2021-08-23 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, AUGUST 23, 2021 PAGE 186
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on August 23, 2021, at 9:00 a.m.
via in-person and remote in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street,
Wilmington, North Carolina. Chair Olson-Boseman stated that the meeting was being conducted as a permissible
remote meeting pursuant to North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 166A-19.24.
Members present: Chair Julia Olson-Boseman; Vice-Chair Deb Hays; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.;
Commissioner Bill Rivenbark (remote); 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
Imam Abdul Rahman Shareef of Tauheed Islamic Center of Wilmington 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.
Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Hays to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented. Upon roll call vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes – Governing Body
The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Agenda Review Meeting held on July 29, 2021 and the
Regular Meeting held on August 2, 2021.
Adoption of a Resolution to Approve M-Vac Systems, Inc. as a Sole Source – Sheriff
The Commissioners adopted a resolution to approve M-Vac Systems, Inc. as a sole source vendor for the
purchase of a M-vac system for the Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII,
Page 10.1.
Adoption of a Resolution Calling for Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment – Diversity & Equity
The Commissioners adopted a resolution calling for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII,
Page 10.2.
Adoption of a Resolution in Support of Efforts to Achieve Greater Healthcare Provider Workforce Diversity in New
Hanover County – Diversity & Equity
The Commissioners adopted a resolution in support of efforts to achieve greater healthcare provider
workforce diversity in New Hanover County.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII,
Page 10.3.
Approval of Changes to Museum’s Collections Policy – Museum
The Commissioners approved changes to Cape Fear Museum's Collections Policy.
Approval of Six Donations for Accession into the Museum’s Permanent Collection – Museum
The Commissioners accepted six donations of regional artifacts into the Cape Fear Museum's permanent
collection.
Approval of Two Items to be Deaccessioned from the Museum's Permanent Collection – Museum
The Commissioners accepted the recommendation of the Museum Advisory Board for the deaccession of
two items from the permanent collection.
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
TH
50 ANNIVERSARY PLAQUE PRESENTATION FROM THE LOWER CAPE FEAR WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
Tim H. Holloman, Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority Executive Director, presented to the Board
th
a 50 Anniversary Membership Plaque for the County’s continued membership and support. Chair Olson-Boseman
accepted the plaque on behalf of the Board and County and the Board posed for a picture with Mr. Holloman.
PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving a retirement award:
Steven Blissett, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with twenty-two years of service
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, AUGUST 23, 2021 PAGE 187
Ruby Cromartie, Facilities Management, retiring with thirty-three years of service
Lisa Hudson, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with twenty-one years of service
Timothy Kelly, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with twenty-four years of service
Chair Olson-Boseman presented retirement awards to the retirees and the Commissioners expressed
appreciation and thanked them for their years of dedicated service.
County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
Five Years: Allisa Hawes, Health and Human Services
Ten Years: Cynthia Hewett, Information Technology
Fifteen Years: Corey Graham, Sheriff’s Office
Twenty-Five Years: Joseph Sheppard, Library
Chair Olson-Boseman presented a service award to each person and the Commissioners expressed
appreciation and thanked each one for their years of dedicated service.
