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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-21 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 2022 PAGE 335 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on February 21, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present: Vice-Chair Deb Hays; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Commissioner Bill Rivenbark; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. Vice-Chair Hays stated that Chair Olson-Boseman has an excused absence for the meeting. Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor Stephen Grubbs, Ogden Baptist Church, provided the invocation and Commissioner Zapple led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Vice-Chair Hays requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Budget Work Session and Agenda Review Meetings held on February 3, 2022 and the Regular Meeting held on February 7, 2022. Approval to Apply for a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) EZ Planning Grant to Hire an Archival Management Consultant – Library The Commissioners approved Public Library applying for a LSTA EZ Planning Grant to hire an archival management consultant. If awarded, any required match would come from library escrow funds in Fiscal Year 2023. Approval of One Donation for Accession into the Cape Fear Museum’s Permanent Collection – Museum The Commissioners approved one donation of a regional artifact into the Cape Fear Museum's Permanent Collection. The object was approved for accession by the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board on February 4, 2022. Approval of Budget Amendments – Budget The Commissioners adopted the following budget amendments amending the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022: Senior Resource Center 22-041, 048, 055 Sheriff's Office 22-051, 052 Library 22-040 Emergency Management 22-046 HHS-Public Health 22-053, 054 Facilities Management 22-056 Social Services 22-057 Copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 22.1. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employee receiving a retirement award: Sean Jones, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with 29 years of service Vice-Chair Hays presented a retirement award to Mr. Jones and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked him for his years of dedicated service. PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTIONS FOR THE APPROVAL OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS PURSUANT TO NCGS 158-7.1 County Manager Coudriet stated that Scott Satterfield, Wilmington Business Development (WBD) Executive Director, was present to provide an overview of each grant. Each grant is in consideration by the State of North Carolina for economic incentives. As such, the state reserves the right to make the public announcements of the companies under consideration. For the public hearing, all will need to remain silent and refer to the grants as listed in the agenda package. Mr. Satterfield will not be able to speak to the specific companies. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 2022 PAGE 336 Vice-Chair Hays stated that the public hearing is to receive comments on appropriations and expenditures for economic development and economic incentive agreements. The source of funding for the agreements will be from the general fund of New Hanover County (County). The purposes of economic development and economic incentive agreements are to increase the population, taxable property, agricultural industries, employment, industrial output, or business prospects for the County. The first is for Project Clear that would result in expenditures of up to $1,250,000 over five years in annual payments of $250,000. The incentive is to assist Project Clear in expanding its operations in New Hanover County, including creating at least 485 new jobs over five years with an average salary of at least $131,000 and investing a minimum of $85,200,000 in real and business personal property in New Hanover County. The second is for Project Transit that would result in expenditures of up to $300,000 over five years in annual payments of $60,000. The incentive is to assist Project Transit in expanding its operations in New Hanover County, including creating at least 300 new jobs over five years with an average salary of at least $62,000. The third is for Project Speed that would result in expenditures of up to $67,500 over five years in annual payments of $13,500. The incentive is to assist Project Speed in expanding its operations to New Hanover County, including creating at least 75 new jobs over five years with an average salary of at least $64,000 and investing a minimum of $16,000,000 in real and business personal property in New Hanover County. The fourth is for Project Buckeye that would result in expenditures of up to $300,000 over five years in annual payments of $60,000. The incentive is to assist Project Buckeye in expanding its operations in New Hanover County, including creating at least 204 new jobs over five years with an average salary of at least $113,000 and investing a minimum of $25,000,000 in real and business personal property in New Hanover County. Vice-Chair Hays asked for Board direction to open the public hearing. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to open the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. Vice-Chair Hays invited Mr. Satterfield to speak on the request. Mr. Satterfield stated that should each proposal be approved and accepted by the companies, the County will see benefit of over 1,000 new jobs, $110 million in additional payroll, and new capital investment of over $125 million. The proposals represent both existing industry as well as potential for a new company to locate in the County. The jobs offered continue to diversify the local employment base and help bring significant new tax base to the County. The same request will be presented to the City of Wilmington on March 1, 2022 and there are simultaneous discussions being held with the State of North Carolina (state). WBD is also working with Cape Fear Community College, UNC-Wilmington, the North Carolina State Ports Authority, and NC Department of Commerce to help close the projects. Any potential announcement will be handled through the state. The incentive grants are performance-based. If the company says they will produce X jobs, X investment, they will be held to that criteria and that will be built into the language of the contracts. WBD has shared with the management team and officials the company names and details about the operations. He reemphasized the importance for the information to remain coded to not affect the outcome for this region and potentially jeopardized receiving support from state. The first project is Project Transit. It is a well-established company in the business community with hundreds of people already on the payroll and with a class A corporate operation. The project could potentially add over 300 new jobs with salaries averaging over $62,000 a year. Many of the positions will be sales positions so there will be a lot of opportunity for folks to attain employment. It is a great work environment and WBD looks forward to seeing that grow as well with many opportunities for UNCW graduates, graduates from Cape Fear Community College, etc. to be on their payroll and certainly can expand that over the next few years. The proposed incentive grant from the County is up to $60,000 per year for a total of five years and not to exceed $300,000, with a separate incentive grant from the City of Wilmington. The second project is Project Clear. It is also an existing industry with decades of proof of excellence in this community and has given hundreds of millions of dollars come to this community over many years. It is a vital employer for not only the County but the southeast region of the state. The project could bring over 485 jobs with average salaries of $131,000 and invest over $85 million in new capital expenditures over the next five years. Incumbent labor, licensing, safety, and knowledge of its current facility works in the County’s favor as considerations are made across the country and in particular in three other states of where to deploy this capital. The message has been the desire to have it here and WBD thinks the message will help solidify that opportunity. The proposed incentive grant from the County is up to $250,000 per year for a total of five years and not to exceed $1,250,000, with a separate incentive grant from the City of Wilmington. The third project is Project Buckeye. It is a well-known company to the community, one that has over 500 employees currently, and operating in the fintech arena. It is a strong company that gives back philanthropically, hires local graduates from the area, and has done amazing things in the last few years. They are seeking to add 204 new jobs with salaries that average $113,000 a year, and to invest potentially $25 million in new capital expenditures. The good news about this project is that if they choose to accept the offers that could be made to them, the hiring could begin here in 2022 and the County will see the benefit of those jobs in a very quick period of time. The proposed incentive grant from New Hanover County is up to $60,000 per year for a total of five years and not to exceed $300,000, with a separate incentive grant from the City of Wilmington. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 2022 PAGE 337 The fourth project is Project Speed. The company is not currently located here. It is a large warehouse logistics provider that is looking to mitigate risks by diversifying its client gateways of entry during the international supply chain pinch. A partnership with NC Ports Authority at the Wilmington location is of the utmost importance in this scenario. The Ports Authority leadership has been vital and integral in the discussions during the process over the last couple of years. WBD believes the company will provide logistic solutions for local, regional, and statewide importers and exporters while driving additional volumes through the Wilmington port. The company is committing to the creation of over 75 new jobs with an average annual salary of $64,000 and a capital investment of at least $16 million. It plans to build a 120,000 square foot cross-stock facility which does not exist in Wilmington and create an array of jobs such as truck drivers, brokers, management, forklift drivers, and warehouse workers. The proposed incentive grant from New Hanover County is up to $13,500 per year for a total of five years and not to exceed $67,500, with a separate incentive grant from the City of Wilmington. Mr. Satterfield concluded his presentation stating that the hope is to be closing on the announcements in a short period of time. In response to Board questions, Mr. Satterfield stated it is not common to have this many projects to come forward at the same time for potential incentive opportunities. The agreements are performance-based, will bring approximately $126 million in investment into the County in the form of jobs, physical structures, etc., also provide over $110 million in new payroll and 1,000+ jobs. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Hays stated that no one signed up to speak in favor or against the request and asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Rivenbark to close the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Hays asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to adopt the resolution approving the economic development appropriations and expenditures based on the finding that the appropriations and expenditures will increase the population, taxable property, agricultural industries, employment, industrial output, or business prospects of the County. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. Vice-Chair Hays stated that staff is directed to do any and all things necessary to finalize the economic incentive agreement. Copy of the resolutions are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 22.2. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF 2019-20 BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET AMENDMENT #3 New Hanover County School Assistant Superintendent for Operations Eddie Anderson stated he is presenting a request from the Board of Education for approval of a budget amendment transferring $570,000 in technology project savings to fund Codington Elementary site improvements. In response to Board questions, Mr. Anderson stated the Codington Elementary School project will help alleviate the vehicle stacking on Carolina Beach Road as well as improved access to the school especially for parent pickup and drop-off through improvements to parking and vehicular circulation. The improvements will align drives with recent development of the property adjacent to the school, increase parking, and improve the overall efficiency of vehicular circulation on site. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Hays asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve Board of Education Budget Amendment #3. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. PRESENTATION OF SCHOOL DESIGN BY NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS AND CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF GRANT APPLICATIONS New Hanover County Schools Director of Facility Planning and Construction Leanne Lawrence presented the schematic designs of the RiverLights Elementary School, Pine Valley Elementary School Replacement, and Mary C Williams Renovations as follows:  Timeline:  March 2021:  Joint Board of Education/ County Commissioner’s Meeting Present Initial School Budgets  Authorized to Proceed with Schematic Design for New School Designs  June 2021: Visioning Workshop  July – August 2021: Programming  September – December 2021: Schematic Design NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 2022 PAGE 338  Visioning: Engage District Educational Leaders To “Reimagine the Elementary School of the Future”  RiverLights Elementary School:  Lower Level Plan:  Upper Level Plan:  Pine Valley School Replacement:  Existing Site Plan: New Site Plan: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 2022 PAGE 339  First Floor:  Second Floor:  Mary C. Williams Campus Renovations:  General Overview:  Project is planned for Pre-K, exceptional children, child nutrition catering, professional development  Total campus square footage is 42,330 square feet  School concentrated on 9 acres of a 19 acre site also containing Arrowhead Park  Constructed in 1975 consisting of six classroom pods and one admin building  Construction is atypical consisting of masonry walls, redwood siding, wood trusses, asphalt shingles  Summary of Findings:  All building components and systems are currently at the end of their useful life  A complete replacement of plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems is required  ADA compliance is required and will mandate major rework of all toilet rooms. Existing interior partitions do not meet the fire rating requirement.  Connection to old septic system to be abandoned. Connection to CFPUA utilities is available.  Parking is currently planned to be limited to existing spaces  Existing Site Plan: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 2022 PAGE 340  Schematic Floor Plan:  Next Steps: March 15: Application to DPI for Needs- Based Public School Capital Fund grant  Proposed Schedule – Pending Funding/Funding Schedule:  RiverLights and Pine Valley:  May 2023: Complete Design/ Bid  August 2023: Begin Construction  March 2025: Complete Construction  August 2025: Schools Open  Mary C. Williams Renovations:  May 2025: Complete Design/ Bid  August 2025: Begin Construction  June 2026: Complete Construction  August 2026: Facility Opens In response to Board questions, Ms. Lawrence stated there are a number of ways to look at the Mary C. Williams campus. One of the benefits of Pre-K that is different from an elementary school is that students are spending the entire day within their pod and not moving through different parts of the school, other than going out for recess. There are restrooms within each pod and lunch is also taken within the pod. The classes are more self- contained within the classroom. What is involved in a campus that has multiple buildings is a high level of security in that all doors are locked at all times from the outside, not the inside. There is always free egress, but a person cannot gain access without being admitted or without having a card that allows access. Every door is locked at all times and every student is escorted by staff at all times. There is also visual monitoring by the administrative staff who is on campus at all times. Visual monitoring was one of the key feedbacks received from the consultant who performed the vulnerability and risk assessment. It was also reiterated numerous times that the highest level of security that there can be is a set of human eyes evaluating a campus. In restriction of access, people will not be allowed to walk freely from the parking lot directly back to the buildings. In response to additional Board questions, Ms. Lawrence stated that Mr. Anderson presented the path forward of initial steps in the schematic design during the March 2021 joint meeting. There were also discussions and questions about the validity of building new versus renovation. What the school district staff agreed to do was basically take the concept of what is here and the space and study it through a schematic design level and evaluate what could be done with the existing buildings, what would be necessary to make the existing buildings not just functional but functional for next 50 years, put a cost to that, and return to the Board with that information for further discussion. She does not feel what is being presented is final. For her, this is the starting point and the intent was not to present this information and state that the discussions are over, rather the discussions will continue. In response to Board questions, Ms. Lawrence and Mr. Anderson confirmed that Mary C. Williams is still on a septic system and that is due to the age of the building and until recently sewer from Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) was