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2021-05-17 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 17, 2021 PAGE 94 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on May 17, 2021, at 9:00 a.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 Deb Hays; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Commissioner Bill Rivenbark; 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 Ron McGee, Rock Church, provided the invocation and Chair Olson-Boseman led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chair Olson-Boseman requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Zapple requested that Consent Agenda Item #6: Adoption of Budget Amendments be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion and consideration. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a motion to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Hays, to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Special Meeting held on April 27, 2021, Agenda Review Meeting held on April 29, 2021, and the Regular Meeting held on May 3, 2021. Approval to Amend the 2021 Schedule of Agenda Review and Regular Board of Commissioners Meetings for June – Governing Body The Commissioners approved the amendment of the 2021 Schedule of Agenda Review and Regular Board of Commissioners Meetings for June to move the Regular Meeting slated for June 21, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. to June 22, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. A copy of the amended schedule is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 5.1. Approval of the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Funding Recommendation for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 – County Manager The Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 JCPC funding in the amount of $92,345 to Communities in Schools for Teen Court Mediation Programs. Adoption of Resolution Approving the Renaming of Battle Park to Hanover Pines Nature Park – Parks & Gardens The Commissioners adopted the resolution to approve the name change from Battle Park to Hanover Pines Nature Park. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 5.2. Adoption of Building Safety Month Proclamation – Building Safety The Commissioners adopted the proclamation to recognize May 2021 as Building Safety Month in New Hanover County. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 5.3. Discussion and Adoption of Budget Amendments – Budget In response to Commissioner Zapple’s question regarding budget amendment 21-073, Senior Resource Center (SRC) Director Amber Smith explained that the County receives a grant allocation from the North Carolina Family Caregiver Support Program. It allows the SRC to provide direct family caregiver support for those caring for a loved one with a cognitive impairment, such as dementia or Alzheimer's. The SRC is also able to provide a variety of support services. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 17, 2021 PAGE 95 Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Hays, to adopt the budget amendments as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Additional information: The Commissioners adopted the following budget amendments which amend the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 20, 2021: budget amendment 21-071 for Social Services, budget amendment 21-072 for Public Health, budget amendment 21-073 for the Senior Resource Center, and budget amendment 21-074 for Tax. Copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 5.4. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS COMMUNITY CHILD PROTECTION TEAM ANNUAL REPORT AND APPOINTMENT OF AT-LARGE MEMBERS Judge J. H. Corpening, II, Chair, and Neesha Allen, Co-Chair, of the Community Child Protection Team (CCPT) thanked the Board for the opportunity to present the CCPT report as required by state law. The CCPT is a multidisciplinary organization that is appointed by statute and by the Board to evaluate gaps in services that effect children. Judge Corpening and Ms. Allen presented the CCPT accomplishments, gaps, and goals for the coming year:  2020 Accomplishments:  Community Education on Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: Training provided to Sexual Abuse Response Team, Smart Start, New Hanover County Schools, law enforcement, Coastal Horizons, and NHC Foster Parent Association on how to recognize, respond, and report child abuse and neglect  Monthly CCPT case reviews: Despite the Covid-19 pandemic the CCPT team reviewed eleven complex child welfare involved families to formulate strategies to address gaps in services and barriers to child protection  Infant safe sleeping tips: Pamphlet updated and distributed to caregivers of infants  Lack of consistent, accessible, effective mental health and developmental disability services:  Difficulty accessing inpatient treatment for stabilization  Limitations for coverage by both Medicaid and private insurance  Need for more school based mental health services  Limited accessible services for caregivers and children with co-occurring mental health and developmental disabilities  Upon placement of children in DSS custody, parents lose Medicaid coverage, resulting in lack of access to critical services  Recommendations:  Expand private insurance coverage for mental health services  Expand state funding for mental health and