1988-03-21 Regular Meeting
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8'6
MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MARCH 19, 1988 (CONTINUED)
Commissioner Corbett
Commissioner Retchin
Vice-Chairman O'Neal
Absent:
Chairman Dolan
~~e:/~=ted'
~ F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 1988
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in
Regular Session on Monday, March 21, 1988, at 9:00 o'clock
A.M. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County
Administration Building, 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington,
North Carolina.
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 Shelly Fogleman
Commander John Belk lead the
Allegiance to the Flag.
gave the
audience in
invocation and
the Pledge of
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. The
following items were discussed.
POSTPONEMENT OF ITEM :JI: 7 , CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF
ISSUANCE OF BONDS BY THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY INDUSTRIAL
FACILITIES AND POLLUTION CONTROL FINANCING AUTHORITY TO
INTERROLL CORPORATION
Mr. Wallace Murchison, Attorney representing the New
Hanover County Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control
Financing Authority, requested postponement of this item
until the first meeting in April since final approval has
not been received from the North Carolina Department of
Commerce.
Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman
O'Neal to postpone Item #7 until April 4, 1988, as requested
by Attorney Murchison. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. William Funderburg, a resident of Castle Hayne,
expressed concern for this item being postponed on March 9,
1988, at which time it was advertised as a Public Hearing
and listed on tonight's agenda as a regular item. He
requested the item be placed on the April 4, 1988, agenda as
a Public Hearing due to the fact that the first Public
Hearing was flawed and did not give ample notice since
offices were closed during the Christmas holidays. Mr.
Funderburg stated a telegram dated March 12, 1988, was
forwarded to Mr. William Dunn, Deputy Secretary of the N. C.
Department of Commerce, requesting a second Public Hearing
and as of this date he had not received a reply. The
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 1988 (CONTINUED)
87
telegram was presented to the Clerk for entry into the
record.
Attorney Murchison explained the process for issuing
revenue bonds by the New Hanover County Industrial
Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority stating
a Public Hearing had been held approving the project in
principal and that another Public Hearing was not necessary.
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After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
advertise this item as a Public Hearing for April 4, 1988.
Commissioner Retchin and Commissioner Barfield asked
Mr. Funderburg why he objected to this bond issue,
particularly when new jobs are being brought into the area.
Mr. Funderburg strongly denied any objection to bringing new
jobs into the area stating he was concerned about the
procedural process which had been violated due to the flawed
Public Hearing.
POSTPONEMENT OF ITEM * 9 AND WITHDRAWAL OF ITEM * 10 - TAX
DEPARTMENT
Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell, stated the Tax
Administrator had received a request by the appellant to
postpone Item #9, a Tax Appeal of 1987 valuation and listing
penalties for Ramada Inn, Greentree Inn, and University Arms
Apartments, until May 1988.
commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman
O'Neal to postpone Item #9 as requested by the appellant
until May, 1988. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell, requested removal
of Item #10 since the appellant has withdrawn the appeal.
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Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman
O'Neal to withdraw Item #10 as requested. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
DEFERRAL OF IMPACT FEE - MS. AUDREY WALKER
Ms. Aubrey Walker, a single parent, relocating a
trailer on Gordon Road, expressed concern for being charged
a $375 impact fee in advance of the Sewer System asking if
the County had any form of assistance for individuals who
are not financially able to pay this fee.
Discussion was held on impact fees and the need to
provide some form of time payment schedule to assist
lndividuals with payment of the fee. It was the consensus
of the Board that this item should be addressed and
presented as an agenda item at a regular meeting of the
Water and Sewer District.
After further discussion, Commissioner Retchin MOVED,
SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to defer payment of the
impact fee for six months and authorize County Engineer,
Wyatt Blanchard, to develop a time payment schedule for Ms.
