Loading...
2021-12-06 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 6, 2021 PAGE 279 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session via in person and remote on December 6, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present: Chair Julia Olson-Boseman; Vice-Chair Deb Hays; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr. (remote); 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 Rabbi Moshe Y. Lieblich, Chabad of Wilmington, provided the invocation and Commissioner Zapple led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR FOR THE ENSUING YEAR Members present: Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr. (remote); Commissioner Deb Hays; Commissioner Julia Olson-Boseman; Commissioner Bill Rivenbark; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. County Attorney Copley opened the floor to receive nominations for Chair of the Board of County Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioner Rivenbark nominated Commissioner Olson-Boseman. Commissioner Barfield nominated Commissioner Zapple. There being no further nominations, County Attorney Copley declared the nominations closed and called for a vote on the first nomination. Vote Results: The Board voted in the majority to elect Commissioner Olson-Boseman to serve as Chair of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioners Hays, Olson-Boseman, and Rivenbark voted in favor. County Attorney Copley opened the floor to receive nominations for Vice-Chair of the Board of County Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioner Olson-Boseman nominated Commissioner Hays. Commissioner Barfield nominated Commissioner Zapple. There being no further nominations, County Attorney Copley declared the nominations closed and called for a vote on the first nomination. Vote Results: The Board voted in the majority to elect Commissioner Hays to serve as Vice-Chair of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioners Hays, Olson-Boseman, and Rivenbark voted in favor. BOARD SEATED FOR 2021-2022 Members present: Chair Julia Olson-Boseman; Vice-Chair Deb Hays; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr. (remote); Commissioner Bill Rivenbark; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chair Olson-Boseman requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion: Vice-Chair Hays MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Rivenbark, 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 November 10, 2021 and the Regular Meeting held on November 15, 2021. Adoption of a Resolution to Award a Contract to Flock Safety, Inc. as a Sole Source Vendor – Sheriff The Commissioners adopted a resolution to approve Flock Safety, Inc., as a sole source vendor for the purchase of a technology platform in the amount of $43,750. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 17.1. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 6, 2021 PAGE 280 Adoption of Public Officials Bond Resolution – County Attorney The Commissioners, per NC General Statute 58-72-20, adopted a resolution approving the Surety Bond for the Chief Financial Officer, Sheriff, Register of Deeds, and Tax Collector. The designation of approval is incorporated within the respective bond in its entirety. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 17.2. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE NEW HANOVER HIGH SCHOOL AS THE 2021 NORTH CAROLINA 4A BOYS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONS Chair Olson-Boseman, on behalf of the Board, congratulated the New Hanover High School boys soccer team for winning the 2021 North Carolina 4A Boys Soccer State Championship. Vice-Chair Hays read the resolution into the record. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chair Hays MOVED, SECONDED by Chair Olson-Boseman, to adopt the resolution recognizing and congratulating the New Hanover High School Boys Soccer Team for winning the 2021 North Carolina 4A Boys Soccer State Championship. Upon roll call vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The Board presented the resolution to the team and congratulated them on their achievement. New Hanover High School Principal Philip Sutton expressed appreciation to the Board for the recognition. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 17.3. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY CINDEE WOLF WITH DESIGN SOLUTIONS, APPLICANT, ON BEHALF OF THE PROPERTY OWNER, COASTAL CAROLINA CAR WASH, LLC, TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 1.15 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 6016 AND 6100 CASTLE HAYNE ROAD FROM B-2, REGIONAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, AND R-15, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO (CZD) B-2, CONDITIONAL REGIONAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (Z21-13) Chair Olson-Boseman opened the public hearing and requested staff to make the presentation. Current Planner Amy Doss presented the request by Design Solutions on behalf of the property owner, Coastal Carolina Car Wash, LLC, to rezone approximately 1.15 acres of land located at 6016 and 6100 Castle Hayne Road from B-2, Regional Business District, and R-15, Residential District to (CZD) B-2, Conditional Regional Business District. The subject site is located to the east of Castle Hayne Road and west of Blossom Street and has been split zoned R-15 and B-2, Regional Business since 1985. It is situated between low-density residential to the east, regional business to the west, undeveloped property to the north, and residential and business to the south. The subject site is currently vacant, but there