developmental disability services  Improved oversight of Medicaid providers by Trillium  Provide all schools with mental health therapists  Approve Medicaid expansion  Substance Misuse-Involved Families:  Prevalent contributory factor in child maltreatment resulting in:  Child fatalities (including fatalities resulting from unsafe sleep practices)  Parental incarceration  Infants born addicted to controlled substances  Neglected and unsupervised children  Recommendations:  Community awareness through education regarding intervention and safe sleep practices  Continue collaboration with community partners to develop policy and procedures to ensure child safety  Advocate for legislation mandating improved oversight of medication providers and effective assessment and treatment services  As Covid-19 impacts are lessened, clinical services should return to face-to-face contact  Advocate for legislation granting child welfare social workers access to the NC Controlled Substance Reporting System (CSRS) to enable accurate assessment of the extent of a parent’s use of prescription drugs and the impact of that use on child safety  Lack of Affordable Non-Subsidized Housing:  Working poor are not eligible for housing assistance  Numerous affordable housing complexes damaged by Hurricane Florence resulted in the displacement of hundreds of families; those units have not been repaired or replaced  Lack of affordable, adequate housing in New Hanover County, results in:  Families forced to live in unsafe neighborhoods  Multiple families residing in a single residence  Homelessness  Recommendations:  Provide funding to community agencies to develop innovative housing initiatives and solutions that meet the needs of all our populations, particularly the working poor NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 17, 2021 PAGE 96  Require strict enforcement of housing regulations  Advocate for increased federal housing subsidies  Service Barriers for Undocumented Families:  Systemic barriers exist for undocumented families to access services to meet the basic needs of their children including: Medical care; dental care; mental health treatment; and housing  Recommendations:  Ensure that basic needs for all children are met, regardless of citizenship, through advocacy at the local and state level Judge Corpening and Ms. Allen thanked the Commissioners for all they do as leaders in this community, for their continued commitment to children in this community, and for the innovative ways in looking at how to make things better for the children. He requested the appointment of the following at-large members to the CCPT for the ensuing year: Lauren Daley, Executive Director, Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.; Robert J. Speight, th 5 Judicial District Chief Court Counselor Division Juvenile Justice, NC Department of Public Safety; Amy Feath, Executive Director, Carousel Center; Chris Preston, New Hanover County Youth Empowerment Services Manager, New Hanover County Community Justice Services; and Steven Still, Director, New Hanover County Emergency Management. The Commissioners thanked Judge Corpening and Ms. Allen for the work the CCPT is doing and for what it is accomplishing every year to help children. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board to appoint Lauren Daley, Robert J. Speight, Amy Feath, Chris Preston, and Steven Still to the Community Child Protection Team for one- year terms expiring May 2022. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Hays, to appoint Lauren Daley, Robert J. Speight, Amy Feath, Chris Preston, and Steven Still as recommended to the Community Child Protection Team for one-year terms expiring May 2022. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE 2021-2026 NEW HANOVER COUNTY MASTER AGING PLAN (MAP) AND THE OLDER AMERICANS MONTH PROCLAMATION Senior Resource Center Director Amber Smith stated that New Hanover County has developed its first ever five-year Master Aging Plan (MAP) that will help shape the resources and services for older adults who have a wide range of needs, now and into the future. The MAP was developed from the community needs assessment, community focus groups, the work groups’ feedback, as well as population data. The MAP contains four focus areas that include broad goals and objectives with corresponding implementation strategies. The 2021-2026 MAP will help ensure New Hanover County has a comprehensive and coordinated approach that supports and fosters lifelong community engagement and well-being. Ms. Smith and SRC Social Worker Supervisor Andrew Zeldin presented the following overview of the MAP:  New Hanover County’s 2021-2026 Master Aging Plan:  Vision Statement: Ensure all older adults in New Hanover County can access equitable resources that promote inclusiveness, resilience, fosters a healthy lifestyle and improved quality of life through the Senior Resource Center and community partners.  Connect, Create, and Empower:  Connect our older adults with the community and with one another, ensuring they have the right resources at the right time;  Create a guide that is inclusive, diverse, age-friendly, and strategic that offers more opportunities for our older adults to create their own journey and live well; and  Empower our residents to contribute to the community, stay active and thrive here in New Hanover County.  