Walker. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
After discussion of the Budget Amendment for the
Northeast Cape Fear River Wildlife Boat Ramp, Commissioner
Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to approve
the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Approval of Tax Collection Reports through February 29, 1988
The Commissioners approved the following tax collection
reports as submitted by the Collector of Revenue through
February 29, 1988:
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 1988 (CONTINUED)
New Hanover County Tax Collections
New Hanover County Fire District Tax Collections
Copies of the reports are contained in Exhibit Book
XVI, Page 12.
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 12.
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Acceptance of Report of Disposals of Personal Property -
Finance Department
The Commissioners accepted the Report of Disposals of
Personal Property for the period of July 1, 1987, through
December 31, 1987, as submitted by the Finance Director in
accordance with GS 160A-266(c).
A copy of the report is contained in Exhibit Book XVI,
Page'12.
Renewal of Vehicle Lease Agreement Between New Hanover
Country and Ogden/New Hanover Rescue Squad
The Commissioners approved a three-year vehicle lease
renewal agreement between New Hanover County and Ogden/New
Hanover Rescue Squad to provide a 1984 Ford Type II
Ambulance with specified equipment.
Adoption of Resolution awarding
for Purchase of Mobile Air
Department
The Commissioners adopted
bid to A. E. Finley Company of
of $10,358.85 for purchase
Compressor.
Bid to A. E. Finley Company
Compressor Engineering
a resolution awarding the low
Raleigh, N. C., in the amount
of a 185 CFM Mobile Air
n
Copies of the resolution and bid tabulation are
contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 12.
Approval of Funding Request for Boat Ramp Improvements on
the Northeast Cape Fear River - Parks and Recreation
The Commissioners approved a $5,000 funding request to
improve the Boat Ramp located on the Northeast Cape Fear
River with adoption of the following Budget Amendment:
88-0232 Parks and Recreation
Debit
Credit
Non-Departmental
Contingencies
$5,000
Parks and Recreation
Contracted Services
$5,000
To cover cost of improvements to Boat Ramp located on
the Northeast Cape Fear River.
Adoption of Proclamation Designating the Month of April,
1988 as "Keep America Beautiful Month" in New Hanover County
The Commissioners adopted a proclamation designating LJL
the month of April 1988 as Keep America Beautiful Month in
New Hanover County.
A copy of the proclamation is contained in Exhibit Book
XVI, Page 13.
Approval of Budget Amendment - Health Department
The Commissioners approved the following
Amendment:
Budget
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 1988 (CONTINUED)
89
88-0224 Health Department/Home Health Agency
Debit
Credit
Home Health Fees - Medicare
Salary and Wages
$38,000
15,000
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Professional Services
Contracted Services
Telephone
Capital Outlay - Equipment
$40,000
5,000
3,000
5,000
Additional Revenue due to increase in caseload and
interim reimbursement rate for Medicare covered
services.
Increase in Home Health's budget due to increased
case load of Medicare beneficiaries and allotment
of funds for needed computer equipment.
Budget Amendments Reported for Entry Into the Record
The following Budget Amendments were approved by the
Budget Officer and are being reported for entry into the
record:
88-0228 Health Department/Crippled Children - Neurology
Debit
Credit
Neurology
$242
Professional Services
$242
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Jordan Adams State Revenue to be used for diagnostic
studies.
88-0213 County Commissioners
Debit
Credit
Non-Departmental
Contingencies
$16,000
County Commissioners
Contracted Services
$16,000
Approval by County Commissioners on February 15, 1988,
for loan of $16,000 to Coast Line Convention Management,
Inc. to be repaid from previously committed funds.
PRESENTATION OF PROGRESS REPORT AND UPDATE ON NORTH CAROLINA
FORESTRY PROGRAM IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY
Mr. Mike Hardison, New Hanover County Ranger for North
Carolina Forest Service, appeared before the Commissioners
and presented an update on the Forestry Program in New
Hanover County. The following issues were discussed:
I 1. Fire Statistics
Total Number of Woods Fires 76
Total Acres burned by Wildfire 92
Causes:
a. Lightning 1
b. Camping 1
c. Smoking 6
d. Debris 25
e. Woods Arson 27
f. Machine Use 1
g. Children 13
h. Miscellaneous 2
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETI'NG, MARCH 21, 1988 (CONTINUED)
2 . Law Enforcement
Warning Tickets
Citations
Court Cases
Convictions
40
3
3
3
3.
