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1988-01-04 Regular Meeting ~ ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 4, 1988 1 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, January 4, 1988, at 7:00 o'clock P.M. in the Assembly Room of the County Administration Building, 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. ili ~ Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.; W. Albert Corbett, Jr.; Fred Retchin; Vice-Chairman, Nolan O'Neal; Chairman, John M. Dolan; County Manager, G. Felix Cooper; County Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Chairman Dolan called the meeting to order. Reverend Duane Cook, Pastor of Cape Fear Gospel Rescue Mission, gave the invocation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 7, 1987, and the minutes of the Special Meeting of December 8, 1987, as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PRESENTATION OF APPRECIATION PLAQUE TO FORMER CHAIRMAN o I NEAL Chairman Dolan, on behalf of the Commissioners, presented a plaque to former Chairman O'Neal and expressed appreciation to him for the many hours of work given as Chairman of the Board during the past year. ,I NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Dolan 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 one commented. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Retchin asked what "Transfer to Other Funds," represents in the Budget Amendment transferring the 1/2 cent sales tax from the Appropriated Balance to Other Funds. Assistant County Finance Director, Allan Mozingo, stated "other funds" is a term used to represent funds being transferred stating in this case, the funds are being transferred to the Water and Sewer District. Commissioner Retchin requested clarification of "other funds" in future Budget Amendments by listing the place of transfer, such as the Water and Sewer District, in parentheses. Chairman Dolan requested an explanation involving a request for reduction of a penalty Mac Construction Company for time overrun on Project. of Item #1 assessed to the Airport -I.'~.".' . , Director of Engineering & Facilities, Ed Hilton, stated the contract between New Hanover County and Mac Construction Company provided for liquidated damages in the amount of $500 per day for each day of time overrun on the project. He stated the County has applied $57,000 of damages for 114 days of overrun. However, during this period of overrun, the on-site team of HNTB continued to work beyond the scope of their contract with additional charges of $49,907. He stated Mac Construction Company has asked for a reduction of $7,093 in the penalty assessed which is no more than expenses charged by HNTB. Chairman Dolan expressed Qoncern for incorporating liquidated damages in a contract if the County is not going r~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 4, 1988 (CONTINUED) ~ to assess and collect the penalty when a contractor does not fulfill his obligation. After further discussion, Commissioner Barfield SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to approve reduction penalty as requested by Mac Construction Company. vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: MOVED, of the Upon Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal I l~ M~ Voting Noe: Chairman Dolan After further discussion, Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to approve the following Consent Agenda items. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Adoption af Bad-Check Charge Policy - Finance Department The Commissioners approved a Bad-Check Charge Policy for New Hanover County in the amount of $15 effective February 1, 1988, in accordance with N. C. General Statutes 25-3-512. Approval of Budget Amendments 88-0161 Sewer Operating Fund Debit Credit Operating Transfers In Operating Transfers In Professional Services $229,397 297,948 202,052 Transfer to General Fund Capital Outlay Interest and Bonded Debt $500,000 30,000 269,397 [ Transfer from Professional Services to transfer to General Fund to more accurately reflect expenditures. Transfer to General Fund is to reflect General Fund Services provided to Water and Sewer District. Increase in Capital Outlay to furnish satellite office increase in Bonded Debt for projected bond sales. 88-0163 1/2 Cent Sales Tax Debit Credit Appropriated Fund Balance $299,397 Transfer to Other Funds $299,397 Increase in appropriated fund balance due to appropriation of last payment of FY 1986-87 1/2 cent sales tax fund. 88-0148 Health Department Debit Credit Neurology Neurology (State Revenue) $9,375 r Professional Services $9,375 \..