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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-01-19 Regular Meeting ,...- 1 4 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Regular Session on Monday, January 19, A.M. in the Assembly Room of the Administration Building, .320 Chestnut North Carolina. Commissioners met in 1988, at 9:00 o'clock New Hanover County Street, Wilmington, Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.; W. Albert Corbett, Jr.; Fred Retchin; Vice-Chairman I' 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. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO FLAG Finance Director, Andrew J. Atkinson, invocation. gave the Commander John Belt, of the American Legion, lead the audience in Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 21, 1987, as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PRESENTATION OF RETIREMENT PLAQUE TO MRS. MABEL B. PRICE Chairman Dolan, on behalf of the Board, presented a retirement plaque to Mrs. Mabel B. Price for 27 years and 2 months of service with the New Hanover County Health Department. He wished her health and happiness in her retirement years. Vice-Chairman O'Neal, a Health, commented on Mrs. Health Department stating wealth of knowledge will be former member of the Board of Price's contributions to the her pleasant personality and greatly missed. 1 ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, 1988 AS HUMAN RELATIONS MONTH Chairman Dolan read the proclamation designating the month of February as Human Relations Month in New Hanover County. He stated the winner of the New Hanover County theme, "No Two Alike, Yet All Are One," presented by Ms. Jessica Zingleman has been adopted by the State as the theme for Human Relations Month. He congratulated Ms. Zingleman and the Human Relations Commission for this honor. Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman O'Neal to adopt the proclamation as read designating February as Human Relations Month in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the proclamation is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 1. 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. I APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Corbett commented on Item #9, a Proclamation designating the Week of February 7-13, 1988, as Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week, emphasizing the importance of creating safety passenger awareness among parents of children. Assistant Health Director, Lynda ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 (CONTINUED) ~ '1'5 Smith, stated the Health Department will be sponsoring promotional programs throughout the County. Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA I Approval of Tax Collection Reports Through December 31, 1987 The Commissioners approved the fOllowing Tax Reports through December 31, 1987, as submitted by the Collector of Revenue: New Hanover County Tax Collections New Hanover County Fire District Tax Collections Copies of the reports are contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 3. Approval of Tax Abatements and Refunds The Commissioners approved a list of tax abatements and refunds as submitted by the Tax Administrator. A copy of the list is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 3. Approval for Release of Tax Penalties on Various Room Occupancy Tax Accounts The Commissioners approved release of tax penalties on the following Room Occupancy Tax accounts: Federal Point Real Estate Tucker Brothers Realty Company I Approval of Library Display Policy The Commissioners approved a Library Display Policy as submitted by the Library Advisory Board regulating the use of display fixtures and brochure racks. A copy of the policy is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 4. Approval of Physio-Control Maintenance Agreement - Emergency Medical Services Department The Commissioners approved renewal of the Physio-Control Maintenance Agreement for required calibration checks and electrical safety stickers for the cardiac monitor/defibrillator equipment. A copy of the agreement is on file in the County Manager's office. Approval of Public Health Nurse I County Health Department The Commissioners approved position and Budget Amendment Coordination for Pregnant Women program funded by Medicaid. Position - New Hanover a Public for the Program, Health Nurse I Medicaid Care a reimbursable I 88-0175 Health Department/Maternity Care Coordinator Debit Credit Medicaid $7,153 Salaries FICA Retirement Insurance Contracted Services Departmental Supplies $4,980 357 413 383 100 330 j 16 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 (CONTINUED) Budget Amendment (Continued) Uniforms Auto Allowance Travel, Meetings, and Schools Debit Credit 150 190 250 To establish budget for Maternity Care Coordinator Program with Medicaid revenue from Medicaid expansion of services for pregnant women. Adoption of Resolution Awarding Bid to Carolina Office Equipment Company - Department of Social Services n The Commissioners adopted a resolution awarding the low bid in the amount of $10,305 to Carolina Office Equipment l Company, Wilmington, N. C. for