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2022-08-22 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2022 PAGE 514 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on August 22, 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: Chair Julia Olson-Boseman; Vice-Chair Deb Hays; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; 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 Pastor Angelo Sanchez, Wrightsboro United Methodist Church, provided the invocation and Commissioner Rob Zapple 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: Vice-Chair Hays MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on August 1, 2022. Adoption of a Resolution of Sole Source Approval to Purchase an Additional Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer from Agilent Technologies – Sheriff The Commissioners adopted a resolution to approve Agilent Technologies as a sole source vendor for the purchase of a second gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer 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 32.1. Approval of Third Lease Amendment with New Hanover County Airport Authority – County Attorney The Commissioners approved the third lease amendment with the New Hanover County Airport Authority. A copy of the lease agreement is on file in the legal department. Second Reading: Approval of Solid Waste Franchise for Lawrence Transportation Inc. – County Attorney The Commissioners approved the second reading to authorize the issuance of a solid waste franchise agreement to Lawrence Transportation Inc. A copy of the franchise agreement is on file in the legal department. First Reading: Approval of Solid Waste Franchise for Seahawk Sanitation, Inc. – County Attorney The Commissioners approved the first reading to authorize the issuance of a solid waste franchise agreement to Seahawk Sanitation, Inc. A second reading is required. Approval of the Award of Bid for the Purchase of Electronic Plan Review Tables for the New Government Center Building to iProjectSolutions, LLC – Facilities Management The Commissioners approved the bid award for the purchase of the electronic plan review tables as submitted to iProjectSolutions, LLC in the amount of $119,018.49. Approval of the Appointment of Nine Members to the Child Fatality Prevention Team – Health and Human Services The Commissioners, at the request of the New Hanover County Child Fatality Prevention Team, accepted the New Hanover County Child Fatality Prevention Team 2022 Report and per state legislation appointed/reappointed the following persons to the New Hanover County Child Fatality Prevention Team:  Sydni Starnes, Detective, Sheriff's Office  Kelsi Allen, Detective, Sheriff's Office  Daniel Ruisueno, Detective, Wilmington Police Department  Casandra Morales, Detective, Wilmington Police Department  Britney Melvin, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator, County Fire Rescue  Mea Hoffman, RN Care Management for At Risk Children, Health and Human Services  Jennifer Weisman, RN Post-Partum/Newborn Home Visiting Nurse/Maternal Health Team Leader, Health and Human Services  Eugenia Johnson, Health Educator, Health and Human Services  Matthew McVey, Health Educator, Health and Human Services NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2022 PAGE 515 A copy of the New Hanover County Child Fatality Prevention Team 2022 Report is available for review at the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department. Approval of Design-Build Planning Services and Programming for an Immersive Dome Theater to be Located in the New Cape Fear Museum – Cape Fear Museum The Commissioners approved the award of the design-build planning services and programming to Evans and Sutherland (E&S) for complete design, building equipping, installing, and programming for new immersive domed theater for the Cape Fear Museum. The theater's design, construction and implementation fit within the building schedule for Project Grace, with a currently anticipated opening in the summer/fall of 2024. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS TH CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF UNCW 75 ANNIVERSARY DAY PROCLAMATION th UNCW Chancellor Aswani K. Volety stated that UNCW will celebrate its 75 anniversary on September 4, 2022. A proclamation has been prepared to recognize this milestone for the Board's consideration. Vice-Chair Hays read the proclamation into the record. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to adopt the proclamation recognizing th the 75 anniversary of UNCW. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 32.2. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving a retirement award: Todd Vernon, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with fifteen years of service Matthew White, Facilities Management, retiring with twenty 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: Susan Brown, HHS – Health Department Haleigh Reaves, HHS – Social Services Tiffany Tymeson, Register of Deeds Zakare Whicker, Emergency Management Ten Years: Andrea Gordon, Sheriff’s Office Garey Grenyion, Parks and Gardens Ryan Kondor, Facilities Management Fifteen Years: Karey Smythe, Health Department Todd Vernon, Sheriff’s Office Twenty-Five Years: Chris Johnson, Fire Services Shawndra Underwood, HHS – Centralized Services Forty Years: Brenda Stella, Tax 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: Gabrielle Backer, HHS – Social Services Mona Leipold, HHS – Administration Anne Banks, Senior Resource Center Nadiya McQuillan, HHS – Social Services Kathryn Burket, Planning and Land Use Bryanna Moore, HHS – Health Department Nicole Clemente, HHS – Social Services Tameka Moses, HHS – Social Services Francis De Burcham, HHS – Centralized Support Rachel Pomerantz, HHS – Social Services Jason Diehl, Community Justice Services Victor Roa, Facilities Management Vicki Ferrell, Parks and Gardens Keilah Roberts, HHS - Public Health Sara Johnson, Community Justice Services Pamela Robbins, Planning and Land Use The Commissioners welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. County Manager Coudriet recognized Diversity and Equity Outreach Coordinator Mari McKenzie and her husband, Colonel Robert McKenzie, USNMC, who presented her with the U.S. Army Meritorious Public Service Medal, which is awarded to private citizens for outstanding service to their community and military families. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2022 PAGE 516 PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A JOINT APPLICATION WITH THE CITY OF WILMINGTON TO THE EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) PROGRAM FOR 2022 FUNDING FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Chair Olson-Boseman announced that the JAG program provides states and local governments with funding necessary to support law enforcement, prosecution prevention and education programs, community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, crime victim and witness initiatives, planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs. She opened the public hearing and invited Chief Deputy Ken Sarvis, with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, to make his presentation. Chief Deputy Sarvis provided an overview of what the County’s portion of the funding would be used for and stated that this is a grant that the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office applies for each year with the City of Wilmington. It is a joint allocation with a total amount of $82,469; New Hanover County will receive $40,990 and the City of Wilmington will receive $41,479. The duration of the grant is four years. Funds may be used during the grant's term which is 10/1/21 through 9/30/25. There is no local match requirement. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Chief Deputy Sarvis for his comments. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman stated that no one signed up to speak in favor or in opposition to the matter, closed the public hearing, and asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Hays, to authorize the Sheriff's Office to submit a joint application for the 2022 JAG Grant with the City of Wilmington, and authorize the County Manager to execute the required County/City Memorandum of Understanding and the Certification and Assurances. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSIDERATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE 12 ACRES IN THE BLUE CLAY ROAD BUSINESS PARK AND ASSOCIATED UPSET BID PROCESS – THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA PRESENTATION OF 2022 TRILLIUM HEALTH RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT Dennis Williams, Southern Regional Director of Trillium Health Resources, introduced Cecelia Peers who will be taking his place upon his retirement at the end of September 2022 and then provided the annual report on Trillium Health Resources highlighting the following:  Trillium Health Resources Annual Report New Hanover County:  Trillium’s mission: Transforming lives and building community well-being through partnership and proven solutions  Who We Are – Numbers:  28 counties, but numbers are from last fiscal year with 26 counties  1,469,101 total population  244,075 Medicaid eligible  Served 58,452 individuals from mild to severe mental health needs:  70% with mental health (MH) needs  20% with substance use disorder(s) (SUD)  10% with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)  Approximately 500 providers  $475,921,857 spent on services last year  Smallest county: Tyrrell 3,665; largest county: New Hanover 238,907  Coverage is over 12,000 square miles  Trillium map per region:  Medicaid Transformation – Standard Plans:  Standard Plan - five companies were awarded:  AmeriHealth Caritas NC Inc.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC  UnitedHealthcare of NC Inc.  WellCare of NC Inc.  Carolina Complete Health - covers regions 3, 4 and 5  The plans are managing the mild to moderate Medicaid behavioral health recipients and started July 1, 2021 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2022 PAGE 517  Seven of seven local management entities/managed care organizations (LME/MCO) were awarded to become Tailored Plans  One of the seven - Cardinal Innovations, decided to merge with Vaya, so there will be six Tailored Plans  Cardinal covered 20 counties, 11 of them decided to go to other MCO’s besides Vaya, including Halifax County to Trillium, effective December 1, 2021  Bladen County requested to join Trillium from Eastpointe effective on February 1, 2022  Original date to go live with the Tailored Plan moved from July 1, 2022 to December 1, 2022  Behavioral Health I/DD Tailored Plan Regions:  Medicaid Transformation Tailored Plan:  Readiness review to be performed late summer  December 1, 2022: begin the Tailored Plan managing severe behavioral health, substance use and I/DD population as is done today, also managing individuals’ physical health  Contracting with a pharmacy benefits manager to oversee contract with approximately 2,000 pharmacies  Will be contracting with all primary care agencies that serve individuals on Medicaid  Organizational Changes:  Leza Wainwright retired, and Joy Futrell is new CEO  Richard Leissner moved to a new job, and Senitria Goodman is the new General