1988-07-18 Regular Meeting
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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.
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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.
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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.
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 18, 1988 (CONTINUED)
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, JULY 18, 1988 (CONTINUED)
223
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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