Hazard Reduction Burning
Total Acres Burned
Acres Protected
Proposed Goals 1988/89
Landowner Hazard Reduction Burning
188
5,000
1,800
50
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4.
Equipment Status
Two 3/4 ton pick-ups with 11 hp. pumps.
One 3/4 ton pick-up, 4 wheel drive.
One Truck Tractor Unit with Lowboy.
One Fiat-Allis 10c Crawler Tractor.
Mr. Hardison commented on pest control, fire management
programs, and fire prevention p~ograms.
A slide show was presented explaining the importance of
establishing an Urban Interface Control Program. Mr.
Hardison stated with continual expansion of structures In
and around forested areas, it is imperative that land
developers provide safe and ready access for fire and
emergency equipment with an escape route for inhabitants
which handle safety evacuations. Discussion was held on
water supply, structural considerations, and vegetative
clearance.
Mr. Hardison presented Block Square
Commissioner explaining utilization of
fighting fires.
maps to
the maps
each
when
Commissioner Barfield asked how many fire danger rating 0
signs were erected throughout the County. Ranger Hardison
stated one sign due to budget limitations.
After discussion of public awareness created by the
fire danger rating signs, Commissioner Corbett MOVED,
SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve funding in the
amount of $1,000 for construction of three signs to be
placed throughout the County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Dolan thanked Mr. Hardison for an excellent
presentation and expressed appreciation to the New Hanover
County N. C. Forest Division and volunteer firemen for the
quality of fire service provided to the citizens of the
County.
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER EXPENDITURES OF THE STATE
SECONDARY ROAD CONSTRUCTION FUNDS FOR NEW HANOVER COUNTY
Chairman Dolan opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Jim Cook, District Engineer of the N. C. Department
of Transportation, presented the Secondary Road Construction
Allocations for New Hanover County for the Fiscal Year
1988-89. He stated based on unpaved mileage of 13.33 miles
in New Hanover County, the secondary allocation is estimated 0
at $42,000 which is recommended to be expended as follows: I
Paving - Priority No. 5 - SR 2170
Castle Farms
Grade, Drain, Base, Pave and Erosion
Control from SR 1338 to End System
0.19 mile.
$19,000
Stabilization - 15% of Available funds
to improve unpaved road.
8,500
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 1988 (CONTINUED)
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Safety Improvements of Intersections
Proposed Locations:
a. Installment of flasher at 23rd
and Blue Clay Road.
b. Left Turn Lane on Greenville Loop
Road at new school.
c. Installment of oversized stop signs
at the intersection of Kerr Avenue
and Murrayville Loop Road.
$ 2,500
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Reserved for road additions, paving for
Volunteer Fire Departments, Rescue Squads
and other contingencies.
12,000
Total Expenditures
$42,000
Chairman Dolan asked if anyone present would like speak
on the proposed expenditures. The following person
commented:
Mr. William Funderburg, a resident of Castle Hayne,
requested placement of a traffic light at the intersection
of N. C. 132 and Blue Clay Road commenting on the heavy
traffic count.
After further discussion of traffic hazards located
throughout the County, Mr. J. H. Medlin, Jr., Division
Maintenance Engineer of the Wilmington office, stated DOT
will perform a study on the following locations with
recommendations and/or findings forwarded to the
Commissioners:
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1. US 117 @SR 1399 Mike's BBQ (Blue Clay Road)
2. NC 132 @ SR 1318 (Blue Clay Road)
3. Kerr Avenue @ SR 1318 (Blue Clay Road)
4. Kerr Avenue @ Bavarian Lane
5. 23rd Street @ Airport Road
6. US 421 @ K-Mart - This location is currently
under investigation.