Counsel  Sue Ann Forrest is the new Director of Government Relations  Staff has had to be moved because of the Tailored Plan requirements  Call Centers: pharmacy, provider, nurse, and current call center  Care Management: whole person care  Disaster Response Unit: meeting with emergency management departments, collection of providers disaster response plans, and map to readiness- before, during, and after a hurricane  Project Updates:  Naloxone kits  Mobile clinics  Tribal engagement  Family navigators  Co-Responder pilots  Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (CFAC) adding a representative with traumatic brain injury (TBI)  Healing Place in New Hanover County  Consumers served in New Hanover County:  Total consumers served – 6,413:  Mental Health: 4,551  Substance Use: 2,079  I/DD: 990  Total is unduplicated, since a single individual may receive services in more than one category Commissioner Zapple recognized and thanked Mr. Williams for his 40 years of service to the citizens. He also expressed appreciation to Ms. Peers for accepting the position and stated that he looks forward to continuing to collaborate with her in this new capacity. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Williams for the update. NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY ANNUAL UPDATE New Hanover County Airport Authority Chair Spruill Thompson thanked the Board for approval of the third lease amendment and Airport Director Jeffrey Bourk presented the annual report highlighting the following information on the operations, maintenance, development, and existing projects of the airport:  New Hanover County Airport Authority Annual Report on Wilmington International Airport (ILM):  Airline Carriers: American Airlines, Avelo, Delta, and United  13 non-stop flights: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2022 PAGE 518  Airline Performance:  Passenger Enplanements over Past Seven Months:  Monthly Passenger Enplanements:  Terminal Expansion Project:  Completed: ticket lobby, terminal concourse, and concessions: $55 million  Remaining: expanded Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint, exit lane, baggage claim, existing hold room: $20 million  First new gates opened February 2022  Air Carrier Apron Expansion:  $10 million project  Funded with federal and state grants  Now underway with project completion expected by year end NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2022 PAGE 519  Fiscal Year (FY) 22 Budget Update:  Looking forward:  Future Growth:  Terminal curb front and Airport Boulevard improvements: $30 million total cost (design and construction)  Runway and taxiway rehab: $30 million estimated construction costs  East ramp general aviation (GA) improvements: $6 million estimated costs  ILM Business Park:  Revenue Diversification:  New leases signed are expected to generate an additional $1.8 million of annual revenue  New tenants will occupy almost 100 acres of property NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2022 PAGE 520  Current tenants: 84 Lumber, All American Aviation, Avis, Battle House, Edge Landscaping, Enterprise Holding, Fat Cat Pottery, Few Moves, Five Oaks Nursery, Hertz, Intercoastal rd Land Management, Parker Landscaping, Scratch on 23, Toshiba International, Veteran’s Administration Clinic, and Wilmington Business Development  New tenants: Aero Center Wilmington, Circle K – Gas Station, CIL ILM – Cold Storage, Edgewater Ventures – Warehouse, ILM Airport Hotel Partners. LLC/Crowne Plaza hotel, TBA – Building Materials, and TBA – Bonded Warehouse  Phase 2 Business Park and expanded airside development: Mr. Bourk concluded the presentation expressing appreciation to the Board for its support. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Bourk for the presentation. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION DECLARING INTENT TO CLOSE A PUBLIC ROAD AND APPROVAL TO SET THE PUBLIC HEARING ON SAME FOR SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 Planning and Land Use Senior Planner Robert Farrell presented the following information on the request to close a public road:  Road Closure Request:  1,100-feet x 60-feet public right-of-way portion of Gardner Drive: At the Wilmington International Airport’s (ILM) request, the subject portion of Gardner Drive was removed from the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) state maintenance program and is under the ownership and maintenance of the airport. However, while the road is not maintained by NCDOT it is still considered dedicated to public use. The purpose of the request is to remove the road from public dedication for the construction of a warehouse facility where the road is currently. Mr. Farrell then provided an overview of the existing conditions: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2022 PAGE 521 Mr. Farrell concluded the presentation stating that the Board is being asked to adopt the resolution declaring the intent to close a public road and approve a public hearing on the request be held during the September 19, 2022 Board meeting. Because the proposed road closure would leverage public infrastructure to encourage private investment, staff recommends adoption of the proposed resolution declaring intent to close a public road and setting a public hearing for Monday, September 19, 2022. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chair Hays MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to adopt a resolution declaring the intent to close a public road and approve the public hearing on same be held during the September 19, 2022 Board of Commissioners meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 32.3. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING CAPITAL FUND AND PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING REPAIR AND RENOVATION FUNDS Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle provided an overview of the request stating that periodically the state distributes portions of the lottery proceeds to be used by school districts for facilities. The proceeds are distributed in two separate accounts, one is for capital projects and the other is for building repairs and renovations. On August 2, 2022, the New Hanover County Board of Education approved the submission of seventeen Public School Building Capital Fund (PSBCF) applications and one Public School Building Repair and Renovation Fund (PSBRRF) application for various New Hanover County schools. The total amount of the eighteen applications is $3,058,958. He further stated that New Hanover County School Facility Planning and Construction Director Leanne Lawrence was present to answer any questions. In response to Board questions, Ms. Lawrence stated that regarding the Wrightsville Beach Elementary School project there is an open connection area off the receptionist area where students would be kept that were feeling ill and if the part-time nurse was not on site, it allowed the receptionist to be able to see the student(s). As there will be a full-time nurse on-site, the request was to create privacy by adding a full wall. The $30,000 is the estimated amount and includes the design fee and construction costs. The full cost estimate from the contractor has not been received yet and it may well be under that amount. The switchgear equipment for Pine Valley Elementary will be able to be used at another school when the decision is made to raze the school. However, there is currently no timeline to raze the school and the situation with the current switchgear outweighs the building being torn down at some point in the future. She also confirmed that the timeframe to complete all 18 projects is October 2022 through December 2023. In response to further Board questions, Mr. Credle and Ms. Lawrence confirmed that if the projects go over the amount allocated during one round of deposits, the overage goes into the next allocation. Ms. Lawrence stated that during her tenure with the school district that has not been an issue. Any unused funds revert to the school district’s unallocated balance not the state. Commissioner Barfield stated that the state over the years has used a portion of the lottery funds to balance its budget even though it is for use by the school districts. He is pleased to see the lottery funds are coming into the school district and being used for the various projects. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the eighteen New Hanover County Board of Education applications for public school building capital fund and public school building repair and renovation funds in the total amount of $3,058,958. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. RATIFICATION APPROVAL OF A FEDERAL GRANT APPLICATION: COMMUNITY-DRIVEN APPROACHES TO ADDRESS FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO STRUCTURAL RACISM IN PUBLIC HEALTH, FUNDED THROUGH THE OFFICE OF MINORITY HEALTH WITHIN THE OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF HEALTH Public Health Equity Coordinator Fawn Rhodes presented the following information on the federal grant application:  Community Driven Approaches to Address Factors Contributing to Structural Racism in Public Health:  The Need: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2022 PAGE 522  US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health grant is entitled community-driven approaches to address factors contributing to structural racism in Public Health  The purpose of the grant is to address health inequities and disparities within the historically marginalized populations of New Hanover County using a data-driven community approach  Due to a history of trauma as result of systemic and structural racism, historically marginalized populations (HMPs) in New Hanover County, North Carolina have experienced and continue to experience a higher prevalence of chronic illness, epigenetic trauma, morbidity, mortality, and violence in their communities  HHS proposes to establish a Health Equity Division (a part of HHS department of Public Health) to address health disparities and inequities in HMPs  Goals:  To renew trust, reduce and remove barriers that cause health inequities for HMPs  Increase collaboration with community partners that will assist in providing service needs for HMPs  To establish a sustainable Health Equity Division in HHS  Objectives:  To reduce health disparities/inequities in the HMP by 10% within five years  To refer a minimum of seven clients a week for service deliverables from community partners, Social Services or Public Health  To establish a health equity social media presence on existing HHS social media platforms and collaborate with Health Promotions and Communications to educate the community and provide access to educational information regarding health equity  Outcomes:  To have a thriving and healthier HMP  To ensure ease of access and remove any barriers to health and social services  To hire more employees in Public Health representative of the population that they serve  Logistics:  If awarded the grant, HHS would establish a sustainable Health Equity Division within HHS Public Health to address, implement, and maintain health equity initiatives, programs, and policies. The Health Equity Division would serve as a community liaison to education, information, and services for County