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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.