~M Additional state revenue - increase professional services for anticonvulsant medications. \ \. MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 4, 1988 (CONTINUED) -.., 3 Report of Budget Amendment Approved by Budget Officer 88-0149 Finance/Property Management Debit Credit Finance Other Revenue $1,500 Property Management Capital Outlay - Equipment $1,500 I: '= Additional $1,500 in Other Revenue per insurance claim for wrecked vehicle. Expenditure increase for part of replacement cost of wrecked vehicle. PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BOND FINANCING AND INTENTION TO SUBMIT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AN APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN INDUSTRIAL PROJECT Mr. Wallace Murchison, Attorney representing the New Hanover County Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority, gave background information on intent to submit an application to the Department of Commerce for issuance of Revenue Bonds to Interroll Corporation in an amount not to exceed $3,500,000 for financing of an industrial project. The project consists of the acquisition, construction and installation of an industrial facility in the NorthChase Industrial Park, adjoining N. C. Highway 132, New Hanover County, for manufacture of conveyor equipment. Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to open the Public Hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. I Chairman Dolan opened the Public Hearing and asked if anyone present would like to speak. The following persons commented: Mr. Barry Bernstein, Vice-President of Interroll, stated Interroll, a New York company manufacturing conveyor components, was requesting approval of a bond issue to build a plant in New Hanover County to expand its operations. The initial plan is to construct a building approximately 70,000 to 75,000 square feet, with employment of 40 to 45 people, and within three years, the number of employees should increase to 65. Mr. Bernstein stated four employees would be relocated from the New York plant with the remainder of employees hired locally. Commissioner Corbett asked when the company would be operational. Mr. Bernstein stated by January, 1989. Chairman Dolan commented on the location of NorthChase, particularly with reference to environmental and disposal concerns. Mr. Bernstein stated the product to be manufactured will not produce air emissions or empty chemicals into the ground water; therefore, all State permits have been met. -11 Mr. Wilbur Bryant commented on the location of the Interroll Company in Long Island asking if that plant will be closed when the plant is opened in Wilmington. Mr. Bernstein stated the Long Island facility will remain open. Mr. Bryant asked who issues the bonds and what is the financial advantage of issuing North Carolina revenue bonds. Mr. Murchison stated the New Hanover County Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority issues tax free revenue bonds. He stated the interest rate on the bonds is less than can be obtained through normal commercial j MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 4, 1988 (CONTINUED) 4 channels; however, the interest rate depends upon marketing conditions at the time of issuance. Mr. William Funderburg, a citizen of New Hanover County, residing at Route 3, Box 2820, Castle Hayne, North Carolina, expressed concern for publication of the Public Notice on December 19, 1987, providing 14 days for public comment. He stated with closing of State and County offices for the December and January holidays adequate time was not gi ven for public comment. He respectfully requested an extension of the comment period for an additional 15 days. o Commissioner Barfield stated the company should not be penalized for holiday closings and stressed the importance of bringing new jobs to New Hanover County. Chairman Dolan asked County Attorney Pope if he knew of any legal problems connected with the Public Notice. County Attorney Pope and Attorney Murchison stated the Public Notice was published correctly, pointing out that the notice was published 17 days before the Public Hearing when only 14 days are required by law. Mr. Funderburg stated the General Statutes relating to the bond issue were not referenced in the Public Notice, questioning the County's obligation under the proposed project. He asked who was sponsoring the new industry and if other locations had been considered. Mr. Funderburg also questioned the validity of an industrial park in NorthChase. Mr. Wayne Ziegler, Director of the Committee of 100, stated his agency was sponsoring the industry, and commented on other areas that were investigated before selecting NorthChase, particularly the Airport Industrial Park. He stated since the County cannot sell property located within the Airport Industrial Park, this location was not feasible. n I i U Mr. Funderburg, also, expressed concern about the private placement of county funds under the False Claim Act of 1986. commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to close the Public Hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Murchison read the proposed resolution for issuance of the revenue bonds. Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman o I Neal to adopt the resolution as read for issuance of revenue bonds in the principal amount of not more than $3,500,000 to pay all or a portion of the costs of the acquisition, construction and installation of an industrial facility in the NorthChase Industrial Park adjoining N. C. Highway 132, New Hanover County, for the manufacture of conveyor equipment, including the acquisition of an approximately 12-acre site, construction of an approximately 75,000 square foot building and the acquisition and installation of machinery and equipment to be owned and operated by Interroll Corporation. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 1. r 'L-- PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING 850 ACRES IN THE EASTERN SECTOR OF MIDDLE SOUND TO R-20S RESIDENTIAL FROM R-15 TO R-20 RESIDENTIAL Chairman Dolan opened the Public Hearing. l \ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 4, 1988 (CONTINUED) ~ 5 Planning Director Hayes gave background information on the rezoning request stating the petitioners, a neighborhood group known as Middle Sound Lookout and others, had made the residential single family detached dwelling rezoning request to preserve the area's environmental resources. He stated the Planning Board unanimously supported the request with the Planning Staff recommending denial due to establishing a dangerous trend toward "exclusionary" zoning practices. I Chairman Dolan asked if anyone present would like to speak in favor of the rezoning request. The following per~ons commented: Mr. Richard B. Gwathmey, representing Middle Sound Lookout, commented on the Middle Sound Plan and participation by residents of the area in trying to protect the environment and natural resources. He stressed the importance of long term preservation of the area through zoning which will allow only single family detached dwellings and prevent construction of wall to wall condominiums. Mr. Gwathmey asked all persons present to stand and respectfully requested approval of the rezoning request. Chairman Dolan asked if anyone present would like to speak in opposition to the rezoning request. The following person commented: I Mr. Wilbur Bryant, a resident of the Middle Sound area, expressed concern for the recent decision by the U. S. Supreme Court which states if zoning regulations deprive owners of the value in the use of and disposition of their property, the local government bodies shall be financially responsible. He cautioned against a rezoning that will deprive a property owner the right to use his property as he desires and requested denial of the rezoning request. Chairman Dolan closed the Public Hearing. After discussion, Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman O'Neal to approve the R-20S zoning for the eastern sector of Middle Sound as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of an "AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF ZONING AREA NO. 3 OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED JULY 6, 1971," is contained in Zoning Ordinance Book I, Section 3, Page 3. BREAK Chairman Dolan recessed the meeting for a break from 8:06 o'clock P.M. to 8:15 o'clock P.M. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING .29 OF AN ACRE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF OLEANDER DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 500 FEET WEST OF AZALEA BOULEVARD TO B- 2 BUSINESS FROM SC SHOPPING CENTER DISTRICT Chairman Dolan opened the Public Hearing. -I Planning Director Hayes gave background information on B-2 rezoning request of .29 of an acre located on the south side of Oleander Drive stating approval of the request will require the owner to modify the approved site plan that now exists. He stated the proposed rezoning will not encroach into the adjoining residential area stating the Planning Board voted unanimously to approved the request. Chairman Dolan asked if anyone present wished to speak in favor of the rezoning request. The following person commented: ...4 6 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 4, 1988 (CONTINUED) Mr. H. Stovall, the petitioner, requested approval of the rezoning request in order to convert a triangular piece of property into a rectangular shape which will enhance the use of the land. Chairman Dolan asked if anyone present wished to speak in opposition to the rezoning request. No one commented. Chairman Dolan closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner 0 Retchin to approve the rezoning request as submitted. Upon I vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of " AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF ZONING AREA NO. 6 OF COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED AUGUST 18, contained in Zoning Ordinance Book I, section 6, NEW HANOVER NEW HANOVER 1971," is Page 37. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO MODIFY THE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR WELL PUMP HOUSES NOT EXCEEDING 50 SQUARE FEET IN SIZE FOR FRONT, SIDE AND REAR YARDS Chairman Dolan opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Hayes stated the proposed Text Amendment was initiated by the Inspections Department due to builders constructing various sizes of pump or well houses in front, side, and rear yards. He stated the original amendment permitted structures no larger than 100 square feet; however, the planning Board felt the square footage allowance was too large and unanimously adopted the Text Amendment with modification of 100 square feet to 50 square feet. Chairman Dolan asked if anyone present wished to speak 0 in favor of or in opposition to the proposed Text Amendment. . No one commented. Chairman Dolan closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED O'Neal to approve the Text Amendment recommended by the Planning Board. Upon CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. by Vice-Chairman as modified and vote, the MOTION A copy of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER, NORTH CAROLINA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY ADOPTED OCTOBER 6, 1969, is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER CLOSING THE REMAINING PORTION OF MACRAE AVENUE AND ADJOINING UNNAMED ALLEY AND A PORTION OF AN UNNAMED ROAD ADJACENT AND EAST OF PLAZA EAST SHOPPING CENTER Chairman Dolan opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Hayes gave background information on the closing of a portion of MacRae Avenue and adjoining unnamed alley and a portion of an unnamed road adjacent and east of Plaza East Shopping Center. He stated adjoining {1 properties will not be "land locked" and recommended I approval of the street closing. ~~. Chairman Dolan asked if anyone present wished to speak in favor of or in opposition to the street closing. No one commented. Chairman Dolan closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to approve orders closing the remaining portion of , \ p ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 4, 1988 (CONTINUED) 7 MacRae Avenue and adjoining unnamed alley and a portion of an Unnamed Road adj acent and east of Plaza East Shopping Center. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Copies of the orders are contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 2. I ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO CLOSE A PORTION OF VANN AVENUE Planning Director Hayes stated due to a new subdivision proposal, a petition had been filed to close a portion of Vann Avenue. He stated the street does not exist, but is a portion of an old driveway. Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to adopt the Resolution of Intent to close a portion of Vann Avenue with a Public Hearing being scheduled for the 1st day of February, 1988. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the Resolution of Intent is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 2. UPDATE AND PRESENTATION OF ACTIVITIES OF THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Director of Human Relations, Bill Jessup, expressed appreciation to the Commissioners for being asked to discuss the activities of the Human Relations Commission. He stated the original purpose of the Commission was to establish community or intergroup relations with emphasis on racial relations. He commented on the month of February designated as Human Relations Month in New Hanover County and encouraged the Commissioners to attend and participate in as many events as possible. 1 Director Jessup commented on other services provided by the Human Relations Commission. He stated the Commission is the agency designated to enforce New Hanover County's Fair Housing and Fair Employment Ordinances. The Fair Housing Ordinance prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The Fair Employment Ordinance prohibits discrimination based on the same factors plus age and handicap status. He also commented on a study performed by the Human Relations Community Affairs Task Force on the homeless population in New Hanover County stating much interest has been generated in the Community as to the seriousness of this problem. In summary, Director Jessup stated the Human Relations Commission has completed 104 Fair Employment cases with 25 "Negotiated Settlements" and 53% of the cases being determined as "No Cause". He stated the number of cases closed increased 13% during the 1986-87 reporting period. He also commented on completion of action on five housing cases and 940 "Requests for Assistance". Chairman Dolan thanked Director Jessup for an excellent presentation providing insight to the many responsibilities and functions of the Human Relations Commission. I: UPDATE AND PRESENTATION OF ACTIVITIES OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY LIBRARY Director of the New Hanover County Library, David Paynter, expressed appreciation to the Commissioners for giving him an opportunity to discuss the progress and accomplishments of the library. He stated the Library had a record year in circulation and is now fully automated. Director Paynter commented on the following programs offered by the Library throughout the County: J MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 4, 1988 (CONTINUED) 8 1. Children's Programs 2. Bookmobile 3. College Square Branch Library and the Carolina Beach Branch Library 4. Adult Library Outreach for the Handicapped and Aged 5. The North Carolina Room 6. Various Services available: Quick Telephone Reference; Research Assistance; Loaning of Audio Visual Materials and Equipment; Film Programs; Local History Materials; Census Materials; etc. o In summary, Director Paynter, stated the Library has grown in services offered and is being well utilized by the general public. He expressed concern for the impact upon the library if the proposed City/County parking facility is constructed. Chairman Dolan expressed appreciation to Director Paynter for an informative report on the Library. ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT TO NEW HANOVER COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 3, ANIMALS AND FOWL, SECTION 3-4 Mr. Ron Currie, Animal Control Director, stated the present Animal Control Ordinance does not provide for a definition of a dog shelter or rabbit shelter. He commented on the need to protect dogs and rabbits from poor li ving conditions and presented the following amendment to the Animal Control Ordinance defining both a dog and rabbit shelter. Chapter 3 of the New Hanover County Code entitled "Animals and Fowl" is amended as follows: Add the following definitions to Section 304: o (N) Dog Shelter An area sufficient in size to contain a constrained dog in a normal sitting, standing, and sleeping position. The area must have sides and a leak-proof roof to give protection from the elements. The ground, base, or foundation on which the dog must stand or rest must be well drained and not subject to flooding or continuously wet or muddy conditions. (0) Rabbit Shelter - An area sufficient in size to contain a constrained rabbit in a normal sitting, turning, and stretching position. The shelter must be structurally sound, provide protection from predators and adverse environments and be easily sanitized. The roof must have enough overhang to protect the rabbit from rain. Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman O'Neal to adopt the amendment to the Animal Control Ordinance as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the ordinance is on file in the Clerk's office for codification into the New Hanover County Code. ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT TO THE WATER AND SEWER ORDINANCES TO [ ALLOW $400 TAP FEE ON A TIME BASIS - SECOND READING Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman ---' O'Neal to adopt an amendment as presented to the Water and Sewer Ordinance, Section 15-24 (A) 2( 2). Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the ordinance is contained in the Clerk's office for codification into the New Hanover County Code. \\ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 4, 1988 (CONTINUEDl. -.., 9 SCHEDULING OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT TO HEAR PRESENTATIONS BY ENGINEERING FIRMS FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE 201 FACILITIES PLAN AND SEWER SYSTEM DESIGN Director of Engineering & Facilities, Ed Hilton, stated four firms had been selected to give presentations on the amendment to the 201 Facilities Plan and Sewer System Design. He requested scheduling a Special Meeting of the Water and Sewer District to hear the presentations. I Chairman Dolan expressed concern for the firms selected, which always appear to be the same, and asked what criteria is used in determining the qualifications of firms when submitting proposals. Director Hilton stated the main criteria used is the firm's knowledge of the scope of services and capabilities to meet the restrictive time limitations which will greatly impact on funding. He emphasized the importance of selecting a firm with adequate staffing to meet the required deadlines. After reviewing the proposals submitted by various firms, it was the consensus of Board to add the engineering firm of Andrew and Kuske to the list and schedule a meeting on Monday, January 11, 1988, at 9:00 o'clock A.M. in the 5th Floor Conference Room of the County Administration Building, to hear presentations. I ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION CONCERNING LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY WITH REFERENCE TO EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND SALARIES Commissioner Retchin stated the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners has requested counties to prepare resolutions expressing concern for recent legislation affecting a county's authority to determine certain local employees' benefits and salaries. He stated the Association feels the long-standing tradition of local autonomy should be upheld and strongly urges each County to prepare a resolution and discuss this issue with local legislators. Commissioner Retchin requested adoption of the resolution submitted with the agenda packet. Chairman Dolan expressed concern for Paragraph 3 referring to recently enacted retirement benefits for Law Enforcement stating he supported this issue. He requested removal of the paragraph. After further discussion, Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to adopt the resolution as submitted with deletion of Paragraph 3. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 2. APPOINTMENT OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO SERVE ON VARIOUS BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND AUTHORITIES After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to appoint the following Commissioners to serve on various Boards, Committees, Commissions, and Authorities: I Board of Health Southeastern Mental Health Center Hospital Board of Trustees Port, Waterway & Beach Comm. Board of Social Services Military Affairs Committee Transportation Advisory Comm. Council of Governments Wilmington Industrial Committee Board of Fire Commissioners Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Barfield Vice-Chairman O'Neal Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Chairman Dolan Commissioner Retchin Commissioner Barfield Vice-Chairman O'Neal Chairman Dolan ~ 1 0 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 4, 1988 (CONTINUED) Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board Human Relations Commission Convention & Visitors Bureau Coast Line Convention Management, Inc. Dare Board of Directors Region "0" EMS New Hanover Advance Life Support Chamber of Commerce Chairman Dolan Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Commissioner Corbett Vice-Chairman O'Neal Commissioner Retchin Commissioner Retchin Chairman Dolan ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY COMMISSIONERS [l ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESIGNATION OF RICK PETELINKAR FROM THE AIRPORT COMMISSION Commissioner Barfield stated Richard (Rick) petelinkar was being transferred from General Electric to another location and would be resigning from the Airport Commission. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to request the Clerk to advertise the vacancy on the Airport Commission and authorize Commissioner Barfield to make the appointment at the first meeting in February. TENTATIVE DATE SET FOR DEDICATION OF COURTHOUSE County Manager Cooper stated the date of January 29, 1988, has tentatively been scheduled for dedication of the Old Courthouse. He stated invitations will be forwarded to the Commissioners. DISCUSSION OF OFFICE SPACE IN THE COURTHOUSE Commissioner Barfield recommended moving offices of the County Commissioners to the Old Courthouse when completed. He commented on the present offices, particularly the rooms located next to the elevator, stating he feels elected officials should have adequate space. Commissioner Retchin recommended modification of the present office space in the County Administration Building instead of moving to the Courthouse. il ~J Commissioner O'Neal expressed concern for inconvenience to both the County Staff and Commissioners by not being located in the same facility. County Manager Cooper expressed concern for utilization of off ice space, particularly for itinerant use by Commissioners, stating the rooms are very large and assignment of these rooms may not be the best use of the facility. Chairman Dolan asked if the four rooms have been assigned, and if it is too late to make a change. County Manager Cooper stated the rooms have not been assigned, but have tentatively been designated as meeting rooms to accommodate the general public. He stated if the Commissioners desire to use these rooms as off ice space, they can certainly do so. After further discussion, it was the consensus of thel : Board to visit the facility before making a final decision. _ REPORT ON THE MUSEUM BUILDING COMMITTEE Commissioner Corbett reported the Commi ttee is planning to visit a museum York to see how exhibits are displayed. Museum Bui lding in Rochester, New DISCUSSION OF PREPARING A RESOLUTION FOR RAISING THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED Commissioner Corbett asked if a resolution had been prepared to forward to the N. C. Association of County ~\ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 4, 1988 (CONTINUED) \ s!.;-- -.., 11 commissioners encouraging support of legislation to raise the property tax exemption for the elderly and disabled. Clerk to the Board, Lucie Harrell, stated the Tax Administrator was checking into legislation that has already been introduced and upon receipt of this information a resolution would be prepared. Commissioner Retchin stated he would work with the Clerk to prepare a resolution for adoption at the next regularly scheduled meeting. I Discussion was held on the property tax exemption for the elderly and disabled in South Carolina. Commissioner Retchin requested County Attorney Pope to furnish him a copy of the state statute. DISCUSSION OF FUNDING FOR EXPENSES INCURRED BY MEMBERS OF THE AIRPORT COMMISSION Chairman Dolan asked if any funding had been appropriated to cover expenses incurred by members of the Airport Commission stating if so, are they free to use those funds. He stated one member of the Commission had experienced difficulty in obtaining reimbursement for a travel expense. I County Manager Cooper stated funds are available in the Airport Budget for expenses incurred by members of the Airport Commission. He stated the Chairman of the Airport Commission had submitted a handwritten note to the Finance Director for reimbursement of mileage traveled from his home to the Airport. He stated the Finance Director could not legally reimburse the Chairman for this request since there is no County policy authorizing reimbursement for in town travel. Consequently, he wrote a letter to the Chairman stating a policy would have to be prepared and approved by the County Commissioners before payments could be made for reimbursements of this type. Vice-Chairman 0' Neal cautioned against setting a precedent commenting on other volunteer boards that are not reimbursed for expenses but give of their time. Chairman Dolan commented on the resolution adopted establishing the Airport Commission and granting authority to operate the Airport. He expressed concern for questioning every petty amount spent and recommended establishment of an operating fund for use by the Airport Commission. Vice-Chairman O'Neal recommended requesting the Airport Commission to establish guidelines and prepare a policy for reimbursement of expenses for presentation to the County Commissioners. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to schedule a meeting with the Airport Commission on January 19, 1988, to discuss th~s and other issues of importance. I DISCUSSION OF LEGISLATIVE COORDINATING COUNCIL MEETINGS Chairman Dolan stated Vice-Chairman 0' Neal would like to continue the Legislative Coordinating Council meetings held monthly at the New Hanover County Library. He requested Vice-Chairman 0' Neal to remain Chairman of the Council. Commissioner Retchin encouraged continuance of the meetings monthly and recommended holding these meetings at various locations in the County, such as Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, or Kure Beach. He also recommended a change in time, particularly when local legislators are not in ~ 12 .: MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 4, 1988 (CONTINUED) session, stating 7:30 A.M. is quite early and perhaps inconvenient for persons attending. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to request Vice-Chairman O'Neal to remain Chairman of the Legislative Coordinating Council and to request Vice-Chairman O'Neal to discuss the time and place of future meetings as an agenda item for the meeting to be held on Monday, January 25, 1988. Chairman Dolan commented on the possibility of holding [J regular meetings of the County Commissioner at various I locations throughout the County. He stressed the importance L of being available to the public and allowing participation by the general public. ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY MANAGER APPROVAL TO FILE APPLICATION FOR FAIR HOUSING GRANT - HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Assistant County Manager Gornto requested approval to apply for a Fair Housing Grant under Type II Funds. She stated award of the grant will require hiring of a full time posi tion on a temporary basis for two years which is the term of the grant. Director of Human Relations, Bill Jessup, stated this is a competi ti ve type grant with HUD inviting agencies to submit proposals. He stated the funds can be utilized for community education programs to explain Fair Housing to the ci tizens of the County and for upgrading of the computer system to deal with Fair Housing case management plus other additional services that are presently inadequate. After discussion, Commissioner Barfield by Commissioner Retchin to approve filing of for the Fair Housing Grant as submitted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MOVED, SECONDED the application Upon vote, the o DISCUSSION OF RESIGNATION OF GRACE AVERY FROM THE CLEAN COMMUNITY COMMISSION County Manager Cooper stated Ms. Grace Avery submitted her resignation as Director of the Clean Community Commission effective December 30, 1987. He stated the Solid Waste Task Force has recommended hiring a Recycling Coordinator commenting on the possible overlapping of the two positions. He requested authorization to meet with the Clean Community Commission to discuss the possibility of waiting to fill the Director's position until a decision is made by the Commissioners with reference to hiring of Recycling Coordinator which could impact on both positions. Chairman Dolan recommended studying the possibility of merging the Solid Waste Task Force and Clean Community Commission. County Manager Cooper stated he would check into this matter and report to the Board at a later date. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to authorize the County Manager to discuss this issue with the Clean Community Commission. r) " J DISCUSSION OF 1991 PROPERTY TAX REVALUATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS IN THE TAX DEPARTMENT County Manager Cooper commented on the 1991 Property Tax Revaluation stating this procedure will have to be performed under state statute. He commented on the capability of the Tax Department to perform this revaluation and the amount of money saved to the taxpayers by not having to contract with private individuals. Discussion relations when was held performing on the importance of public a revaluation. Chairman Dolan \ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 4, 1988 (CONTINUED) stressed the importance of Department stating no matter situation, the public must be Manager Cooper stated this improved upon. public relations in the Tax how difficult the job and the treated with courtesy. County issue will be addressed and ANNOUNCEMENT OF LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON, D. C. Clerk to the Board, Lucie Harrell, stated the National Association of Counties' Legislative Conference will be held in Washington, D. C. on March 5-8, 1988, and requested the Commissioners to let her know if they plan to attend. I ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. I I Respectfully submitted, ~d~ Lucie F. Harrell Clerk ~ 13 ~