is an existing carwash to the west and existing residential to the east. Ms. Doss supplied an overview of R-15 and B-2 representative developments. The proposal will have two structures, one 4,000 square feet and the other 7,000 square feet intended for commercial flex space. Under the proposed conditional B-2 zoning, permissible uses on the site would be limited to:  indoor recreation establishment (e.g., a video arcade or indoor sports gymnasium)  repair shop without outdoor activity (e.g., a phone or computer repair shop)  contractor office without outdoor storage of materials  business or professional office (e.g., tax services or realtor office)  personal services (e.g., barber shop or nail salon)  instructional services and studios (e.g., dance studio, gym class)  retail sales (building and construction supplies)  general retail sales Access to the site is provided by a 30-foot access easement through the Coastal Carolina Carwash property from Castle Hayne Road. Ms. Doss reviewed the site plan noting that parking for the property will be on the side closest to Castle Hayne Road, away from adjacent residential uses. The estimated trip generation chart shows there could be an increase of 72 trips at the peak PM hour, based on the most intensive use. As currently zoned the subject site would be allowed up to three dwelling units, at 2.5 dwelling units per acre, which would generate approximately three trips during the peak hours. The subject site is not in range of any planned state transportation improvement projects (STIP) nor traffic impact analysis (TIA). The closest subdivisions are Parsons Mill at 1.6 miles away located off College Road and Sidbury Crossing at two miles away located off Sidbury Road. The request is generally compatible with the surrounding area. The subject property is one of several undeveloped tracts along Castle Hayne Road, which is a minor arterial road and commuter road corridor. The property is located between low-medium density residential development and commercial property. Access will be off Castle Hayne Road through an existing business with the same landowner and a right of way (ROW) connecting it to a minor arterial roadway. The development would have no impact on the school system. The 2016 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 6, 2021 PAGE 281 Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Comprehensive Plan) classifies properties in the vicinity as recommended for Community Mixed Use. Therefore, the proposal is generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The subject site is in a transitional area near the Castle Hayne commercial services node and, ideally would support the needs of adjacent residential neighborhoods by locating community services to nearby residents. The Planning Board during its November 4, 2021 meeting recommended denial (5-2) explaining that while the proposal is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, denial of the rezoning request is reasonable and in the public interest because the proposal is not consistent with the desired character of the surrounding community and the intensity will adversely impact the adjacent neighborhoods. The applicant has since revised the request based on the Planning Board’s feedback to remove boat and RV trailer storage from conditional uses and add a third condition about traffic and access to prohibit construction traffic from accessing the site using Blossom Street. Ms. Doss concluded the staff presentation stating that staff recommends approval of the Conditional Zoning District modification with the following conditions: 1. Proposed uses of the flex office space buildings shall be limited to the following:  Indoor Recreation Establishment  Repair Shop (no Outdoor Activity)  Contractor Office (no Outdoor Storage)  Offices for Private Business and Professional Activities  Personal Services (General)  Instructional Services and Studios  Retail Sales (Building and Construction Supplies)  General Retail Sales 2. An eight-foot fence shall be provided along with the required buffer (UDO Table 5.4.3.B.1) where the CZD B-2 abuts residential uses. 3. Construction traffic is prohibited from accessing the site using Blossom Street. If approved, the project would be subject to the Technical Review Committee (TRC) and Zoning Compliance review processes to ensure full compliance with all ordinance requirements. No public comments were received through the public portal. In response to Board questions, Ms. Doss confirmed that it was correct that the Planning Board recommended denial and staff is recommending approval of the request. She felt the Planning Board had concerns with construction traffic which is why the third condition was added. Also, some of the Blossom Street residents had concerns about the view from their properties. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Ms. Doss for the presentation and invited the applicant to make remarks. Cindee Wolf with Design Solutions, on behalf of the property owner, Coastal Carolina Car Wash, LLC, stated she has been working with the property owners through this matter. A few years ago, she and her client submitted a rezoning petition on the subject site based upon the fact that Castle Hayne is up and coming there is a lot of conversation about water and sewer being installed in the area. The subject site does have sewer. Also, as far as a broad sewer and water basin, the area is not there yet, but she thinks with the onset of the utilities that are in place, Castle Hayne is primed to attract more communities and housing and needs the services that she and her client believes this type of a project would provide. As staff noted, the subject site is adjacent to the B-2 zoning district. A portion of the subject site that is being proposed for the conditional zoning district is already B-2 and it is flanked on the back by Blossom Street, which is an unimproved right of way. The subject site is in the middle of the Community Mixed Use place type, which recommends transitional type uses and more density for services and the support of the community in general. One item of concern during the Planning Board meeting was the boat and recreation vehicle (RV) storage. Ms. Wolf stated she added the storage area along with the site plan to show a phased approach where a building could be built and due to having a large fenced-in area for buffering, take advantage of that open space. That part of the plan was taken off the list due to concerns expressed by the Planning Board members. In general, it is felt an access from Castle Hayne Road behind the carwash and adjacent to the subject site is the perfect transitional type of use flex spaces where there are generally small offices with larger storage space for goods, materials, etc. It is a nice in-between type of use that is flexible. Concerns were raised by the Blossom Street residents during the community information meeting. From the beginning she and her client committed and conditioned that three and a half sides of the project would be fenced. Although fencing for a bufferyard is normally six to ten feet, a commitment was made to an eight-foot commercial style fence to provide extra height for the separation. There was never any intention to use Blossom Street for any type of construction traffic, but now it is in the recommended conditions that all and any construction traffic will be prohibited from using Blossom Street to access the subject site during construction. She reiterated that Blossom Street is a gravel drive. Where Blossom Street looks out over into the carwash there will be an eight-foot high screening fence. Blossom Street has a 50-foot wide right of way. Any residences on the opposite side of Blossom Street have their own front setback. In addition to the eight-foot high screening fence, there is also a 10-foot mandated buffer. The rear drive is such that the building is over 40-feet away from the property boundary and will serve well as a transition. Ms. Wolf provided an overview of architectural style, noting the metal material that will be used is an architectural material and not flat. The back service aisle of the building consists of a service door and garage doors but those are hidden behind the building from the public view along Castle Hayne Road. From the back, there will NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 6, 2021 PAGE 282 be the eight-foot high fence and the addition of landscaping along that fence which is normal with the bufferyard to also provide the visual screening of the back of the building. Ms. Wolf concluded her presentation stating that she and her client believe that the designation of Community Mixed Use is certainly an improvement of the form and function of a very underutilized site right now. Growth should be accommodated with continued efforts to maintain existing businesses and attract new ones. Castle Hayne is becoming a more active area of the County. She and her client also accept the conditions as recommended by staff. In response to Board questions, Ms. Wolf stated that no discussion was held with the Planning Board about adding a brick component or other textured product to the storage units. The buildings are fenced so as far as the façade, not much will be seen on Castle Hayne Road. She and her client feel the architectural style that they have in mind satisfies a less than industrial style. In response to Board questions, Planning Board member Paul Boney stated that there were concerns about the proposed boat and RV storage and if the number of parking spaces for the proposed use type was adequate. Concerns were also expressed by some Blossom Ferry residents about not wanting to have the structure(s) in their view from their properties. He is not sure a resolution has been reached address the residents’ concerns. The changes being presented by Ms. Wolf could have had influence during the Planning Board meeting had that information been known at the time. In response to Board questions, Ms. Wolf confirmed that the parallel parking on the west side of subject site was added after questions were brought forward about parking. The updated exhibit shown earlier reflected that there could be additional parking spaces by not building as big of a second building. Her client is meeting the parking requirements for it to be 100% office and no storage. The plan being shown during this meeting is the one shown during the Planning Board meeting, it reflects a bit more elaboration to address the concerns that were raised. Commissioner Barfield remarked that Castle Hayne is the least developed portion of the County, and it is poised to grow as water and sewer advance to the area. In relation to the Comprehensive Plan, it will be important to look at how development in Castle Hayne is addressed to help the area to grow and prosper like the rest of the County. Chair Olson-Boseman stated that no one signed up to speak in favor of the request and two people signed up to speak in opposition to the request. She then asked for the opponents to provide their remarks. Clint Council, resident of Blossom Street, spoke in opposition stating that while it appears the plan has made progress, he does not understand how construction traffic will be