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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-07-18 Regular Meeting r" 2 20 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 18, 1988 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, July 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. Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.; W. Albert Corbett, Jr.; Vice-Chairman, Fred Retchin; Chairman, Nolan O'Neal; County Manager, G. Felix Cooper; County Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Chairman O'Neal called the meeting to order. I INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Reverend Daniel B. O'Leary gave the invocation. County Attorney, Robert W. Pope, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman O'Neal 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. No one commented. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA After discussion of Items 3, 4, and 8, Vice-Chairman Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO COUNTY MILITARY LEAVE POLICY I The Commissioners approved the revised New Hanover County Military Leave Policy as presented by the Director of Personnel. APPROVAL OF REVISED PERSONNEL POLICY TO COMPLY WITH FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT The Commissioners approved a revision to the New Hanover County Personnel PoliGY to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act relating to .payment methods and leave accrual for EMS personnel. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO JAY TAYLOR TERRO EXTERMINATING COMPANY FOR PEST CONTROL The Commissioners awarded the low bid to Jay Taylor Terro Exterminating Company in the amount of $6,500 annually for pest control of County buildings. The Chairman was authorized to execute the documents. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT WITH STANTON PETERS - STEAM PLANT The Commissioners approved modification of the contract with Stanton Peters in the amount of $7,500 to perform engineering work on boiler tube replacement at the Steam Plant. A copy of the contract is on file in the County Manager's Office. I RECLASSIFICATION OF LOCAL HISTORY LIBRARIAN POSITION FROM LIBRARIAN I TO LIBRARIAN II - NEW HANOVER COUNTY LIBRARY The Commissioners reclassified a position of Local History Librarian from Librarian I, Salary Range 65 to Librarian II, Salary Range 68. APPROVAL OF TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT THROUGH JUNE 30, 1988 The Commissioners approved the Tax Collector's report through June 30, 1988, for New Hanover County and the New Hanover County Fire District. ~ I I I MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 18, 1988 (CONTINUED) " 2-2-1' Copies of the reports are contained Exhibit Book XVI, Page 27. APPROVAL OF TAX ABATEMENTS AND REFUNDS The Commissioners approved a list of tax abatements and refunds as recommended by the Tax Administrator. A copy of the list is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 27. PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION RESCINDED CONVEYING THE COUNTY'S INTEREST IN A VACANT LOT LOCATED AT 820 DOCK STREET The Commissioners rescinded previous action to convey the County's interest in property located at 820 Dock Street (Tax Map #R04817-044-003.000) and requested the City of Wilmington to convey its ownership to New Hanover County. AUTHORIZATION FOR REGISTER OF DEEDS TO DONATE A 1978 KODAK READER- PRINTER TO CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE The Commissioners approved the donation of a 1977 Kodak Reader-Printer valued at $364.47 to Cape Fear Community College by the Register of Deeds. APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT - COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment: 88-0388 County Attorney's Office Debit Credit Non-Departmental Contingencies Retirement $2,000 1,013 County Attorney's Office Dues and Subscriptions Professional Services $1,500 1,513 Purpose: Additional funds needed for dues and subscriptions and temporary employee. APPROVAL OF FUNDING REQUEST BY ST. LUKE'S AME ZION CHURCH FOR TRANSPORTATION OF SENIOR CITIZENS TO LUCILE SHUFFLER NUTRITION SITE Mr. James Marion Penny presented a funding request in the amount of $5,250 to transport twenty-one Senior Citizens from St. Luke's AME Zion Church to the Lucile Shuffler Center to participate in the lunch program. He stated these participants were formerly part of the St. Stephen's Nutrition site and when this program was discontinued, the County funded bus transportation through June 30, 1988, with no funding being allocated for Fiscal Year 1988/89. After discussion of these funds being directed through the Department of Aging, Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Retchin to approve the funding request in the amount of $5,250, authorizing preparation of a contract and Budget Amendment through the Department of Aging who will be responsible for disbursement of funds. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Board for these funds to be incorporated into the Department of Aging's budget for the next fiscal year. APPROVAL OF "NO SMOKING POLICY" AND ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT TO THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES Ms. Mary Ann Walton, Personnel Analyst II, expressed appreciation to members of the Smoking Policy Committee for the work and effort given to prepare a "No Smoking" Policy. She stated the committee was composed of smokers and non-smokers who thoroughly studied the possibility of designating smoking areas in all County buildings with the conclusion that it would be economically and structurally impossible to establish designated smoking areas. The Committee prepared a "No Smoking" Policy j 2 ~gru.rES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 18, 1988 ( CONTINUED) which is being presented for approval with a 60-day grace period for implementation of the policy as follows: 1. Give smokers an opportunity to gradually reduce their smoking habit. 