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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-03-14Continued Meeting ~ '77 MINUTES OF CONTINUED MEETING, MARCH 14, 1988 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners reconvened to Regular Session from the Continued Meeting of March 9, 1988, at 7:00 o'clock P.M. on Monday, March 14, 1988, in the Assembly Room of the County Administration Building, 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. I Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.; W. Albert Corbett, Jr.; Fred Retchin; Vice-Chairman, Nolan O'Neal; County Manager, G. Felix Cooper; County Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Chairman John M. Dolan was absent. Vice-Chairman 0' Neal called the meeting to order and gave the invocation. Commissioner Corbett lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF SAFETY OFFICER POSITION - PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT Director of Personnel, Andre' Mallette, commented on requirements outlined in the Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Act and the Hazardous Chemicals Right to Know Act, stating it has become apparent that an experienced, qualified Safety Officer should be hired. He stated at the present time he has been performing the role of Safety Officer with utilization of services from other County employees; however, with recently adopted legislation a new position needed to be established. 1 After discussion of the job classification and whether or not this position should be under the direction of the Personnel Department or Engineering Department, Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve establishing a Safety Officer position under the direction of the Personnel Department as proposed by the Director of Personnel. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Absent: Chairman Dolan -I ACTION DEFERRED ON FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR PARKING FACILITY Assistant County Manager, Mary Gornto, commented on a letter received from Judge Gilbert Burnett recommending that county owned property at the corner of 3rd and Market Streets be utilized for a parking deck. After concurrence by the City Manager, Assistant City Manager and County Staff, the firm of Andrew & Kuske, which was awarded the low bid by the City of Wilmington to perform the feasibility study for the Library site, was contacted to modify their proposal to perform the feasibility study on this site. Assistant County Manager Gornto recommended requesting the City to participate in funding half of the cost of the study in the amount of $5,000. Commissioner Retchin asked if the lot behind the County Administration Building had been considered. Assistant County Manager Gornto stated the City would not agree for use of this location due to the renovation of Thalian Hall. Commissioner Corbett strongly opposed considering the site at Third and Market due to surrounding historical structures such as St. James Church and the Old Courthouse. , ~ 78 \ i'\ MINUTES OF CONTINUED MEETING, MARCH 14, 1988 ( CONTINUED) After a lengthy discussion of selecting a site that would be agreeable to both the City and County for construction of a parking deck, it was the consensus of the Board to defer action and table this issue until a joint meeting is scheduled with the Wilmington City Council at which time the matter can be discussed. APPROVAL OF NEW POSITION - UTILITY SERVICES OFFICER I FINANCE DEPARTMENT Assistant Director of Finance, Alan Mozingo, commented on the immediate need for establishment of a new position to 'r-; collect, record, and establish customer accounts for the iJ Sewer Billing System. He stressed the importance of ~. accuracy in establishing and maintaining accounts commenting on the complicated rate schedule being utilized by the Sewer System. After discussion of the salary range and the importance of hiring a qualified person, Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to approve the new position as requested by the Assistant Finance Director advertising in - house, and to approve the following Budget Amendment. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Absent: Chairman Dolan Budget Amendment 88-0218 Various Departments Debit Credit Sewer operating Fund Interest $9,415 ~1 I ) "-.. Sewer Operating Fund Transfer to Other Funds (General Fund) $9,415 Engineering Sewer Personnel Charges $9,415 Finance Salaries FICA Retirement Medical Departmental Supplies Capital Outlay $5,410 410 450 245 500 2,400 Transfer of funds from Sewer Operating Fund to General Fund to provide revenue and expenses for the new Utility Services Office I position in the Finance Department. APPROVAL OF AMENDED SEWER APPLICATION FORM County Attorney Pope presented an amended Sewer Application form with addition of the following paragraph: Pursuant to G.S. 153A-177, the undersigned owner(s) of said property for so long as he/ she shall remain the owner(s) acknowledge joint and several legal obligation for all fees, charges, and penalties which may accrue for sewer service to this address." c Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to approve the amended Sewer Application form as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye! Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Corbett ~ MINUTES OF CONTINUED MEETING, MARCH 14, 1988 ( CONTINUED) '79 Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Absent: Chairman Dolan I APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO SEWER ORDINANCE ADDING METERED RATE SCHEDULE FOR INSTALLATION OF WATER METERS - SECOND READING Commissioner Retchin MOVED', SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the amendment to the Sewer Ordinance Rate Schedule upon the second reading as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Absent: Chairman Dolan A copy of the amendment is on file in the Clerk's office for codification into the County Code. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE SEWER ORDINANCE IMPOSING A PENALTY OF $50 FOR ILLEGAL SEWER CONNECTIONS SECOND READING Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to approve an amendment, upon the second reading, to the Sewer Ordinance imposing a $50 for penalty for illegal sewer connections. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal I Absent: Chairman Dolan A copy of the amendment is on file in the Clerk's office for codification into the County Code. APPROVAL OF CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE AND BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR EPA SEWER PROJECT Assistant Finance Director, Alan Mozingo, presented and requested approval of a Capital proj ect Ordinance and the following Budget Amendment to establish a budget for the EPA Sewer Project: 88-0219 Sewer Construction Projects/EPA Sewer Project Debit Credit EPA Sewer Project Transfer In (From Fund 830 - Area A/Phase II) $192,000 Water and General Contract Sewer Area A/Phase 192,000 II I Water and Sewer Area A/Phase II Transfer to Other Fund (Fund 815 - EPA Sewer Project) $192,000 EPA Sewer Project Engineering 192,000 To set up project budget according to Capital Project Ordinance and to transfer money to new Capital Project. After discussion, Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to approve the Capital Project ~ "8"0 MINUTES OF CONTINUED MEETING, MARCH 14, 1988 (CONTINUED) Ordinance and Budget Amendment as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Absent: Chairman Dolan A copy of the Capital Project Ordinance is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 11. o APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO STEAM PLANT EXPANSION CONSULTANT'S CONTRACT AND APPROVAL OF UNDERWRITER FOR STEAM PLANT EXPANSION County Manager Cooper commented on an amendment to the consultant's contract for the Steam Plant expansion and approval of the underwriter for the project. He stated the new method of financing, Certificates of Participation, has not been approved by the Bond Attorney or County Attorney; therefore, when approving these items the motion should state, "subject to approval of the new financing method by the County Attorney." County Attorney Pope stated he was working with the Bond Attorney in researching this method of financing and would have a definite answer by Wednesday. County Manager Cooper stated if this method financing is not approved, he would like authority proceed with a general obligation bond vote which involve public hearings and a special election. of to will After discussion, Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to approve the amendment of the consultant's contract with Stanton Peters and Associates as recommended by the Director of Engineering & Facilities, and to approve the underwriter for the Steam Plant expansion as recommended by the Finance Department subject to approval of the new financing method by the County Attorney with authorization for the County Manager and County Attorney to proceed with preparing a schedule of events to hold a general obligation bond vote, if necessary. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: o Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Absent: Chairman Dolan APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL POSITIONS FOR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Sheriff Joe McQueen requested approval of the following positions to prepare meals in-house and cancel the present food services contract effective April 1, 1988. Three (3) Cooks One (1) Food Coordinator c After discussion of providing better meals at a lower cost, Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to approve the positions as requested. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Absent: Chairman Dolan ii ." ~ MINUTES OF CONTINUED MEETING, MARCH 14, 1988 (CONTINUED) :81 DISCUSSION OF BUDGET WORK SESSION SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 19, 1988 County Manager Cooper commented on the Budget Work Session to be held on Saturday, March 19, 1988, at 9:00 A.M. in the NCO Club, Fort Fisher Air Force, Kure Beach, N. C. He stated budget requests have been - submitted, and at the Work Session the Commissioners would be asked to set a tax base for preparation of the 1988/89 Budget. ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY COMMISSIONERS I Report on Legislative Conference in Washington, D. C. Commissioner Barfield commented on the recent Legislative Conference held by the National Association of Counties in Washington, D. C. stating emphasis was placed on the importance of counties providing and maintaining water and sewer systems. He stated after attending the conference and realizing the importance of groundwater, the County, sometime in the future, should consider providing water to unincorporated areas. County Manager Cooper stated the County is a participant of the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority which does provide the County with a source of accessible raw water. After discussion, discuss the formation the Wilmington City scheduled. it was the consensus of the Board to of a Public Utilities Authority with Council when a joint meeting is I Report on Selection of Expansion Commissioner Corbett Committee was very close for the museUm expansion. amount of time and energy Exhibit Designer for the Museum reported that the Museum Building to selecting an exhibit designer He complimented the group for the given by this committee. Report on