1988-04-18 Regular Meeting
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 1988
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in
Regular Session on Monday, April 18, 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.
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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.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Reverend Keith Wiley, Pastor of Ebenezer Missionary
Baptist Church, gave the invocation.
Assistant County Attorney, Wanda Copley, lead the
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman Dolan asked if anyone present would like to
speak on an item not listed on the Regular Agenda or an item
listed on the Consent Agenda. The' following person
commented:
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Approval for Variance of Tipping Fee at the Landfill for
Keep America Beautiful Roadside Litter Project
Mr. Jim Cook, a Board Member of Keep America Beautiful,
stated the N. C. Department of Transportation in
coordination with "Keep America Beautiful" is providing and
picking up litter bags for weekly clean-up projects. He
commented on the amount of litter collected at Snow's Cut
and respectfully requested the Commissioners to approve a
variance of the tipping fee at the Landfill when turning in
roadside litter.
After discussion with Director of Engineering &
Facilities, Ed Hilton, Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED
by Commissioner Corbett to approve the variance of the
tipping fee at the Landfill as requested. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Assistant County Manager, Mary Gornto, requested when
approving Item #7 to include approval of Title III proposals
for the Department of Aging and Department of Social
Services along with the nutrition bid from Newbold's
Catering as requested by the Department of Aging.
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Commissioner O'Neal MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Corbett to approve the following Consent Agenda items as
amended approving Title III funding for the Department of
Aging and Department of Social Services along with the
nutrition contract with Newbold's Catering for the
Department of Aging. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Approval of Tax Collection Reports Through March 31, 1988
The Commissioners approved the following tax collection
reports as submitted by the Collector of Revenue through
March 31, 1988:
New Hanover County Tax Collections
New Hanover County Fire District Tax Collections
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 1988 (CONTINUED)
Copies of the reports are contained in Exhibit Book
XVI, Page 16.
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 16.
Appeal of Tax Penalty and Interest in 1984 Discovery
Lonnie P. Dennis
The Commissioners approved the compromise recommended
by the Tax Administrator to assess penalties in the amount
of $118.78 to cover an amount equal to the original tax and
interest until February, 1985. (This releases an $11.56
penalty and $35.60 interest as a reduction from the tax
since interest cannot be released from a valid tax
obligation. )
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Approval for Disposition of Records - Tax Department
The Commissioners authorized disposition of general
correspondence in the Tax Department for the years 1973,
1974, 1975, and 1976 as requested by the Tax Administrator.
Award of Low Bid to Graka, Inc. for Purchase of Mini Blinds
Renovated Courthouse
The Commissioners awarded the low bid to Graka, Inc. in
the amount of $16,035 for installation of mini blinds in the
Renovated Courthouse. The Chairman was authorized to
execute the final contract upon approval by the County
Attorney.
Award of Low Bid to Hutcheson Landscaping Incorporated for
Improvements to N. C. Wildlife Boating Access Project at
Castle HaYne
The Commissioners awarded the low bid to Hutcheson
Landscaping, Inc. in the amount of $4,600 for the following
work to be performed at the N. C. Wildlife Boating Access
Project located at Castle Hayne: (1) clearing the site; (2)
burial of debris; (3) rough grading of approximately two
acres in order to improve the parking area; and (4) addition
of two (2) boat ramps.
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Approval of Title III Funding for Department of Aging and
Department of Social Services and Approval of Nutrition
Contract with Newbold's Catering for the Department of Aging
The Commissioners approved the 1988/89 Title III monies
for the Department of Aging, Department of Social Services,
and approved the nutrition bid with Newbold's Catering for
the Department of Aging. The Chairman was authorized to
execute the necessary documents.
Acceptance of BUD-Type I Grant - Human Relations Department
The Commissioners approved acceptance of a HUD-Type 1
grant in the amount of $7,750 from the Fair Housing
Assistance Program for the Department of Human Relations.
The Chairman was authorized to execute the documents.
Acceptance of Grant from the North Carolina Council on the
Status of Women - Human Relations Department C
The Commissioners approved acceptance of a grant for
Fiscal Year 1988/89 in the amount of $500 from the North " ,
Carolina Council on the Status of Women for "Sex
Discrimination in Employment and Housing". The Chairman was
authorized to execute the documents.
