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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-11-02 Regular Meeting 78 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Corrunissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, November 2, 1987, at 5:00 o'clock P.M. in the Assembly Room of the County Administration Building, 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Corrunissioners W. Albert Corbett, Jr.; Fred Retchin; Vice-Chairman, John Dolan; Chairman, Nolan O'Neal; County Manager, G. Felix Cooper; County Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. ,- ~ Corrunissioner Jonathan Barfield, Sr. arrived at 5: 10 o'clock P.M. JOINT MEETING WITH NEW HANOVER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chairman O'Neal welcomed the Hospital Board of Trustees stating the purpose of the joint meeting was to discuss the overall financial condition of New Hanover Memorial Hospital. He introduced Mr. James M. Parker, Chairman of the Hospital Board. Mr. Parker expressed appreciation to the Corrunissioners for the opportunity to discuss the overall financial condi tion of the hospital and address issues such as the recent overall rate increase and the much discussed, but seldom understood, cash reserves maintained by the hospital. He introduced the following Hospital Board Trustees asking each member to stand: Mr. Peter R. Davis; Mr. F. P. Fensel, Sr.; Dr. I. A. Roseman, D.S.S.; corrunissioner Nolan O'Neal; Ms. Linda Pearce; Dr. James B. Sloan; Mr. J. W. Surruney, III; Mr. William H. Sutton; Mr. Earl Swinson; Mrs. Elizabeth Teachey; Reverend W. Prince Vaughn; Dr. Norman Robinson, M. D.; Mr. Michael G. Haas; Mr. H. J. Quinn; and Dr. Kenny Morris. r L Presentation of Medical Perspective of the New Hanover Memorial Hospital Budget Dr. Lucien Wilkins, irrunediate Past Chief of Staff, corrunented on the medical perspective of the hospital bUdget stating the budget is the tool used to provide the excellent health care that is now available and affordable to all in New Hanover County. He stated room rates are well in line with comparable hospitals, the reserve funds are well within industry guidelines, and hospital services are available to all. He also emphasized the fact that New Hanover Memorial Hospital expended $6,000,000 of free care in 1987. Dr. Wilkins corrunented on two disturbing trends that have developed in the eighties: ( 1) hospitals are failing and closing; and (2) entrepreneur ism , in the interest of economics, is shutting down unprofitable services in spite of medical need for these services. He stated when budget cuts occur, the first to suffer are the poor, the uninsured, the underinsured, infants, the elderly and the helpless. He emphasized the importance of a healthy budget which will allow New Hanover Memorial Hospital to prepare for future challenges without additional taxation or issuance of costly revenue bonds. r L Presentation of New Hanover Memorial Hospital Budget Mr. Earl Swinson corrunented on the budgetary process. He stated the annual budget is based upon the needs of southeastern North Carolina as identified by department heads, administrative staff, medical staff and the Hospital Board of Trustees. He stated department heads and medical staff estimate the number and types of services to be offered to patients during the coming year with identification of equipment, personnel, and supplies needed to provide these services. Salary scales are evaluated against surveys of wages paid by local industry for certain MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) 6j jobs and by hospitals that recruit in the same markets. The Medical Staff Equipment Evaluation Corrunittee establishes priorities for the purchase of medical equipment based on patient needs, condition of existing equipment, and availability of funds. r lJ Mr. Swinson stated the impact of above mentioned expenditures on the reserves of the hospital is determined and then a required net operating margin is calculated to meet operating capital needs and to maintain appropriate reserves. Price changes, if any, are made, at this time. He stated in order to meet capital needs and maintain appropriate reserves for Fiscal Year 1987/88 charges were increased overall by an average of 10.4%. Mr. Swinson stated the new charges have been approved by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and stressed the importance of providing a sound budget to maintain the high quality of service now provided to citizens of our County and surrounding counties. Discussion of Cash Reserve position Mr. James Parker stated in order to determine whether the hospital's cash reserves are appropriate, the Accounting Firm of Ernst and Whinney were hired to review the reserve position and presented the following evaluation: /l I ~ "The results of the analysis of the reserve position indicate that New Hanover Memorial Hospital is in sound financial position, but its depreciation funds are approximately two million dollars below the level suggested by the methodology. In addition, its funds for future development are approximately five million dollars below a level that would be sufficient. The combination of the depreciation deficit and the future funds deficit would mean that the Hospital is approximately six to seven million dollars below the recorrunended reserve position. While this deficit in reserve position may not impair the hospital, it will hinder the future ability to provide needed capital for additions and replacements. The operating reserves should equal 60 days cash expenses ($181,000 per day in 1987-88 x 60). The amount expected to be available for this purpose at September 30, 1988, is $6.1 million as compared with the stated need of $10.8 million." Mr. Parker stated with a plan to slightly add to reserves this fiscal year, the hospital will only