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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-07 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 7, 2020 PAGE 727 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, December 7, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present: Chair Julia Olson-Boseman; Vice-Chair Patricia Kusek; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Commissioner Woody White; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor Patrick Hall, Cape Fear Free Will Baptist Church, provided the invocation and Vice-Chair Kusek led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Olson-Boseman requested a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on November 16, 2020. Motion: Vice-Chair Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 16, 2020 as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PRESENTATION OF THE GOVERNOR’S ORDER OF THE LONG LEAF PINE AWARD TO DONNA GIRARDOT Chair Olson-Boseman stated that Donna Girardot is being honored with the Governor’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award for her 23 years of volunteer service, leadership, and support to institutions, agencies, organizations, and individuals. She then made the presentation to Ms. Girardot. Ms. Girardot expressed appreciation for the recognition and for receiving the award. PRESENTATION OF APPRECIATION GIFTS TO VICE-CHAIR KUSEK AND COMMISSIONER WHITE Chair Olson-Boseman, on behalf of the Board, presented a plaque to Vice-Chair Kusek in recognition and appreciation of her four years of service as a New Hanover County Commissioner, serving one year as Vice-Chair. Vice-Chair Kusek expressed appreciation for the recognition of her years of service. Chair Olson-Boseman, on behalf of the Board, presented a plaque to Commissioner White in recognition and appreciation of his eight years of service as a New Hanover County Commissioner, serving four years as Chairman. Commissioner White expressed appreciation for the recognition of his years of service. OATHS OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED The Honorable James H. Faison, III, North Carolina District Court Judge Fifth District, administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr. The Honorable J. H. Corpening, II, Chief Court Judge Fifth District, administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Debra Hays. The Honorable J. H. Corpening, II, Chief Court Judge Fifth District, administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner William E. Rivenbark. Commissioners Barfield, Hays, and Rivenbark offered comments to the audience thanking their families for their support and to the voters for electing them and promising to serve the citizens of New Hanover County to the best of their abilities in their role as County Commissioners. Copies of the Oaths of Office are hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XLII, Page 22.1. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR FOR THE ENSUING YEAR Members present were: Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Commissioner Deb Hays; Commissioner Julia Olson-Boseman; Commissioner Bill Rivenbark; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. County Attorney Copley opened the floor to receive nominations for Chair of the Board of County Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioner Rivenbark nominated Commissioner Olson-Boseman as Chair of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioner Hays seconded the nomination. There being no further nominations, County Attorney Copley declared the nominations closed and called for a vote on the nomination. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 7, 2020 PAGE 728 Vote: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to elect Commissioner Olson-Boseman as Chair of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for the ensuing year. County Attorney Copley opened the floor to receive nominations for Vice-Chair of the Board of County Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioner Olson-Boseman nominated Commissioner Hays for Vice-Chair of the Board of County Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioner Rivenbark seconded the nomination. There being no further nominations, County Attorney Copley declared the nominations closed and called for a vote on the nomination. Vote: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to elect Commissioner Hays as Vice-Chair of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for the ensuing year. BREAK: Chair Olson-Boseman called for a break at 4:31 p.m. until 4:48 p.m. BOARD SEATED FOR 2020-2021 Members present were: Chair Julia Olson-Boseman; Vice-Chair Deb Hays; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Commissioner Bill Rivenbark; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chair Olson-Boseman requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Adoption of Public Officials Bond Resolution – County Attorney The Commissioners, pursuant to General Statute 58-72-20, adopted a resolution approving the Surety Bond for the Finance Officer, Sheriff, Register of Deeds, and Tax Collector. The designation of approval is incorporated within the respective bond in its entirety. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLII, 22.2. First Reading of a Solid Waste Franchise Renewal for KJD Enterprises dba Go Eco Disposal – County Attorney The Commissioners approved the first reading of a solid waste franchise renewal to be granted to KJD Enterprises dba Go Eco Disposal. Pursuant to County Ordinance 44.55, the applicant has provided information about his business organization, equipment, personnel and fiscal responsibility. The Environmental Management Director has no objections to the franchise request. The renewal franchise period would run for seven years. A second reading is required. First Reading of a Solid Waste Franchise for T.A.C.L., Inc., dba Trash for Troops – County Attorney The Commissioners approved the first reading of a solid waste franchise to be granted to T.A.C.L., Inc., dba Trash for Troops. Pursuant to County Ordinance 44.55, the applicant has provided information about his business organization, equipment, personnel and fiscal responsibility. The Environmental