2. Provide adequate time for the Department of Property Management to post "No Smoking" signs. 3. Distribute letters to all employees regarding smoking cessation clinics. 4. Amend the New Hanover County Personnel Policy to include 10-minute morning and afternoon breaks. o 5. Enforcement of the "No Smoking" Policy effective September 19, 1988. Commissioner Barfield expressed concern for including a release from the Smoking Policy cautioning against allowing smoking in one location and not in another. A lengthy discussion was held on the form presented as part of the policy whereby departments can request a release from the "No Smoking" Policy under particular circumstances. Vice-Chairman Retchin expressed concern for the language used and recommended the form to read as follows: "Request for Variance From County Smoking Policy" instead of "Request for Partial/Complete Release from County Smoking Policy." After further discussion, Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman O'Neal to approve the "No Smoking" Policy as presented with an amendment to the release form to read: "Request for Variance from County Smoking Policy" and to approve the Ordinance amending the County Code of Ordinances by addition of a new article as presented by the Legal Department. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the ordinance is on file in the County Clerk's office for codification into the New Hanover County Code. ,...-..,. ! I I ' l......~ DISCUSSION OF RADIO SYSTEM BID Director of Engineering & Facilities, Ed Hilton gave background information on the bidding process stating the County Staff did not have a preference as to the vendor providing the system but did have a preference as to the system configuration. He stated a cheaper system could be installed but would not combine voice, telemetry, and paging under a single system that can also be used for emergency networking. Director Hilton stated representatives of MotorIa Communications and Electronic Corporation were present and would be glad to further explain the proposed system. He also stated representatives of communications Specialists, Inc. were present who feel the proposed radio system is not the correct choice for New Hanover County. Director Hilton urged the Commissioners to consider the following points before making a final decision on the type of system to be selected: 1. The proposed system is provided and installed under the responsibility of a single vendor. r-- I i '----- 2. The proposed system provides for expansion under the same system without losing the emergency networking capabilities. 3. The system as proposed with paging as part of the system will avoid the hiring of three (3) additional employees. 4. The proposed system which allows multiple provides a trunking system users without overlapping \ I I I MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 18, 1988 (CONTINUED) 223 " interference and when necessary, computer controlled re-configuration for emergency net- working. 5. The bid package was reviewed by the State of North Carolina Telecommunications office and pronounced as outstanding. A lengthy discussion was held on the cost of the system, the annual maintenance, and need for this type of radio equipment. Commissioner Barfield asked if the proposed system is needed for monitoring the sewer system or does the County need an emergency system stating he felt two different systems should be purchased separately. Director Hilton stated the proposed system would be an asset to the Engineering Department in monitoring the sewer system; however, the proposed system will have the capability of expanding into an emergency network without having to purchase a special emergency system. Vice-Chairman Retchin asked ~f the proposed system would have the capability to interact with EMS and the Sheriff's Department or would additional radios have to be purchased. Director Hilton stated radios would have to be changed which in his opinion should be a decision made by the Sheriff. commissioner Barfield asked to be excused from voting on the issue since he is an employee of General Electric. Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Retchin to excuse Commissioner Barfield from voting on the issue. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present would like to speak on the issue. The following persons commented: Mr. Jessie Moore, representing Motorola Communications and Electronic corporation, presented further data on the proposed system. He stated the Sheriff's Department can maintain its current equipment and have the ability to communicate through a dispatch console. He also commented on the emergency paging system stating usage of this feature will eliminate 24-hour dispatch or monitoring of the sewer system. He emphasized the importance of purchasing a system that will meet both current and future needs. Mr. Frank McNeill, President of Communications Specialist Company and Mr. Don Lofton, Marketing Vice-President representing the manufacturer, General Electric, commented on the proposed radio system urging the Commissioners to reject the bid stating the concept of tieing a telemetry system to a two-way radio system would not be the proper system to install. He recommended usage of a fixed microwave system represen:ting a savings of $400,000 since this system would be compatible to radios being presently used in the Sheriff's Department. Mr. McNeill stated General Electric cannot bid a telemetry system tied into a two-way radio