Approval of Budget Amendment - Finance Department
The Commissioners approved the following
Amendment:
Budget
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 1988 ( CONTINUED)
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88-0262 Half-Cent Sales Tax Fund
Debit
Credit
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Finance Department
Half-Cent Unrestricted
Half-Cent Schools
Half-Cent Unrestricted
Half-Cent Schools
Appropriated Fund Balance
Public schools - Capital Project
Contribution to Other Agencies
(Public Schools)
$ 77,746
132,279
194,645
291,968
309,474
$1,006,112
Explanation: To bring current budget in line with
anticipated actual expenditures.
Approval of Budget Amendment - Department of Social Services
88-0264 Social Services/Community Alternative Program
Debit
Credit
CAP - EDS Billing
$114,108
Salary and Wages
Social Security
Screening
Medical Supplies
Contracted Services
$ 80,000
6,208
700
2,200
25,000
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Explanation: Appropriating additional revenue funds for
CHORE providers, screening, medical supplies
and contracted services (Providers).
Budget Amendments Reported for Entry Into Record
The Budget Officer submitted the following approved
Budget Amendments for entry into the record:
88-0254 Health Department
Professional Services
Outlay - Equipment
Debit Credit
$600
20
$600
20
300
600
900
Child Health
Maternal Child Health Revenue
Dues & Subscriptions
Crippled Children - Orthopedic
Professional Services
Speech and Hearing
Professional Services
Crippled Children - Neurology
Professional Services
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Explanation:
Additional State Revenue
Health. Transfer of $20 to
cost of typewriter in Child
transfers to provide school
of $600 in Child
cover additional
Health and other
health services.
88-0265 Library
Debit
Credit
Contributions
$2,295
Supplies (books)
$2,295
Explanation:
Gifts received
on additional
branches
by Library to be spent
reference material for the
and main library.
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 1988 (CONTINUED)
Approval of Part Time Nutritionist I Position to Full Time
posi tion and Approval of New Community Health Technician
position - Health Department
The Commissioners approved changing a Nutritionist I
part time position to a full time position in the WIC
Program and approved a new position, Community Health
Technician, as requested by the Director of the Health. No
County funding is required.
COMMISSIONER FRED RETCHIN EXCUSED FROM MEETING
Commissioner Retchin requested to be excused from the
meeting to participate in civil litigation, then pending in
Federal Court, Jetstream versus New Hanover County.
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It was the consensus of the Board to excuse
Commissioner Retchin from the meeting at 9:11 o'clock A.M.
COUNTY MANAGER AND COUNTY ATTORNEY EXCUSED FROM MEETING
County Manager Cooper and County Attorney Pope were
excused from the meeting at 9:11 o'clock A.M. to participate
in civil litigation, then pending in Federal Court,
Jetstream versus New Hanover County.
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADDRESS ASSIGNMENTS ON MASONBORO
LOOP ROAD AND GRISSOM ROAD LOCATED IN MASONBORO TOWNSHIP
FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH PINE GROVE DRIVE/MASONBORO SOUND
ROAD EXTENDING IN A SOUTHERLY DIRECTION TO ITS
TERMINUS/INTERSECTION WITH PINE/GRISSOM ROAD
Chairman Dolan opened the Public Hearing.
Staff Planner, Sam Burgess, gave background information
on the address assignments stating the purpose of the
request is to continue the County's project to provide
consistent house numbering for all areas of New Hanover
County. He stressed the importance of establishing
systematic numbering in order to assist emergency personnel 0
when responding to calls.
Chairman Dolan asked if anyone present would like to
speak in favor of or in opposition to the address
assignments. The following persons commented in opposition
to the proposed address assignments expressing concern for
expenses incurred in address changes and for reassignment of
new house numbers when the present numbers are in sequential
order:
Ms. Marine Hatcher
1073 Grissom Road
Mr. E. L. Singletary
Masonboro Loop Road
Chairman Dolan closed the Public Hearing.
Discussion was held on whether it was necessary to
change house numbers when they are presently in numerical
order. Staff Planner Burgess commented on the degree of
consistency emphasizing the importance of all numbers
fitting into the basic E-911 System.
Commissioner Barfield asked if a Master Plan had been
drawn for address assignments throughout the entire County.
He expressed concern for reassigning numbers in certain
sections and not completing the project at one time. Staff
planner Burgess stated a Master Map had been prepared by the
Planning Department but due to the amount of work and costs
involved in address assignments only one street or area of
the County can be addressed at a time.