Management Director has no objections to the franchise request. The franchise period would run for seven years. A second reading is required. Approval of Four Donations for Accession into the Museum’s Permanent Collection – Museum The Commissioners approved a list of four items to be accessioned into the Cape Fear Museum’s permanent collection. The objects were approved by the Museum Advisory Board at the meeting on November 18, 2020 and a list of the items is available for review at the Cape Fear Museum. Approval of One Item to be Deaccession from the Museum Collection – Museum The Commissioners approved a list of one item to be deaccessioned from the Cape Fear Museum’s permanent collection. The object was approved by the Museum Advisory Board at the meeting on November 18, 2020 and the list of the item is available for review at the Cape Fear Museum. Adoption of the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management’s Designation of Applicant's Agent Resolution – Recovery and Resilience The Commissioners adopted the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management’s resolution for the designation of applicant's agent for annual hazard mitigation assistance programs, Tropical Storm Michael, Hurricane Dorian, Covid-19, and Hurricane Isaias. Martha Wayne, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, was appointed the primary applicant's agent and Beth Schrader, Director of the Office of Recovery and Resilience, was appointed the secondary applicant's agent for the County. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLII, Page 22.3. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 7, 2020 PAGE 729 Approval of October 2020 Tax Collection Report – Tax Department The Commissioners approved the tax collection reports of New Hanover County, New Hanover County Debt Service, and New Hanover County Fire District as of October 2020. Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XLII, Page 22.4. Adoption of Budget Amendments – Budget The Commissioners adopted the following budget amendments which amend the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021:  Senior Resource Center 21-023, 21-035  Sheriff 21-027, 21-028, 21-029, 21-031, 21-034 Copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XLII, Page 22.5. Appointment of Voting Delegate to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) 2021 Legislative Goals Conference The Commissioners appointed Commissioner Zapple as the voting delegate for the NCACC 2021 Legislative Goals Conference. The NCACC Legislative Goals Conference will be held January 14-15, 2021 by virtual platform. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE HEALING PLACE OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY PROJECT Facilities Management Project Manager Kevin Caison presented the following information regarding The Healing Place of New Hanover County project:  The Healing Place of New Hanover County (NHC) – Guaranteed Maximum Price:  Background:  In 2015, Trillium Health Resources proposed a treatment model to address area alcohol and opioid challenges  A 2016 report identified Wilmington as a top city in America for opioid abuse  In 2018, Trillium transferred an 8.71-acre tract on Medical Center Drive to NHC for a treatment facility  On August 24, 2020, Commissioners voted to contract with The Healing Place out of Louisville, KY for operations of the facility on Medical Center Drive  Design:  200 bed group home residential use  Campus comprised of five buildings: Administrative/education, dining/shelter, women’s residential, men’s residential, and detox  Project Budget:  * This capital project is being funded through loan proceeds which is planned to be issued in the winter of 2021. This has been planned for accordingly and does not take the County out of compliance with its debt policy. Average annual debt service is estimated at $1,455,560.  Project Schedule:  Construction start: February 2021  Construction completion: April 2022  Staff move in and fully operational: May 2022 Mr. Caison provided an overview of the site plan and the layout of the buildings. The administrative/education building will be used for large meetings. As this is a men’s and women’s facility, the residential areas are setup so residents can stay separated and hold meetings with divider walls, separate community rooms, and separate meeting rooms for the different groups. The dining/shelter building is setup similarly to separate the genders with a kitchen in the center, and the dining facility itself will be shared based on scheduling. The shelter portion of the building has a women's entrance and exit to the left and the men's exit is off to the right on the other side of the kitchen dining area. The residential buildings are separated by gender, are a mirror image of each other, and have different size bedrooms. The detox facility is also separated by gender on each side of the building. Mr. Caison concluded his presentation stating that the Board is being asked to approve: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 7, 2020 PAGE 730  The preliminary GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) and the overall project budget  Transfer of the Construction Manager @ Risk Contract (CM@R) with JM Thompson and the design contract with IS Design from Trillium to NHC In response to Board questions, County Manager Coudriet confirmed that the Board is voting on only the actual building itself, not the operational costs. In response to Board questions, Mr. Caison stated that the County will own the building once the entire project is built. February 1, 2021 is the estimated project start date, weather dependent. The facility will be able to be occupied in May 2022. A brief discussion was held about who will be allowed to utilize the facility. County Manager Coudriet explained that it will be a regional facility because of the partnership with Trillium Health Resources who is the Local Management Entity – Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO) and will want to refer people. It is known the preponderance of the problem is largely in this community. However, the Board has agreed to purchase a minimum of 25 beds per night for men and 25 beds per night for women. His understanding is that Brunswick County has committed to 10 beds for men and when the policy decision was made to make the facility co-ed, it then committed to 10 female beds. In response to Board questions, County Manager Coudriet explained as it relates to The Healing Place (THP), staff is not aware of any other THP co-location men and women treatment facility in the country like this nor of one on this scale with long term peer led recovery. The commitment from the treatment side, the policy expectation of the providers, was that all services needed to be single sex. Residents will occupy the same campus and will have redundant use of facilities, but will not go through treatment and recovery in a unified way. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Caison for his presentation and asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Chair Olson-Boseman MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the preliminary GMP, the overall project budget, and the transfer of the CM@R and design contracts from Trillium to New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the budget amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLII, Page 22.6. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE NEGOTIATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO AN INSTALLMENT FINANCING CONTRACT, DIRECTING THE PUBLICATION OF NOTICE WITH RESPECT THERETO AND PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN OTHER RELATED MATTERS THERETO Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher stated that the County has several capital projects that need to be funded through debt proceeds. There is also a refunding opportunity where the County can take advantage of saving money in the debt service payments over the life of the remaining debt that will be refinanced. This request is the first step in the process of issuing debt and will be heard again in January if the Board adopts the resolution. She then presented the following information:  Limited Obligation Bonds (LOBs) Not to Exceed $91 million:  County Projects: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 7, 2020 PAGE 731  Estimated Debt Service:  Impact on Debt Management Limits:  Requested Actions:  Approve resolution:  Proceed with filing application with Local Government Commission  Set public hearing for the debt issuance on January 19, 2021 As it relates to the refinancing, Ms. Wurtzbacher explained that the County receives very low rates for being triple A rated by two major rating agencies. This means the County is a very safe investment and its interest costs are low. Staff analyzes what interest costs are doing, takes advantage of opportunities where able, and just like refinancing a home, the County can now take advantage of a lower interest rate. When the County issues debt, it is based on level principle whereby the principal is getting paid off faster and less interest is being paid over time. The payments start higher then decrease over time. The borrowing rate is being estimated at 1.5%, which is very low. The projects that were presented earlier will be financed for different time periods and each will have different terms. However, the total average estimated debt service for the County projects is $5.7 million. The refinancing of the debt service is already in the budget and will not add new debt service. It is just refinancing it at a lower rate. The County debt policy contains several limits that the County tries to stay within so that an excessive amount of debt is not issued. One of the limits is the County’s debt per capita, which is $2,200. At the end of fiscal year 2020, the County was at $1,737 and this debt issuance would increase that by $324. The County’s limit for debt to assessed value is 1.6%. At the end of 2020, the County was at 1.2% and this matter would increase that by .22%. Also under the policy, the County’s net debt service as a percent of its total operating expenses cannot exceed 20%. At the end of 2020, it is at 16.2%. There is no debt service in fiscal year 2021, so there would be no impact this fiscal year on that particular limit. Also, this is only the estimated 2021 impact from issuing this debt. There is other debt that is rolling off that will then decrease the numbers shown tonight. The Board is being asked to adopt the resolution in the agenda packet which directs staff to file an application with the Local Government Commission (LGC) and set a public hearing for the Board’s January 19, 2021 meeting. During that meeting the Board would consider approving a resolution to issue the debt. The LGC will then vote on approving the debt on February 2, 2021 with the closing and sale of the bonds occurring towards the end of February. In response to Board questions, Ms. Wurtzbacher stated the new contract for the government center will th be on the January 19 agenda. The draft will be available for public review for 30 days prior to the public hearing. The Board will be voting on the contract the same day as the public hearing for this matter. Regarding the resurfacing of athletic fields, Ms. Wurtzbacher stated it is for a track field. A brief discussion was held about other fields that may have artificial turf installed in the future and the joint agreement for the artificial turf installation at Legion Stadium. While expensive, installing artificial turf opens up fields for unlimited use by a wide variety of sports. Hearing no further discussion, Chairman Olson-Boseman asked for the Board’s direction on the request. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to adopt the resolution authorizing the negotiation of an amendment to an installment financing contract, directing the publication of notice to hold a public hearing on January 19, 2021 with respect thereto and providing for certain other related matters thereto. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLII, Page 22.7. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 7, 2020 PAGE 732 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to the New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Chair Olson-Boseman reported that up to eight vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with two applicants eligible for reappointment. Commissioner Zapple nominated Marla Barthen and Shirley Southard for reappointment. Vice-Chair Hays seconded the nominations Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman called for a vote for the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Marla Barthen and Shirley Southard to the New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee to serve three-year terms with the terms to expire December 31, 2023. Appointment to the New Hanover County Commission for Women Chair Olson-Boseman reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Commission for Women with eleven applications available for consideration. Commissioner Barfield nominated April Scott for appointment. Chair Olson-Boseman seconded the nomination. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman called for a vote for the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint April Scott to the New Hanover County Commission for Women to serve an unexpired term with the term to expire May 31, 2021. Appointments to the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Chair Olson-Boseman reported that up to five vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee with two applicants eligible for reappointment. Commissioner Zapple nominated Kayla W. Johnson and Stephanie Smith for reappointment. Vice-Chair Hays seconded the nominations. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman called for a vote for the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Kayla W. Johnson and Stephanie Smith to the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee to serve three-year terms with the terms to expire December 31, 2023. Appointments to the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority Chair Olson-Boseman reported that two vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority with two applicants eligible for reappointment. Commissioner Zapple nominated Nicole Jones and Daniel Perkins for reappointment. Chair Olson-Boseman seconded the nominations. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman called for a vote for the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Nicole Jones in the Wilmington Hotel less than 150 Owner/Manager category and Daniel Perkins in the Wilmington Hotel more than 150 Owner/Manager category to the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority to serve three-year terms with the terms to expire December 31, 2023. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SUPPORT FOR ONGOING SCHOOL OPERATIONS AND REOPENING FOR FULL-TIME, ON-SITE PRE-K THROUGH FIFTH GRADE LEARNING AND ADOPTION OF BUDGET AMENDMENT 21-026 Chair Olson-Boseman stated she thinks the Board agrees that there needs to be a conversation about the school system, how to support them, and when kids can get back in school as quickly and safely as possible. She further stated that educating the children in this community must be one of the highest priorities. New Hanover County has consistently funded its public school system well beyond what many other counties across the state do, including providing teacher subsidies to supplement state salaries. The County’s funding for the schools makes up nearly a third of the County's $399 million general fund budget this fiscal year. However, she would like the Board to consider going further during the pandemic to provide all school staff with a bonus for their work and dedication to our students. This is an unprecedented year and this will be a unique decision to provide additional funding for school staff. There is a need to make sure all kids are getting the direction, support, and assistance needed when they are inside the classroom and learning remotely. There is also a need to make sure the teachers and school staff have the necessary resources, and also feel supported and appreciated. As a parent of a child in the school system, this is incredibly personal to her. She sees firsthand what the kids are going through, and how the teachers, principals, bus drivers, and food service providers are missed. She is sure every school has a Miss Kim at the front NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 7, 2020 PAGE 733 desk like there is at Carolina Beach. Miss Kim and all of these people, who are just so important to the schools, are stepping out to do all they can during these hard and constantly changing times. They are coming into work to help educate and support the students. That is so important. There is a need to do all that can be done to get kids back into school full time starting first with the pre-K through fifth graders, which she wants the school board to make happen in January for the start of the new semester. Students need to be in school and the data supports that. National reports have shown that more damage than good is being done by keeping kids out of school and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported that Covid-19 is not spreading at high levels inside schools. That is what is being seen locally as well. We have to do all we can to get our kids back on track in school, and create more equity in the education system so that every single child is learning and growing and has the same opportunities to succeed. Commissioner Rivenbark stated he agrees with Chair Olson-Boseman’s comments. He has firsthand knowledge having just served on the NHCS Board of Education of the incredible work the employees are doing in the midst of the pandemic juggling from virtual to in-person learning. He further stated he would like to make the motion that the County collaborate with NHCS to provide additional funding to support teachers and school staff. He proposed that the County provide $750 per NHCS employee to acknowledge all they have done this year during trying and uncertain times, and will continue to do in the months to come during this pandemic. He also would like for County staff to work with the NHCS staff to ensure that the bonuses are paid before Christmas. At County Manager Coudriet’s request, Commissioner Rivenbark also requested the Board adopt budget amendment 21-026 to allocate the funds for this matter. Motion: Commissioner Rivenbark MOVED to approve the County collaborating with NHCS to provide additional funding to support NHCS teachers and school staff in the