Chairman Dolan closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Corbett to approve the recommendations for expenditures of
the Secondary Road Construction Funds as presented. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ASSIGNMENT OF HOUSE AND/OR
BUSINESS NUMBERS ON SOUTH COLLEGE ROAD (HIGHWAY 132)
Chairman Dolan opened the Public Hearing.
Chairman Dolan asked if anyone present wished
on the assignment of house and/or business numbers
College Road located in the Masonboro Township.
commented.
to speak
on South
No one
Chairman Dolan closed the Public Hearing.
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Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Retchin to approve the assignment of house and/or business
numbers on South Collage Road as presented. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF 1\MENDMENT TO SEWER RATE SCHEDULE POLICY
County Engineer, Wyatt Blanchard, gave background
information on the proposed amendment to the Sewer Rate
Schedule policy stating in order to avoid overcharging
customers utilizing water meters placed by private
utilities, the Engineering Department is requesting
authority to determine the proper size of the water meter in
accordance with the American Water Works Association, before
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 1988 (CONTINUED)
application of the approved rate schedule.
approval of the amendment.
He requested
After discussion, Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED
by Vice-Chairman O'Neal to approve the amendment as
presented by the County Engineer. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING DECLARED SURPLUS PROPERTY
County Manager Cooper stated the present Social
Services Building will be vacated within the next six months
with the County having no designated use for the building.
He stated an offer has been made by Mr. Eugene W. Merritt,
Jr. for purchase of the building and in order for the county
to sell the property it must be declared surplus property.
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County Attorney Pope listed and explained the following
methods of sale as provided by law:
1. Public Auction
2. Advertisement for Sealed Bids
3. Negotiated Offer, Advertisement and Upset Bids
Discussion was held on the use of the building,
particularly by non-profit organizations or by the Northside
Community. County Attorney Pope stated the Public Auction
method would afford the County an opportunity to advertise
and make the community aware of the County's wishes.
After further discussion of no designated need for this
property by the County and allowing all interested persons
to make an offer, Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by
Commissioner Barfield to declare the Social Services
Building as surplus property. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
ADOPTION OF NEW FEE SCHEDULES FOR INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT n-
Director of Inspections, Schuyler Conklin, presented
new Fee Schedules for the Inspections Department. He stated
Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing permit fees
would have to be increased in order to maintain the county's
policy of the Inspections Department being 75%
self-supporting. He requested approval of the schedules as
presented.
Commissioner Retchin questioned
Building Permit Fees, under Section
stated a typographical error had been
should be changed to $150,000.
the figure on the
a. Director Conklin
made, and the figure
After discussion, Vice-Chairman O'Neal MOVED, SECONDED
by Commissioner Barfield to approve the increased Fee
Schedules as presented with correction of the figure under
Building Permit Fees, Section a. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Copies of Fees Schedules are contained in Exhibit Book
XVI, Page 13.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
UL.
APPOINTMENT OF JOANN MCeACHERN SWART TO SERVE ON THE HUMAN
RELATIONS COMMISSION
commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Corbett to appoint Ms. Joann McCachern Swart, as recommended
by the Human Relations Commission, to serve a three-year
term representing the YWCA with this agency replacing the
representative of the Williston Alumni Association. The term
will expire December 31, 1990. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 1988 ( CONTINUED)
93
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REAPPOINTMENT OF IRIS TODD, BENJAMIN H. BASKERVILLE, REBA P.