Aging in America:  Planning for Growth and Healthy Aging: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 17, 2021 PAGE 97  Community Assessment and Interview Results:  Assess to support services (nutrition, home repair, wellness activities, health support)  Nutrition, transportation, housing, mental health, technology, and volunteer and job training opportunities  The Master Aging Plan process consists of three phases:  Phase 1: Engaged the community at-large (survey, focus groups, key informant interviews, and large virtual community meetings) to gather information and help identify priority areas for improvement.  Phase 2: Established four (4) MAP focus areas that developed action plans that addresses each prioritized area. Work groups met five to six times between February and April 2021.  Focus Areas: Social Engagement and Inclusion, Complete Communities and Accessibility, Superior Public Health and Wellness, and Community Organizations and Services  Phase 3: Compiled a five-year plan to be presented to Board of County Commissioners in May 2021.  The four focus areas, eight goals, and 25 objectives are as follows:  Social Engagement and Inclusion Focus Area:  Goals:  Goal 1: Diverse and accessible opportunities for older adults and their caregivers to participate and be engaged in their community.  Goal 2: Older adults are known as valuable members and resources of the community.  Objectives:  Enhance and expand learning opportunities for the aging population by proving access for social, physical, and mental engagement.  Improve communication through widespread contact and partnerships.  Improve and enhance inclusive services for underserved communities.  Complete Communities and Accessibility Focus Area:  Goals:  Goal 3: Transportation - safe, reliable, age-friendly, affordable public and on-demand transportation is available for our seniors to all areas of the County, with options for out of county travel.  Goal 4: Housing - a variety of affordable, quality housing options located in areas that are easily accessible to necessary resources and services for daily living.  Goal 5: Outdoor Spaces - enhanced ADA compliant, age-friendly, outdoor spaces are accessible, safe, walkable and have convenient access to parking, benches, restrooms, and technology.  Transportation Objectives:  Establish transportation options are safe, reliable, age-friendly, and affordable.  Ensure transportation options meet the needs of aging adults.  Housing Objectives:  Preserve existing housing for aging in-place.  Increase the variety and number of affordable housing options.  Build affordable housing communities near necessary services and resources.  Develop alternative housing options.  Outdoor Space Objectives:  Provide diversified options that improve neighborhood connectivity and accessibility.  Create universally designed spaces that improves opportunities for older adults to participate in activities in public places.  Implement regular programmed activities and provide fixed amenities for older adults in public spaces. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 17, 2021 PAGE 98  Superior Public Health and Wellness Focus Area:  Goals:  Goal 6: Necessary health and wellness services available, accessible, culturally appropriate, and affordable to all.  Objectives:  Expand access to community-based health services for seniors.  Improve collaboration with medical providers including primary care and specialty providers, health system, Senior Resource Center, Area Agency on Aging, other community partners, and free clinics.  Provide behavioral health support and programming to older adults and their caregivers.  Expand services to help older adults age in their homes and communities.  Address the problem of food insecurity and malnutrition among older adults.  Support planning and education for and fulfillment of individual goals in all stages of aging process.  Community Organizations and Services Focus Area:  Goals:  Goal 7: Older adults, their families, and other consumers in New Hanover County are empowered to make informed decisions and to easily access available services and supports.  Goal 8: Older adults who are seeking paid employment, meaningful volunteer experience, and lifelong learning and education are connected with a diverse array of opportunities.  Objectives:  Increase the accessibility of information about resources, programs, and services for older adults in New Hanover County.  Decrease the digital divide in New Hanover County.  Provide general information related to finances, long-term care insurance, and estate planning to older adults within New Hanover County.  Establish effective pathways for older adults, and the people that serve them, to secure fairly compensated employment, including traditional and alternative options.  Promote the value of an experienced workforce to local employers.  Expand enriching volunteer opportunities for older adults.  Promote increased opportunities for education and professional training in aging issues relevant to New Hanover County.  Next Steps:  Recommend adoption of the 2021-2026 NHC Master Aging Plan  Accountability: Monitor the goals, objectives, and strategies. Build key performance indicators to track progress for transparency and ensure the MAP is making progress.  