Coastline Convention Management, Inc. Commissioner Corbett reported a Director has been hired by Coastline Convention Management, Inc. with plans to immediately begin promotion of the Convention Center. Report on Meeting of Taxation and Finance Steering Committee of the N. C. Association of County Commissioners Commissioner Retchin stated he attended a meeting of the Taxation and Finance Steering Committee of the N. C. Association of County Commissioners on March 24, 1988, with reference to the County's recently adopted resolution for increasing the property tax exemption for the elderly and disabled. The Committee agreed to further study the issue after receipt of figures reflecting the impact upon revenues of larger counties. Commissioner Retchin stated he felt the resolution would receive support from the- N. C. Association of County Commissioners and would be forwarded to the General Assembly for consideration. I Report on Meeting with The Wi~ington Transportation Advisory Committee Commissioner Retchin stated the Wilmington Transportation Advisory Committee met on February 26, 1988, at which time he was elected Chairman. He commented on the following new priorities for the Greater Wilmington Metro Area: 1. Widening N. C. 132 from Long Leaf Mall to Monkey Junction. 2. Institute a corridor study for the northern- southern outer loop in order to protect rights- of way. ~ 82 MINUTES OF CONTINUED MEETING, MARCH 14, 1988 (CONTINUED) Commissioner Retchin stated since Smith Creek Parkway is now in the State Transportation Improvement Program, it was decided by the Committee that this project should not be the first priority but should be continually pursued, particularly with reference to funding. Discussion of Scheduling a Joint Meeting with the Wi~ington City Council Commissioner Retchin requested scheduling a joint meeting with the Wilmington City Council to discuss items of interest to both local governments. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to request the Clerk to contact the Mayor and arrange a suitable date. o Adoption of Proclamation Designating March 16, 1988, as Arbor Day in New Hanover County Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell, presented and requested adoption of a proclamation designating March 16, as Arbor Day in New Hanover County. commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to adopt the proclamation as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Absent: Chairman Dolan Public Hearing Scheduled for April 18, 1988, for Consideration of an Amendment to 201 Facilities Plan and Design of the Sewer System Director of Engineering & Facilities, Ed Hilton, requested scheduling a Public Hearing on April 18 or 19, n. 1988, for consideration of an amendment to the 201 Facilities Plan and Design of the Sewer System. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to schedule the Public Hearing for Monday, April 18, 1988, at 7:00 o'clock P.M. in the Judicial Building, Courtroom 317. Assistant County Manager, Mary Gornto, was requested to issue a public service announcement referencing the time, date, and place of the Public Hearing. ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY MANAGER Authorization to Release Deposit Checks to High Bidders - Window Treatment for Old Courthouse Building Director of Engineering & Facilities, Ed Hilton, stated bids have been received for purchase of blinds for the Courthouse with negotiations currently being held with the low bidder. He requested authority to release deposit checks to the high bidders. Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to authorize Director Hilton to release the deposit checks as requested. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: I I I J voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal [ Absent: Chairman Dolan '~ ~ ~ MINUTES OF CONTINUED MEETING, MARCH 14, 1988 ( CONTINUED) 8.3 EXECUTIVE SESSION County Manager Cooper requested an Executive Session to discuss acquisition of property relating to the dredge spoil areas. Corrunissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by corrunissioner Retchin to convene from Regular Session to Executive Session to discuss acquisition of property. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: I Voting Aye: corrunissioner Barfield corrunissioner Corbett corrunissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Absent: Chairman Dolan Vice-Chairman O'Neal convened from Regular Session to Executive Session at 8:25 o'clock P.M. Corrunissioner Corbett MOVED, Retchin to reconvene to Regular MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: SECONDED Session. by corrunissioner Upon vote, the Voting Aye: Corrunissioner Barfield corrunissioner Corbett Corrunissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Absent: Chairman Dolan Vice-Chairman 0' Neal convened to Regular Session at 8:58 o'clock P.M. I Corrunissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Corrunissioner Corbett to accept the proposals for purchase of property as presented by the County Engineer in Executive Session subject to concurrence with the County Attorney. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: corrunissioner Barfield corrunissioner Corbett Corrunissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Absent: Chairman Dolan ADJOURNMENT corrunissioner Barfield MOVED, Retchin to adjourn. Upon vote, FOLLOWS: SECONDED by the MOTION Corrunissioner CARRIED AS Voting Aye: Corrunissioner Barfield corrunissioner Corbett corrunissioner Retchin Vice-Chairman O'Neal Absent: Chairman Dolan I Vice-Chairman O'Neal adjourned the meeting at 9:05 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, ~if~ Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board ~