested a progress report on the park.
Deputy County Manager Gornto stated the Committee is in the
process of soliciting funds. If the Committee is successful in
raising $30,000, the proceeds will be used for grading the
property; construction of a brick wall around the perimeter with
planting of shrubs and flowers donated by the GE ELFUN Society; and
planting of grass in the interior of the perimeter wall with the
exception of the entrance area to the library which will be
completed as designed without the art work.
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commissioner Retchin asked if materials and labor are being
solicited from vendors and suppliers? Deputy County Manager Gornto
stated the Committee is contacting all suppliers and vendors and
will continue to do so. Also, if the City decides to demolish the
st. James Inn on Market Street, . the Committee has requested
donation of the old bricks.
Motion: Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin
to approve the grant application, authorize the County Manager to
execute the necessary documents, and accept the grant funds if
awarded. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MEETING CONVENED FROM REGULAR SESSION TO HOLD A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER & SEWER DISTRICT
Motion: Vice-Chairman Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Sutton
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 17, 1992
PAGE 815,
to convene from Regular Session to hold a Regular Meeting of the
New Hanover County Water & Sewer District. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Mathews convened from Regular Session at 9:59 A.M.
Motion: Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to
reconvene to Regular Session. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
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Chairman Mathews reconvened to Regular Session at 10:09 A.M.
REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY SUBSTANCE ABUSE
TASK FORCE
Mr. Terry Horton, Chairman of the New Hanover County Alcohol
and Drug Abuse Task Force, commented on the current activities of
the Task Force and presented the following goals:
1. Promote awareness of the extent of alcohol and drug
abuse in the Cape Fear area.
2. Educate the community in the early detection of alcohol
and drug abuse problems with particular emphasis on
higher risk youth.
3. Facilitate coordination of substance abuse services in
areas of education, prevention, intervention, treatment
and enforcement.
4.
Advocate methods of
while specifically
services.
reducing alcohol and drug abuse
avo~ding duplication of community
5. Ensure that adequate rehabilitation facilities and
personnel are available.
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Mr. Reilly, Secretary of the Task Force, presented the
following report of activities.
The present membership of the Task Force is 42 with a goal for
reaching a membership of 100 by the end of the year. Mental health
agencies and the education sector are well represented; however,
there is no active representation from law enforcement; the church
sector; business sector; or the non-profit social sector. The Task
Force is in the process of developing a Community Partnership
Program that will coordinate the efforts of all substance abuse
services in the areas of education, prevention, intervention,
treatment and law enforcement.
A grant in the amount of $1,000 has been received from the
State Challenge Program, which will allow the Task Force to remain
solvent and continue to promote the purpose of the Task Force.
Also, grant funding is available under a Community Partnership
Grant with the Office of Substance Abuse & Prevention, contingent
upon establishment of a Community Partnership Program.
A Public Affairs Committee has been developed with the general
manager of a local TV station chairing the committee. A public
service announcement is being prepared and within the near future,
the County Commissioners will be contacted to participate in this
announcement.
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Ms. Chris McNamee, Chairman of the Needs Assessment committee,
presented a preliminary Needs Assessment Report. This document is
required by the State to become eligible to receive the State
Challenge funding. While gathering the data, it was found that
many organizations did not submit accurate data and that no
consistent definition of alcohol and drug abuse was utilized.
:,Also, the survey from high school and UNC-W students indicated that
.,~lcohol and drugs are readily available in the County and the
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 17, 1992
PAGE 816
percentage of use by students is higher than the national average.
The Task Force will place emphasis on developing more accurate data
in updating the Needs Assessment Report in order to provide
pertinent information to substance abuse agencies on the level of
the alcohol and drug use in New Hanover County.
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commissioner Retchin stated a charge to the Task Force was to
coordinate the efforts of the agencies in a county-wide effort to
promote prevention of substance abuse and inquired as to progress
in this area? Ms. McNamee stated coordination of data from the
various organizations has not been compatible; however,
coordination of agencies has been successful. For example, New
Hanover Regional Medical Center, who was approached a year ago, now
furnishes information regarding alcohol and drug abuse as well as
the use of hospital facilities. This type of communication and
reaction must occur among all groups before the goals of the Task
Force will become a reality.