Communication: Present MAP progress each May during Older Americans Month  Request the Board of Commissioners to proclaim May 2021 as Older Americans Month Ms. Smith reiterated that this is a plan for the entire County, not just the SRC, and community partners are going to be relied on to help make the MAP successful. In response to Board questions, Ms. Smith stated that location options are being looked at for the next SRC. Based on the heat map there are many older adults already in the southern end of the County, but the northern portion is going to have tremendous growth and will look quite different in the next five or ten years. There is a satellite site in the Castle Hayne area and that has been successful. The satellite site is based out of a local church and operates three days a week and it has been established that there is a need in that area for the site. As to the SRC having electronic devices seniors can check out, Ms. Smith stated the SRC does not have the ability to provide that service as of now. However, a grant was recently written for devices specifically to help older adults. She is hopeful the grant will be awarded to the SRC via the application made by its 501(c)3 organization. In response to additional Board questions, Ms. Smith stated that the SRC is a wonderful place. It is diverse in not only the people that participate, but the level of activities as well as the programs and services that are offered. There are a wide variety of classes to take, and it depends on how active a person wants to be. There are courses such as a drone class, aerobics class, crafts, learning a new computer skill, etc. There is also Medicare counseling assistance. People can have lunch there, play cards, and in general have the socialization connectivity that is a large part of staying connected and engaged. The SRC also offers some transportation services and a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Chair Olson-Boseman MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to adopt the 2021-2026 New Hanover County Master Aging Plan and the proclamation recognizing May 2021 as Older Americans Month in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 17, 2021 PAGE 99 A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 5.5. PRESENTATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 RECOMMENDED BUDGET AND FISCAL YEAR 2022-2026 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN County Manager Coudriet presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-2022 Recommended Budget and Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for New Hanover County (NHC) highlighting the following:  FY 2021-2022 Recommended Budget: Advancing the Board of Commissioners’ priorities through strategic investments and fiscal discipline:  Recommended Budget Framework:  Priorities set by the Board through its adopted strategic plan:  Superior Education and Workforce  Superior Public Health and Safety  Intelligent Growth and Economic Development  Effective County Management  Strong Financial Performance  Revenue parameters set by the Board through plan and policy:  Minimize impact of taxes and fees  Maintain fund balance position within policy goal of 18-21%  Spending Recommendations for Major Funds:  All funds: $457 million  General Fund: $382 million  Environmental Management Fund: $23.3 million  Fire Services District Fund: $19.1 million  Stormwater Services Fund: $665,164  Other funds represent balance of the total $457 million  New Hanover County Property Revaluation:  Adopted County policy of every four (4) years  Revaluation was effective January 1, 2021  Prior revaluation was effective January 1, 2017  On average 33% increase in the taxable base  Property value appeals are underway  Taxable base of $47.9 billion assumes successful appeals by property owners  Revenue Neutral Tax Rate:  Calculation of tax rate that would generate the same revenue accounting for growth  Provides comparison of tax rate before and after revaluation  Rate published with the budget document per NC General Statute:  Revenue Neutral Rate: 42.50  Proposed Rate: 47.5  General Fund Revenues:  Ad valorem: $227 million:  Tax base: $47.9 billion (33.4% increase)  Ad valorem rate of 47.5 cents ($0.4220 General Fund, $0.0530 Debt Service Fund)  Sales taxes: $85.4 million: Assumes 6% growth, compared to 4% for FY20-21 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 17, 2021 PAGE 100  General Fund Expenditures:  New Hanover County Schools:  Current expense: $3,434 per pupil:  Increases average daily membership (ADM) rate to reach #1 in teacher salary supplements: $9,000 average  $91.9 million total (14.68% increase)  Capital: $3.7 million  Transfers between purpose/function of 10% or greater will require Board approval  Assumes 26,796 students across the traditional k-12 system and charter schools  Debt service: $25 million  Total appropriation: $121.5 million  Nearly one-third of General Fund budget NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 17, 2021 PAGE 101  Cape Fear Community College:  Operating: $10.95 million  Capital: $0 requested/recommended  Debt service: $11.5 million  Total: $22.5 million  General Fund Strategic Enhancements:  Superior Education and Workforce:  Teacher support incentives: $166,200  Four new teaching fellow scholarships: $28,000  Three additional pre-k classrooms: $487,422  Teacher salary supplements: $22.6 million  Effective County Management:  Capital repair plan: $1 million  Pay and