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1984-02-20 Regular Meeting 502 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 1984 (CONTINUED) ADJOURNMENT (CONTINUED) Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Blake Commissioner O'Neal Chairman Gottovi Absent: Commissioner OVShie1ds Chairman Gottovi adjourned the meeting at 9:05 o'clock P.M. cg:t:/Zted. Lucie F. Smith, Clerk MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 1984 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, February 20, 1984, at 9:00 o'clock A.M. in the Assembly Room, New Hanover County Administration Building, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.: Donald P. Blake: Nolan O'Neal: Claud O'Shie1ds, Jr.: Chairman Karen E. Gottovi: County Manager G. Felix Cooper: County Attorney, Robert W. Pope: and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Smith. Reverend Robert Behnke, Pastor of the Messiah Lutheran Church, gave the invocation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, JANUARY 30, 1984, AND REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 1984 Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner O'Shie1ds to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of January 30, 1984, as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Commissioner O'Shie1ds asked to be excused from voting on the approval of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 6, 1984, due to his absence. Commissioner Blake MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting, February 6, 1984, as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Blake Commissioner O'Neal Chairman Gottovi Abstaining: Commissioner O'Shields NON-AGENDA ITEMS - GENERAL PUBLIC Chairman Gottovi asked if any members of the general public wished to address the Commissioners on any item listed on the Consent Agenda or any subject not listed on the Regular Agenda. The following persons commented: Mr. Bill Hobbs, Chairman of the "Yes" Committee for the County Sewer System, introduced various organizations supporting and endorsing passage of the sanitary sewer bond referendum on March 6, 1984. He complimented the Commissioners and County Staff ~ 503 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 1984 (CONTINUED) NON-AGENDA ITEMS - GENERAL PUBLIC (CONTINUED) I Mr. Ms. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Ms. Ms. Mr. Mr. for the preparation and presentation of an excellent Sewer Plan. The following persons commented representing the membership of the "Yes" Committee presenting resolutions passed by the various organizations endorsing the Sewer Bond issue: Jim Long, President of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Grace Morrison, New Hanover County Clean Community Commission Henry Johnston, New Hanover County Council of Architects Robert Parker and Mr. Carl Durham, New Hanover County Board of Health Herb McKim, Southeastern Chapter of Professional Engineers of North Carolina Berry Williams, Right to Vote Association Ginger Ogburn, Cape Fear Sierra Club Mildred Harris, Wilmington Branch of the American Association of University Women Charles Smith, Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association David Higgins, President of the Wilmington Board of Realtors I Commissioner O'Shie1ds, Chairman of the New Hanover County Water and Sewer District, on behalf of the Board, expressed his appreciation to the members of the "Yes" Committee for their support and endorsement of the Sewer Bond issue. DISCUSSION OF SEWER CONNECTION TO NORTHEAST INTERCEPTOR FOR CANEEL COVE Mr. Gary Shipman, Attorney representing Courtland Development, Inc. and Cape Fear Utilities, appeared before the Commissioners commenting on the condition of the Special Use Permit granted to the developer of Canee1 Cove requiring this project to tie into the Northeast Interceptor within 180 days after its availability. He stated .since the project is underway, his client has been informed the County does not have sufficient allocation from the City's Souths ide Wastewater Treatment Plant to permit the pro ject to be connected to the Interceptor requesting consideration of the Board in placing this project at the beginning of the County's allocation list. County Manager Cooper expressed his, concern that his staff had not been approached with this problem before the meeting in order to have placed this topic on the agenda allowing proper time for study and recommendations to the Board concerning this issue. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to discuss this matter at the end of the meeting. L APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner O'Shie1ds MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the following Consent Agenda. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. APPROVAL OF THE REPORT OF COLLECTION OF REVENUE THROUGH JANUARY 31, 1984 The Commissioners approved the report of the Collector of Revenue through January 31, 1984. A copy of the report is contained in Exhibit Book XI, Page 16. APPROVAL OF TAX ABATEMENTS AND REFUNDS The Commissioners approved.a list of tax abatements and refunds as recommended by the Tax Administrator. 