have approximately 55 days of operating expenses on hand as of September 30, 1988. He corrunented on the daily operational cost of $181,000 emphasizing the importance of providing sound, fiscal pOlicy that will allow New Hanover Memorial Hospital to continue to provide the quality of service now given to the citizens of our County. [ Discussion of Services Provided by New Hanover Memorial Hospital Mr. Peter R. Davis corrunented on expansion of services now provided by the hospital such as the cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgery unit, trauma service, preventive medicine, and the psychiatric center stating New Hanover County has a first-class hospital facility. He stressed the importance of maintaining and providing long-range budgeting and planning that will allow the hospital to continue to grow and expand services. Vice-Chairman Dolan stated New Hanover Memorial Hospital does administer an excellent quality of care; however, the question to be answered is whether or not an overall increase was absolutely necessary. Discussion was , ~- - ~ ------- ;80 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) held on revenues generated, expenditures, and cash reserves. Vice-Chairman Dolan requested figures of projected revenues for the coming fiscal year. Mr. Frank Pritchett, Finance Director of the Hospital, stated projected net collectable revenues will be $73,238,000 with projected operating expenses of $69,567,000 with a projected growth in cash reserves of $1,200,000 due to funds corrunitted to major projects and a drop in interest rates. Vice-Chairman Dolan corrunented on expansion of services stating he thought these projects were profitable ventures and should generate additional revenue. Mr. pritchett stated many of the new services are break-even projects, such as cardiac catheterization and open heart surgery which should break even this year. He corrunented on start-up costs of these projects and the period of time involved before they become profit making ventures. r ~ Vice-Chairman Dolan asked if overall fees had not been increased, what revenues would have been generated as opposed to the expected operating expenses. Mr. Pritchett stated the hospital would have suffered an operating loss of approximately $142,000, which represents the working capital, and would have been deducted directly from cash reserves. Discussion was held on indigent care. Mr. Pritchett stated this figure is currently running from 4-6 million dollars per year, and pointed out that charges for all services must be the same for every patient, whether they can or cannot pay. Corrunissioner Corbett corrunented on the increase in supplies asking if inventory was on a computerized system. Mr. Pritchett stated supplies have increased due to needs for the cardiac catheterization unit. He stated the hospital does not presently have computerized inventory control but maintains a central supply system. ,- L Vice-Chairman Dolan corrunented on reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid stating two years ago, it was predicted by the hospital that these reimbursements would be drastically reduced, but instead the program was not cut and the hopsital benefited greatly. He asked why should we believe the program will be cut now or in the future. Mr. Pritchett corrunented on the DRG Prospective Payment System instituted by Medicare in 1983 stating the hospital does not know what reimbursements will be for a given year until several months after the year begins. He stated as of now, the hospital does not know what reimbursements will be for services rendered in october 1987, and will not know until the the Budget Reconciliation package is passed by Congress or the Grarrun-Rudman provisions are instituted on November 20, 1987. He corrunented on a massive shifting of money from a high cost hospital to a low cost hospital in the Medicare Program for the years 1983 and 1984 stating as a low cost hospital, New Hanover Memorial Hospital did benefit. However, other adjustments were made in 1985 and 1986 which changed the formula for a conversion of the national payment rate to fit the "local" situation which will create a 4% loss of cash income to New Hanover Memorial Hospital effective october 1, 1987, unless other adjustments are enacted in the Budget Reconciliation Act. ,- L Vice-Chairman Dolan corrunented on the recently enacted comprehensive catastrophic illness program under Medicare asking if this program would have a direct impact on the hospital. Mr. Pritchett stated the impact would be minimal because the difference between costs and services provided is not collectable from the patient. MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) 6~ He stated catastrophic coverage costs of physical care, pharmaceuticals. is primarily to cover outpatient care, the and [ Corrunissioner Barfield asked if the hospital administration presented quarterly or semi-annual budget reports to the Hospital Board of Trustees. Mr. Pritchett stated a monthly financial statement, which includes a Statement of Operations and Balance Sheet, and a quarterly report reflecting Medicare figures are forwarded to the Board of Trustees. After discussion, corrunissioner Corbett requested Mr. Pritchett to furnish the corrunissioners copies of the monthly and quarterly financial statements. Mr. Pritchett, in closing, stated services provided by the hospital are not predicated upon making money, but on breaking even in order to sustain themselves. vice-Chairman Dolan corrunented on the importance of informing the public when needs arise that will necessitate an overall increase stating the public feels they have no way to corrununicate with the Board of Trustees. He recorrunended a more aggressive public relations policy when addressing future increases, and thanked the Hospital Board of Trustees and Hospital Administration for a very informative report. Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone from the general public wished to corrunent. The following person corrunented: [ Ms. Sylvia Rountree expressed concern for a statement by Vice-Chairman Dolan printed in the newspaper which stated, "no one on the Board of Trustees cares anything about the average person," stating she felt corrunents of this type promote a poor and negative image of the hospital in the eyes of the general public. Vice-Chairman Dolan stated his purpose in corrunenting on the overall increase of fees was to promote a method, whether in a joint meeting as being held today or by some other means, which would properly inform and explain to the public and Board of Corrunissioners the reasons that necessitated an overall increase. He stated he had no intention of presenting a poor image of the hospital to the general public, but that he did feel the public should be better informed. corrunissioner Corbett complimented the Board of Trustees and Hospital Administration for an excellent presentation and recorrunended scheduling a joint meeting at least once or twice a year. corrunissioner Retchin expressed appreciation to the current and previous Boards of Trustees and to the Hospital Administration for providing excellent leadership through the years in developing a first rate hospital facility. [ Chairman O'Neal expressed appreciation to the Board of Trustees for attending the meeting and thanked each member for the many hours of time given in serving on this board. Mr. Parker, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, expressed appreciation to the Corrunissioners for an opportunity to present a financial overview of the hospital. He complimented Chairman O'Neal for his outstanding work as a Hospital Trustee. MEETING RECESSED FOR DINNER Chairman O'Neal recessed the meeting for dinner from 6:15 o'clock P.M. to 7:00 o'clock P.M. CONTINUANCE OF REGULAR MEETING Chairman O'Neal called the meeting order. 82 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) Reverend Wayne Spangenberg, Pastor of Seventh-day Adventist Church, gave the invocation. ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 15-21, 1987 AS GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK Corrunissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Dolan to adopt a proclamation designating the week of November 15-21, 1987, as Geography Awareness Week in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman O'Neal, on behalf of the Board, presented the proclamation to Ms. Richelle R. Bragg and students of her 8th Grade Civics Class from Willison Junior High School. He complimented Ms. Bragg for her interest shown in geography and for being selected as one of five teachers from North Carolina to attend the National Geographic's Surruner Geography Institute. ,- ~ A copy of the proclamation is contained in Exhibit Book XV, Page 42. NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to speak on an item not listed on the Regular Agenda or an item listed on the Consent Agenda. No one corrunented. CONTINUANCE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO LOCATE A CONVENIENCE FOOD STORE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF U. S. 421 AND SILVA TERRA DRIVE Mr. George Rountree, Attorney representing the petitioner, McCauley and McDonald Investments, respectfully requested continuance of this Public Hearing in order to perform additional title work. Corrunissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Dolan to continue the Public Hearing to consider a Special Use Permit to locate a Convenience Food Store at the Northwest Corner of U. S. 421 and Silva Terra Drive until December 7, 1987, as requested by Attorney Rountree. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. r L PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING BOARD'S DENIAL TO REZONE 73.5 ACRES AT THE NORTHEAST, NORTHWEST AND SOUTHWEST CORNERS OF EASTWOOD ROAD AND MILITARY CUTOFF TO A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (COMMERCIAL, OFFICE AND INSTITUTIONAL) FROM R-15 RESIDENTIAL - LANDFALL ASSOCIATES Chairman O'Neal opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Hayes gave background information on the appeal stating the Planning Board denied the request to expand the Planned Development District boundary due to the following reasons: 1. corrunercial uses of Planned Development districts were designed to serve the residential portion of the district itself. The Planning Board argued the proposed uses exceeded this neighborhood service level and entered into the realm of regional corrunercialism. 2. The Planning Board felt Military Cutoff Road should serve as the property perimeter boundary for corrunercial expansion and that expansion west of that corridor should be discouraged. r L Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to speak on the rezoning request. The following persons corrunented: Mr. John McAdams, a Consulting Engineer of Associates, corrunented on expansion of the Development District. He stated the proposed would consist of the following tracts: Landfall Planned expansion MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) 6 Tract #1 - Northwest Corner 40.5 acres of which 24.57 is designated for corrunercial uses and the balance of the tract for Office and Institutional. Tract #2 - Northeast Corner - 12.12 acres to remain to PD Residential (which is modification of the original request). [ Tract #3 - 21 acres on Southwest corner of intersection of Eastwood Road Military Cutoff for a mixture Office Uses and Corrunercial Uses. the and of Mr. McAdams corrunented on the intersection of Eastwood Road and Military Cutoff as the focal point when approaching Landfall stating aesthetics are of primary importance, particularly ln landscaping, road