amount of $750 per NHCS employee, direct County staff to work with the NHCS staff to ensure that the bonuses are paid before Christmas, and adopt budget amendment 21-026. Commissioner Zapple stated that the reopening of the schools for pre-K through fifth graders has been hotly debated throughout the community. He recognizes and understands the hesitation of some parents. After listening to both sides on this matter, he agrees that there is a need to get the pre-K through fifth graders, who are the least at risk of contracting Covid-19, back into the schools. It is clear this is the student group that has been the most negatively affected by virtual learning. He supports the funding and it is his understanding that the NHCS Board of Education will be coming forward with additional monies to make this a substantial representation of this community's thankfulness of the entire school system staff and teachers that have been working so hard since February/early March. He concluded his comments stating he would second the motion. Motion: Commissioner Rivenbark MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to approve the County collaborating with NHCS to provide additional funding to support NHCS teachers and school staff in the amount of $750 per NHCS employee, direct County staff to work with the NHCS staff to ensure that the bonuses are paid before Christmas, and adopt budget amendment 21-026. Commissioner Rivenbark stated if there are parents who prefer to have their kids remain in the virtual academy, they do not have to come back to school in-person. Vice-Chair Hays expressed agreement and the need to ensure parents know that they have the choice. Commissioner Barfield stated he supports the motion and that it is important that the Board and County show its educators and school support staff appreciation for the work they are doing. These are truly unprecedented times dealing with this virus, while at the same time seeing students fall behind. For him, he struggles with the conversation of whether it is the right time to send kids back to school. However, he recognizes the data showing that young kids are falling behind at an alarming rate. They have to sit in front of a device for hours at a time, unable to move around, so they will not be considered absent. There are parents that are having to find ways to not be at work to make sure the kids get what they need, and there are some parents who have to work outside the home, so their kids are not getting what they need. He understands that the school board will be making the ultimate decision on whether or not to bring kids back into school. As Commissioner Rivenbark stated, parents have the option of having their kids continue with the virtual academy. He expressed appreciation and support of the NHCS employees and reiterated that he supports the motion on the floor. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the motion on the floor. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chair Olson-Boseman recognized NHCS Board of Education Chair Stefanie Adams and Superintendent Dr. Foust, expressed appreciation to them for their work, and stated that she is excited to continue working together in the future. She invited them to make remarks if they so desired. Chair Adams stated that on behalf of NHCS, she appreciates the Board’s support and the bonus for the employees is an acknowledgement of the hard work, dedication, and passion they all bring to the schools every day. She looks forward to the future partnership and collaboration with the County and thanked the Commissioners for their commitment to NHCS. Dr. Foust thanked the Board for its support of the school system. The employees are valuable and the students are a valuable and precious commodity. He looks forward to the partnership with the County. In thinking NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 7, 2020 PAGE 734 about the work everyone does, sometimes not everyone gets rewarded. He thanked the Board for thinking of all the NHCS employees. A brief discussion was held about the issue of students who continue school remotely having different teachers and how it can be stressful to them. Dr. Foust stated that beginning in the next semester, students choosing to do remote learning may not have the same teacher as students who are in-person. In the beginning, teachers tried to do both the in-person and online teaching, but were unable to do that no matter how much training was provided. As such, the new plan that will be discussed with principals is to have certified teachers that work for the school district who are assigned only to remote learning. Students will still have the opportunity to have a quality education. Nothing will change along the lines of instruction, there may just be a different teacher. The goal is to make it work by having teachers focused on the in-person students and teachers who are focused only on students who are doing virtual/ remote learning. A copy of budget amendment 21-026 is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLII, Page 22.8. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Olson-Boseman stated that the County provided an opportunity for public comments to be submitted for non-agenda items ahead of today's meeting via voicemail and email. Six comments were emailed relating to Agenda Item Number 13. The Clerk to the Board shared those with the Commissioners earlier today. However, no public comments were made on non-agenda items either by phone or email prior to today's meeting, and no one signed up to speak in person. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS Commissioner Zapple wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Chair Olson-Boseman welcomed the new Commissioners and stated that she is excited about what the next year is going to bring with a lot of collaboration and cooperation. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Olson-Boseman adjourned the meeting at 5:29 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kymberleigh G. Crowell Clerk to the Board Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners meeting. The entire proceedings are available for review and checkout at all New Hanover County Libraries and online at www.nhcgov.com.