County Manager Coudriet requested the following new employees to stand and be introduced:
Mindy Ballance, 911 Center
Elizabeth Baltes, Communication and Outreach
DeChandra Berry, Health and Human Services
Jerdahn Campbell, Library
Fred Concepcion, Senior Resource Center
Melissa Cox, Human Resources
Michael Crowe, Sheriff’s Office
Tori Frenaye, Health and Human Services
Julia LaBombard, Facilities Management
The Commissioners welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new
positions.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY ANNUAL UPDATE
New Hanover County Airport Authority Chair Donna Girardot presented the following annual update for
the Wilmington International Airport:
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) Annual Report:
Economic Impact of Aviation:
Impact of all NC Airports* $61 million
373,000 jobs
State and Local Tax Revenue $2.5 billion
Impacts of ILM* $2.25 billion
16,385 jobs
State & Local Tax Revenue $85 million
*2020 NC DOT Report based on 2019 DataC
Covid Impacts to ILM Commercial Traffic
Enplanement Data:
538,014 in 2019
237,676 in 2020 CY (-56%)
Reversing the Trend:
Preliminary data shows signs of recovery through summer of 2021:
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, AUGUST 23, 2021 PAGE 188
ILM has almost recovered to pre-COVID levels:
Summer 2021 has 7% more seats:
Terminal Expansion Continues:
Three phases of construction:
$61 million total costs
Funds: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), state, and local
Completing December 2022
Contract 1: enabling phase
Contract 2: ticket lobby and baggage
Contract 3: concourse, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and concessions
Contract 3 remains ahead of schedule with new gates opening by end of 2021
Final project completion scheduled for end of 2022
Airport working with airline and concessions partners to plan occupancy
Adding three new gates, new restrooms, and concessions
Expanded TSA checkpoint at final completion (2022)
Air Carrier Apron Expansion:
Supporting commercial air travel at ILM:
Provides critical infrastructure needed to access new gates
Planned funding through FAA AIP discretionary grants, state airport appropriations and
airport reserves
Adds approximately 16,000 square yards of concrete apron
Bids received summer of 2021
Second fixed base operator (FBO), Aero-Center Wilmington, will be on the north ramp
ILM Business Park:
Focused Recruitment and Improvements:
Circle K service station, light industrial, aerospace, hotel, supporting growth of existing
tenants, and infrastructure improvements
Current tenants: VA Clinic, 84 Lumber, Battle House, Enterprise Holdings, Wilmington
rd
Business Development, Scratch on 23, Live Oak Bank, Toshiba International, Few Moves,
Fat Cat Pottery, and All-American Aviation
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, AUGUST 23, 2021 PAGE 189
Travel Recommendations:
In response to Board questions, Ms. Girardot stated a nationwide search is in process for a new airport
director and the application submission deadline is September 3, 2021. The goal is to have the new director in place
no later than November. Each current tenant has a physical presence on the property.
The Board thanked the ILM staff and authority for their hard work and service to the community. Chair
Olson-Boseman thanked Ms. Girardot for the update presentation.
PRESENTATION ON RIVER ROAD SPEED LIMIT
Jessi Leonard, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division 3 Traffic Engineer, stated that
she and her team are in attendance to discuss and answer questions related to NCDOT’s proposal for lowering the
speed limit on a section of River Road in New Hanover County. The section of road that is under review currently has
a speed limit of 55 miles per hour and is just south of the roundabout at Saunders Road, to Carolina Beach Road (US
Highway 421 S).
When the NCDOT office originally received the request, work was done with Planning and Land Use staff
and the Sheriff’s Office, who helped collect data for review by NCDOT staff, including the identification of times
when speeding was more of an issue to better target enforcement. The NCDOT decision was mostly based on a site
visit and the roadway characteristics including bike lanes being present and there being an active biking community
on that section of the road.
In response to Board questions, Ms. Leonard stated the request originated from one citizen and then was
followed by a couple more citizens, most of which she believes are part of the Cape Fear Cycling Group who actively
use the road for cycling. As to what happens if the Board is not in favor of reducing the speed, she stated that further
discussions could be held and additional data collected, or discussions could be held outside of a formal setting to
provide more data on paper. As to NCDOT proceeding regardless of the Board’s stance, she stated that the hope
would be to proceed with it.
Chair Olson-Boseman stated that she is extremely opposed to the speed limit being reduced. She is very
familiar with River Road and the last thing that needs to be done is for traffic coming off Pleasure Island to be slowed
down. While she supports and understands the cyclists’ desire and supports health and fitness, the road was built
mainly for traffic and there is a need for an alternate road access in that area. If NCDOT was going to make everyone
drive 45 or 55 miles per hour on Carolina Beach Road that would help, but if not, then reducing the speed on the
other road is not something she can support. Traffic should not be slowed down going on and off the beach.