classification study: $125,000  Government Center digitization: $280,000  Superior Public Health and Safety:  Emergency Operations Center (EOC)/911 Communications tower: $280,000  Emergency Logistics Center: $7.4 million  Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) revision project: $100,000  POD Ready Meals MRE stock: $105,083  Detective/Vice facility replacement design: $121,000  13 new Sheriff’s Office positions: $1 million  Seven additional Health and Human Services positions: $360,000  Human Services Customer Experience: $787,065  Non-County Agencies:  Non-County Agencies – Human Services:  Non-County Agency Funding Committee Recommendation: $930,774 for 31 agencies and 34 programs  $278,231 for year two of three of the Social Impact Fund pilot program  Additional $126,500 for four programs that transitioned to vendor status in the current year County Manager Coudriet requested that Non-County Agency Funding Committee member Randy Reeves present the information on the Committee’s recommendation. Mr. Reeves provided the following overview of the Non-County Agency Funding Committee process and recommendations:  Non-County Agency Funding Committee:  Committee Members: Gail Eddie, Elizabeth DeBiasi, Neal Lewis, Randy Reeves, Fred Gainey, Buddy Brooks, and Shane Hartley  Committee steps to improve process:  Survey non-county agencies  Modify applications based on key learnings  Training to non-county agencies on applications and process NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 17, 2021 PAGE 102  Review Process:  Read/review applications  Review of agency mid-year performance reports and funding history  Determined appropriate buckets and scoring rubric  Individual scoring and questions to agencies  Responses and final aggregated scores  Discussion and allocation decisions  Evaluation:  Programs scored individually by committee members and aggregated  Discussion about areas of difference in scoring and key drivers  Objective rating instrument/rubric:  Seven pre-identified criteria  Each criteria scored on a four-point scale  Equally weighted (max score 28)  Subjective Rating:  Overall rating that allows committee to capture other attributes not easily quantifiable or that may not be broadly applicable  Scored on a four-point scale (max score four)  Fund this:  Salaries for staff directly providing services to clients/patients/participants, etc.  Supplies, tools, contract services, and other materials for staff to deliver programs  Organizations that deliver a program or service  Not that:  Administrative salaries/administrative overhead  Marketing dollars  Capital expenditures (buildings/ vehicles)  Intermediaries/pass through organizations (receive dollars and then redistribute it to other organizations)  Funding Recommendations:  Next Steps:  Survey non-county agencies re: process; incorporate feedback into FY23 process  Modify non-county agency application based on key learnings  Review scoring rubric and consider changes to evaluation criteria  Continue training for non-county agencies on the application process and in-year reporting  Conduct site visits with non-county agencies (depending on COVID-19 restrictions)  Set due dates and calendar for FY23 process NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 17, 2021 PAGE 103 In response to Board questions, Mr. Reeves stated the committee recognizes the organizations that have returned each year and past performance is reviewed. Some of those organizations have been moved into vendor status so they do not have to come back every year for a three-year period. This year every agency was asked if they received PPE money/Covid funding. Some agencies were proficient at being able to get the funding while smaller agencies did not have the wherewithal to do so. The committee did not want to penalize the smaller agencies that could not obtain large amounts of PPE/Covid funding. The committee could only fund 92% of the total dollars asked for so the 90% level might be 100% next year. He thinks one year the top third were funded 100%. The middle third, a lower percentage, and the bottom third, a lower percentage and outliers that did not get funded because all they were asking for was marketing dollars. The percentage changes every year based on how much is allocated by the Board and the committee’s job is to make the numbers work. Additional questions are asked of agencies, if needed, to gain clarification and/or additional information after the presentations. Committee members want to make sure they are being good stewards of the money and addressing as many of the funding requests as possible. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Reeves for the presentation. County Manager Coudriet continued the presentation as follows:  General Fund Strategic Enhancements:  Intelligent Growth and Economic Development:  Digital inclusion access technology: $70,000  Economic outlook study: $60,000  Northern Regional Park Trail, Phase 2: $620,000  Hanover Pines Nature Park: $2.3 million  North and South College Road trail designs: $1.14 million  Economic Development Agencies:  $181,000 for year one of a three-year plan with the Chamber of Commerce for business retention, expansion, and recruitment  $208,600 for Wilmington Business Development  $75,000 for Wilmington Downtown Inc.  $133,692 for the Wilmington Regional Film Commission  $70,000 for an incentive payment for National Gypsum  $25,000 for the Cucalorus Film Foundation  Capital Planning:  Five-year Capital Improvement Plan for General Fund: $12.4 million for FY21-22  Capital Outlay for General Fund:  $5.2 million  Additional capital contribution to public schools: $3.7 million  Leverages historic interest rates and AAA bond ratings  Environmental Management Fund:  $48 per ton tip fee (no change for five fiscal years)  Capital projects: $10.7 million  Capital outlay: $1 million (vehicle and equipment replacement)  Fire Services District Fund:  Revenues:  Revenue neutral tax rate: 6.11 cents  Recommended tax rate: 7.25 cents per $100 of value (.50 decrease)  Expenses:  Capital projects: $835,000  Capital outlay: $1.7 million (improvements, vehicle, and equipment replacement)  Stormwater Services:  Second year of the stormwater program in the unincorporated county  Annual $12 Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) Stormwater Services fee to cover debt and repayment to the General Fund (not ARP eligible)  American Rescue Plan (ARP) Eligible Expenses:  Cost to maintain and treat stormwater  Defers bulk of residential fee of $67.80 ($5.65 per month) to FY22-23  Personnel:  32 new full-time positions recommended for the General Fund  One (1) new part-time position recommended for the Environmental Management Fund  One (1) new full-time position recommended for the Fire Services District Fund  Market: 2.9% or $1,583  1% Merit Pool  2.5% 401(k) contribution  $1.5 million salary lag  American Rescue Plan:  $800,000 FY21-22 requests absorbed by ARP funds:  Workforce Renter Assistance Pilot Program  Apprenticeship Program NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 17, 2021 PAGE 104  Four (4) positions supporting Superior Public Health and Safety (3) and Strong Financial Performance (1) functions  FY 21-22 Recommended Budget in Summary:  Minimizes the tax burden while sustaining and enhancing the Board’s adopted strategic priorities  Currently achieves #1 in the state for teacher salary supplements: $9,000 average  Uses ARP funds first  Maintains tipping fee at $48 per ton for fifth fiscal year  Levies a $12 annual ($1 per month) stormwater services fee on developed, unincorporated parcels  Next Steps:  Public hearings scheduled for Monday, June 7, 2021  Board debate and direction to staff  Budget adoption between Monday, June 7, 2021 and Tuesday, June 22, 2021 Chair Olson-Boseman recognized New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) Board of Education Chair Stefanie Adams to make remarks. Chair Adams expressed her appreciation and gratitude on behalf of NHCS for the Board’s funding support of students and teachers. Due to what is being provided, NHCS is expecting to not only keep the best teachers but also to recruit more to this area. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked County Manager Coudriet for the presentation and opened the floor to Board discussion. Commissioner Zapple stated that he wants to make sure it is understood that only those who live in the unincorporated county will be paying the stormwater utility fee. County Manager Coudriet stated to provide even more clarity, the stormwater utility fee will only be charged to the parcels that have been developed in the unincorporated county. Commissioner Barfield expressed appreciation to County Manager Coudriet and staff for the work they have done to draft the budget and looks forward to more conversations on it. He sees a tax rate that would accomplish the goals of the County without the undue pressure when it comes to salary lag and departments having enough staff. He also appreciates staff’s efforts to have the County prepared for the unexpected, to provide added support for New Hanover County Schools, including the increased teaching scholarships, and provide numerous services to its citizens. Commissioner Rivenbark stated that more work needs to be done to get students to apply for the teaching scholarships so New Hanover County can generate its own teachers for the future. A brief discussion was held about a recent meeting that Vice-Chair Hays and Commissioner Zapple had with NHCS Board of Education Vice-Chair Nelson Beaulieu and Superintendent Dr. Foust to discuss plans and strategies to match up to having the highest paid teachers in the state through the supplement. Dr. Foust stated that he agreed with Commissioner Zapple’s comments. The goal, and in speaking with recruiters, is that there needs to be a plan to recruit diverse populations to come here and teach. A preliminary plan is being put together for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), talking with the deans of the schools, and making sure NHCS provides the right people to visit HBCUs, etc. This is not an attempt to fill a quota. The goal is to make individuals feel welcomed when they enter NHCS buildings. The goal of the new supplement is to have highly effective teachers in every classroom. That means making sure growth is being seen in every school. There is no reason this school district should be ranked th 17 in the state. It should be in the top five and everything that is here is pointed in the right direction. Accountability measures must be put in place to show that what NHCS is offering is top notch. If we are asking to be the best, we must make sure that what is being presented to parents, teachers, and