not available. There are no other schools on septic systems and as part of the project the school will be tied into CFPUA. A brief discussion was held about safety and security of the schools. Mr. Anderson stated that a comprehensive approach to construction and renovation of the three schools as well as any of renovations and/or additions to other schools when talking about the ability to lock down and secure the facilities. Some Commissioners expressed concerns about security of the multiple pods/buildings proposed for the Mary C. Williams site. In response to Board questions, Mr. Anderson stated that Pre-K centers are regulated by the NC Department of Health and Human Services - Child Development Division. The centers require different criteria and licensing and are unique when comparing them to elementary schools. He does not think the school district will ever be able to get completely away from housing some of the Pre-K centers with elementary schools. In the long-term, what is being looked at is Dorothy B. Johnson, Mary C. Williams, and Mary Washington Howe being the Pre-K centers and housing most of the students. It is better to have them in the centers than elementary schools and will allow for NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 2022 PAGE 341 the ability to expand in the kindergarten through fifth grades. He also confirmed that if the grant funds are awarded the Board has 60 days after notification to decide whether to accept the grant funds. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Hays asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to approve the Needs-Based Public School Capital Funds grants for each of the projects as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. Vice-Chair Hays recognized and welcomed Wilmington City Councilmember Charlie Rivenbark. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE PROPERTY FOR CASTLE HAYNE FIRE STATION Fire Chief Donnie Hall stated the request is for the Board to approve the purchase of 2.2 acres of property on Castle Hayne Road at the intersection of Parmele Road for the future Castle Hayne fire station. Fires Services staff has been working on a model of where future fire stations need to be located to provide effective service for the community. The current location of the Castle Hayne station is not ideal to provide effective service and the desire is to move the station a little further south. At a future date, a budget will be brought forward for Board consideration to do the design work and start construction on the new facility. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Hays asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to approve the purchase of the property at 4860 Castle Hayne Road and grant the authority for the county manager and county attorney to execute all necessary documents. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. PRESENTATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2022 SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher presented the following highlights of the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2022, which includes financial activity through December 31, 2021:  General Fund Revenues:  Total revenues collected at 60.2% of budget  $162 million in property tax received  Sales tax of $20.3 million  Second quarter comparisons:  2022: Ad valorem was $162.3 million; Other was $48.9 million  2021: Ad valorem was $140.4 million; Other was $42.3 million  2020: Ad valorem was $129.9 million; Other was $37.2 million  Debt Service Fund Revenues:  Total revenues at 55.6% of budget  $16.8 million in property tax received  $4.7 million in sales tax received  Second quarter comparisons:  2022: Ad valorem was $16.8 million; Other was $7.6 million  2021: Ad valorem was $18.5 million; Other was $7.2 million  2020: Ad valorem was $17.1 million; Other was $6.4 million  General and Debt Service Expenditures:  Expenditures through the second quarter represent 43.8% of budget  Most functions trending lower as percent of budget compared to prior year  Fire Services:  Total revenues collected represent 65.2% of budget  Property tax revenues collected 82.3% of budget  Expenditures represent 51.4% of budget  Second quarter comparisons:  2022: Revenues were $12 million; Expenses were $9.5 million  2021: Revenues were $9.7 million; Expenses were $8.3 million  2020: Revenues were $9.3 million; Expenses were $8.9 million  Environmental Management:  Total revenues for Q2 are 34.2% of budget  Charges for services are 40.4% of budget  Expenses for Q2 represent 19.8% of budget  Second quarter comparisons:  2022: Revenues were $8.1 million; Expenses were $4.7 million  2021: Revenues were $8.1 million; Expenses were $8 million  2020: Revenues were $11.1 million; Expenses were $4.8 million  Stormwater Services:  Total revenues for Q2 are 12.8% of budget:  92.3% of charges for services were collected  Transfers from ARPA fund will occur in Q4 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 2022 PAGE 342  Expenses for Q2 represent 40.5% of budget:  $1.9 million spent in first half of year  Salaries low while filling crews  Capital purchases are being made (lead times)  American Rescue Plan Act Fund:  First half of ARPA funds received - $22 million:  Recognized only what was spent as revenue  Interest revenue received  $11 million of fund spent:  $5.5 million first half of fiscal year:  $3.3 million in business and employment assistance  $1.2 million in housing assistance  $800,000 in physical and mental health initiatives In response to Board questions, Ms. Wurtzbacher stated that the updated rules for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will not affect the receipt of the anticipated $23 million. As far as the revenue collected to th date, it is a timing issue. Ad valorem taxes are due January 5 of each year so a majority of the revenue in property taxes is arriving at that time. It is the biggest portion of the County’s revenue. Sales tax is also looking strong and a positive result is anticipated but cannot be confirmed as it fluctuates month to month. As to expenditures running lower, she thinks there are several things occurring, primarily the difficulty in obtaining products and services due to supply and labor shortages. The packet information reflects the actual dollars spent and the funds that are encumbered. Salaries are also running lower as a trend compared to the prior year. Efforts are being made to fill positions as quickly as possible, but a lot of new positions have been added this year. As far as Environmental Management, there are a lot of large projects including closing and opening cells. There are a lot of capital expenditures and tipping fees are typically relied on to cover many of the expenses. She thinks there will be an increase in the tipping fee. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Hays thanked Ms. Wurtzbacher for the report. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointment to the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Board Vice-Chair Hays reported that three vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Board in the Professional Engineer, Psychologist, and At-Large/Human Services Consumer categories. One application has been received and is available for consideration in the Psychologist category. Commissioner Barfield nominated Aitza Galarza-Hernandez, Ph.D. for appointment in the Psychologist category. Commissioner Zapple seconded the nomination. Hearing no further nominations, Vice-Chair Hays asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted 4 TO 0 to appoint Aitza Galarza-Hernandez, Ph.D. to the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Board in the Psychologist category to fill an unexpired term with the term to expire July 31, 2025. Appointment to the Wilmington/New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission Vice-Chair Hays reported that one vacancy exists on the Wilmington/New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission in the Commerce and Finance category with one application eligible for reappointment and one application available for consideration. Commissioner Barfield nominated Donald E. Harris for reappointment in the Commerce and Finance category. Commissioner Zapple seconded the nomination. Hearing no further nominations, Vice-Chair Hays asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted 4 TO 0 to reappoint Donald E. Harris to the Wilmington/New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission in the Commerce and Finance category for a three-year term with the term to expire February 28, 2025. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Vice-Chair Hays stated that no one signed up to speak on non-agenda items. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF FUNDING REQUEST FROM NORTH CAROLINA AZALEA FESTIVAL AND ADOPTION OF BUDGET AMENDMENT North Carolina Azalea Festival (NCAF) 2022 President John Russ and Executive Director Alison Baringer presented the request for $35,000 to offset artist costs for the Queen’s Coronation event for the 2022 NCAF. Ms. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 2022 PAGE 343 Baringer stated that the same request was made and approved by the Wilmington City Council. The NCAF contributes significant benefits to the City and County and based on an independent study completed in 2011 by UNC- th Wilmington, the annual economic impact is over $50 million. This year is the 75 anniversary of the NCAF and the first event of festival will be the Queen’s Coronation. The event will be held at Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Riverfront Park and televised live by festival partner WWAY. The coronation will last approximately an hour showcasing local talent as well as that of Queen Azalea. Following that coronation, D.J. Big B from Coast 97.3 will provide music, there will be a performance by East Coast Community Choir, and then a national headlining act will take the stage. The intent is for the event to be a community giveback event and the goal is to keep ticket prices at $5 to $10 for all citizens. There are also plans to give away approximately 400 tickets to healthcare workers as a thank you for their pandemic work. Ms. Baringer concluded her remarks stating that the County, City, and NCAF would cohost the event, City and County officials would be on hand to help crown Queen Azalea, and the community will see it as a celebration amongst the City, County, and NCAF to celebrate the region. The funds provided by the County will be used to support the celebration including helping to pay for artist fees, labor, production, etc., and help the NCAF keep ticket prices $5 to $10 per ticket to make the event a low cost community 75th celebration. The spirit of the request is that the City and County would to be a part of celebrating the event and all more citizens to take part in this history. A brief discussion was held about the County support that is already provided in terms of in-kind services, law enforcement services, allowing the use of Airlie Gardens, and waiving landfill tip fees. In response to Board questions, Ms. Baringer stated that she does not have the specific dollar amount for the use of the Sheriff’s Department services and the NCAF does pay a venue fee for the use of Airlie Gardens. She stated that it is a one- time request by the NCAF to have this event in addition to everything else the City and County already provide for th the NCAF as it is the 75 anniversary. She is unable to announce the national act per the contract but is it appropriate for family entertainment. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Hays asked for Board direction on the request. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to approve the North Carolina Azalea Festival funding request of $35,000 and adopt budget amendment 22-058. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. ADJOURNMENT Vice-Chair Hays called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Rivenbark, to adjourn the meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Vice-Chair Hays adjourned the meeting at 10:33 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.