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1985-03-18 Regular Meeting 817 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, MARCH 15, 1985 (CONTINUED) Voting Aye: Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Commissioner Retchin Chairman O'Neal Absent: Commissioner Barfield I Commissioner O'Neal, on behalf of the Board, appreciation to all members present of the Rescue other organizations for giving of their time to share- helpful comments to all. expressed Squads and attend and ADJOURNMENT Commissioner O'Shields to ad journ the meeting. FOLLOWS: MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Dolan Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS Voting Aye: Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Commissioner Retchin Chairman O'Neal Absent: Commissioner Barfield rIP~t?W~tted, ~~cie F. Harrell Clerk MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 18, 1985 I ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, March 18, 1985, at 9:00 o'clock A.M. in the Assembly Room, New Hanover County Administration Building, 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.~ John Dolan~ Claud O'Shields, Jr.~ Chairman Nolan O'Neal~ County Manager, G. Felix Cooper~ County Attorney, Robert W. Pope~ and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Members absent were: Commissioner Retchin Commissioner 0' Shields gave the invocation. called the meeting to order. Chairman O'Neal NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to speak on an item not listed on the Regular Agenda or an item listed on the Consent Agenda. The following person commented: Mr. Pat McCoy, Chairman of the Cape Fear Area Directors of Volunteers In Agencies, gave background information on the 6th Annual New Hanover County Volunteer Recognition Reception, to be held on April 28, 1985, from 3:00-5:00 P.M., at Roland Grise Junior High School requesting funding in the amount of $1,000. I Commissioner O'Shields MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve funding for this year in the amount of $1,000 and that future requests be submitted as a budget item on an annual basis. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Chairman O'Neal Absent: Commissioner Retchin ...oIl 818 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, MARCH 1&, 1985 (CONTINUED) APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA County Manager Cooper requested withdrawing Item #5, Request for Approval of Hotel Lease Agreement and Commissioner 0' Shields requested withdrawal of Item #4, Special Waste Disposal Request. After discussion, Commissioner Dolan MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to withdraw Items No. 4 & 5 from the Consent Agenda with Item #4 being placed on the Agenda in April and #5 being discussed at the end of the meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Chairman O'Neal Absent: Commissioner Retchin After further discussion, Commissioner 0' Shields MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Dolan to approve the following Consent Agenda items. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Chairman O'Neal Absent: Commissioner Retchin CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Report of Collector of Revenue through February 28, 1985 - Tax Department The Commissioners approved the report of the Collector of Revenue through February 28, 1985, as presented. A copy of the report is contained in Exhibit Book XII, Page 44. Approval of Tax Abatements and Refunds - Tax Department The Commissioners approved a list of tax abatements and refunds as requested by the Tax Administrator. A copy of the list is cpntained in Exhibit Book XII, Page 44. Approval of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Special Emphasis Funds - CBA Task Force The Commissioners authorized application for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Funds for the Girl's Club of Wilmington Proposal in the amount of $16,002 with no county matching funds required. Approval of Request for Fireworks Permit - Azalea Festival The Commissioners approved the issuance of a fireworks permit for the Azalea Festival at Legion Stadium on the evening of April 12, 1985, and evening of April 10 or morning of April 11 from the river bank near the battleship USS North Carolina for arrival of the queen. PRESENTATION OF RETIREMENT PLAQUE TO MS. THELMA S. BRIGGS Chairman O'Neal, on behalf of the Commissioners, presented a plaque expressing appreciation to Ms. Thelma S. Briggs for 20 years of service as a Public Health Nurse II in New Hanover County. He wished her health and happiness in her retirement. t'-..... 819'" MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 18, 1985 (CONTINUED) I JOINT MEETING OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND CAROLINA BEACH DRAINAGE COMMITTEE Mr. Ed Chinnis, Chairman of the Carolina Beach Drainage Committee, gave background information on the drainage problems at Carolina Beach particularly around the lake on Lake Park Boulevard. He gave a brief explanation of proposed plans that will involve the Corps of Engineers and Department of Transportation in digging a ditch from the lake to Henninker's Ditch. He requested the County to assist in digging the ditch from the Wilmington Beach area to Henninker's Ditch running along the Cape Fear River since the Corps could not go through this area. He also requested passing an ordinance that would establish mandatory garbage and trash collection for the Wilmington Beach area in order to assist in eliminating trash on the beach to avoid blockage of Henninker's Ditch. After further discussion, Councilman Chinnis requested usage of the County's ditching machine. County Manager Cooper commented on the problems involved stating the County does not have a drainage ditch in the entire County questioning if the County wanted to start acquiring rights-of-way and easements to purchase a-drainage ditch. If so, who should pay for this type of service. He also commented on the County's ditching equipment being used for mosquito control not for digging ditches. He recommended the County not becoming directly involved in drainage until all the problems have been studied and long-range planning initiated. After discussion, it was the consensus of all