communities is the best, not just lip service. Dr. Foust further stated that should the Board want to see where NHCS is, data-wise, he and his team will be glad to share the information. A recruitment package is going to be put together at the next NHCS Board of Education meeting and that opportunity will be shown to the Board as well. Commissioner Zapple thanked Dr. Foust for providing the proficiency level for each school and that he feels the information provides a benchmark that can be revisited a year from now. What everyone wants to see is an increase in proficiency at all levels in each school and he looks forward to seeing that happen. Vice-Chair Hays stated that the meeting was truly enlightening as it is not only the proficiency of the overall school system, but also each individual school and each individual teacher. The goal is to make sure NHCS is graduating the best and the brightest, so students can do whatever they want to do. It is also critically important for citizens and in particular, parents, to understand what NHCS has in place to move to the number one school district in the state as well as the nation. Vice-Chair Nelson Beaulieu stated that he has absolutely no issues with the recommended budget. He understands the Board wants to hear if he has any concerns. The big concern that he has is the County needs to change its motto from “The model of good governance” to “The model of great governance.” This a great budget. To hear County Manager Coudriet’s presentation on per pupil funding and to hear the intent of this Board to make teachers the number one paid teachers in the state is wonderful. It is not just about the supplements. The support has been nonstop since this Board took office. From making sure that teachers got vaccinated, adding the extra NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 17, 2021 PAGE 105 mental health pieces, the focus on pre-k, and the extra student teacher scholarships, the Board has proven time and again that it is here. A lot of boards of education across the state will say the hardest job they have is saying “please” for the last six months. He has the privilege of saying thank you, thank you, thank you. He is going to make sure that every citizen in this County knows that this Board is dedicated to this school system. He expressed appreciation for the faith the Board has shown in the leadership in the County, and stated that it will be worth every penny. Chair Olson-Boseman stated that it has been a happy day for her. She has been fighting for teacher pay for a long time. The Master Aging Plan was her first priority and then teacher pay was her next number one priority. She expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Board for the support and for working together to make this happen. Vice-Chair Hays thanked the Board for its vision and the staff for the investment being made into each citizen which is what this budget represents. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointment to the New Hanover County Commission for Women Chairman Olson-Boseman reported that there is one vacancy on the New Hanover County Commission for Women with one applicant eligible for reappointment and twelve applicants eligible for appointment. Commissioner Barfield nominated April Scott for reappointment. Commissioner Zapple seconded the nomination. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman called for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint April Scott to the New Hanover County Commission for Women to serve a three-year term with the term to expire May 31, 2024. A brief discussion was held about expanding the membership of the committee. Clerk to the Board Crowell confirmed that to expand the membership, the bylaws would have to be amended by the Board and the Wilmington City Council. Vice-Chair Hays and Commissioner Zapple were asked to speak with City Council members about it. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Olson-Boseman stated that no one signed up to speak on non-agenda items. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS A brief discussion was held about the recent incident at Long Leaf Park. Parks and Gardens Director Tara Duckworth stated she has worked with the Sheriff’s Office to form a team, like the school resource officers, which will be comprised of six deputies that would comprehensively be in the park system, not just at Long Leaf Park or Ogden Park as they are currently placed. This will create a continual presence, and that team would have an opportunity to get to know the people in the parks, etc. A similar thing was done when she worked for the City of Wilmington and was based at Greenfield Lake. It is something that is customary practice and is done in and larger communities. The team would include the deputies and all their necessary equipment, which is approximately $665,000 for the first year. The recurring cost is approximately 50% of the first-year total for personnel. The other 50% of the first-year cost will be for outfitting and preparing personnel. She confirmed that this resource team would be for the 15 parks in the County system and would also have a presence at events, etc as they already do. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Olson-Boseman adjourned the meeting at 11:23 a.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 online at www.nhcgov.com.