system; however, several other vendors including General Electric can provide separate systems which in his opinion would be the best route for the County to follow. Mr. McNeill also commented on the importance of including the Sheriff in selecting a public safety radio system stating Sheriff Joe McQueen had not been asked for input on selecting the proposed system. Director of Engineering & Facilities, Ed Hilton, stated Sheriff McQueen was contacted by him personally and was positive about the system being considered; however, the bid specifications were not forwarded to the Sheriff for review since he as an elected official decides the type of emergency system to be used at the Sheriff's Department. Commissioner Corbett requested the Clerk to reflect in the minutes that the Sheriff was consulted by the Director of Engineering & Facilities when studying and reviewing the proposed system. j 2'24MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 18, 1988 (CONTINUED) County Manager Cooper stated the question to be answered is whether the two components should be combined, or would the difference in cost by bidding the components separately overcome the advantage of installing the complete system with a single vendor. Commissioner Corbett expressed concern for the County not being ready to purchase such a system especially since EMS is proceeding to install a radio system within the next nine months, and the County Manager is purchasing cellular phones. He recommended upgrading the present systems before proceeding any further. Chairman O'Neal expressed concern for knowing which system to purchase asking if a consultant should be hired to further study this issue. o County Manager Cooper recommended rejection of bids received. Mr. Moore recommended not rejecting the bids at this time and suggested hiring a consultant to review the systems presented. He stated the price in the bid as submitted by Motorola would be honored until November 4, 1988; whereas, if the company has to rebid, the cost will probably increase. After further discussion, Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Retchin to hire a consultant to further review and study the systems presented and any other system that would best serve New Hanover County with recommendations being presented at a later date. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Corbett Vice-Chairman Retchin Chairman O'Neal Excused: Commissioner Barfield o County Manager Cooper stated names of consultants would be furnished to the Commissioners for a final decision on the firm to be selected. APPROVAL OF BY-LAWS FOR PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD Director of Parks & Recreation, John Parker, presented By-Laws for the New Hanover County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board stating he would be glad to answer questions. After discussion of selecting individuals from all geographic locations in the County and encouraging young adults to apply, Vice-Chairman Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to approve the By-Laws as presented and instruct the Clerk to advertise for interested citizens including young adults. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the By-Laws -is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 27. APPROVAL OF PROJECT ORDINANCE - CUSTOMS FACILITY AT NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT County Manager Cooper gave background information on the previous Airport Commission and tenants at the Airport desiring [ to establish a non-commercial Customs facility in the abandoned control tower building and adjacent office building. He stated u. S. Customs was contacted by a Congressman and a fixed base operator, not the Airport Administrative Staff or County Administrative Staff, with the understanding by Customs that the facility would be provided at no cost. The Airport Commission at that time endorsed the concept of providing a Customs facility and hired an architect to design the facility feeling that federal funds would be available for renovation of the tower and adjacent office building. County Manager Cooper present Airport Commission stated after and with their discussion with the concurrence, he is ~ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 18, 1988 (CONTINUED) 225 ", recommending award of the contract for design of the facility to William T. Steuer & Associates and approval of the Project Ordinance with no construction on the facility until the source of funding has been specifically identified. He stated the present Airport Commission took action stating if federal revenues are not available to perform the renovations, then the costs should be the responsibility of the fixed based operators who will be contacted and requested to undertake the additional lease of the facility. I commissioner Corbett asked why the County Commissioners are dealing with this problem instead of the Airport Commission. County Manager Cooper stated according to state statutes the County Commissioners are the only Board that can appropriate money to provide expenditure of funds not included in the 1988/89 budget. Commissioner Corbett also expressed concern for not knowing who informed Customs there would be no costs involved. County Manager Cooper stated he felt Air/Wilmington stated they would fund the project with Congressman Rose stating the project could be federally funded. Assistant Airport Director, Jack Nolan, stated at the beginning, Air/Wilmington approached the Airport about leasing the facility which in turn would be given to Customs. He stated then a counter proposal was made by Congressman Rose indicating that federal funds could be obtained with no follow-up. He stated he did not know who informed Customs that no costs would be involved. I After discussion of the funding for architectural services being recovered when the facility is leased, Vice-Chairman Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the Project Ordinance as presented, approve the design contract with William T. Steuer & Associates, and withhold construction on the facility until the source of funding is identified. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the Project Ordinance is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, Page 27. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS REAPPOINTMENT OF WILLIAM B. HARRIS AND BEA CLEMMONS TO SERVE ON THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Vice-Chairman Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to reappoint Mr. William B. Harris and Ms. Bea Cle~ons to serve three-year terms on the New Hanover County Planning Commission. The terms will expire July 31, 1991. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL JORDAN TO FILL UNEXPIRED TERM ON THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Vice-Chairman Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to appoint Mr. Michael Jordan to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Kay Sebian on the New Hanover County Planning Commission. The term will expire July 31, 1989. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. I MEETING RECESSED TO HOLD A REGULAR MEETING OF THE WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT Vice-Chairman Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to recess from Regular Session to hold a meeting of the Board of District Commissioners of the New Hanover County Water and Sewer District. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman O'Neal convened from Regular Session at 11:12 o'clock A.M. Vice-Chairman Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to reconvene to Regular Session. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ~ 22 EfINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 18, 1988 ( CONTINUED) Chairman O'Neal reconvened to Regular Session at 11:42 o'clock A.M. ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Discussion of Request from the District Attorney for Use of Office Space to House State Bureau of Investigation Commissioner Corbett commented on the request from the District Attorney for use of office space located behind his office to house the SBI. County Manager Cooper stated the space requested has been n used by County custodians and maintenance personnel for the past 15 years to house cleaning equipment and supplies used daily in ". cleaning of the Judicial Building, Law Enforcement Building, and Courthouse. He stated at the present time, there is no space available to house this equipment until the lower level of the Courthouse is completed. He commented on a letter prepared by him for the Chairman's signature which informed the District Attorney of the existing space problem with an offer to work with the SBI in anyway possible to provide office space. Commissioner Corbett requested the County Manager to continue to search for space that would be suitable for housing this agency. Establishment of Task Force To Prepare Memorial for Former Conunissioner John M. Dolan Commissioner Corbett recommended establishing a Task Force to prepare some form of a memorial or tribute honoring former County Commissioner John M. Dolan. He suggested appointing County Manager, G. Felix Cooper; County Attorney, Robert W. Pope; Director of Public Services, Mike Waters; Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell; and Aubrey Rivenbark, a Member of the Board of Fire Commissioners, to serve on the Task Force with Lucie Harrell chairing the committee. Vice-Chairman Retchin MOVED, SECONDED Corbett to establish the Committee as requested. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. by Commissioner Upon vote, the n Report on Annual Conference of the North Carolina Association of County conunissioners Vice-Chairman Retchin commented on the Annual Conference of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners held in Greensboro, North Carolina, stating two sessions of particular importance were discussion of the present Welfare Reform in Congress and the impact upon local governments; and a seminar on Waste Management discussing plans for preparation of a manual by the N. C. Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Management Division, outlining steps to be followed by local governments in establishing a recycling program including a directory of persons throughout the State involved in recycling businesses. Local Health Director Recognized by the North Carolina Association of County conunissioners as Recipient of the 1988 outstanding County Health Director for the State of North Carolina Chairman O'Neal, on behalf of the Board, congratulated Mr. Robert Parker, Health Director of the New Hanover County Health n Department, for receiving the 1988 Outstanding Health Director of l. the Year Award. He stated New Hanover County is fortunate to . have an employee of this caliber. \, ~ I I I MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY i8, 1988 (CONTINUED) ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY MANAGER Announcement of Open House for EMS Courthouse County Manager Cooper announced an for the general public to tour the Courthouse on September 25, 1988, from stated cookies and punch will be served. Facility and Renovated Open House will be held new EMS Facility and 1: 00 - 4: 00 P. M. He ADJOURNMENT Vice-Chairman Corbett to adjourn. Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman O'Neal adjourned the meeting at 12:01 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, ~F~:L~ Clerk to the Board , . 2., '7. " '2 1 ~