As to why this matter is not coming before the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO),
Ms. Leonard explained that typically if NCDOT is not inside a municipality’s jurisdiction and proceeds with a speed
limit modification, whether it be a reduction or an increase, there is not a required municipal certificate. As such, it
is not a standard practice to come forward to a board for something outside of a municipality. As to proceeding
regardless of the Board’s stance on the proposal, Ms. Leonard stated that again, NCDOT has documentation of
several wrecks involving pedestrians and bicycles along that road. It has been over several years, but because NCDOT
installed bicycle lanes and is advocating for bikers to be on that road, it is felt the lower speed limit is necessary to
keep them safe on the road. NCDOT is not opposed to an additional multi-use path, but it is not something that the
department installs nor maintains. The County would have to install and maintain the multi-use path. If there is a
larger project on the road it can be incorporated, but in this case it cannot.
Commissioner Barfield stated that when it comes to the WMPO, NCDOT typically has 55% decision-making
weight. Also, NCDOT typically is going to do what it wants. He stated he would have preferred this to be a
presentation with NCDOT saying it is going to do this rather than asking for input, because he hears that Board does
not agree nor want it, and NCDOT still intends to do the exact opposite.
In response to Board questions, Ms. Leonard stated the Cape Fear Cycling Group is an organization that
NCDOT works with on a regular basis and members mention the road annually, if not more, because it is an active
community that uses the road. She does not have the information to provide on how many bicycles access the road
and does not know if there is a way to do that without a daily count. However, her office may be able to reach out
to some cyclists/partners to see if they have the information on how many rides are taken on the road. She does not
know the exact number of accidents or deaths involving pedestrians or cyclists have occurred along River Road but
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, AUGUST 23, 2021 PAGE 190
can provide the information. As to how far back the information goes, she thought it was 2004 and it is on the online
GIS map which also shows the locations of the all the crashes. The current posted speed for River Road is 55 miles
per hour. The speed data collection showed that the average speed on the road is 63 miles per hour.
The Board requested that Ms. Leonard provide the information that has been requested, that further
requests also be provided to the WMPO, and for the WMPO’s input to be obtained. A request was also made for
NCDOT staff to come better prepared with answers when presenting to the Board including having specific data
available that supports the changes NCDOT wants to proceed with such as adjusting speed limits. Commissioners
expressed support for keeping cyclists and pedestrians safe, noting that there is a better way to do things. It was felt
that NCDOT could work with the County to find better solutions beyond just reducing speed limits, such as finding a
safer path down River Road for all to enjoy rather than telling the County what it is going to do.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Ms. Leonard for the discussion.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointments to New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Workforce Housing Advisory Committee
Chair Olson-Boseman reported that three vacancies exist on the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington
Workforce Housing Advisory Committee in the categories of At-Large, Business/Education Community, and
Development Community with one application eligible for reappointment and thirteen additional applications
available for consideration.
Commissioner Zapple nominated for appointment Ashley Daniels in the At-Large category, Kristen Keser in
the Business/Education Community category, and for reappointment R. Frank Smith, Jr. in the Development
Community category.
Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor.
Vote Results: By roll call vote, the Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Ashley Daniels in the At-Large category,
Kristen Keser in the Business/Education Community category, and to reappoint R. Frank Smith, Jr. in the
Development Community category to the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Workforce Housing Advisory
Committee with the terms to expire August 31, 2024.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage and Culture
Chair Olson-Boseman reported that six vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Commission on African
American History, Heritage and Culture in the categories of At-Large and Business Community with five applications
eligible for reappointment and five additional applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Barfield nominated for appointment Veronica Carter-Edwards in the At-Large category and
for reappointment Tracion Flood, Bernice Sanders-Johnson, Marcus A. Lacewell, and Linda Thomas in the At-Large
category and Stephanie Walker in the Business Community category.
Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor.
Vote Results: By roll call vote, the Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Veronica Carter-Edwards in the At-Large
category and to reappoint Tracion Flood, Bernice Sanders-Johnson, Marcus A. Lacewell, and Linda Thomas in the At-
Large category and Stephanie Walker in the Business Community to the New Hanover County Commission on African
American History, Heritage and Culture with the terms to expire August 31, 2024.
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 twelve applications available for consideration.
Vice-Chair Hays nominated Mireya Lupercio for appointment.
Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor.
Vote Results: By roll call vote, the Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Mireya Lupercio to the New Hanover
County Commission for Women with the unexpired term to expire May 31, 2022.
Appointment to the New Hanover County Inspections Department Advisory Council
Chair Olson-Boseman reported that two vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Inspections
Department Advisory Council with one application available for consideration.