504 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 1984 (CONTINUED) APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (CONTINUED) APPROVAL OF TAX ABATEMENTS AND REFUNDS (CONTINUED) A copy of the list of tax abatements and refunds is contained in Exhibit Book, Page 16. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR OLDER AMERICANS ACT TITLE III FUNDS The Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing application for Older Americans Act Title III funding for the Department of Aging. A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XI, Page 16. PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING ENGINEERS WEEK The Commissioners approved a proclamation proclaiming the week of February 19-25, 1984, as Engineers Week. A copy of the proclamation is contained in Exhibit Book XI, Page 17. PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING MARCH, 1984, AS BEAUTIFUL IS BETTER MONTH The Commissioners approved a proclamation proclaiming the month of March, 1984, as Beautiful is Better Month. A copy of the proclamation is contained in Exhibit Book XI, Page 17. ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF FIREMEN - FEDERAL POINT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT The Commissioners authorized the Chairman to execute the Annual Certification of Firemen's Roster required by the N. C. Firemen's & Rescue Squad Worker's Pension Fund for the Federal Point Volunteer Fire Department. A copy of the roster is contained in Exhibit Book XI, Page 17. RESOLUTION FOR ADDITION OF ROADS TO STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM The Commissioners approved a resolution for addition of the following roads to the State Highway System: Wood Ridge Road - Greenbriar Subdivision - Sec. 2A Country Place Road - Country Place Subdivision Richard Bradley Drive and Hidden Lake Lane - Bradley Hill Subdivision A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XI, Page 18. AWARD OF BID TO F. R. KING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY - BAGGAGE CLAIM IMPROVEMENTS - AIRPORT The Commissioners awarded the low bid to F. R. King Construction Company in the amount of $ 4 2,171 for expansion of the Baggage Claim area at the Airport with approval of the following Budget Amendment in the amount of $48,500 and adoption of the Capital Project Ordinance: f REVENUE: Debit -#63 3455 365, State Grant $24,250 -#60 4570 620, Capital Outlay Bldgs. 24,250 EXPENSE: Credit -#63 4550 371, General Contract $42,171 -#63 4550 326, Professional Services 4,217 -#63 9800 911, Contingencies (5% ) 2,112 A copy of the Capital Project Ordinance is contained in Exhibit Book XI, Page 18. I'... 505 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 1984 (CONTINUED) APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (CONTINUED) APPROVAL FOR DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS - COUNTY MANAGER'S OFFICE The Commissioners approved destruction of various records in the County Manager's office. I A copy of the list is on file in the Clerk's office. RECLASSIFICATION OF NUTRITIONIST POSITIONS - NEW HANOVER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT The Commissioners approved the reclassification of three nutritionist positions in the Health Department in order to comply with revisions on the State level. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION - SURPLUS PROPERTY OWNED JOINTLY BY CITY AND COUNTY The Commissioners adopted a resolution accepting offers of $1,000 and $2,400 to purchase parcels of property located at 808 N. 7th Street and 1314 Glenn Street representing an ad valorem tax value of $6,380 for 1984 with the offer to be duly advertised for upset bid. A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XI, Page 18. I AMENDMENT TO DISASTER RELIEF AGREEMENT - CIVIL PREPAREDNESS ORDINANCE AND AGREEMENT The Commissioners approved a revised Mutual Aid Agreement between the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County, Town of Wrightsvi11e Beach, Town of Carolina Beach, and Town of Kure Beach. A copy of the revised agreement is contained in Exhibit Book XI, Page 19. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION FOR SALE OF TAX FORECLOSED PROPERTY OWNED JOINTLY BY NEW HANOVER COUNTY AND THE CITY OF WILMINGTON The Commissioners approved a resolution requesting a private sale of property located at 1105 North Sixth Street owned jointly by the Ci ty and County pursuant to a tax foreclosure sale conducted on August 17, 1981. A copy of the resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XI, Page 19. RELEASE OF TAXES BARRED BY G.S. 105-378 The Commissioners approved the release of taxes barred by G.S. 105-378 after ten years from the date due as requested by the Tax Administrator. 