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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-03-21 Regular Meeting ".. 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 .... I I I ~ 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. I 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. I 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. I 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: ~ '8:8 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. [l 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 ~ ~ 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 I 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 I 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 ..... 9'0 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 o 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 ~. ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 1988 (CONTINUED) 9{1 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 I 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: I 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. I 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 ~ 92 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. o 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. ~ ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 1988 ( CONTINUED) 93 I 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. I 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. I 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. ~ 94 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 o 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 n ~v). ~