purchase of one ( 1) High Volume Plain Paper Copier for the Department of social Services. A copy of the resolution and bid tabulation are contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 4. Award of Low Bid to Wilmington Lawn & Leisure Company - Parks and Recreation Department The Commissioners adopted a resolution awarding the low bid in the amount of $8,270.69 to Wilmington Lawn & Leisure for purchase of one (1) Wheel Type Tractor with trade-in of existing tractor for the Parks and Recreation Department. A copy of the resolution and bid tabulation are contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 4. Adoption of Proclamation Designating the Week of February 7-13, 1988, as CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK The Commissioners adopted a proclamation designating the week of February 7-13, 1988, as Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week in New Hanover County. A copy of the proclamation is contained in Exhibit Book !"l XVI, Page 4. l J Adoption of Resolution to Add Roads to the North Carolina Secondary Road System The commissioners adopted a resolution to add the following roads to the State Secondary Road System: Extensions of Vale, Highgreene, and Aquarius Drives Bayshore Estates Subdivision, Section II (Division File #582) A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 4. Approval of Budget Amendment - Airport Terminal Project 88-0153 Airport Debit Credit Airport Terminal Building Terminal - State Grant $250,000 Airport Terminal Project Contingencies $250,000 f" To adjust current budget for additional state funding received on the terminal project approved by County Commissioners on November 16, 1987. "-- ./ Approval of Budget Amendment Hanover County Airport Security Fencing New 88-0172 Airport Debit Credit Security Fencing Federal Grant $ 67,685 \ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 ( CONTINUED) ~ 17 Budget Amendment (Continued) Debit Credit Airport Master Plan Federal Grant 114,774 Airport Improvement Project-03 Contingency 48,417 I Security Fencing General Contractor Engineering - Out-of-Pocket $ 75,207 1,500 Airport Master Plan Engineering Engineering - Out-of-Pocket 152,669 1,500 To establish budget for federal grant and contracts awarded for Security Fencing and Airport Master Plan. Report of Budget Amendments Approved by Budget Officer The following Budget Amendments were approved by the Budget Officer and are being reported for entry into the record: 88-0157 Finance/Contributions to Outside Agencies Cape Fear Substance Abuse Center Finance Department Victims Assistance Grant/ Rape Task Force Debit Credit $11,220 Contributions to Outside Agencies Cape Fear Substance Abuse Center $11,220 I To adjust Rape Task Force Grant budget to new allocation. Grant was approved by County Commissioners in FY 1986/87 with no County funds involved. 88-0158 Finance Department Contributions to Outside Agencies - Cape Fear Substance Abuse Center Finance Department TASC Grant Debit $2,851 Credit Contributions to Outside Agencies Cape Fear Substance Abuse Center $2,851 To adjust budget to actual grant ended 7/31/87. Grant approved by County Commissioners in FY 1986/87 with no County funds involved. 88-0167 Management Information Systems Debit Credit Installment Loan Proceeds $503,239 Capital Outlay - Equipment $503,239 I To record First Union National Bank lease purchase for computer for accounting purposes only. 88-0177 Health Department/Family Planning Debit Credit Departmental Supplies $1,936 Family Planning Fees $1,936 To reduce departmental supplies due to reduction in DHS funds from the State. ~ 18 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 (CONTINUED) Report of Change Order Report #4 for Entry Into The Record The Commissioners approved Change Order Report #4 as presented by the Director of Engineering & Facilities. A copy of the report is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 4. DISMISSAL OF GRIEVANCE APPEAL SUBMITrED BY PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS County Manager Cooper commented on the grievance filed by five Public Safety Officers at the Airport objecting to a decision made by the County Commissioners concerning ',,,:l another Special Public Safety Officer. He stated the grievance had been filed through the normal channels as follows: (1) filed with the immediate Supervisor, (2) reviewed by the Assistant Airport Manager, (3) reviewed by the Personnel Department, and (4) reviewed by the County Manager, with all persons reviewing the grievance concluding the appeal was invalid. The next step and final step of the grievance procedure is to schedule a hearing before the County Commissioners. A certified letter was forwarded on November 18, 1987, to each appellant with notification that the appeal would be heard on January 19, 1988, at 9:00 A.M. Chairman Dolan present and would commented. asked if any of like to present the their appellants case. No were one Assistant County Attorney Copley recommended dismissal of the case since no appellants were present. Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to dismiss the grievance as filed by the Public Safety Officers. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. DISCUSSION OF TIP FEE AT THE STEAM PLANT l Director of Engineering & Facilities, Ed Hilton, ", commented on the current $1.00 increase in the tip fee at ~ the Steam Plant due to the Flemington Lawsuit. He stated when haulers were notified of the increase, they were also notified of the installation of scales at the Landfill which will change the measurement from a yardage rate to a tonnage rate. He commented on the impact to certain vendors with high density products with the change from yardage to tonnage stating they could see an increase in the tip fee; however, vendors with light products could see a decrease. Director Hilton stated the Commissioners should be aware of this situation. PRESENTATION AND APPROVAL OF CONCEPT TO PROCEED WITH COMPREHENSIVE SOLID WASTE PROGRAM Director of Engineering & Facilities, Ed Hilton, commented on the concept of a Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan stating primary emphasis is placed on immediate expansion of the Steam Plant. He stated the Solid Waste Department will be divided into three divisions: 1. Collections (a) Franchise the haulers with exclusive service area. (b) Mandatory collection. n (c) Place the cost under the tax base. (d) Contract franchises with the County. \ (e) Requires cooperation with municipalities. (f) Collections Coordinator to be included in 1988/89 Budget. 2. Recycling (a) Target 20% waste stream reduction. (b) Recycling Coordinator to be included in 1988-89 Budget. , \\ ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 (CONTINUED) 11'9 (c) Requires cooperation with municipalities. (d) Follow Solid Waste Task Force's recommendation for implementation. 3 . Disposal (a) Expand the (b) Expand the tons per additional (c) Determine expansion. landfill as necessary. steam plant immediately by 250 day and in the future by an 100 tons per day. the financing plan for the I Discussion was held on mandatory house collection in New Hanover County with franchised collection areas placing the cost of the program under the tax base. Director Hilton stated if the cost of program is placed under the tax base, taxes will increase; however, individuals receiving services now through a private hauler and company, will no longer have to pay this fee. He stated by combining exclusive franchise areas there should be an increase in the efficiency of service and, also, under the mandatory system, all residential customers will automatically receive service which should reduce litter dumped along roadways. I Commissioner Retchin asked how the program would be placed under the tax base. Director Hilton stated there are alternatives in applying the cost with the key factor being whether or not municipalities participate directly in the program which would provide an overall tax coverage for the entire County. However, if the municipalities do not participate, a Special Service District will have to be established. Discussion was held on charging a fee or separate service tax with notation that a fee would not be eligible for an itemized tax deduction; whereas, a charge as a portion of the regular tax base, would be eligible as an itemized tax deduction. Commissioner Corbett asked if a market is available for ash. Director Hilton stated there is a potential market for ash and that currently the County is using ash as a daily cover for the County Landfill. Director of Finance, Andrew J. Atkinson, stated the original Steam Plant cost approximately $12-14 million with the proposed expansion projected to cost approximately $23.5 million commenting on the importance of moving forward with the expansion in order to defer increased costs. He presented cost projections reflecting savings to the County by expansion of the Steam Plant versus enlargement of the Landf ill. I Finance Director Atkinson presented and commented on the following methods of financing the Steam Plant expansion: (1) General Obligation Bonds; (2) Revenue Bonds; (3) Lease Purchase Agreement; and (4) Revenue Lease. Director Atkinson recommended using the revenue lease approach which is an innovative method of combining the most favorable features of General Obligation Bonds and revenue bond alternatives. He listed the following advantages and disadvantages of financing with Certificates of Participation under this new approach: Advantages: 1. With market volatility, more flexibility is available. 2. Flexibility up to the date of sale on: a. Amount issued b. Timing c. Ability to structure with variable of fixed rates ~ 20 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 (CONTINUED) 3. Does not impact on County's Debt limit. Allows the Enterprise Fund to stand on its own. 4. If environmental laws change which drastically effect operations of the Steam Plant or Landfill, new, more flexible debt service payments can be arranged without impacting the General Fund. 5. Ability to defer payment until plant is operational which will establish level payments each year. Disadvantages: 1. Slightly more expensive than General Obligation Bonds. 2. New in the Financing markets. 