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After a lengthy discussion of continuing to hold Public
Hearings on address assignments, Commissioner Barfield
MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to defer action on
the address assignments and request the Planning Department
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 1988 (CONTINUED)
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not to schedule any further Public Hearings until a Master
Address Plan is prepared for the entire County at which time
a Public Hearing will be held to consider adoption of the
plan. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS:
Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield
Commissioner Corbett
Vice-Chairman O'Neal
Chairman Dolan
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Excused:
Commissioner Retchin
MEETING RECESSED TO HOLD A MEETING OF THE 1988 BOARD OF
EQUALIZATION AND REVIEW
. Chairman Dolan recessed the meeting from Regular
Session at 9:27 o'clock A.M. to hold a meeting of the 1988
Board of Equalization and Review.
Chairman Dolan convened to Regular Session at 9:38
o'clock A.M.
ADOPTION OF CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE AND BUDGET AMENDMENT
FOR COURTHOUSE RENOVATION - PHASE 3
Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman
O'Neal to adopt the Capital Project Ordinance as presented
for the Courthouse Renovation, Phase 3 with approval of the
following Budget Amendment. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
AS FOLLOWS:
Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield
Commissioner Corbett
Vice-Chairman O'Neal
Chairman Dolan
Excused: Commissioner Retchin
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88-0263 Courthouse Renovation - Phase 3
Debit
Credit
Courthouse Renovation - Phase 3
Transfer In (from General Fund)
$74,000
Courthouse Renovation - Phase 3
General Contractor
$74,000
Register of Deeds
M & R - Equipment
$49,000
Non-Departmental/Transfer to Other Funds
(to Courthouse - Phase 3)
$49,000
Explanation: To establish Courthouse Renovation - Phase 3
Capital Project.
A copy of the Capital Project Ordinance is contained in
Exhibit Book XVI, Page 16.
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APPROVAL OF STEAM PLANT CONSULTANT CONTRACT
Director of Engineering & Facilities, Ed Hilton, gave
background information on the consultant contract requesting
activation of a portion of the contract with Stan Peters in
the amount of $35,000 for evaluation and preliminary design
on alterations to enhance operational characteristics of the
existing facility. He commented on the present problem with
the steam producing portion of the Steam Plant stating
repairs need to be made as quickly as possible.
Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Corbett to activate a portion of the consultant contract
with Stan Peters in the amount of $35,000 as presented by
Director Hilton. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS:
Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 1988 (CONTINUED)
Commissioner Corbett
Vice-Chairman O'Neal
Chairman Dolan
Excused:
Commissioner Retchin
DISCUSSION OF REQUEST FOR NEW POSITION (CONSTRUCTION
ADMINISTRATOR) - ENGINEERING AND FACILITIES
Director of Engineering & Facilities, Ed Hilton,
stressed the importance of providing an on-site
representative during large construction projects. He
stated the new position requested would provide the County
the necessary coverage to protect its interest during
construction of capital projects and assure that
construction projects are carried out in accordance with
approved plans and specifications.
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Chairman Dolan expressed concern for funding of a new
posi tion at this time of the year stating the position
should be submitted as part the 1988/89 budgetary process.
Commissioner Barfield expressed concern for paying a
contractor to satisfactorily perform a job according to
specifications and at the same time pay an employee to
oversee the contractor. He stressed the importance of
writing contracts that will require satisfaction before
disbursing funds.
Discussion was held on contracts and the County's
responsibility to see that projects are completed on time
and in accordance with plans and specifications. Director
Hilton stated the County contracts with each individual
contractor stressing the importance of having adequate
supervision of projects in order to know which contractors
are involved in problems that develop. He stated paying an
individual consultant to oversee each project would be much
more costly than creating the new position requested.
Vice-Chairman O'Neal emphasized the importance of
properly supervising construction involving capital projects
stating he felt the Director of Engineering & Facilities
would not request the position if not necessary. He
complimented the Engineering Staff on their high quality of
work and urged the Board to support this request.
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After
Engineering
will begin
SECONDED by
request for
AS FOLLOWS:
discussion of current personnel in the
Department and the fact that capital projects
to slow down, Commissioner Barfield MOVED,
Commissioner Corbett to temporarily deny the
a new position. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield
Commissioner Corbett
Chairman Dolan
Voting Noe: Vice-Chairman O'Neal
Excused: Commissioner Retchin
Vice-Chairman 0' Neal encouraged the Director of
Engineering & Facilities to submit this request again.