present that drainage in New Hanover County is a problem that will have to be addressed~ however, the County is not in the position at the current time to assist with this request. I Commissioner O'Shields recommended writing a letter to the Department of Transportation requesting if any assistance can be obtained. County Manager Cooper stated he would have Ed Hilton, Director of Engineering and Facilities, to meet with the local Department of Transportation staff to discuss the problem and see if any help can be obtained. MEETING RECESSED FOR MEETING OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER & SEWER DISTRICT Chairman O'Neal recessed the meeting at 10:43 o'clock A.M. to hold a meeting of the New Hanover County Water & Sewer District. Chairman O'Neal reconvened the meeting back to regular session at 11:04 A.M. PUBLIC HEARING TO SOLICIT PROPOSALS FOR PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING UNDER THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM Mr. Alfred Dixon, Grants Coordinator, stated this was the first of two Public Hearings to solicit proposals for projects eligible for funding under the Community Development Block Grant Program for funding in the amount of $750,000. Chairman O'Neal asked if anyone present wished to present a proposal. No one came forward. I After a discussion of eligible projects, the Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner Barfield commented on the need for the County to establish a Minimum Housing Code stating the poor living conditions existing in some areas of New Hanover County. 820 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 18, 1985 (CONTINUED) DISCUSSION OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF TOURISM STUDY BY LYNN HILL ASSOCIATES Planning Director Hayes gave background information on the Tourism Study performed by Lynn Hill Associates discussing the following recommendations: 1. A Visitors and Meetings Council, composed primarily of City and County appointed representatives of the tourism industry, should be established as a non-profit corporation to direct the promotion of tourism in the County. 2. The room occupancy tax revenues (approximately $80,000 should be dedicated solely for advertising, public relations, sales promotion, and marketing. 3. The present level of general tax revenue funding to the Chamber of Commerce ($25,000 County and $25,000 City) should be continued to provide general support. 4. The Vistors Council should be responsible for determining the best use of funds for tourism promotion suggesting the Council to contract the Chamber of Commerce initially due to a lack of funds Commissioner O'Neal expressed concern for non-voting members appointed to this proposed council stating all members should be able to vote. After a lengthy discussion, County Manager Cooper recommended the following decisions: 1. Call a joint meeting with the Wilmington City Council to decide if a Visitors and Meetings Council is to be appointed jointly with an adopted resolution being signed by both boards. 2. Decide jointly if the room occupancy tax revenue is to be used solely for the purpose of advertising. 3. Decide if the County will continue to allot County tax funds into this program. 4. Gi ve the Counci 1 operate without beginning. Members authority to placing restraints on organi ze and them from the Commissioner O'Neal expressed concern for the Beaches not being involved in the beginning of the first stages of developing such a Council. Commissioner O'Shields stated that Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach representatives should be appointed by each beach and all members should be able to vote other than the Finance Officer. Assistant County Manager Gornto recommended a joint meeting being held at 6:00 o'clock P.M. on Monday, April 1, 1985. After discussion, Commissioner O'Shields MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to schedule a joint meeting with the Wilmington City Council to discuss the proposed Board of Directors composition for the Wilmington Area Visitors and Meetings Council with an amendment in the proposal for appointments of Pleasure Island and Wrightsville Beach representatives by each beach. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: i'--- 821 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 18, 1985 (CONTINUED) DISCUSSION OF TOURISM STUDY (CONTINUED) Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Chairman O'Neal I Absent: Commissioner Retchin DISCUSSION OF ENFORCEMENT OF LITTER ORDINANCE AND GARBAGE PICK-UP IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY Mr. Woodrow Fountain, Member of the Board of the Clean Community Commission, gave background information on the battle against litter, trash and illegal dumping stating we are losing the battle. He commented on the current collection system stating the inconvenience of getting garbage, Ii tter and construction debris to the landfill center. Mr. Fountain gave background information on a system being used by Wilson County which created a position for Director of Solid Waste who works with the Sheriff's Department and Health Departmettrt gi ving him authority to enforce the litter ordinance. He explained the use of transfer stations and the establishment of tax districts for mandatory garbage collection stating the program had been most successful. Mr. Fountain requested a slide presentation being shown at the next meeting by the staff of Wilson County. I A discussion was held on enforcement of the Litter Ordinance with the suggestion that the Sheriff's Department crackdown on enforcement for a week creating publicity and awareness of breaking the law when littering. It was the consensus of the Board that enforcement is the key factor in controling litter. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to schedule a 30 minute presentation by Wilson County on the April 15, 1985, Agenda at 10:00 A.M. Chairman O'Neal, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation to the members of the Clean Community Commission for their efforts and concerns to keep New Hanover County clean. APPROVAL OF HOTEL LEASE AGREEMENT - AIRPORT Airport Manager Shackelford gave background information on the Hotel Lease Agreement emphasizing the importance of this facility as a concessionaire to the Airport as well as development of the Airpark. Mr. Richard Courtland, developer of the proposed hotel, commented on the proposed facility stating the conditions of the agreement were satisfactory. Commissioner O'Shields expressed concern for the percentage of rent being tied to enplanement and deplanement when there is no economic impact on the hotel. I After a lengthy discussion on portions of the agreement, Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Dolan to approve the agreement with the Legal Department amending the contract addressing: (1) abatement upon airplane traffic coupled with a decline in gross receipts establishing a specific schedule or percentage~ (2) delete Paragraph 6.7 in the agreement~ (3) subject to final approval of the building site as recommended by HNTB~ and other fine points being worked by the County Manager, Airport Manager, and County Attorney. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Chairman O'Neal 822 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 18, 1985 (CONTINUED) DISCUSSION OF HOTEL LEASE AGREEMENT - AIRPORT (CONTINUED) Absent: Commissioner Retchin Airport Manager Shackelford stated Mr. Courtland had approached the Airport Commission about the possibility of constructing a Convention Center along with the hotel facility asking the feelings of the Commissioners on this issue. ( After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board for the Industrial Airpark Committee to investigate this proposal and come back to County Commissioners with recommendations. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENT OF LESLIE HEWLETT TO SERVE ON INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES AND-POLLUTION FINANCING AUTHORITY Commissioner O'Shields MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to appoint Leslie Hewlett to serve a six- year term on the Industrial Facili ties and Pollution Control Financing Authority expiring February 22, 1991. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Chairman O'Neal Absent: Commissioner Retchin APPOINTMENT OF DR. TRUSTEES Commissioner 0' Shields MOVED, Dolan to appoint Dr. Joseph Johnson to the Museum Board of Trustees expiring the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: JOSEPH JOHNSON TO SERVE ON MUSEUM BOARD OF SECONDED by Commissioner serve an unexpired term on June 30, 1986. Upon vote, Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Chairman O'Neal Absent: Commissioner Retchin APPOINTMENT OF ANNA M. SULLIVAN TO SERVE ON OFFENDER AID AND RESTORATION BOARD Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner O'Shields to appoint Ms. Anna M. Sullivan to serve an unexpired term on the Offender Aid and Restoration Board expiring September 30, 1987. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Chairman O'Neal ( Absent: Commissioner Retchin RATIFICATION OF WILLIAM H. BROWN TO SERVE ON THE CAROLINA BEACH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Commissioner O'Shields MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner O'Neal to ratify the appointment of Mr. William H. Brown to serve on the Carolina Board of Adjustment. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Chairman O'Neal Absent: Commissioner Retchin '- 823 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 18, 1985 (CONTINUED) COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS (CONTINUED) I REAPPOINTMENT OF JOSEPH BAINES TO SERVE ON NURSING HOME ADVISORY COMMITTEE Commissioner O'Shields MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to reappoint Mr. Joseph Baines to serve a three-year term on the Nursing Home Advisory Committee, expiring March 26, 1988. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Chairman O'Neal Absent: Commissioner Retchin APPOINTMENT OF LEROY LITTLE TO GOVERNMENTAL CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMISSION Commissioner Barfield O'Shields to appoint Mr. Governmental Consolidation MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Leroy Little to serve on the Study Commission. Upon vote, the Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Chairman O'Neal Absent: Commissioner Retchin I APPOINTMENT OF WALTON KOONCE TO SERVE AS TRUSTEE FO FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND Commissioner O'Shields MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to appoint Walton Koonce as Trustee to the Firemen's Relief Fund for Ogden Volunteer Fire Department replacing Tommy Todd. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Chairman O'Neal Absent: Commissioner Retchin COMMISSIONER O'SHIELDS ATTENDING NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF MAYORS Commissioner O'Shields stated he would be attending a one- day National Conference of Mayors on March 28, 1985, in Washington, D.C. where he will speak on New Hanover County's solid waste problems and how they have been solved. I APPROVAL OF SIGNS ON FIRST FLOOR OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING INDICATING DIRECTIONS TO VARIOUS OFFICES Commissioner O'Shields commented on no signs directing persons to various offices on the first floor of the County Administration Building. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to place signs in proper locations indicating the location of the Tax Office and others if necessary, particulary in the vicinity of the rest~oom. area. DISCUSSION OF PLACING MORE BENCHES IN HUGH MCRAE PARK Commissioner Dolan stated he had received calls from citizens requesting placement of more benches in Hugh McRae Park in order to accommodate mothers while, children are playing on recreation equipment. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to have the County Manager to correct this problem. ..... 824 "-- MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 18, 1985 (CONTINUED) ADJOURNMENT Commissioner O'Shields to ad journ the meeting. FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Absent: MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Dolan Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Dolan Commissioner O'Shields Chairman O'Neal Commissioner Retchin Chairman O'Neal adjourned the meeting at 12:26 o'clock P.M. Respectfully' submitted, ~A...if xl~ ~k"'7: F. Harrell Clerk (