SALEEM, JOHN BIRMINGHAM, KATHERYN KLUTZ AND EDNA M. ELMS TO
THE NURSING HOME ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Corbett to reappoint Ms. Reba P. Saleem, John Birmingham,
Katheryn Kluttz, and Ms. Edna M. Elms to serve three-year
terms on the Nursing Home Advisory Committee; and to
reappoint Reverend Benjamin H. Baskerville and Ms. Iris
Todd, who have both served two consecutive terms, to another
additional three -year term. All terms will expire April 1,
1991. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPOINTMENT OF JAMES LEWIS MARTIN TO SERVE ON SOUTHEASTERN
MENTAL HEALTH, MENTAL RETARDATION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Commissioner Barfield stated the Mental Health Board
has approved appointment of James Lewis Martin to fill the
vacant general public position on the Board. He requested
ratification of this appointment by the Commissioners.
Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Retchin to ratify appointment of Mr. James Lewis Martin to
serve a three-year term on the Mental Health Board in a
general public position. The term will expire March 31,
1992.
MEETING RECESSED FOR REGULAR MEETING OF THE WATER AND SEWER
DISTRICT
Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Corbett to recess from Regular Session to hold a meeting of
the Water and Sewer District. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
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Chairman Dolan convened from Regular Session at 11:10
o'clock A.M.
Chairman Dolan reconvened to Regular Session at 11:26
o'clock A.M.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Approval of Travel Request for Clerk to the Board and Deputy
Clerk to Attend the Annual Conference of the National
Association of Court Recorders and County Clerks
After discussion of Lucie Harrell and Joyce Bragg
currently serving on the Board of Directors of the North
Carolina Association of County Clerks, Commissioner Corbett
MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to authorize the
Clerk to the Board and Deputy Clerk to attend the Annual
Conference of the National Association of Court Recorders
and County Clerks in Aneheim, California, on August 6-9,
1988. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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Discussion of Hospital Report
Commissioner Corbett expressed concern for not
receiving a report from the Hospital Board of Trustees on
the bidding violation which is to be discussed at a Special
Meeting being held tonight at 7:00 P.M. He stressed the
importance of having ample time to review the report in
order to properly discuss the matter.
Vice-Chairman O'Neal stated the Board of Trustees had
been preparing the report reminding the Commissioners that
additional time had been requested by the Hospital Board for
preparation of the document. He stated the report will be
delivered this afternoon.
Chairman Dolan stated if the report is not delivered
this afternoon, a short recess will be called at the
beginning of the Special Session to review the document.
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 1988 (CONTINUED)
Discussion of Propose Curfew
Commissioner Barfield stated, for the record, he did
not recommend a curfew for the citizens of the Springview
and Kings Grant area; however, he did state he would have
the County Attorney to check into the legal aspects of
imposing a curfew when the idea was suggested. He expressed
appreciation to County Attorney Pope for attending a
neighborhood meeting explaining why a curfew cannot be
imposed stating the citizens have formed a Neighborhood
Watch Program which is already showing signs of success.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY MANAGER
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Discussion of Financing Method For Expansion of Steam Plant
County Manager Cooper stated the new method of
financing for expansion of the steam Plant was not
recommended by the County Attorney or Bond Attorney;
therefore, a bond referendum for issuance of general
obligation bonds would have to be held in order to provide
financing of the project. He stated certain guidelines and
procedures would have to be followed in order start the bond
issue.
After discussion, Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED
by Commissioner Retchin to publish a notice of intent to
make application to the Local Government Commission for
permission to place before the voters a referendum for a
bond issue not to exceed $25,000,000 for the purpose o'f
engineering fees, land acquisition and construction in order
to retrofit and expand the capacity of the Solid Waste
Resource Recovery Facility. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY ATTORNEY
Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the Chairman to Execute a
Document Entitled "Assignment of Bid" n
County Attorney Pope presented a resolution authorizing
the Chairman to execute a document entitled "Assignment of \ -
Bid" commenting on a recent foreclosure where a public
auction was held with j oint ownership by the City and
County.
After discussion, Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED
by Commissioner Corbett to adopt the resolution as presented
by the County Attorney. Upon vot~, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book
XVI, Page 13.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED
Corbett to adj ourn. Upon vote, the
UNANIMOUSLY.
by Commissioner
MOTION CARRIED
Chairman Dolan adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
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