Director Hilton stated when the three major capital projects
begin, he will submit a proposal to hire an individual on a
consultant basis to assist with overseeing the projects.
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DISCUSSION OF CONCEPT AND BID RECEIVED FOR RADIO
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Chairman Dolan expressed concern for this item being
placed on the agenda since Mr. Don Lofton, a representative
of General Electric, was unable to attend and had requested
postponing this issue until the next regularly scheduled
meeting. Director of Engineering & Facilities, Ed Hilton,
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 1988 (CONTINUED)
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stated the County Manager recommended placement of this item
on the agenda for discussion only and that Mr. Lofton would
be given an opportunity to present the GE proposal before a
final decision is made.
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Director Hilton gave background information on problems
experienced without having a well designed communications
network, particularly in the event of emergencies such as
Hurricane Diana. He stated County Staff would like to
develop a central radio system functioning as one system
which provides voice and telemetry communication listing the
following key points:
1. The system will be capable of expanding to provide
a County-wide radio network that can be used by various
departments and agencies without cross-interference, and can
be used as a central communications network during times of
emergency.
2. The telemetry system will be a part of a voice/data
system with paging capabilities in one network with one
radio, not two or more. With this arrangement, if the
system malfunctions, only one vendor will be responsible for
assuring the system is operational.
3. The combined system approach can be provided with
current technology. While the concept of trunking in radio
systems is fairly new, it has been used for many years in
telephone technology. Trunking allows multi-users at the
same time without interference by establishing blocks of
users (or fleets). One fleet can talk within itself without
being heard by another fleet. Fleets can be subdivided into
sub-fleets without interference. The 800 MHZ system is one
system that can provide this overall capability.
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A lengthy discussion was held on the cost of the
system. Commissioner Corbett expressed concern for the
amount of money involved. Director Hilton stated the total
system as bid by Motorola Communications and Electronic
Corporation would cost $915,455; however, staff recommends
approval of $750,000 as a maximum current expenditure. He
stated the funds have been budgeted in the current year
through the lease/purchase program and are immediately
available. The funds, if approved, would purchase the
tower, the telemetry system, paging system, 3 repeaters, 25
remote pump station transmitters, 13 portable radios, 6
mobile radios, 3 control stations, one compute controller,
and the maintenance agreements.
Chairman Dolan asked if anyone from the public would
like to speak on this issue. The following persons
commented:
Mr. Paul Knight, Communications Specialist from General
Electric representing Mr. Don Lofton, respectfully requested
the Commissioners to delay making a decision until Mr.
Lofton can appear before the Commissioners.
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Ms. Candy Fry, Sales Representative for Motorola
Communications and Electronic Corporation, gave background
information on the concept of the system stating this system
is computerized. She emphasized the importance of
purchasing a system with expanded capabilities in order to
meet current and future needs.
Commissioner Barfield asked to be excused from
discussing this issue since he is an employee of General
Electric. After discussion, it was the consensus of the
Board to allow Commissioner Barfield to participate in the
discussion as no decision will be made.
Commissioner
being centered
Barfield expressed
around the design
concern for the bid
of one particular
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 1988 (CONTINUED)
manufacturer. Director Hilton stated the system was
designed around the concept of purchasing one system which,
in his opinion, was the best route to follow.
After further discussion of the type of system to
purchase and the necessity to hear from General Electric,
Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman O'Neal
to table this issue until the second meeting in july to hear
presentations by both parties involved. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS:
Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield
Commissioner Corbett
Vice-Chairman O'Neal
Chairman Dolan
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Excused:
Commissioner Retchin
MEETING RECESSED TO HOLD A MEETING OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY
WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
Chairman Dolan convened from Regular Session to hold a
meeting of the Water and Sewer District at 10: 37 0' clock
A.M.
Chairman Dolan reconvened to Regular Session at 11: 01
o'clock A.M.
COMMITl'EE APPOINTMENTS
APPOINTMENT OF ROBERT M. RAY TO SERVE ON THE NURSING HOME
ADVISORY COMMITl'EE
Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Corbett to appoint Mr. Robert M. Ray to fill the unexpired
term of Ms. Iris Todd. The term is to expire April 1, 1991.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: :-1
Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield
Commissioner Corbett
Vice-Chairman O'Neal
Chairman Dolan
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Excused:
Commissioner Retchin
REAPPOINTMENT OF MS. JAYME A. BEDNARCZYK TO NEW HANOVER
CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, INC.
Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman
0' Neal to reappoint Ms. Jayroe A. Bednarczyk to serve a
three-year term on the New Hanover Convention and Visitors
Bureau, Inc. expiring May 20, 1991. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED AS FOLLOWS:
Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield
Commissioner Corbett
Vice-Chairman O'Neal
Chairman Dolan
Excused: Commissioner Retchin
ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Discussion of Letter from Internal Auditor to Mr. Robert
Kendrick
Discussion was held on information requested by Mr.
Robert Kendrick. Assistant County Manager, Mary Gornto,
stated after a meeting arranged between Mr. Kendrick and the
Mr. Bruce Shell, the County's Internal Auditor, Mr. Kendrick
was satisfied with the information received.
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Discussion of Need
Hospital
Vice-Chairman
for nurses at New
for
Nurses
at
New
Hanover
Memorial
0' Neal commented on the desperate need
Hanover Memorial Hospital. He stressed
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 1988 (CONTINUED)
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the importance of raising entry level salaries for nurses in
order to attract qualified professionals.
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Commissioner Corbett commented on the two-year nursing
program being initiated by Cape Fear Community College
stating this program could be beneficial to both hospitals
in the recruitment of qualified nurses. He encouraged Cape
Fear Community College to pursue this matter with
UNC-Wilmington since the University has to approve the
program stating he felt both programs are needed in our
community.
Discussion of Budget Hearings
Chairman Dolan asked if Department Heads would be
presenting budgets on May 9 & 10, 1988. Assistant County
Manager Gornto stated only a few Department Heads would be
presenting budgets, such as the Department of Social
Services, Health Department and Sheriff's Department.
Chairman Dolan requested Lt. -Sidney Causey to appear
before the Commissioners during the Budget Hearings to
update the Board on the joint City/County Narcotics Unit.
He stressed the importance of the County and City providing
adequate staffing and equipment to this law enforcement
division.
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Discussion of the County's Master Address Plan
Planning Director Hayes, who was unable to attend the
beginning of the meeting, gave background information on the
County's Master Address Plan. He stated Castle Hayne Road
address assignments have already been mailed and researched
requesting the Commissioners to reconsider their previous
action to discontinue address reassignments scheduling no
further Public Hearings. He stated Public Hearings have
been scheduled for May 2, 1988, to consider house number
assignments for the Castle Hayne area.
Discussion was held on a pre-count being made by the
United States Census Bureau in preparation of the 1990
Census. Planning Director Hayes stated if addresses are not
firmly in place, the data cannot be prepared accurately and
the Census Bureau will assign house numbers.
After a lengthy discussion on the County's Master
Address Plan, Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by
Vice-Chairman O'Neal to proceed with the the Public Hearing
scheduled for May 2, 1988, involving address assignments in
the Castle Hayne area and to schedule a Special Meeting for
presentation and explanation of the County's Master Address
Plan. The floor was opened for discussion.
Commissioner Corbett expressed concern for holding any
future public hearings until the Master Address Plan has
been presented to the Commissioners.
Chairman Dolan called for a vote.
MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS:
Upon vote, the
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Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield
Vice-Chairman O'Neal
Chairman Dolan
Voting Noe: Commissioner Corbett
Excused:
Commissioner Retchin
ARRIVAL OF COMMISSIONER RETCHIN
Commissioner Retchin returned to the meeting at 11: 30
o'clock A.M.
CLOSEOUT FOR AMHOIST BLOCK GRANT
Assistant County Attorney, Rick Miller, stated a
counter proposal has been received from the North Carolina
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 1988 (CONTINUED)
Department of Natural Resources for closeout of the Amhoist
Block Grant. He stated the difference in cost between the
County's proposal as originally presented and the Department
of Natural Resources' counter proposal is $21,000; however,
in the counter proposal the Department of Natural Resources
will allow the County to spend the money over a period of
three fiscal years which will be beneficial to the County's
budgeting process.
Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Retchin to accept the counter proposal submitted by the
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Upon vote,
the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Corbett to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Dolan adjourned the meeting at 11:45 o'clock
A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
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