kept off Blossom Street. The street is not maintained by the state or county, but by the Blossom Street residents. The residents do not want to wake up every morning and see a large metal building and fence across the street. He asked that the zoning remain residential. Robert Horrell, resident of Blossom Street, spoke in opposition stating that the neighborhood and Blossom Street have been residential all his life and he would like to see it stay that way. He also does not want to wake up to see a large metal building and fence across the street. There is an industrial park down the road, and he does not understand why the project cannot be built there rather than the neighborhood. He and his neighbors feel they are being pushed out. Also across the street is the ABC store and a strip mall and during heavy rains or hurricanes the water is caught by his neighborhood. There are many things that need to be considered and he hopes the Board takes everything into consideration. In response to Board questions, Planning and Land Use Director Rebekah Roth explained that some of the parking depicted during the presentation was for illustrative purposes. Parking is one of the items that will be determined during the TRC review. Until it is known which tenants are going into the flex space, the amount of parking needed will not be decided. The applicant will not be able to move forward unless they were able to meet the parking requirements for the uses. In response to Board questions, Ms. Wolf stated that she is aware of the stormwater management that is required. There are very sandy soils on the site, which were satisfactory for the carwash. If it is found that stormwater management cannot be satisfied by under pavement infiltration, it will be a minor modification to take away building space or parking and offset the building as well. In rebuttal to the opponents’ comments, she reiterated that Blossom Street is not an improved road. Most of the buildings between the homes and the accessory buildings are not fixed. The Castle Hayne plan, before the Comprehensive Plan was in place, identified the area all the way over to the other side of the fence of Orange Street as an area in transition. The neighborhood is not a permanent neighborhood, and it could transition, which is what the Comprehensive Plan envisioned. The subject site is on the opposite side of Blossom Street as a physical transition area and streets are always that type of a transition. She confirmed that the homes are primarily mobile homes. She further confirmed that the intention of the landscaping along the west side of Blossom Street is for it to be above the eight-foot fence to create another buffer yard. In response to further Board questions, Ms. Wolf reconfirmed that Blossom Street is a dirt road, not paved and that the strip along the front of the subject site along with the other part of the site is zoned R-15. As to ensuring that there would not be any construction traffic on Blossom Street, she explained that the fix is to install screening NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 6, 2021 PAGE 283 fence at the beginning of construction. The stormwater decision will be made during the permitting and design phase and prior to submittal to the TRC. In opponent rebuttal, Mr. Council stated he was not thinking the stormwater pond, but that could be significant and does not know where it would go, the size, etc. It is a significant part of the project. In response to Board questions, Ms. Wolf stated that stormwater management is a requirement for the water quantity to assure that the post development runoff is no more than the predevelopment as it sits today. It can be satisfied by a stormwater pond and there are other low density criteria or design features that can occur as well as the option of under pavement infiltration, which is an alternative means of stormwater management under the pavement. With the under pavement infiltration a person does not see a pond, there are no mosquitos, etc. It is a more expensive option, but it also provides better use of the property. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman closed the public hearing and asked for Board direction. Motion: Vice-Chair Hays MOVED, SECONDED by Chair Olson-Boseman, to approve the proposed rezoning to a Conditional B-2 district. The Board finds it to be consistent with the purposes and intent of the Comprehensive Plan because it will allow for the types of commercial uses that would be encouraged in the Community Mixed Use place type. The Board also finds approval of the rezoning request is reasonable and in the public interest because the site is located on an arterial street near existing commercial services and the use would have limited traffic impacts. The following conditions will also apply: 1. Proposed uses of the flex office space buildings shall be limited to the following:  Indoor Recreation Establishment  Repair Shop (no outdoor activity)  Contractor Office (no outdoor storage)  Offices for Private Business and Professional Activities  Personal Services (General)  Instructional Services and Studios  Retail Sales (Building and Construction Supplies)  General Retail Sales 2. An eight-foot fence shall be provided along with the required buffer (UDO Table 5.4.3.B.1) where the CZD B-2 abuts residential uses 3. Construction traffic is prohibited from accessing the site using Blossom Street Upon roll call vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Commissioner Zapple expressed appreciation to the Planning Board members for their work to make strong recommendations on planning and land use matters. A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF AREA CASTLE HAYNE OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED JULY 1, 1985 is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Zoning Book II, Section CASTLE HAYNE, Page 31. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY CINDEE WOLF WITH DESIGN SOLUTIONS, APPLICANT, ON BEHALF OF THE PROPERTY OWNER, CAROLYN FAYE BAREFOOT, TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 2.23 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 137 SPRING ROAD FROM AR, AIRPORT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO (CZD) R-15, CONDITIONAL R-15 DISTRICT, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (Z21-14) Chair Olson-Boseman opened the public hearing and requested staff to make the presentation. Current Planner Ron Meredith presented the request by Design Solutions on behalf of the property owner, Carolyn Faye Barefoot, to rezone approximately 2.23 acres of land located at 137 Spring Road from AR, Airport Residential District to (CZD) R-15, Conditional R-15 district, Residential District to add three additional lots to a proposed subdivision. The subject site is undeveloped and located east of Castle Hayne Road and west of Blue Clay Road. The AR, Airport Residential District zoning for the area was established in 1974. At the time, the purpose of the district was to promote low density housing in the vicinity of the airport and discourage uses which tend to concentrate large numbers of people like schools, hospitals, and rest homes. The intent of the R-15 district is to serve as a transition between very low-density residential development patterns, and smaller lot, more dense residential patterns. Mr. Meredith supplied an overview of the elevations as provided by the applicant as well as photos of the nearby homes the applicant has constructed in the adjacent community. Mr. Meredith reviewed the proposed conceptual plan, noting that there will be a maximum of five lots. The applicant has agreed to the following conditions: 1. Housing types in the development shall be limited to single-family detached 2. The applicant shall record an access easement to align with the existing driveway for the adjacent property NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 6, 2021 PAGE 284 3. A declaration statement indicating the proximity to the airport shall be included in a covenant for the subject property Mr. Meredith further noted that driveways for the proposed lots will have direct access to Spring Road, which is an NCDOT local roadway. The proposed development is estimated to generate approximately five trips during the peak hours, for a net increase of about three trips. There are four approved TIAs in the vicinity of the subject site and the details are in the staff report in the agenda packet. There are seven active subdivisions in the area with 667 remaining units until being fully built out. Based on the current general student generation rate, the increase in homes would result in approximately one additional public-school student than would be generated under current zoning. The general student generation rate provides only an estimate of expected student yield as different forms of housing at different price points yield different numbers of students. Over the past four years, staff has also seen a decline in the number of students generated by new development. Public school student numbers remained relatively stable between 2015 and 2020 (excepting the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic), while 14,500 new residential units were permitted across the County. In addition, the student population is expected to only grow by approximately 1,300 students over the next 10 years based on the recent New Hanover County Schools Facility Needs Study. As to compatibility, the request is generally compatible. The rezoning will result in three more units, which are expected to have minimal impact on the surrounding areas. The proposal will help contribute to the development of complete communities in the County. The proposed (CZD) R-15 rezoning is generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan because it allows the types of uses recommended in the General Residential place type, is identified as a typical zoning category in this place type and is consistent with the existing development pattern of the surrounding area. Mr. Meredith reiterated that the applicant is agreeable to the conditions as stated earlier. At its November 4, 2021 meeting, the Planning Board recommended approval (7-0) finding the application to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan because the proposed density is in line with the residential housing densities outlined for General Residential place type areas. The Planning Board also found approval of the rezoning request is reasonable and in the public interest because the proposal is consistent with the existing development pattern of the surrounding area. Mr. Meredith concluded the staff presentation stating that no public comments have been received on the proposal. However, the Wilmington International Airport contacted staff to state that it is neither in support of nor against the proposal. If approved, the rezoning application must be reviewed by the TRC to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Meredith for the presentation and invited the applicant to make remarks. Cindee Wolf with Design Solutions, on behalf of the property owner, Carolyn Faye Barefoot, stated the subject site is an underutilized piece of land that could easily create five homes rather than just two, which is all the