19. A copy of the accounts is contained in Exhibit Book XI, Page I APPROVAL OF ADVERTISEMENT OF TAX LIENS ON REAL PROPERTY The Commissioners authorized the Tax Collector to advertise tax liens on real property in accordance with G.S. 105-369. APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER E-11 - JUDICIAL BUILDING - ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment and Change Order E-ll in the amount of $3,467.41 for additional power and telephone connections for the Register of Deeds Office and Snack Shop: Debit -#48 9800 911, Contingencies Credit -#48 4708 623, Electrical Contractor $3,468 $3,468 APPROVAL OF PARTICIPATION IN INTERIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES The Commissioners authorized the Chairman to execute an Interim Assistance Agreement allowing the County to be reimbursed 506 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 1984 (CONTINUED) APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (CONTINUED) PARTICIPATION IN INTERIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CONTINUED) by the Social Security Administration for any general assistance provided for successful supplemental security income applicants. A copy of the agreement is on file in the County Manager's office. APPROVAL OF REQUEST TO REDUCE RETAINAGE ON JUDICIAL BUILDING - ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT The Commissioners authorized reduction of the retainage figure on the Judicial Building from 5% to 2 1/2% since less than 10% of the expenditures remain to be paid. This reduction represents the total retainage from all contracts in an approximate amount of $114,048. DENIAL OF TAX REQUEST SUBMITTED BY LARRY J. POWELL - TAX DEPARTMENT The Commissioners denied the request of Larry J. Powell for an adjustment of property taxes from 1981-83 on property located at 208 S. Third Street. BUDGET AMENDMENT - HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment in the amount of $10,373 for purchase of two computer terminals, one printer, and video equipment for the Human Relations Commission to be funded by an EEOC Grant: Debit -#11 3581 233, EEOC Grant $10,373 Credit -#11 5811 410, Printing & Copying $ 400 -#11 5811 421, Dept. Supplies 457 -#11 5811 520, Travel & Meetings 3,300 -#11 5811 640, Equipment 6,216 BUDGET AMENDMENT - FAMILY PLANNING - HEALTH DEPARTMENT The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment in the amount of $3,600 decreasing Department Supplies by $3,600 and decreasing Local Revenue by $3,600 since funds were forwarded to the 1983/84 Budget: Debit Credit -#11 5163 421, Dept. Supplies -#11 3990 990, Local Revenue Approp. Balance $3,600 $3,600 BUDGET AMENDMENT - DATA PROCESSING The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment in the amount of $3,000 to increase the actual cost of writing the ROTS System: Debit Credit -#11 3414 411, ROTS - Collection Fee -#11 4132 325, Programming $3,000 $3,000 BUDGET AMENDMENT - NEW HANOVER COUNTY LIBRARY The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment in the amount of $12,478 to balance the Library Enrichment Grant Funds since the Finance Department had already budgeted $12,478. Debit -#11 6110 423, Books -#11 6110 640, Capital Credit -#11 3611 334, Enrichment Grant -#11 3611 334, Enrichment Grant $10,878 1,600 $10,878 1,600 REPORT OF BUDGET AMENDMENTS APPROVED BY COUNTY MANAGER The following Budget Amendments have been approved by the County Manager and are being reported for entry into record: Finance Department - Increase in Mail for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable Debit -#11 9800 911, Contingencies Credit -#11 4131 382, Postage $ 2,165 $ 2,165 ~ 507 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 1984 (CONTINUED) APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (CONTINUED) BUDGET AMENDMENTS APPROVED BY COUNTY MANAGER (CONTINUED) Sheriff Department - Purchase of Star Team Equipment I Debit -#11 3390 890, Mis. Revenue $ 1,500 Credit -#11 4311 640, Capital Outlay $ 1,500 Sheriff Department - 911 System Debit -#11 9800 911, Contingencies $460 Credit -#11 4312 640, Capital Outlay $460 PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION - INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT Chairman Gottovi, on behalf of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, presented certificates of commendation to the following County employees for the highest level of professional achievement that a Building Inspector can attain in the State of North Carolina congratulating them for their achievements in their professions and contributions to New Hanover County: Mr. George Rossie Thompson Mr. William R. Manley I DISCUSSION OF TAX PENALTY RELEASE REQUESTS - MR. LEROY D. MARSHBURN AND MR. RODNEY P. WILSON -TAX DEPARTMENT Mr. Jim Bethune, Appraisal Supervisor, gave background information on tax penalty release requests submitted by Mr. Leroy D. Marshburn and Mr. Rodney P. Wilson stating the Tax Administrator