3. More complicated than General Obligation Bonds. A Financial Advisor will be needed to assist in preparing the proposal. o Commissioner Corbett asked what type of financial advisor would be needed. Finance Director Atkinson stated First Union National Bank has a division that will prepare and perform the work necessary to administer the financial package with an underwriter, such as Prudential Bache. Director Hilton emphasized the importance of public relations in developing a program of this type. He requested authority for Staff to proceed with the following steps stating each function within the steps outlined will be presented to the Board for approval prior to processing the next step: 1. Develop the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan working with the municipalities. The plan must be approved by the N. C. Department of Resources which will allow New Hanover County control of the waste stream. o 2. Expand the contract with Dr. Stan Peters to provide the final design of the Steam Plant expansion. 3. Bid the components of the Steam Plant expansion. 4. Upon approval of the above items by the Commissioners, staff will request direction of the Board for the financing program preferred for the Steam Plant expansion. Discussion was held on the Steam Plant expansion projected to cost approximately $23.5 million which will increase the Steam Plant capacity to 250 tons per day and reduce the amount of space used at the Landfill. Director Hilton stated the costs involved with expanding the Landfill is approximately $1 million per five (5) acres stressing the immediate need to expand the Steam Plant. Chairman Dolan being very expensive cities and counties process. commented stating seem to on the recycling process he was confused when other be making money with the Director Hilton stated when looking at the entire recycling system from the point of collections, processing, and disposal, the revenue generated usually does not pay for the program; however, revenue generated may be enough to pay for a portion of the program, such as disposal. He stated the vendor oper-ating the processing facility could make money; but in most instances the vendor is paid a subsidy or user fee. Chairman Dolan stated officials of the City of San Jose had informed him that they were able to make money. Director Hilton stated after discussion with officials from San Jose, it is his understanding that the City of San Jose pays Waste Management, Inc. a collections and disposal cost (\ I I ~~ \ ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 (CONTINUED) ~ -t.l I with a pay back system projecting revenues by the sale of the product. If actual revenues generated exceed projected revenues, the City of San Jose and Waste Management, Inc. split the profit. However, if revenues are less than projected, the City of San Jose and Waste Management, Inc. split the loss. He stated the City pays up front a fee per uni t for the program from the tax base. Chairman Dolan stated officials from the City of San Jose informed him that the entire operation was paid through the franchise system with emphasis placed on the fact that the waste management program was very much desired by Waste Management, Inc. After further discussion, Director Hilton stated he would be glad to furnish figures received from the City of San Jose to Chairman Dolan. Commissioner Barfield emphasized the importance of knowing that a recycling program will be cost effective in New Hanover County before making any definite decision. He commented on other areas, which are not as large as San Jose, where problems have been encountered with the program due to operational costs. Director Hilton stated once a Recycling Coordinator is hired and research is performed on every aspect of the recycling program including cost a report will be presented to the Commissioners for review with a final decision being made on whether or not to proceed with the program. He stated the only request being made today was for authorization to proceed with the concept of developing a Comprehensive Solid Waste Plan. I Commissioner Retchin stated the bottom line is, if we stay with our current plan and do not expand the Steam Plant, it will cost the County $16,709,956 over the next 12 years. Whereas, if we expand the Steam Plant and follow the plan as recommended, it will cost the County $16,097,386 over the next 12 years. commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED Commissioner Barfield to approve the concept of the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan as presented and recommended by Staff, and to schedule a Public Hearing when facts and cost figures are available in order to inform the general public and allow them to comment. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. BREAK Chairman Dolan recessed the meeting for a break from 10:50 o'clock A.M. JOINT MEETING WITH NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT COMMISSION Chairman Dolan welcomed Mr. John Ashby, Chairman of the Airport Commission, and Mr. Paul Gregory, a member of the Airport Commission. Chairman Dolan stated a Fiscal Control Policy prepared by County Staff and the Airport Commission had been forwarded to the Commissioners for review asking if anyone would like to comment. I Commissioner O'Neal questioned Paragraph 3 on Page 3 of the document stating, "Airport Commission members will be subject to the same travel policy as the County Commissioners." He stated the County Commissioners do not have a travel policy. County Manager Cooper stated the intent of this statement was to avoid placing the County's per diem travel limitation on members of the Airport Commission. ~ ~~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 (CONTINUED) Commissioner O'Neal expressed concern for establishing a policy with no set amount for travel expenses per diem and requested deletion of Paragraph 3. County Manager Cooper recommended amending the paragraph to read as follows: "All Commission Members will be subject to the same travel policy as County employees with the exception that the Airport Commission may approve themselves higher limits of expenditures when exceeding the per diem." Chairman Dolan objected to the recommendation stressing the importance of separating the concept of County Airport Commission members being under the same policy as County employees. o Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to approve the Fiscal Control Policy amending Paragraph 3 on Page 3 to read as follows: "All Commission Members will be subject to a travel policy to be developed by the Airport Commission and shall include a vote by members of the Airport Commission in order to approve out-of-town travel." The floor was opened for discussion. Commissioner Barfield recommended requesting the Airport Commission to develop a travel policy for review by the Board of Commissioners. Mr. John Ashby, Chairman of the Airport Commission, requested settling the issue at this meeting, if possible. Commissioner Barfield asked if the travel policy would be reviewed by the Commissioners stating he strongly feels the policy should be reviewed and approved by the Board. After a lengthy discussion on review of the travel policy by the Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Retchin AMENDED his MOTION, which was SECONDED by Commissioner 0 Corbett to include final approval of the travel policy by I . the Commissioners. The floor was opened for further discussion. Chairman Dolan commented on a Southeastern Regional meeting already scheduled by the Airport Commission asking since a travel policy has not been prepared or approved by the Commissioners, would the trip have to be cancelled. Commissioner Barfield stated the Airport Manager could request reimbursement of travel funds through the Airport Budget under the County's present policy. Chairman Dolan asked why write a policy? County Manager Cooper stated the intent of Paragraph 3 was to allow the Airport Commission to approve out-of-state travel without approval by the County Manager or Airport Manager. Chairman Dolan called to include final approval the Airport Commission. UNANIMOUSLY. for a vote on the AMENDED MOTION, of the travel policy prepared by Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED Chairman Dolan commented on the recent article 0 published in the Star News with reference to the fire truck stating matters of this nature should be referred to the Airport Manager or Airport Commission for comment. He suggested establishing a policy in order to avoid views being expressed from airport employees. Mr. Ashby stated the Airport Commission was in the process of developing a policy. Chairman Dolan thanked Airport Chairman Ashby and Airport Commissioner Gregory for attending the meeting. \ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 (CONTINUED) ~ 23 A copy of the Fiscal Control Policy is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 5. I APPEAL OF TAX LISTING PENALTY BY DANIEL M. WARGO Mr. Daniel M. Wargo gave background information on the appeal stating he contacted the Tax Office in August 1986, with a change of address when moving to Kure Beach permanently. However, the real property listing notice was mailed to his old address and finally forwarded to him on February 5, 1987, at which time he immediately hand delivered the abstract to the Tax Listing office. He asked if a penalty would be charged since the Tax Office had not properly changed the address in 1986. Three weeks later, he received a letter from the Tax Administrator stating in order to waive the penalty, he would have to appeal to the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Wargo requested abatement of the penalty due to negligence on the part of the Tax Office in failing to change the address. Tax Administrator Register stated with the lack of written evidence to support a request for a change of address, and according to the General Statutes, a late listing requires a penalty based upon the date received; therefore, he recommends denial based on similar cases. After discussion of the circumstances involving the address change and receipt of the listing, Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to abate the penalty. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. I ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION TO CONDUCT PROPERTY TAX REVALUATION EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1991 Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to adopt the resolution requiring a general property tax revaluation effective January 1, 1991. The floor was opened for discussion. Commissioner O'Neal stated, for the record, he was not in favor of rescinding the 1988 Property Tax Revaluation, but would vote in favor of the proposed resolution since he was out voted on the issue at the regular meeting held on December 28, 1987. Commissioner Retchin stated, for the record, he had requested the 1988 Property Tax Revaluation be postponed for one year to further study the methods used in appraising property. Chairman Dolan stated the Board of Commissioners voted to rescind the revaluation to further study the methods in performing the appraisals feeling this was the solution for resolving the numerous complaints received property owners with extremely large increases in values. used best from land After further discussion, Chairman Dolan called for a vote on the MOTION to adopt the resolution as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. I A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 5. MEETING RECESSED TO HOLD A MEETING OF THE 1987 BOARD OF EQUALIZATION AND REVIEW Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to recess from Regular Session to hold a meeting of the 1987 Board of Equalization and Review. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Dolan recessed the meeting from Regular Session at 11:55 o'clock A.M. .... :24 \~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 (CONTINUED) Commissioner Retchin MOVED, Corbett to reconvene to Regular MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. SECONDED Session. by Commissioner Upon vote, the Chairman Dolan reconvened to Regular Session at 11: 59 o'clock A.M. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENT OF AMARYALLIS L. BOARD OF HEALTH Chairman Dolan opened the floor for an appointment to the New Hanover in the General Public category. REHDER TO NEW HANOVER COUNTY to receive nominations County Board of Health n Commissioner Retchin nominated Mr. Sutton, Jr. William Hobbs Commissioner Corbett nominated Ms. Rehder. Amaryallis L. Commissioner Barfield nominated Mr. David P. Lowe. There being no further nominations, Chairman Dolan declared the nominations closed. Chairman Dolan called for a vote on the nomination of Mr. David P. Lowe. The MOTION DID NOT CARRY AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Voting Noe: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Chairman Dolan Chairman Dolan called for a vote on the nomination of n Ms. Amaryallis L. Rehder to serve a three-year term on the Board of Health expiring December 31, 1990. Upon vote, the l . MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Chairman Dolan Voting Noe: Commissioner Barfield APPOINTMENT OF ALFRED W. HARRELL TO FILL UNEXPIRED TERM ON HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Chairman Dolan opened the floor to receive nominations for an appointment to the Human Relations Commission. Commissioner Retchin nominated Mr. Alfred W. Harrell. Commissioner Barfield nominated Ms. Gayle Martin. There being no further nominations, Chairman Dolan delcared the nominations closed. Chairman Dolan called for a vote on the nomination of Ms. Gayle Martin. The MOTION DID NO CARRY AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Voting Noe: commissioner Barfield commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Chairman Dolan n Chairman Dolan called for a vote on the nomination of Mr. Alfred W. Harrell to fill the unexpired term on the Human Relations Commission expiring December 31, 1988. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Corbett ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 (CONTINUED) ~ 25 corrunissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Chairman Dolan Voting Noe: corrunissioner Barfield I RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF MS. ANN HART TO SERVE ON HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Corrunissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Corrunissioner Retchin to ratify the appointment of Ms. Ann Hart to serve a three-year term on the Human Relations corrunission as the New Hanover County League of Women Voters' representative. The term expires December 31, 1990. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AWARDING LOW BID TO CAPE FEAR MOTOR SALES, INC. FOR PURCHASE OF TRUCK County Manager Cooper presented a resolution awarding the bid to Cape Fear Motor Sales, Inc. for purchase of a truck to be used by Property Management and the Board of Elections for placement of voting machines. corrunissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by corrunissioner Corbett to adopt the resolution awarding the low bid in the amount of $16,298.11 to Cape Fear Motor Sales, Inc. for purchase of a truck. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 5. ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY COMMISSIONERS I Discussion of Proposed Parking Deck on Property Located Adjacent to New Hanover County Library Corrunissioner Barfield expressed concern for discussion being held on constructing a Parking Deck on County property adjacent to the Library stating safety is certainly a factor to be considered. corrunissioner Retchin corrunented on the possibility of constructing a Parking Deck on the lot behind the County Administration Building which would be convenient to the general public when utilizing City and County buildings. After discussion of safety factors involved, Corrunissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by corrunissioner Retchin not to consider the Library lot as a location for a proposed Parking Deck but to the inform the City that alternative sites would be considered. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The Clerk was requested to write a letter to the Mayor and City Council informing them of this decision. Discussion for Recognition of Longevity to County Employees corrunissioner Corbett asked if the County had some form of recognition for long-term County employees. I County Manager Cooper stated Service Awards are presented on County Fun Day each year in recognition of employees with five or more years of service. Also, a retirement plaque is presented to all employees retiring with five or more years of service. Discussion was held on retirement plaques being very meaningful. It was the consensus of the Board to request the County Manager to study qualifications for presentation of plaques with the length of service as the main criteria. ~ ..) 6 j...,/ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 (CONTINUED) Discussion of Supplemental County Employees Chairman Dolan asked receive health benefits from Health Insurance to Retired if retired County employees the County or State. County Manager Cooper stated the County now allows retired persons to remain on the group policy at the current group rate until age 65. He stated there is no supplement to the Medicare provision provided by local government or the retirement system. County Manager Cooper stated in order to properly study a supplemental retirement benefit an n actuary would have to be hired to research the issue. \.. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to request the County Manager to study alternatives to provide a supplemental health benefit to retired County employees with his findings and recommendations forwarded to the Commissioners for review. Adoption of Resolution to Request the General Assembly to Raise Property Tax Exemption for the Elderly and Disabled and Adoption of Resolution Requesting the General Assembly to Seek Additional Revenue Sources Allowing Local Governments to Enact Revenue Producing Options Commissioner Retchin presented a resolution encouraging the General Assembly to raise the Property Tax Exemption for the elderly and disabled from $12,000 to $20,000. He also presented a resolution supporting passage of Senate Bill 59, which defers property taxes for persons 65 and older until the property is transferred to someone other than the owner's spouse. After further discussion, Commissioner Retchin requested reaffirming a resolution adopted by the Board in 1986 encouraging the General Assembly to seek additional revenue sources which will allow local governments to enact In revenue producing options suited to the circumstances and \ needs of their citizens. , Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman O'Neal to adopt the resolution supporting passage of Senate Bill 59. The floor was opened for discussion. Commissioner Barfield expressed concern for the cost involved to members of families inheriting property. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to request Commissioner Retchin to WITHDRAW HIS MOTION and table this issue for further study and review. Commissioner Retchin withdrew the MOTION. Vice-Chairman 0' Neal recommended deleting the words, "to $20,000" in Paragraph 5 of the resolution encouraging the General Assembly to raise the property tax exemption for the elderly and disabled stating the General Assembly should set the limit. Afte~ further discussion, Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman 01 Neal to adopt the resolution requesting the General Assembly to consider raising the [j property tax exemption allowed under G.S. 105-277.1 from $12,000. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ~ A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 6. Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to prepare a resolution, which will reaffirm a resolution adopted in 1986, encouraging the General Assembly to seek additional sources of revenue allowing local \. ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19, 1988 (CONTINUED) 27 ~ governments to enact revenue producing options suited to the needs of their citizens. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 6. I ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED Retchin to adj ourn. Upon vote, the UNANIMOUSLY. by Commissioner MOTION CARRIED Chairman Dolan adjourned the meeting at 12:42 o'clock P.M. Re~pectfully submitted, ~dY~ LUl::ie F. Harrell Clerk I I ~