improvements, and architectural design of corrunercial and office structures. Mr. Laurence J. Meisner, representing Kimley Horn & Associates, gave background information on a traffic survey performed at the intersection of Eastwood Road and Military Cutoff. He stated a one-day survey was performed from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. and from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. with the conclusion that the proposed road improvements by Landfall will be more than adequate to handle the increased traffic flow. r 1 ~ Discussion was held on the number of accidents that have occurred at this intersection and the impact of additional traffic. Corrunissioner Barfield expressed concern for a one-day survey being performed on September 15, stating in order to obtain an accurate projection, the survey should be performed for a number of weeks. Vice-Chairman Dolan corrunented on the County's current pOlicy to limit corrunercial development west of the Military Cut-Off Road expressing concern for rezoning of the southwest corner. Mr. Richard Wetherill, Jr., an adjacent property owner, stated he was not opposed to the PD District expansion since Tract #2 would remain residential. Mr. Stanley Patelos, an adjacent property owner, stated he was comfortable with the plan as now proposed. Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to in opposition to the proposed PD District expansion. following person corrunented: speak The Mr. William Funderburg, a resident of Castle Hayne, expressed concern for expansion of a Planned Development District which will have a direct impact on the present water and sewer system. He also corrunented on the traffic survey performed for one day stating these figures could not be accurate. ----, Chairman O'Neal closed the Public Hearing. ---1 Vice-Chairman Dolan MOVED, SECONDED by Corrunissioner Barfield to approve expansion of the Planned Development District to the Northeast Corner as presented by the petitioner, the Northwest Corner for residential use only as presented by the petitioner, and to deny the request to develop the southwest corner for corrunercial use due to encroachment into a residential neighborhoOd. The floor was opened for discussion. MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) ~4 After discussion of corrunercial use on the southwest corner of the intersection and access points, corrunissioner Retchin made a SUBSTITUTE MOTION, SECONDED by Chairman 0' Neal to approve all master plan changes as submitted and approve rezoning of 73.5 acres at the northeast, northwest and southwest corners of Military Cut-off and Eastwood Road to Planned Development District from R-15 Residential, with the following conditions: 1. The northeast corner shall be designated for residential development only. " 2. The two (2) curb cuts at the irrunediate southwest corner of the intersection shall be eliminated to reduce the number of turning movements. LJ 3. Concomitant with the construction of corrunercial uses in the northeast corner, a connecting road from Military Cut-off to Landfall's pembroke Jones Drive shall be built. No occupancy permits for any of the corrunercial uses will be issued until this road has been completed. The floor was opened for discussion. Corrunents were made with reference to the County's policy not to encourage corrunercial development southwest of the Military Cut-off Road. Chairman 0' Neal called for a vote on the SUBSTITUTE MOTION. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Corrunissioner Corbett Corrunissioner Retchin Chairman O'Neal ,., Voting Noe: Corrunissioner Barfield Vice-Chairman Dolan L- A copy of an "AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF ZONING AREA NO. 2 OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED DECEMBER 15, 1986, is contained in Zoning Ordinance Book I, Section 2, Page 25. CONTINUANCE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN APPEAL OF PLANNING BOARD'S DENIAL TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY TWO ACRES ON THE WEST SIDE OF VICTORY GARDENS DRIVE TO BUSINESS FROM R-15 RESIDENTIAL Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell, Davis, Jr., Attorney representing the written a letter requesting continuance Hearing until the 2nd meeting in November. THE (2) B-2 stated Robert T. petitioner, had of the Public Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present would like to speak on the request for continuance. The following person corrunented: Mr. Larry Sneeden, an adjacent property owner, stated he did not object to continuance of the Public Hearing as requested. corrunissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by corrunissioner Retchin to continue the Public Hearing to November 16, 1987, as requested by Attorney Davis. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. r L PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING 5.0 ACRES AT 5918 MARKET STREET TO B-2 BUSINESS FROM R-15 RESIDENTIAL Chairman O'Neal opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Hayes gave background information on the rezoning of 5.0 acres at 5918 Market Street to B-2 Business from R-15 Residential stating the Planning Board L MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) 6: voted unanimously to approve the request and recorrunended approval if no one present wished to speak in opposition. Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to speak in opposition to the rezoning request. No one corrunented. Chairman O'Neal closed the Public Hearing. " Corrunissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Corrunissioner Corbett to approve the rezoning request as presented by the Planning Board. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ~ A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF ZONING AREA NO. 9B OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED JULY 1, 1972," is contained in Zoning Ordinance Book II, Section 9B, Page 64. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING 25.0 NORTHWEST SIDE OF MARKET STREET, SOUTH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT TO B-2 BUSINESS 1,000 FEET FROM R-15 Chairman O'Neal opened the Public Hearing. ACRES ON THE OF THE OGDEN TO A DEPTH OF Planning Director Hayes gave background information on the rezoning request stating the Planning Board unanimously voted to approve the rezoning and recorrunended approval if no one present wished to speak in opposition. Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to speak in opposition to the rezoning request. No one corrunented. Chairman O'Neal closed the Public Hearing. [ Corrunissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Corrunissioner Retchin to approve rezoning 25.0 acres on the northwest side of Market Street, south of the Ogden Volunteer Fire Department to B- 2 Business to a depth of 1,000 feet from R-15. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF ZONING AREA NO. 8B OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA ADOPTED JULY 7, 1972," is contained in Zoning Ordinance Book II, Section 8B, Page 25. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING APPROXIMATELY 85 ACRES NORTHEAST OF WILDFLOWER AND KINGS GRANT SUBDIVISIONS TO R-10 FROM R-15 RESIDENTIAL Chairman O'Neal opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Hayes gave background information on the rezoning request stating the Planning Board voted unanimously to approve the request and recorrunended approval if no one present wished to speak in opposition. Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to speak in opposition to the rezoning request. No one corrunented. Chairman O'Neal closed the Public Hearing. r ~ Corrunissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Corrunissioner Barfield to approve rezoning approximately 85 acres northeast of Wildflower and Kings Grant Subdivisions to R-10 from R-15 Residential as presented by the Planning Board. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF ZONING AREA 8B OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED JULY 7, 1972," is contained in Zoning Book II, Section 8B, Page 26. ----, J 86 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A MODIFICATION OF REQUEST TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY NINE (9) ACRES AT 6738 MARKET STREET TO B-2 BUSINESS FROM R-15 RESIDENTIAL Chairman O'Neal opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Hayes gave background information on the rezoning request stating considerable interest had been generated from residents of Northwood Subdivision expressing concern for corrunercial encroachment along the southwest boundary of the property. He stated the residents agreed that corrunercial development would be generally acceptable if adequate buffering and setback design criteria were used to visually separate the proposed corrunercial use from existing residential uses. Planning Director Hayes stated the Planning Board unanimously approved the request with the exception of a 70-foot strip at the back of the property which will remain residentially zoned. " LJ Chairman O'Neal speak in favor of person corrunented: asked if anyone present would like to the rezoning request. The following Mr. Bennie Griffith, a resident of Northwood Subdivision, stated the neighborhood would be comfortable with a 70-foot strip along the back of the property remaining residentially zoned. Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to speak in opposition to the rezoning request. No one corrunented. Chairman O'Neal closed the Public Hearing. After discussion, corrunissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Corrunissioner Retchin to approve the rezoning as recorrunended by the Planning Board which provides for a 70-foot residentially zoned strip on the back of the property. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. r- L- A copy of an "AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF ZONING AREA NO. 6 OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED AUGUST 18, 1971," is contained in Zoning Ordinance Book I, Section 6, Page 36. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING .89 ACRE ON THE WEST SIDE OF DICK AVENUE TO B-2 BUSINESS FROM R-15 RESIDENTIAL AND TO CONSIDER REZONING .83 ACRE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF DICK AVENUE AND WRIGHTSVILLE AVENUE TO B-2 BUSINESS FROM R-15 RESIDENTIAL Chairman O'Neal opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Hayes stated the rezoning requests were unanimously approved by the Planning Board due to recent corrunercial rezonings and annexation of nearby properties by Wrightsville Beach. He stated the Planning Board and Planning Staff recorrunend approval of the rezoning requests. Chairman 0' Neal asked if anyone present would like to speak in favor of or in opposition to the rezoning requests. No one corrunented. , Chairman O'Neal closed the Public Hearing. L After discussion, Corrunissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by corrunissioner Barfield to approve rezoning Case Z-324 and S-328 as presented by the Planning Board and Planning Staff. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. [ r I L.J [ MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) 6~ Copies of "ORDINANCES OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF ZONING AREA NO. 2 OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED DECEMBER 15, 1969," are contained in Zoning Ordinance Book II, Section 2, Page 26 and Page 27. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER MODIFICATION OF REQUEST TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 29 ACRES AT SOUTHEASTERN CORNER OF U. S 421 AND PINER ROAD TO B-2 BUSINESS FROM R-15 RESIDENTIAL Chairman O'Neal opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Hayes gave background information on the rezoning request stating many residents supported the concept of constructing a shopping center but were concerned about traffic circulation along Piner Road and the overall drainage system in the area. He stated the Planning Board recorrunended parcels #16 and #17 as indicated on the site plan map retain a 50-foot residential strip along Piner Road and that the balance of the parcels in the petition be rezoned to B-2 Business. Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to speak in favor of the rezoning request. The following persons corrunented: Mr. David Barefoot, Attorney representing the petitioner, corrunented on the highest and best use of the property for corrunercial development stating the petitioner would work with the Department of Transportation in widening piner Road with placement of a traffic light. He also corrunented on the buffer area which would be planted with shade trees. Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to speak in opposition to the rezoning request. The fOllowing person corrunented: Mr. Burris Bender, an adj acent property, owner corrunented on the buffer area and requested the corrunissioners to require heavy planting along the buffer strip if the rezoning request is approved. He expressed concern for privacy and noise to surrounding property owners. Chairman O'Neal closed the Public Hearing. After discussion of the buffer area, corrunissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Corrunissioner Barfield to approve the rezoning request as recorrunended by the Planning Board which will require a 50-foot residential strip along piner Road on parcels #16 and #17 (Neal and Gurganous tracts). Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF ZONING AREA NO. 4 OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED APRIL 7, 1971," is contained in Zoning Ordinance Book I, Section 4, Page 24. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A MODIFICATION OF REQUEST TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 12 ACRES ON THE WEST SIDE OF N. C. 132, NORTH OF MONKEY JUNCTION TO B-2 BUSINESS FROM R-15 RESIDENTIAL Chairman O'Neal opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Hayes gave background information on the rezoning request stating the Planning Board unanimously approved the request with exception of a 50-foot strip along the properties' northwestern boundary which will retain its current residential classification. Chairman in favor of corrunented: O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to speak the rezoning request. The following person 88 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) Mr. Alton Lennon, Attorney representing the petitioner, corrunented on the use of the property stating the petitioner had recorrunended retaining the 50-foot buffer along parcels # 1, # 2, # 3 , and # 4 in order to protect the surrounding neighborhood. Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to speak in opposition to the rezoning request. No one corrunented. Chairman O'Neal closed the Public Hearing. Corrunissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Dolan to rezone the property as recorrunended by the Planning Board which will retain a 50-foot residential strip along the northwestern property line. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. r- L- A copy of "AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF ZONING AREA 4 AND MASONBORO OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED APRIL 7, 1971 AND OCTOBER 15, 1969," is contained in Zoning Ordinance Book I, Section 4, Page 25. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER TEXT AMENDMENT TO SECTIONS 23, 100, AND 108 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO CLARIFY THE DELEGATION OF ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY Chairman O'Neal opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Hayes stated the proposed Zoning Text Amendment seeks to further classify and clarify enforcement authority for the Zoning Ordinance. He corrunented on a recent court case in which testimony of the Enforcement Officer was limited due to a lack of delegation or assignment of authority for zoning matters. Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to speak in favor of or in opposition to the proposed Zoning Text Amendment. No one corrunented. r- L Discussion was held recorrunendation to replace "director" in the beginning on Section 100-1 with the word "he" with the of the second sentence. the word Chairman O'Neal closed the Public Hearing. Corrunissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Corrunissioner Corbett to approve the Zoning Text Amendment as presented by the Planning Staff with replacement of the word "director" for "he" in the beginning of the second sentence in Section 100-1. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Corrunissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Corrunissioner Barfield to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 19, 1987, as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Vice-Chairman Dolan MOVED, SECONDED by corrunissioner Corbett to approve the following Consent Agenda items. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. r- CONSENT AGENDA L Adoption of Resolution to Add Roads to N. C. State Secondary Road System The corrunissioners adopted a resolution to add the following roads to the N. C. State Secondary Road System: Banbury Lane and Gregory Road Windemere Subdivision, Section 10 (Division File #568-N) MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) 6~ A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XV, Page 42. Approval of Airport Master Plan Study Contract The Corrunissioners approved the contract with Talbert-Cox and Associates, Inc. providing professional services for development of a new Airport Master Plan. The Chairman was authorized to execute the documents subject to approval by the County Attorney and FAA. " L A copy of the contract is on file in the County Manager's office. Approval of Contract for Audio/Visual Equipment Corrunissioners' Assembly Room - Courthouse Renovation The Corrunissioners approved a contract with Omni Electronics, Inc. in the amount of $37,946 for audio/visual equipment for the Assembly Room in the Courthouse. The Chairman was authorized to execute the documents. A copy of the contract is on file in the County Manager's office. Adoption of Resolution Requesting the State of North Carolina to Release New Hanover County's Share of Economic Community Development Planning Funds to Region "0" The corrunissioners adopted a resolution requesting the State to release New Hanover County's share of Economic Corrununity Development Planning funds to Region "0" Cape Fear Council of Governments in the amount of $19,812.85. A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XV, Page 42. " I ; L.J Approval of Contracts for Detoxification Building and Health Department Expansion The Corrunissioners approved contracts with Synthesis, Inc. for architectural services for the Detoxification Building in the amount of $58,000 and the Health Department Expansion in the amount of $104,885. Copies of the contracts are on file in the County Manager's office. Adoption of Resolutions Accepting Offers to Purchase Surplus Real Property The corrunissioners adopted resolutions accepting offers to purchase surplus real property as follows: r LJ Rear 600 Block, Smith Terrace 700 Block of South 10th Street 922 South 7th Street 801 Anderson Street 715 North 6th Street 915 Grace Street 911 Grace Street 818 South 11th Street 801 Campbell Street 914 South 4th Street 600 Block, Campbell Alley 108 Meares Street Copies of the resolutions are contained in Exhibit Book XV, Page 42. Change Orders Reported for Entry Into Record The corrunissioners approved Change Order Report #3 as presented by the Director of Engineer and Facilities for entry into the record. A copy of the report is contained in Exhibit Book XV, Page 43. .__. ____ ___--------L__ 90 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) Approval of Budget Amendments The County Corrunissioners approved the following Budget Amendments: 88-0111 Library Debit Credit Contributions State Aid to Public Libraries $4,526 7,575 Supplies (Books) Capital Outlay - Equipment $4,526 7,575 r- Proceeds from Library, and appropriation Friends Book Sale, Contributions to an increase of the State Aid to New Hanover County. L 88-0108 Fire Departments Debit Credit State Grant $4,000 Castle Hayne Volunteer Fire Department Federal Point Volunteer Fire Department Ogden Volunteer Fire Department Seagate Volunteer Fire Department Myrtle Grove Volunteer Fire Department Wrightsboro Volunteer Fire Department Winter Park Volunteer Fire Department South Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 State contribution of $500 to each of the County's volunteer fire departments. Budget Amendment Approved by Budget Officer and Reported for Entry Into the Record r- 88-0098 Library Debit Credit Contributions $1,000 L Supplies (books) $1,000 Anonymous gift from the Foundation for the Carolinas. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE GRANTING AN AMBULANCE SERVICE FRANCHISE TO MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SPECIALISTS, INC. - SECOND READING Corrunissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Corrunissioner Corbett to adopt an ordinance granting an Ambulance Service Franchise to Medical Transportation Specialists, Inc. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the ordinance is contained in Exhibit Book XV, Page 43. Vice-Chairman Dolan asked if questions with reference to the contract between New Hanover County and Medical Transportation Specialists, Inc. had been resolved. County Attorney Pope stated the contract was in order and would be presented for final approval on November 16, 1987. r- APPROVAL OF NEW POSITION PHYSICIAN EXTENDER II - NEW HANOVER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Mr. Robert S. Parker, Director of the Heal th Department, gave background information on the irrunediate need to increase medical coverage for the inmate population of the Jail and Jail Annex. He requested approval of one (1) Physician Extender II position in order to adequately provide medical coverage to both the Jail and Jail Annex. L After discussion, corrunissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman O'Neal to approve a Physician Extender II position as requested by the Health Director with approval of the following Budget Amendment: MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) 6~ 88-0105 Health Department/Jail Health Program Debit Credit Contingencies $18,194 " L Health Department/Jail Health Program Salaries and Wages Social Security Taxes Retirement - Local Government Medical Insurance Expense $15,459 1,133 370 1,232 Establishment of Physician Extender II in Jail Health Program for Jail Annex. APPROVAL OF BY-LAWS FOR THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS Mr. Aubrey Rivenbark, Chairman of the New Hanover County Board of Fire Corrunissioners, presented and requested approval of By-Laws for the Board of Fire Corrunissioners. After discussion, Vice-Chairman Dolan MOVED, SECONDED by Corrunissioner Retchin to approve the By-Laws as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Chris Elrod, Fire Marshal, presented and requested adoption of By-Laws for the Fire Board of Appeals. After discussion, Corrunissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Dolan to approve the By-Laws as presented for Fire Board of Appeals. Copies of the