Airport Residential zoning would allow. The proposal is still very low density housing at R-15. Ms. Wolf provided an overview of other R-15 areas in vicinity of the subject site. She also reviewed how the site access points on Spring Road would be laid out. Spring Road has both water and sewer provided by Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) and there are no septic systems or wells. Discussions were held with airport representatives about the flight patterns and airport activity in general. Even though disclosure of proximity to a miniscule enterprise is required by real estate contracts, her client fully agrees to having the document prepared that staff has recommended so that future homeowners realize that they are in the proximity of an airport. Her client has developed other homes in the vicinity and is aware of the flight patterns in the airport activity. She also provided an overview of the house styles. Ms. Wolf concluded her presentation stating that with the current housing situation in the County, she feels this proposal is a win-win to supply a few extra home opportunities in an area that is burgeoning. It is also a suitable location and has public services available. In response to Board questions, Mr. Dutton with Swan Song Properties, stated that the home prices for the units will probably be in the $300,000 price range. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman stated that no one signed up to speak in favor or in opposition to the request, closed the public hearing, and asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve the proposed rezoning to a Conditional R-15 district. The Board finds it to be consistent with the purposes and intent of the Comprehensive Plan because the proposed density is in line with the residential housing densities outlined for General Residential areas. The Board also finds approval of the rezoning request is reasonable and in the public interest because the proposal is consistent with the existing development pattern of the surrounding area. The following conditions will also apply: 1. Housing types in the development shall be limited to single-family detached 2. The applicant shall record an access easement to align with the existing driveway for the adjacent property 3. A declaration statement indicating the proximity to the airport shall be included in a covenant for the subject property NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 6, 2021 PAGE 285 Upon roll call vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF AREA AIRPORT OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED OCTOBER 4, 1976 is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Zoning Book II, Section AIRPORT, Page 22. PUBLIC COMMENT Chair Olson-Boseman stated that three people signed up to speak on non-agenda items and invited them to provide their remarks. William English, resident of Old Mill Road, stated the County was issued a document by the courts 11 years ago to settle a matter with him and his family and it has not been done to date. Gail Major, resident of Canal Drive, stated she has been a child advocate in the education system for the past 10 years and has a degree in early education literacy and child psychology and a master's in school administration. She provided an overview of the research she has done and concerns that she and others in the community have with the New Hanover County school district. She concluded her comments stating that the Board should take into consideration the functions of the school district during the budget process. Erin Cogan (Rooney), resident of Archer Drive, stated there is no clearly defined goal for the current state of emergency order and asked for a transparent intention of continuing to have it in place. She expressed appreciation for the Board’s continued diligence of the funds allocated for the school district. She understands there has been dubious business in the school district in areas such as curriculum, data collection, and a field trip to a politically motivated event. She also believes that there is negligence when it comes to school safety. Addressing these concerns is important, but how they are addressed is equally important, which is why the Board’s consideration of funds is key. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS County Manager Coudriet introduced Sunny Hwang as the new Chief Information Officer. Mr. Hwang expressed appreciation for the introduction and stated that he looks forward to serving the organization and the citizens. Commissioner Rivenbark asked for a status on the activities of the Sales Tax and Housing Bond Working Group. County Manager Coudriet reported that the group has met twice and has a forthcoming third meeting. The recommendations will be presented to the Board and the City Council in early 2022. Commissioner Zapple stated he would reach out to Councilmember Rivenbark to provide him an update. Commissioner Barfield congratulated Chair Olson-Boseman and Vice-Chair Hays on their re-appointment to the chair and vice-chair seats. On behalf of the Board, Chair Olson-Boseman recognized and express condolences on the passing of County Manager Coudriet’s mother-in-law. Commissioner Zapple welcomed Current Planner Amy Doss to county government and thanked her for her presentation during the meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Olson-Boseman adjourned the meeting at 5:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kymberleigh G. Crowell Clerk to the Board Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners meeting. The entire proceedings are available online at www.nhcgov.com.