felt the late listing penalty did apply to Mr. Marshburn's request but some consideratiton may be given to Mr. Wilson's request due to fact that the abstract had never been located by the Tax Department. Chairman Gottovi asked if Mr. Marshburn or Mr. Wilson wished to speak on the requests. The following person commented. Mr. Leroy D. Marshburn commented on the numerous errors made on the assessment of property he had purchased at Wrightsville Beach on September 15, 1982, explaining the delay in filing the abstract form was due to this fact and that he felt a fine of $64 was excessive. After discussion, Commissioner O'Shie1ds MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to deny abatement of the tax penalty assessed to Mr. Marshburn in order to comply with regulations of the Machinery Act under the General Statutes since the abstract was not filed until May 6, 1984. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. I After further discussion, Commissioner Blake MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Gottovi to abate the tax penalty assessed to Mr. Rodney P. Wilson since the tax listing was never located in the Tax Office. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ASSIGNMENT OF STREET NUMBERS FOR CORNELIA NIXON DAVIS ROAD AND FUTCH CREEK ROAD Planning Director Hayes gave background information on the assignment of street numbers for Cornelia Nixon Davis Road and Futch Creek Road. Chairman Gottovi asked if anyone present wished to speak in favor of the street assignments. The following person commented: Mr. John Jefferies Chairman Gottovi asked if anyone present wished to speak in opposition to the assignment of the street numbers. No one commented. 508 MINUTES' OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 1984 (CONTINUED) PUBLIC HEARING - ASSIGNMENT OF STREET NUMBERS (CONTINUED) After discussion, Commissioner O'Neal MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner O'Shie1ds to approve the street assignments. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. BREAK Chairman Gottovi recessed the meeting for a break from 9:58 o'clock A.M. to 10:20 o'clock A.M. DISCUSSION OF OFFENDER AID AND RESTORATION DISTRICT COURT FARM PROGRAM Chief District Judge, Gilbert H. Burnett, commented on the deob1igation of approximately $11,000 to the County under the OAR Program requesting utilization of a portion of these funds in the amount of $10,500 for the implementation of the District Court Farm Program through September, 1984. He stressed the benefit of this program to the County particularly in reduction of the jail population. Mr. Meares Harris commented on the benefit of the program as an alternative to incarceration emphasizing the daily cost of maintaining a person in jail. Commissioner Barfield commented on the benefits of the program stating the OAR Board was trying to obtain funding from the State to support this program in order to alleviate the tax burden on citizens of the County. After discussion, Commissioner Blake MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the funding proposal in the amount of $10,500 with any additional requests to go through the regular budgetary process. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. APPROVAL OF TWO SANITARIAN POSITIONS FOR THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Mr. Robert Parker, Director of the New Hanover County Health Department, and members of the Board of Health appeared before the Commissioners requesting approval of two additional sanitarian positions for the Health Department stressing the need to improve the time schedule of restaurant inspections, septic tank inspections, collection of water samples, swimming pool inspections, and mobile home park inspections. County Manager Cooper reminded the Commissioners that the budget process will begin within the next 90 days and recommended this request be channeled through the regular budget procedure. After discussion, Commissioner Blake MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Gottovi to approve the two addi tional sani tarian positions. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT AND RELATED FORMS TO BE REQUIRED OF NON- COUNTY AGENCIES County Manager Cooper commented on a contract and related forms to be required of non-County agencies who receive county funds in the Fiscal Year 1984-85 requesting approval of these documents as a management tool to identify the exact use of County funds by outside agencies. Chairman Gottovi commented on the advantage to both the County and Outside Agency when using these forms providing a method of protection for the expenditure of funds. After discussion, Commissioner O'Shields MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Blake to approve implementation of the presented contract and related forms. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ~ 509 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 1984 (CONTINUED) APPROVAL OF CONTRACT AND RELATED FORMS - NON-COUNTY AGENCIES (CONTINUED) A copy of the contract and related forms is on file in the County Manager's office. I APPROVAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN NEW HANOVER COUNTY AND CAPE FEAR OPTIMIST CLUB Parks and Recreation Director, Mike Waters, gave background information on the proposed lease agreement with Cape Fear Optimist Club to provide recreational opportunities for the Wrightsboro area requesting approval of the lease agreement and Budget Amendment in the amount of $11,576. After discussion, Commissioner O'Shie1ds MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Blake to approve the lease agreement and following Budget Amendment. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Debit -#11 9800 911, Contingencies $11,576 Credit -#11 6120 100, Salaries 3,776 -#11 6120 640, Equipment 3,600 -#11 6120 340, Utilities 1,500 -#11 6120 391, M & R B1dgs. & Grounds 2,000 -#11 6120 422, Auto Supplies 700 A copy of the lease agreement is on file in the County Manager's office. I APPROVAL OF EARLY FUNDING FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION County Manager Cooper commented on a resolution approved by the Board of Education requesting early approval of funds to purchase and begin installation of air conditioners at New Hanover High School, Williston Junior High School, Gregory Elementary School, and Roland Grise Junior High School recommending approval by the Board. After discussion, Commissioner O'Neal MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Blake to approve early funding in the amount of $214,829 for the Board of Education as requested in their resolution. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the School Board Resolution is contained in Exhibit Book XI, Page 19. CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF SEWER CONNECTION TO CANEEL COVE Director of Engineering and Facilities, Ed Hilton, gave background information on the policy established for a first come first serve basis for allocations to the Sewer System. He stated the City had been very cooperative in granting small increases in allocations and he would be glad to approach the City with this request. County Manager Cooper stated that after passage of the March 6, 1984, bond referendum, the City would be much more lenient in increasing its allocation flows. I Mr. Bill Dobo commented on the problems with private waste treatment plants in relation to the environmental concerns. Mr. Bob Sawyer commented on the proposed construction of a trea tment plant on Hew lett' s Creek. Commissioner Blake expressed his concern for projects being placed at the beginning of the list for allocations when no development has occurred. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to authorize Engineering Director Hilton to approach the City requesting additional allocation for this pro ject and to call a Special Meeting after the March 6 referendum to further determine the establishment of a schedule of allocations. 510 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 1984 (CONTINUED) APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILMAN ROBERT SHIPP AS CITY OF WILMINGTON REPRESENTATIVE TO NC 2000 ADVISORY AD HOC COMMITTEE Chairman Gottovi MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Blake to appoint Councilman Robert Shipp as a City representative to serve on the NC 2000 Advisory Ad Hoc Committee. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to request the Clerk to write a letter to the Mayors of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach to nominate a representative of that area. APPOINTMENT OF JOHN D. MCCANN AND REAPPOINTMENT OF ESTELLE C. LEE TO THE WILMINGTON/NEW HANOVER PORT, WATERWAY AND BEACH COMMISSION Chairman Gottovi MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to appoint Mr. John D. McCann to serve a three-year term representing the Environmental Organization category on the Wilmington/New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission expir ing February 28, 1987. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Commissioner O'Shie1ds MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Blake to reappoint Ms. Estelle C. Lee to serve a three-year term representing the Shipping Category on the Wilmington/New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission expiring February 28, 1987. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Board that the newly elected Chairman of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners each year would automatically be the Commissioner to serve as the Ex-officio member representing the County Commissioners on the Wilmington/New Hanover County Port, Waterway and Beach Commission. APPOINTMENT OF NORMAN B. OSBORN TO SERVE ON THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES AND POLLUTION CONTROL FINANCING AUTHORITY Commissioner O'Shie1ds MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner O'Neal to appoint Mr. Norman B. Osborn to serve the unexpired term of Mr. Robert Helms on the New Hanover County Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority expiring February 22, 1989. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously. ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISCUSSION OF ATTENDANCE TO FIRE INSPECTIONS COMMITTEE Commissioner O'Shie1ds commented on a request by the Fire Inspections Committee for the need of communication equipment which would enable the volunteer fire departments to cut down on the response time. County Manager Cooper stated the staff had been studying the needs of the Volunteer Fire Departments and would make a presentation of recommendations in the near future. Chairman Gottovi commented on a request by the Fire Inspections Committee to have a representative of the County Commissioners to attend their meetings apologizing for problems in the past with present Commissioner. After further discussion, Commissioner O'Neal was requested to attend the meetings. DISCUSSION OF APPOINTING A CITY COUNCILMAN TO SERVE ON THE AIRPORT COMMISSION The Commissioners discussed the economic importance of the development of the Airport to New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington, particularly the Industrial Airpark Water and Sewer Project. It was the consensus of the Board to authorize the Chairman to write a letter to Mayor Schwartz requesting appointment of a Councilman to serve as a voting member on the Airport Commission. I'... 511 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 1984 (CONTINUED) I DISCUSSION OF BUSINESS LISTING EXTENSION DATE Commissioner O'Shie1ds stated that an accountant had requested the Tax Office to grant an extension of the Business Property Listing date to April 15, 1984, in order to comply with the Federal deadline for filing taxes and was told that this extension could not be granted. Commissioner O'Shie1ds stated from the standpoint of business properties, the date of April 15 would be more aAXUpriate and would comply with Federal guidelines. County Manager Cooper stated he would discuss this matter with the Tax Office and correct the problem. DISCUSSION OF SENIOR CITIZEN PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION Commissioner Barfield commented on numerous requests by senior citizens of the County to increase the senior citizens tax exemption requesting the Board to write a letter to the local legislators to raise the income level and exclusion of the exemption. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to authorize the Chairman to write a letter to the local legislators requesting assistance in raising the income level and exclusion to appropriate amounts in the upcoming session of the General Assembly. DISCUSSION OF BREAKFAST MEETINGS AT NACO LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE - WASHINGTON, D. C. Chairman Gottovi stated the .Commissioners had been invited to attend two breakfasts on the same morning at the Legislative Conference to be held in Washington, D. C. I After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to request the Clerk to contact Ron Aycock of the N. C: Association of County Commissioners informing him of the conflict and the possibility of a date change. ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY MANAGER AUTHORIZATION OF CHAIRMAN'S SIGNATURE ON CONTRACT WITH F. R. KING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR BAGGAGE CLAIM AREA - AIRPORT Commissioner O'Shie1ds MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner O'Neal to authorize the Chairman to execute the contract with F. R. King Construction Company in the amount of $ 4 2,171 for expansion of the Baggage Claim area. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the contract is on file in the County Manager's office. I APPROVAL OF BRADLEY CREEK SCHOOL SITE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN NEW HANOVER COUNTY AND THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION County Manager Cooper commented on the proposed lease agreement between New Hanover County and the Board of Education providing for a ten-year lease period in lieu of the existing one-year term requesting the Chairman to write a letter to the the Board of Education for execution of the ten-year lease. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to authorize the Chairman to write the Board of Education requesting execution of the ten-year lease and to advise the New Hanover County Argiculture Extension Office to submit a budget request for Phase I of the project in the upcoming budget year. 512 t-... MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 1984 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner O'Neal MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Blake to adjourn the meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Gottovi adjourned the meeting at 12:55 o'clock P.M. ~e:t~~ted. ~~F. Smith, Clerk