By-Laws are contained in Exhibit Book XV, Page 43. I' L DISCUSSION OF EASEMENT IN SEAGATE AREA - FIRE MARSHAL Discussion was held on opening an easement in the Seagate area in order to provide an additional route for fire fighting equipment. It was the consensus of the Board to request the County Attorney and Fire Marshal to check into this matter and report their findings to the Corrunissioners at a later date. DISCUSSION OF INSURANCE SERVICES ORGANIZATION RATING SYSTEM corrunissioner Corbett asked if anything was being done to reduce the ISO rating. Fire Marshal Elrod stated he would be making a presentation within a few weeks which will address the SUbject of fire hydrant placement in the County as it relates to the ISO rating. DISCUSSION OF RATING FOR SOUTH WILMINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Marshal Elrod stated he was forwarding ISO a current map of the fire districts which includes the north expansion of the South Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department. I' L Discussion was held on liability and insurance coverage until the ISO rating is obtained for the newly constructed South Wilmington Volunteer Fire Station. Fire Marshal Elrod stated volunteer firemen are currently covered for any injury or accident occurring while in the performance of duty. Discussion was held on amending the Charter of the South Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department to include U. S. Highway 421 North. Fire Marshall Elrod stated an amendment would be prepared and presented to the Corrunissioners for final approval. .. _ _ _n....L......_. 92 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) DISCUSSION OF PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS FOR COUNTY MANAGER, COUNTY ATTORNEY, AND CLERK TO THE BOARD Commissioner Barfield expressed concern for evaluation forms used in the past and recorrunended that the Personnel Director prepare shorter forms. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to request the Chairman to work with the Personnel Director on procedures and forms to be used in the evaluation process. " ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY COMMISSIONERS L.J Presentation of Proposals for Exhibit Design Services Museum Expansion Corrunissioner Corbett stated the Museum Building Committee had selected five firms to present proposals for exhibit design services for the Museum Expansion. He stated the presentations will be held in the 5th Floor Conference Room of the County Administration Building on the following dates: Monday, November 30, 1987 2:00 P.M. - Miles Fridberg Molinaroli 3:00 P.M. - Ralph Appelbaum Associates Tuesday, December 1, 1987 9:00 A.M. - Design & Production Inc. 10:00 A.M. - Gerard Hilferty & Associates 11:00 A.M. - Vincent Ciulla Design DISCUSSION OF TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR HUMAN SERVICES - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES corrunissioner Retchin corrunented on the Transportation Development Plan for Human Services needs which is being studied and prepared by the Department of Social Services. He stated as a representative of the County Commissioners on the Social Services Board, he had been requested by the Social Services Board to ask if the County will be interested in participating in the funding of the plan when completed, and if the County would like for the Department of Social Services to continue development of the plan. He stated a memorandum and progress report on the plan had been forwarded to each Commissioner and that he would appreciate a response. r- L DISCUSSION OF MOBILE HOME DEVELOPMENTS Vice-Chairman Dolan corrunented on the various mobile home developments and parks throughout the County. He expressed concern for the size of proposed developments and suggested that the Planning Staff review the current ordinance regulating placement of mobile homes and land use. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to request the Planning Department to review the current ordinance and present recommendations for future development of mobile homes in the County. ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY MANAGER r- ANNOUNCEMENT OF AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING County Manager Cooper announced an organizational meeting of the Airport Commission was scheduled for November 5, 1987, at 4:00 P.M. in the 2nd Floor Conference Room of the New Hanover County Airport. He stated the purpose of the meeting was to elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman and to present items that need irrunediate attention by the Airport corrunission. L. Vice-Chairman Dolan stated three members of the Airport Commission had contacted him aSking for clarification of the memorandum received pertaining to the purpose of the first meeting. They had anticipated an informal meeting would be held for introduction of the Airport Corrunissioners to the new Airport Manager, Public Safety Director, County Staff MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 2, 1987 (CONTINUED) 6S and Board of Corrunissioners with another date being scheduled for an organizational meeting to elect the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and discuss issues of irrunediate concern. Vice-Chairman Dolan stressed the importance of the County Commissioners attending the first meeting in order to meet the new Airport Commissioners stating, frankly, he was surprised that an informal meeting had not be scheduled. County Manager Cooper stated the Commissioners are invited to attend all meetings. r' ilJ ADJOURNMENT Corrunissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Corrunissioner Retchin to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman 0' Neal adjourned the meeting at 9: 38 0' clock A.M. Respectfully submitted, ~d~ Lucie F. Harrell Clerk c 11. U