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1989-12-04 Regular Meeting r" 744 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 4, 1989 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, December 4, 1989, at 7:30 o'clock P.M. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.; W. Albert Corbett, Jr.; E. L. Mathews, Jr.; Vice-Chairman Nolan O'Neal; Chairman Fred Retchin; Acting County Manager, Mary I Gornto; County Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Chairman Retchin called the meeting to order. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Reverend Burton Whiteside, Pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd, gave the invocation. Chairman Retchin led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Mathews to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 6, 1989; Special Meeting of November 9, 1989, and Special Meeting of November 13, 1989, as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. NON-AGENDA ITEMS Discussion of Plumbing Work Performed by Jessie Blake & Sons for Ms. Catherine Weller - Inspections Department Ms. Catherine Weller expressed concern for problems being experienced with the plumbing firm of Jessie Blake & Sons when I connecting to the City's water and sewer system. She stated when the plumbing work was completed, a County Plumbing Inspector examined and approved the work as performed. Shortly after the inspection, the sewer began to back up into the house at which time another plumber was called who informed her that the work was incorrectly performed. She immediately called the Inspections Department and informed them of the problem and the same Plumbing Inspector visited the site and agreed that the work was not correct. He stated he would contact Mr. Blake for correction of the problem. She stated as of this date, the problem has not been corrected and the living conditions are unsanitary. Ms. Weller expressed concern for paying $875 to the plumber whose work was not correctly performed but approved by the County's Plumbing Inspector and requested the Commissioners to reimburse her so she can hire another plumber to complete the job. Chairman Retchin stated after past discussions with Ms. Weller and the Inspections Department, he thought the problem had been corrected. Inspections Director, Sky Conklin, commented on the marginal grade of work and the time involved when the line was initially installed before connection to the City's sewer stating with the high groundwater table, the line probably floated and backgraded. The fact that the line was not backfilled properly and floated are indicators of poor workmanship by the contractor. He suggested that this problem be addressed by the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing and Heating Contractors. I Commissioner Barfield asked if the State Board of Plumbing Examiners has been contacted. Inspections Director Conklin stated he had not reported the incident. Discussion was held on immediately resolving the problem. Commissioner Mathews asked how the problem can be corrected? ~- I I I MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 4, 1989 (CONTINUED) 745 " Inspections Director Conklin stated the County should not become involved with correction of a problem which is a private contract dispute between Ms. Weller and the plumber. I Consensus: After discussion of having no specific control over the plumber and the immediate need to correct the problem, it was the consensus of the Board to direct the Inspections Director to contact the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing and Heating Contractors and report the problem and the plumber involved with the work performed. Discussion of the Offer to Purchase the WLI Building Mr. Jay Corpening, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the First Baptist Church, expressed concern for recent discussion by the County with reference to purchasing the WLI Building for expansion of the jail. He commented on the need of this building by the church and stated in August 1989, the church made an offer in the amount of $350,000 to the City of Wilmington for purchase of the building. Mr. Corpening requested the Commissioners not to consider any proposed expansion that will include the WLI Building stating the church wants to be cooperative; however, they feel their offer to purchase should be honored. Commissioner Barfield stated the City approached the County with an offer to purchase, and the Commissioners were not aware of the church's previous offer or desire to purchase the building. Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Mr. Corpening for stating the church's opposition to the proposal and stated the Board will certainly consider other alternatives when the Jail Expansion is discussed on December 18, 1989. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chairman Retchin requested removal of Item #1 and Item #8 stating these items should be placed on the Regular Agenda. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to remove Item #1 and Item #8 from the Consent Agenda and approve the remaining items. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Ratification of Agreement #SHE-89-0376 Between New Hanover County, the New Hanover County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and the Sheriff of New Hanover County for Enforcement of ABC Laws The Commissioners ratified an agreement between New Hanover County, the New Hanover County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and the Sheriff for enforcement of ABC Laws. The ~hairman was authorized to execute the agreement. A copy of the agreement is on file in the County Manager's office. Approval of Application for Release of Funds From the Public School Building Capital Fund The Commissioners approved an application for release of funds from the Public School Building Capital Fund for construction of an addition to Trask Middle School. The Chairman was authorized to execute the document. A copy of the application is contained in Exhibit Book XVII, Page 39. Approval of Budget Amendment #90-0093 - New Hanover County Museum The Commissioners approved the fOllowing BUdget Amendment: 90-0093 Museum Debit Credit American Association for State and Local History Grant $3,491 j 7 46dget Amendment (Continued) Salaries FICA Departmental Supplies Copying Employment Reimbursement Travel Debit Credit $2,630 200 100 225 98 228 Purpose: FY 1988/89. To budget balance of AASLH Grant not expended No additional County funds are required. in lltpproval of Budget Amendment #90-0094 New Hanover County Airport The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment: 90-0094 outside Agencies/Economic & Physical Development/Airport n Debit Credit General Government Appropriated Fund Balance $16,538 Outside Agencies/Economic & Physical Development Airport $16,538 Purpose: Contribution to the Airport to cover expenses authorized and incurred prior to June 30, 1989, in the amount of $13,270 and $3,268 for purchase of a computer system. Approval of Budget Amendment #90-0095 New Hanover County Library The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment: 90-0095 Library Debit Credit Contributions $2,118 Supplies $2,118 n Purpose: To budget funds donated for purchase of books. I I, Approval of Budget Amendment #90-0096 - Department of Aging The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment: 90-0096 Department of Aging Debit Credit Administration Aging/Hot Line Grant $5,678 Senior Link Inform. & Referral Salaries FICA Auto Expense $5,067 411 200 Purpose: To set up the Senior Link Grant in the amount of $5,070 approved by the Commissioners on October 16, 1989. Approval of Contract #PUB-89-0367 Between New Hanover County and Lowrimore, Warwick and Company for Audit of Expenditures Volunteer Fire Departments [ The Commissioners approved a contract with Lowrimore, Warwick and Company to perform an audit of expenditures of county j funds by the Volunteer Fire Departments. The cost of the audit is not to exceed $7,840. The Chairman was authorized to execute the contract. A copy of the contract is on file in the County Manager's office. \ ~. I I I MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 4, 1989 (CONTINUED) '747 " ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Reelection of Chairman Retchin as Chairman of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chairman Retchin stated the N. C. General Statutes require the Board to appoint a Chairman and Vice-Chairman at the first meeting in December of each year. He opened the floor to receive nominations for Chairman of the Board for the coming year. Vice-Chairman O'Neal commented on the excellent performance of Chairman Retchin during the past year and nominated him to serve as Chairman for the coming year. There being no further nominations, declared the nominations closed. Chairman Retchin Motion: Vice-Chairman 0' Neal MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Mathews to reappoint Chairman Retchin to serve another year as Chairman of the Board. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to his fellow Commissioners for reelecting him Chairman and stated he will strive to carry out his duties to the best of his ability. Election of Commissioner W. Albert Corbett, Jr. as Vice-Chairman of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chairman Retchin opened the floor to receive nominations for Vice-Chairman. Commissioner Mathews nominated Commissioner Corbett. There being no further nominations, declared the nominations closed. Chairman Retchin Motion: Commissioner Mathews Barfield to elect Commissioner Board for the coming year. UNANIMOUSLY. MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett as Vice-Chairman of the Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED Vice-Chairman Corbett expressed appreciation to his fellow Commissioners for being elected Vice-Chairman. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION CERTIFYING AND DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE SPECIAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 7, 1989, FOR THE $5,000,000 PARKS & RECREATIONAL FACILITIES BONDS Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Mathews to adopt the resolution certifying and declaring the results of the Special Election held on November 7, 1989, for the $5,000,000 Parks & Recreational Facilities Bonds. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XVII, Page 39. APPROVAL CARPETING EXPANSION Acting County Manager Gornto stated when the expansion was planned, a certain amount of space was to be shelled in only; however, due to current needs, it is recommended that the entire area be completed and utilized. The work will be performed by the Property Management Department. OF BUDGET AMENDMENT #90-0090 TO AND ELECTRICAL WIRING FOR THE BUDGET HEALTH FUNDS FOR DEPARTMENT Health Director, Robert Parker, presented a drawing of the proposed expansion and stated funds are available from interest earned during the project. ~ 7 4 fjINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 4, 1989 ( CONTINUED) Motion: Vice-Chairman Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the following Budget Amendment to transfer the interest earned to fund carpeting and wiring of the expanded area of the Health Department. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 90-0098 Health Department Expansion Debit Credit Interest on Investments $4,000 Force Account $4,000 n Purpose: To finish shelled space to accommodate staff added since the beginning of the Health Department Expansion. Carpeting and wiring work will be performed by the Property Management Department and the additional revenue will come from interest earned. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT WHICH WOULD ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR HIGH DENSITY PROJECTS (A-205) Chairman Retchin opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Paul Foster, Chairman of the Planning Commission, stated in an effort to promote a greater compatibility between existing single-family development and high density residential development, the Planning Commission determined that additional regulations were needed to mitigate impacts between the two types of developments. The following text amendments were presented: High Density Text Amendments: 1. Require a Special Use Permit for all high density development. 2. Establish a transition zone and reduction in density for the first 200 feet between existing single family and any proposed high density. 3. Require access to US or NC numbered highways or to a thoroughfare with a minimum 36 foot pavement width. 4. Require a minimum of two (2) acres to qualify for development. n Thoroughfare Classification Map Amendment: The petitioner proposes to reclassify Gordon Road to an arterial from its current collector designation. In its discussion, the Planning Commission determined that reclassification would be premature. Commissioner Mathews commented on requiring access to US or NC numbered highways stating this could be quite restrictive to certain developments, such as affordable housing. A lengthy discussion was held on requiring a Special Use Permit for high density development and the importance of long-range planning to address the undeveloped areas of the County so that orderly growth can occur. Further discussion was held on affordable housing and allowing certain densities in various areas other than on expensive property located near 0 thoroughfares. Commissioner Barfield expressed concern for controlling density through a special use and recommended addressing this issue through density classifications or some form of zoning. Planning Director Hayes stated the Planning Staff could develop capacity limits that can be applied to traffic allowed on various roads. \ \ ~ I I I MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 4, 1989 (CONTINUED) 749 " Chairman Retchin asked if anyone from the general public would like to speak on the proposed Text Amendments. The following person commented: Mr. William C. Howard, Jr. stated he would support the proposed Text Amendments only as an interim solution to density development. He recommended an update of the classification system when updating the Land Use Plan in 1991. Chairman Retchin closed the Public Hearing. Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board to send the proposed High Density Text Amendments back to the Planning Staff and Planning Commission asking them to prepare a recommendation using density classifications or some other form of zoning in lieu of a special use. Commissioner O'Neal suggested scheduling a Work Session with the Planning Staff and Planning Commission to discuss and better understand the Land Use Plan. TABLING OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST BY SANCO, INC. TO UPGRADE GORDON ROAD TO AN ARTERIAL FROM A COLLECTOR (APPEALED CASE) Mr. Nathan Sanders, the petitioner, stated he would be glad to postpone the public hearing until the Planning Staff and Planning Commission have had time to address the density issue. He commented on the definition of high density stating his company is involved with construction of single-family detached affordable housing. He recommended classes of high density as used by the City such as mUlti-family low density; multi-family medium density; and mUlti-family high density with each class carrying a different density allowance. Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board to table the Public Hearing until March 5, 1990, at which time the new recommendations addressing high density development will be heard along with the request by Sanco, Inc. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO NAME A PRIVATE ROAD TO CHARLIE MELTON AVENUE IN MASONBORO TOWNSHIP (SN-53) Chairman Retchin opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Hayes presented background information on the proposed road name. Chairman Retchin asked if anyone from the general public would like to speak on the proposed name. The following person spoke in opposition to the request: Mr. Victor A. Brown stated he is opposed to the name since most of the heirs of Charlie Melton have sold their property. He stated other names were submitted and requested selection of another name. Planning Director Hayes stated other names were submitted but they were duplicate names of other roads in the County; therefore, they could not be accepted by the Planning Staff. Mr. Brown requested the Commissioners to allow the property owners to resubmit a name that will be acceptable to the Planning Staff and a majority of residents living on the road. Chairman Retchin closed the Public Hearing. Motion: After further discussion, Chairman Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to authorize the Planning Director to work with the property owners and select a name that is agreeable to all. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of an ordinance renaming the private drive to Freedom Road as submitted by the property owners and approved by the Planning Staff is contained in Exhibit Book XVII, Page 39. ,~ 7 -5 ()'1INUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 4, 1989 ( CONTINUED) PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER NAMING THREE UNIMPROVED PRIVATE ROADS TO SYLVESTER STREET, ANGUS DRIVE, AND DUTTON DRIVE LOCATED IN CAPE FEAR TOWNSHIP SN-53 Chairman Retchin opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Hayes presented background information on the proposed road names stating the names were recommended by property owners living on the private roads. Chairman Retchin asked if anyone from the general public C would like to speak on the proposed road names. The following II, persons commented: ~ Mr. Jeffrey Lee, a resident of the road to be named Sylvester Street, stated the property owners on this private road do not agree with the name submitted. He requested the Commissioners to consider allowing the property owners to work with the Planning Staff for renaming the road to a shorter name. Mr. Henry Foy, a resident of Chair Road, expressed opposition to name of Angus Drive as proposed by the Planning Staff. He requested the Commissioners to allow the property owners to submit a name that will be satisfactory with the property owners. Chairman Retchin closed the Public Hearing. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Mathews to authorize the Planning Staff to meet with residents of the area and select road names acceptable to Planning Staff and the majority of property owners living on the road. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Copies of ordinances naming the private roads in Cape Fear Township to Sylvester Road, Angus Drive, and Dutton Drive as O. agreed upon by the property owners and approved by the Planning Staff are contained in Exhibit Book XVII, Page 39. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ASSIGNING HOUSE NUMBERS ON SHANDY LANE LOCATED IN BARNETI' TOWNSHIP Chairman Retchin opened the Public Hearing. Staff Planner Burgess presented background information on the assignment of house numbers on Shandy Lane. Chairman Retchin asked if anyone from the general public would like to speak in favor of or in opposition to the request. No one commented. Chairman Retchin closed the Public Hearing. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner 0' Neal to approve the ordinance systematically assigning house numbers on Shandy Lane located in Harnett Township as presented by the Planning Staff. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the ordinance is contained in Exhibit Book XVII, Page 39. MEETING RECESSED TO HOLD A MEETING OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER & SEWER DISTRICT Chairman Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Corbett to convene from Regular Session to hold a meeting of the Water & Sewer District. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. o Chairman Retchin convened from Regular Session at 9:25 o'clock P.M. Vice-Chairman Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Mathews to reconvene to Regular Session. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. I \ ~ I I I MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 4, 1989 (CONTINUED) ,'-':' .... . -, 751 Chairman Retchin reconvened to Regular Session at 9:27 o'clock P.M. APPROVAL OF FUNDING FOR TWO EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION HEARINGS - THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Mr. William R. Jessup, Director of the Human Relations Commission, requested approval of expenditures up to $5,000 for two employment discrimination hearings. He stated in order to hold proper hearings, a Hearing Officer and Court Recorder should be hired. He requested approval of the funding with preparation of a Budget Amendment to be presented at a later date. Vice-Chairman Corbett stated the reason for not utilizing the services of the County Attorney is a possible conflict of interest. He stated if the respondent did not comply with order of the Human Relations Commission, the case would be heard in Superior Court to uphold the findings of the Human Relations Commission which would create a conflict of interest on behalf of the County and County Attorney. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED Vice-Chairman Corbett to approve expenditures up to $5,000 for the discrimination hearings with preparation of a Budget Amendment to be presented at a later date when specific costs are received. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. APPROVAL OF PUBLIC OFFICIAL BONDS Assistant County Attorney, Kemp Burpeau, stated pursuant to the requirements of the North Carolina General Statutes, the Public Official Bonds for the Clerk of Superior Court of New Hanover County, the Finance Officer, Sheriff, Register of Deeds, Tax Collector, and Chairman of the New Hanover County ABC Board have been carefully examined and found to be in conformity with the requirements of the law. He requested the Commissioners to adopt a resolution setting the amount of the Sheriff's Bond at $5,000; adopt a resolution exempting from bonding requirements ABC personnel who do not handle monies; and adopt a resolution approving all Public Official Bonds. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Mathews to adopt the resolutions as presented by the Legal Department. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Copies of the resolutions are contained in Exhibit Book XVII, Page 39. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF WILLIAM T. BOYD TO SERVE ON THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Motion: Commissioner Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner 0' Neal to ratify the appointment of William T. Boyd to serve a three-year term on the Zoning Board of Adjustment to fill the vacancy created by Thomas O'Connell when he declined reappointment to the board. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION FOR SALE OF VOTING MACHINES - NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS Motion: Commissioner O'Neal MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to adopt a resolution approving the sale of seventy (70) voting machines to International Election Systems Corporation for a price of $75 per unit for a total sales price of $5,250. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XVII, Page 39. ~ - '7-~~UTES OF REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 4, 1989 (CONTINUED) ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Scheduling of Weekly Staff Meetings Chairman Retchin stated he meets bi-weekly with the Acting County Manager, County Attorney, and Clerk to the Board to discuss the upcoming agenda and current activities of the County. He stated discussion has been held on better ways to communicate with all members of the Board with the suggestion made that weekly meetings should be held. He announced beginning with Friday, December 8, 1989, weekly staff meetings will be scheduled at 8:30 A.M. every Friday in the Chairman's office and the Commissioners are invited to attend. n l.. j Report on Hiring a New Hospital Administrator Commissioner O'Neal commented on the process of hiring a new Hospital Administrator stating the Search Committee has interviewed three consulting firms to assist with the hiring process and will be making a recommendation to the Board of Trustees this week. He stated Hospital Administrator, Bill Morrison, will be leaving in May; therefore the Trustees desire to fill the position as soon as possible. Vice-Chairman Corbett commented on innovative ways for the hospital to raise revenues stating he read an interesting article where a hospital contracted with the jail to cater meals which has proven to be quite successful and economically beneficial to both agencies. Discussion of Scheduling a Retreat Vice-Chairman Corbett asked if a date has been selected for holding a Saturday Retreat to discuss long-range planning. Acting County Manager Gornto stated the date has not been selected, but this item will be discussed at the December 18 meeting. Discussion of Applications for County Manager's Position Vice-Chairman Corbett asked when applications for the County Manager's position will be forwarded to the Commissioners for review. n Chairman Retchin stated Personnel Director Mallette will forward twenty-four (24) applications on December 8, 1989. Discussion of the Offer to Purchase the WLI Building Commissioner Mathews commented on the confusion surrounding the offer made by the City for purchase of the WLI Building stating situations of this type should not occur. He expressed concern for spending taxpayers dollars for design of a proposal that is not feasible and recommended establishing a policy that will require a written offer before proceeding with a plan. He also requested the Chairman to write a letter to the First Baptist Church stating the County is not interested in purchasing the WLI property. Acting County Manager Gornto recommended communicating directly with the City and copying the letter to the church. Motion: After further discussion of the offer made by the City and the confusion involved, Vice-Chairman Corbett MOVED, SECONDED 0,,- by Commissioner Mathews to request the Acting County Manager to inform the City that the County is not interested in purchasing the WLI property and forward a copy of the letter to the First Baptist Church. Discussion of Designating a Press and News Media Area in the Assembly Room Commissioner Mathews recommended designating a special area in the Assembly Room for the press and the news media during meetings. '~ I I I MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 4, 1989 ( CONTINUED) 753 ., Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board to request the Acting County Manager to hold a meeting with representatives of the press to discuss this idea and bring back a recommendation to the Board. EXECUTIVE SESSION Chairman Retchin requested an Executive Session to discuss an attorney/client matter. Commissioner Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to convene to Executive Session. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Retchin convened to Executive Session at 9:42 o'clock P.M. Vice-Chairman Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to reconvene to Regular Session. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Retchin reconvened to Regular Session at 9:59 o'clock P.M. ADJOURNMENT Vice-Chairman Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Retchin adjourned the meeting at 10:02 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, ctY:&- Clerk to the Board ~