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1988-11-29 Special Meeting : 331 ., MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, NOVEMBER 29, 1988 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met with the Wilmington City Council in Special Session on Tuesday, November 29, 1988, at 7:00 o'clock P.M. at Justine's Restaurant, 130 North Front Street, Wilmington, N. C. :[.1' 'j, Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.; W. Albert Corbett, Jr.; Robert G. Greer; Vice-Chairman Fred Retchin; Chairman Nolan O'Neal; County Manager, G. Felix Cooper; County Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Deputy Clerk to the Board, Joyce B. Bragg. City Council members present were: Councilmen Sandra Barone, Gloria Berger, Katherine P. Hoyt, Luther H. Jordan, E. A. Pate, Robert D. Shipp, and Mayor Don Betz. Chairman 0' Neal called the meeting to order stating the purpose of the meeting was to hear reports and recommendations from the City/County Subcommittees as follows: Stormwater Drainage Management; Public Utilities Management; and Solid Waste Management. ':1 ;;.~ Solid Waste Management Subcommittee Report Councilman Hoyt described the field trip the subcommittee took to Charlotte where they saw recycling efforts. They visited a neighborhood where they observed workers picking up the containers of recyclables and how they sorted them out. They visited a center where machines were grinding up plastic bottles and making small square packages of crushed cans. They also visited a landfill and a partially covered landfill presently being made into a gol~ course, which is a very attractive area. They observed another landfill area where they saw a huge tub mulch grinder for large limbs and clippings, indicating the subcommittee recommends this type of equipment. They saw a huge stack resembling dirt, which was decomposed leaves. They visited other area recycling centers, such as high schools and an incinerated that is under construction. The above projects were operated jointly by Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte. Commissioner Corbett stated that he was impressed with the people who were bringing in material to be recycled. He thought the enthusiastic attitudes about the recycling effort was commendable. He stated that this type of attitude will be necessary to make it work for New Hanover County. He recommended curbside recycling because it is the simplest method for households. Councilman Hoyt stated the subcommittee needs to meet more recommendations to the governing bodies. Solid Waste Management before making formal Mr. Chris Roop, an interested citizen, asked if there were markets for the material produced from mulching plastic' and aluminum. I Councilman Hoyt stated that as fast as they could grind the materials it was sold to Sonoco in South Carolina. They have also found markets for old batteries and used motor oil. County Manager Cooper stated that the County has had some feelers from companies that want to do the entire recycling program as an enterprise. Commissioner Corbett added that he would like to get schools involved, thus educating the children at an early age about recycling household trash. Stormwater Drainage Management Subcommittee Report Councilman Barone introduced Kari Braumbach, representing the Wilmington Engineering Department, who presented slides and ~ 33~NUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, NOVEMBER 29, 1988 (CONTINUED) information on watersheds and how the drainage problem is created. She stated the staff was charged with identifying problems and areas of concern and opportunities for cooperation between the City and County. The subcommittee met four times and discussed the following topics: Erosion Sedimentation Operation and Maintenance of Stormwater Management Systems Flooding Water Quality Detention/Retention Liability ~ i l u~ Miss Braumbach reported that the City was heavily involved in stormwater management issues. A study was done identifying 29 areas needing improvement. There are 15 under construction or that are complete, which were paid for by the 1985 Bond Referendum. The City favors the Burnt Mill Creek retention facility. A list of the City and County's positions on Stormwater Management issues is contained in Exhibit Book XVI, page 36. Mutual areas of concern found by the subcommittee were as follows: City/County approach to Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance Rights of way (Ownership - Public or Private Maintenance) Flooding Liability - Property/Life Development Standards Environmental Concerns ~ , , The City's approach to stormwater management is well established, but needs must be determine regarding the County's approach. I I " --' Councilman Barone stated that the committee plans to visit various developments where measures have been taken to manage stormwater drainage. She emphasized the need to identify how to implement a plan and determine the cooperation that will be received from both the City and County. A long term goal is to develop a Master Plan that meets both the City and County needs. Public Utilities Subcommittee Report Councilman Tony Pate gave a brief report on the committee meeting. He explained that an authority approach to the public utili ties problem was discussed as well as whether or not to allow the City to operate the combined public utilities. Vice Chairman Retchin stated that public utilities services, and funding would be combined under one operation for economy and to accomplish some of the goals faster. The Committee decided to request the two governing bodies to approve the concept of a study to determine how this might best be accomplished. He advised that the County Commissioners have agreed that this would be a proper approach with the County paying for one half of the consultants' fee. r-'" I I I I Commissioner Barfield stated that the County Commissioners agreed that the consultants presently contracted by the City and County should be utilized for the study. He further explained that several citizens especially those in the Castle Hayne and Wrightsboro areas have expressed concern about the direction of the sewer construction plan. This area is in need of service for both water and sewer. He stated front '-- MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, NOVEMBER 29, 1988 (CONTINUED) 333 ., footage assessment is the concept that is used when there is an authority, and when a community wants the service, it can be extended and paid for by user fees or by establishing a tax district to be confined to a specific area. The citizens are expecting the County to continue sewer service to the Castle Hayne and Wrightsboro areas. :1 Commissioner Barfield questioned what could be done about the foul smell at the City's Sewer Treatment Plant on Twenty-third Street. He asked if it would be taken care of in the upgrade and when will it be done? He emphasized that now is the time to pursue the issue in order to get rid of the odor that will eventually cripple the economy at the Airport and surrounding areas. John Bauer, City Engineer, stated that the odor was not considered in the initial upgrade of the Twenty-third Street Sewer Treatment Plant. City Manager Bill Faris stated it would be costly to close the facility to clean it, which would be one way to solve the problem. Mayor Betz and Commissioner Retchin commented on the City and County Managers and Attorneys submi ting a proposal for the consultants' study of the Public Utilities Authority or a neutral mechanism to provide the needed services in the County. Vice Chairman Retchin stated that the City's long range task force had recommended that there be a public utilities authority county-wide, which would address water, sewer, stormwater management and waste management. Commissioner Barfield strongly expressed his support of the idea of a Public Utilities Authority being established. ;1 Additional Items Mayor Betz complimented each member stressing the tremendous responsibility the City Council and County Commissioners have and stated that a new era has been demonstrated on working together to accomplish some of the goals for services. Possible Meeting Date for Joint Meeting in January Mayor Betz suggested January 31, 1989, as a possible meeting date for sharing findings and recommendations by each subcommittee. Commissioner Barfield clarified the purpose of the subcommi ttees was not to consolidate governments. Mayor Betz agreed, stating that the governing bodies had a responsibility to provide services at the lowest possible cost and by combining services there would be a savings to taxpayers. Chairman O'Neal adjourned the meeting at 8:35 o'clock P.M. 1 rE.:~~f~ S~i~t:d~ ;t:;~ Brag~~ Deputy Clerk ~