Mr. Marc Recko, Vice-Chairman of the Task Force, commented on
the Task Force as a loose coalition and stated in order for the
group to become coordinated with other agencies, the Board of
County Commissioners and City Council must become involved. He
recommended attendance by representatives of each local government
as well as development of policies that will encourage all
substance abuse agencies to participate in activities of the Task
Force. For example, in Jacksonville, N. C., no drug or alcohol
funding is appropriated by the City of Jacksonville or Onslow
County unless funding is channeled through the Task Force. He
also stressed the importance of the Task Force receiving well
defined directions from the Board of County Commissioners.
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D:j.scussion was held on channeling substance abuse funding
requests through the Task Force. Commissioner Retchin requested
Staff to prepare a list of these agencies showing appropriations.
commissioner Barfield apologized for not attending meetings
and stated he intends to become more involved; however, he feels
that former users of alcohol and drugs as well as participation by
youth must be directly involved with the activities of the Task
Force in order to encourage more participation from other groups.
Consensus: After further discussion, it was the consensus of the
Board to direct the Budget Department to work with the Task Force
in developing a list of substance abuse agencies, funds
appropriated, and how the funds are utilized.
Mr. Recko stated the Task Force is not interested performing
budget work; however, the Task Force is interested in reducing
duplication of services and coordinating funding allocations among
the agencies.
Reverend Ed George commented on being a member of the Task
Force since its inception and expressed concern for the lack of
participation by the County Commissioners. He emphasized the
importance of local governments visibly showing their involvement
as well as providing adequate funding for an effective operation of
the Task Force.
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Chairman Mathews, on behalf of the Board, expressed
appreciation to the members of the Task Force for the informative
progress report.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTX COMMISSIONERS
Announcement of Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting for Discussion of
Inequitable Funding to Mental Health Centers
Commissioner Retchin stated the first meeting of Ad Hoc
commi ttee established by N. C. Department of Human Resources,
Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance
Abuse Services, has been scheduled for March 6, 1992, and that he
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PAGE 81~
and Mental Health Director Doug Sudduth will attend the meeting for
discussion of strategies to correct underfunded mental health
programs.
Denial of Funding Request by the citizens of International
Understanding
Chairman Mathews stated the citizens of International
Understanding have requested funding in the amount of $500 to
sponsor a banquet for a Swiss group of exchange citizens visiting
New Hanover County. He requested direction from the Board.
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Consensus: After discussion of budget constraints, it was the
consensus of the Board to deny the funding request and authorize
the Chairman to write a letter expressing regrets.
Approval of sponsoring a Luncheon for Wilmington's sister city
visitors from Doncaster, England
Chairman Mathews stated the sister City Committee has
requested the Commissioners to sponsor lunch for the sister City
group visiting from Doncaster, England, on April 12, 1992.
Consensus: After further discussion, it was the consensus of the
Board to fund a luncheon for the sister City representatives on
April 12, 1992, at 1:00 P.M. followed by a tour of the Cape Fear
Museum.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY MANAGER
Reminder of Meeting Date Changed for the First Meeting in March
County Manager O'Neal reminded the Board that the first
meeting in March has been changed from Monday to Wednesday, March
4, 1992, due to the Legislative Briefing of the National
Association of Counties being held in Washington, D. C. from
February 28 - March 3, 1992.
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Approval of Exemption for the Wrightsboro CDBG project from the
County's prequalification Requirement
County Manager O'Neal requested the Board to exempt the
Wrightsboro Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project and
future projects from the Prequalification Requirement adopted by
the Board on February 3, 1992, due to federal regulations and
possible delay of the project which will declare the County
ineligible to receive additional grant funds.
Motion: Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman
Greer to exempt CDBG projects from the Prequalification
Requirement. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Discussion of Fire Alarms in Schools
Commissioner Sutton requested the Chairman to inform the
public that the Commissioners are in the process of resolving the
installation and repair of fire alarms in the schools. He
emphasized the importance of fire protection for school children.
Vice-Chairman Greer stated he, Chairman Mathews,
Superintendent Tom McNeel; School Board Chairman, Ann King; County
Manager Allen O'Neal; and Chief E. E. Benton of the Wilmington Fire
Department are in the process of scheduling a meeting to discuss
resolving this issue as quickly as possible. The Board will be
kept informed of future progress.
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ADJOURNMENT
Motion: commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman
Greer to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
~:e7~~~1 submitted,
UCle Y. / arrell
C erk to the Board