Commissioner Barfield nominated Randall Siegel for reappointment in the Plumbing Contractor category.
Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, AUGUST 23, 2021 PAGE 191
Vote Results: By roll call vote, the Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Randall Siegel in the Plumbing
Contractor category to the New Hanover County Inspections Department Advisory Council with the term to expire
July 31, 2024.
Appointment to the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board
Chair Olson-Boseman reported that four vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board
with one application eligible for reappointment and eight additional applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Shaun Assael, Amy Grant, Cheryl Kozik for appointment and Ida Smith for
reappointment.
Commissioner Barfield nominated Christine McDow.
Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor.
Vote Results: By roll call vote, the Board voted in the majority to appoint Shaun Assael to the New Hanover County
Library Advisory Board with the term to expire August 31, 2024. Chair Olson-Boseman, Vice-Chair Hays,
Commissioner Rivenbark, and Commissioner Zapple voted in favor.
Vote Results: By roll call vote, the Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Amy Grant and Cheryl Kozik and reappoint
Ida R. Smith to the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board with the terms to expire August 31, 2024.
Vote Results: By roll call vote, the Board did not vote in the majority to appoint Christine McDow to the New
Hanover County Library Advisory Board. Commissioner Barfield voted in favor.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chair Olson-Boseman stated that ten people signed up to speak on non-agenda items. Speakers were called
up to provide their remarks.
Ken Wilson, resident of Lansdowne Road, stated his perspective on the County’s handling of Covid-19
policies regarding the proposed mask mandate and the effect it has on residents and businesses in the community.
He also expressed concerns over various organizations mandating that their employees be vaccinated or be fired.
David Buzzard, resident of Foxworth Drive, stated his perspective on the County’s handling of Covid-19
policies regarding the proposed mask mandate and the effect it will have on residents and businesses in the
community.
Kate Connolly, resident of Wilmington, stated her perspective on the County’s handling of Covid-19 policies
regarding the proposed mask mandate and the effect it will have on residents and businesses in the community.
Pat Bradford, resident of Causeway Drive, stated her perspective on the County’s handling of Covid-19
policies regarding the proposed mask mandate and the effect it will have on residents and businesses in the
community.
Stanley Dixon, resident of Traley Road, stated his perspective on the County’s handling of Covid-19 policies
regarding the proposed mask mandate and the effect it will have on residents and businesses in the community.
Libby Dunn, resident of Middlesound Loop Road, stated her perspective on the County’s handling of Covid-
19 policies regarding the proposed mask mandate and the effect it will have on residents and businesses in the
community.
Deborah Maxwell, resident of Jamaica Drive and representing NAACP, stated her perspective on the
County’s handling of Covid-19 policies regarding the proposed mask mandate and the negative effects of not having
such a mandate in place will have residents and businesses in the community. However, she wants the Board to
ensure that the proposed mandate will be equitable.
Matt Dula, resident of Sunglow Drive, stated his perspective on the County’s handling of Covid-19 policies
regarding the proposed mask mandate and the effect it will have on residents and businesses in the community. He
also expressed concerns about how the mandate, if approved, will be enforced and how the County will be sued
over every action that is taken to enforce such a mandate.
Christine McDow, resident of Elliot Drive, spoke on Project Grace requesting that the Board stop the project
of destroying the downtown library and choose adaptive reuse to conserve the environment.
Elise McDow, resident of Elliot Drive, spoke on Project Grace requesting that the Board stop moving forward
with its plan to reduce the size of the library and the Cape Fear Museum.
ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Chair Olson-Boseman stated that New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Dr. Charles Foust reported
that there are no teaching shortages in the school district as there are in other districts across the state.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, AUGUST 23, 2021 PAGE 192
Commissioner Barfield recognized Chief Diversity and Equity Officer Linda Thompson and her staff for their
hard work on the first inaugural Equity Awards for New Hanover County.
Vice-Chair Hays reviewed the website where citizens can submit their comments prior to the Health and
Human Services (HHS) Board’s public hearing on the proposed health rule that requires face coverings in all indoor
public places within New Hanover County.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chair Olson-Boseman adjourned the meeting at 10:37 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.