residents  The following organizations have agreed to be official partners and submit letters of commitment: Dawson Med, LINC, Inc., and Wilmington Housing Authority  HHS Public Health would develop four new positions:  Health Equity Supervisor (full-time, salary)  Community Health Equity Worker, Spanish (full time, hourly)  Community Health Equity Worker, English (full-time, hourly)  Community Health Equity Nurse (full-time, hourly)  Location: County Annex, 1507 Greenfield Street Wilmington, NC 28401  Operations:  Community Health Equity Workers (CHEWs) and a Public Health Nurse would go into the community targeting specific zip codes provided by Cape Fear HealthNet and canvas the neighborhoods approved by Wilmington Housing Authority  The CHEWs would assess the needs of the household, make recommendations and/or referrals to services that are provided at HHS and/or community partners (e.g., Food Bank of NC, Nourish, NC, Coastal Horizons, Help Hub) that would best meet the needs of those in the home  The Public Health Nurse (Community Health Equity Nurse) would perform basic medical vital assessments (e.g., blood pressure or glucose checks, screenings), educate on healthy nutritional choices, and best practice regarding health care  If there is an acute medical need the Public Health Nurse would contact 911 and stay on site until services arrive. If there is a mild/chronic health need the nurse would make a recommendation to one of three identified medical partners: Cape Fear Health Clinic, Dawson Med, or Med North  The outreach team would also host these same events at neighborhood and park community centers, residential clubhouses, and church banquet halls to accommodate a larger group and those who would prefer not to receive services in their home  Fiscal:  Minimum and maximum grant amounts: $300,000/year and $500,000/year for three years  Grant request amount: $500,000  Projected Recruitment: October through November 2022  Training: November – December 2022  Implementation: January 2023  Three year projections for the Health Equity Division:  Sustainable Budget: $1,254,930.76  Salary and Fringe: $1,119,730.76  Operating Cost: $135,200 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2022 PAGE 523 Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chair Hays MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to ratify the approval of the submission of a federal grant application: community-driven approaches to address factors contributing to structural racism in Public Health, funded through the Office of Minority Health within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE SUBMISSION OF A UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) COMPOST AND FOOD WASTE REDUCTION GRANT APPLICATION Matt Collogan, Cooperative Extension Horticulture Agent, stated that the Board is being asked to approve the submission of a funding application for a USDA compost and food waste reduction grant in the amount of $180,000. The intent of the grant is to pay for the personnel costs of supporting a Sustainability Education Program Coordinator to help implement the Garbage to Gardens Program (G2G) over a span of two years in the New Hanover County school district. The G2G program is a food waste diversion program, collaborating with local schools and cafeterias to divert food waste going to the landfill. The pilot project has been ongoing since 2019. The grant funding will allow for the hiring of a person who will coordinate that effort in a more meaningful way. The minimum amount that can be applied for is $45,000 and the maximum is $300,000. All public schools in the New Hanover County th school district are being targeted and students from pre-K through 12 grade can participate in the program. In response to Board questions, Mr. Collogan stated that the G2G program is to encourage the practice of recycling and composting within the school cafeterias and diverting the organic food waste for composting and then returning it for use in a school’s garden efforts. Approximately 9,900 pounds of food waste can be diverted from the landfill and composted. The curriculum has been developed for teachers as well but there is no desire to put anymore onus on them to deliver the programming to students. There is a great group of volunteers that helps, and a great curriculum has been developed for plug and play into the schools. Everything is being correlated as part of the standard course of study and again, it is a universal program that is second nature for students to compost the organic food waste. The process to turn the food waste into compost takes about 17 days. The finished compost is brought back to the schools for use in the gardens, playing fields, and school grounds. A quarter inch of compost can increase the organic matter in the soil by one percent on one acre of land with the result being the ability to store an additional 27,000 gallons of stormwater. The program not only teaches kids to compost but helps to save life in the landfill and increase the County’s resilience. Commissioner Barfield stated that it is great to have this program to teach students about recycling and educate young minds with possibly future farmers in the end. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Hays to approve the submission of the USDA compost and food waste reduction grant. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to New Hanover County Board of Mechanical Examiners Chair Olson-Boseman reported that four vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Board of Mechanical Examiners in the categories of Class I Journeyman Mechanic, Class II Journeyman Mechanic, Class III Journeyman Mechanic, and NC Registered Mechanical Engineer with one application eligible for reappointment in the NC Registered Mechanical Engineer Category. Vice-Chair Hays nominated Steven Everhart for reappointment in the NC Registered Mechanical Engineer category. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Steven Everhart in the NC Mechanical Engineer category to the New Hanover County Board of Mechanical Examiners with the term to expire August 31, 2024. Appointments to the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage, and Culture Chair Olson-Boseman reported that seven vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage, and Culture in the categories of Business Community, Civil Rights Community, Education Community, and Faith Community with six applications eligible for reappointment and five applications available for consideration. Commissioner Barfield nominated Lowell Davis and Manuel Lloyd for reappointment in the Education Community category, Brenda Roberts Fong for reappointment in the Business Community category, Deborah D. Maxwell and Cynthia Pershia for reappointment in the Civil Rights Community category, and J’vanete Skiba for reappointment in the Faith Community category. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Lowell Davis and Manuel Lloyd in the Education NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2022 PAGE 524 Community category, Brenda Roberts Fong in the Business Community category, Deborah D. Maxwell and Cynthia Pershia in the Civil Rights Community category, and J’vanete Skiba in the Faith Community category to the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage, and Culture with the terms to expire August 31, 2025. Appointment to the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council Chair Olson-Boseman reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council with four applications available for consideration. Vice-Chair Hays nominated Jessi Schott for appointment. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Jessi Schott to the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council with the unexpired term to expire December 1, 2024. Appointments 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 available for reappointment and eleven applications available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Linda A. Miles for reappointment and Liz Carbone, Christine Hennessey, and Patricia Lawler for appointment. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Linda A. Miles and appoint Liz Carbone, Christine Hennessey, and Patricia Lawler to the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board with the terms to expire August 31, 2025. Appointments to the New Hanover County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chair Olson-Boseman reported that three vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board with four applications available for consideration. Vice-Chair Hays nominated Matthew Ryan Bisplinghoff, Carol Hunter, and Gayle Tabor for appointment. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Matthew Ryan Bisplinghoff to serve an unexpired term to expire June 30, 2023, Carol Hunter to serve an unexpired term to expire June 30, 2024, and Gayle Tabor to serve an unexpired term to expire June 30, 2025, on the New Hanover County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Appointments to the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority Chair Olson-Boseman reported that two vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority with one application available for consideration in the Bed and Breakfast Owner/Manager category. Vice-Chair Hays nominated Ross Pitman in the Bed and Breakfast Owner/Manager category. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Ross Pitman to the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority in the Bed and Breakfast Owner/Manager category with the unexpired term to expire December 31, 2024. Appointments to the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors Chair Olson-Boseman reported that two vacancies exist on the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors with one application available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Cassidy Lamb for appointment. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Cassidy Lamb to the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors with the unexpired term to expire June 30, 2024. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Olson-Boseman stated that no one signed up to speak under public comment on non-agenda items. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2022 PAGE 525 ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS Commissioner Zapple reported on the most recent Inspections Department Advisory Council meeting and expressed appreciation to Chief Information Officer Sunny Hwang for his work to turn the Coast service for the building and development community into a positive experience. Vice-Chair Hays wished Chair Olson-Boseman a happy belated birthday. Commissioner Barfield commended Chief Diversity and Equity Officer Linda Thompson and her team for a wonderful Equity Awards banquet that was held on August 19, 2022. It gave him renewed hope in being able to bring many different people together and recognize everyone’s abilities within the community. He also reported on the trip with the Fire Services team to work through the final steps to receive Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the rigorous criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Olson-Boseman adjourned the meeting at 10:36 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.