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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-19 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 PAGE 536 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on September 19, 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 Mike Ashcraft, Port City Community Church, provided the invocation and Commissioner Bill Rivenbark 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 Barfield 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 Agenda Review Meeting held on September 1, 2022 and the Regular Meeting held on September 6, 2022. Adoption of Updates to the Board’s Policy and Procedures for Appointments to County Boards, Commissions, Committees or Authorities – Governing Body The Commissioners adopted the updated Policy and Procedures for Appointments to County Boards, Commissions, Committees or Authorities as presented. A copy of the policy is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 34.1. Approval to Dissolve the New Hanover County Risk Management Advisory Committee as Recommended by the Members of the Risk Management Advisory Committee – Governing Body The Commissioners approved the dissolution of the New Hanover County Risk Management Advisory Committee. Approval Granting Authority to Purchase Property Located at 1605 Robin Hood Road, Wilmington, and Adoption of Associated Budget Amendment 23-024 – Finance The Commissioners granted authority for the purchase of 1605 Robin Hood Road, Wilmington, at a price not to exceed $1.65 million, subject to receipt of a satisfactory appraisal and building condition assessment. The Commissioners also adopted budget amendment 23-024 to reflect the acquisition of the property. A copy of the budget amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 34.2. Approval of the Award of Bid for the Construction of Hanover Pines Nature Park and Adoption of Associated Budget Amendment 23-022 – Parks The Commissioners adopted budget amendment 23-022 to increase the budget for Hanover Pines Nature Park and approved the award of the construction contract to WB Brawley Company in the amount of $2,865,760. A copy of the budget amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 34.3. Adoption of Budget Amendments – Budget The Commissioners adopted the following budget amendments amending the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023: Social Services 23-008, 23-009, 23-010 Health and Human Services-Health 23-011, 23-012 Sheriff's Office 23-015, 23-016, 23-017, 23-018 Various-Purchase Order Rollovers 23-20 Various-Grant Rollovers 23-021 Copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 34.4. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 PAGE 537 REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS TH CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF WILMINGTON, NC 70 ANNIVERSARY PROCLAMATION Vice-Chair Hays read the proclamation into the record. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chair Hays MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Rivenbark to adopt the proclamation recognizing September 30, 2022 as Junior League of Wilmington Day in New Hanover County as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Madeline Schildwachter, President of Junior League of Wilmington, NC expressed appreciation for the proclamation. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 34.5. TH RECOGNITION OF THE 25 ANNIVERSARY OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY FIRE RESCUE AND FOR RECEIVING ACCREDITED AGENCY STATUS WITH THE COMMISSION ON FIRE ACCREDITATION INTERNATIONAL (CFAI) County Manager Coudriet stated that he is pleased to recognize New Hanover County Fire Rescue on its th 25 anniversary, but also for achieving a very rare honor of being only one of 300 accredited fire agencies around the world. The work done to reach that level of accreditation is the reflection of the department’s commitment to helping ensure the citizens of this County that they are safe, healthy, and secure. He further stated that it is a distinct honor to work with the Fire Chief Donnie Hall and his team. Chief Hall stated that it is his pleasure to lead the incredible group of women and men that serve the County with the highest level of excellence. He has had the opportunity to be the fire chief since 2000 which has been an incredible journey, and it is amazing what the team has accomplished in 25 years. He also expressed appreciation to the Board and management for supporting the department and its work over the past 25 years. The team is excited to be accredited and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the department. The history of a fire department is laden with tradition and 25 years is very young in comparison to other fire departments that have been in existence for 200 years. The accomplishment of being accredited by CFAI is incredible for a young department and he and his team looks forward to continuing to serve the County. Commissioner Barfield stated that he has watched the fire department grow into what it is today. Response times and services have greatly improved from the time when there were volunteer fire departments with some paid staff. With the creation of a consolidated fire department, there was also a savings realized via lower insurance rates for the unincorporated county. He is very proud to see what the department has become over the past 25 years, and he is appreciative of the entire team. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman and the Commissioners presented the CFAI plaque to Chief Hall and his team. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving a retirement award: Robert Harrell, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with seventeen years of service Brandon Harris, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with eleven 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: Katharine Baillon, Cape Fear Museum Darrel Holmes, Community Justice Services Fifteen Years: Janine Powell, Parks and Gardens Twenty Years: Laura Ankrah, Health and Human Services (HHS) – Social Services Trena Ballard, Information Technology Liesel Ward, Register of Deeds Twenty-Five Years: Clifford Robinson, Fire Services Rudolph Shackelford, Fire Services 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: Jaclyn Chavez, HHS – Public Health Linda Mannen, HHS – Social Services Brian Condosta, 911 Communications Mona Lee McKnight, HHS – Public Health Dominique Covington, Community Justice Services Fawn Rhodes, HHS – Public Health NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 PAGE 538 Carolyne DeGrammont, Senior Resource Center Krista Sechler, 911 Communications Scott Denney, Cape Fear Museum Morgan Sharp, 911 Communications Karen Herring, HHS – Public Health Jennifer Walker, Community Justice Services Maura Jacobs, HHS – Public Health Abbey Ward, 911 Communications Angie Leary, Environmental Management Shenequah Washington, HHS – Social Services The Commissioners welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL TO ACCEPT THE EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG), COMMUNITY FUNDING PROJECT FOR 2022 FUNDING FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND ADOPTION OF BUDGET AMENDMENT 23-019 Chair Olson Boseman stated that the JAG program provides states and local governments with funding necessary to support community programs for law enforcement, prosecution, drug treatment and enforcement, crime and victim witness initiatives, planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs. The Board will hold a public hearing now at which time any persons who wish to be heard may appear, to consider requesting the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant be awarded to New Hanover County. She asked for a motion to open the public hearing. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Hays to open the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Major Jonathan Hart stated he was attending in Chief Deputy Ken Sarvis’ stead and could answer any questions the Board might have regarding the request. Chair Olson-Boseman stated that no one signed up to speak in favor or in opposition of the request and asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Hays to close the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chair Hays MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to approve the authorization to execute the required Certification and Assurances for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), Community Funding Project funding, and adopt budget amendment 23-019 to accept grant award in the amount of $400,000. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the budget amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 34.6. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF A ROAD CLOSING REQUEST BY THE WILMINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO CLOSE A PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY LOCATED IN THE VICINITY OF 2400 GARDNER ROAD AT THE NORTHERN END OF GARDNER DRIVE Chair Olson Boseman stated that pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 153A-241, the Board may hold a public hearing at which time any persons who wish to be heard may appear, to consider whether the proposed adoption of an order to close a public right-of-way would be detrimental to the public interest or to any individual property rights. The Board will now hear public comments and open the floor to Board discussion. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson Boseman stated that no one signed up to speak in favor or in opposition to the request and closed the public hearing. She asked for a motion to adopt the order closing the public road and direct the filing of the order in the office of the Register of Deeds Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Hays to approve the proposed road closure as it would not be detrimental to the public interest or to any individual property rights, adopt the order closing the public road, and to file the order in the office of the Register of Deeds. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the order is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 34.7. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS WITHIN THE CITY OF WILMINGTON AND ADOPTION OF BUDGET AMENDMENT 23-013 Deputy County Manager Tim Burgess stated that over the last couple of years there has been an increase in homeless individuals, particularly in the downtown area. Several issues and challenges have been experienced particularly with improper disposal of trash specifically on the block of the county-owned property where the parking deck is, and alleged criminal activity has taken place such as disturbances and damage to others' property. In working jointly with the City of Wilmington (City), a program has been developed that staff feels meets two of the objectives, one that shows compassion and the other that provides a degree of accountability by partnering with social workers and law enforcement to provide the tools and programs to help people get to a different stage in life. From an NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 PAGE 539 accountability standpoint, law enforcement will make individuals respect others and their property. There is also a need to ensure that there is a compliance with laws, ordinances, and policies as they interact and enjoy both downtown area and the entire County. HHS Director Donna Fayko will provide an overview of the partnerships that will be vital to success with the pilot program. Mr. Burgess concluded his comments stating that in addition to the partnerships, there are funds appropriated for the pilot program and clean-up of the areas that he would discuss at the end of the presentation. HHS Director Donna Fayko presented the overview of the homeless street outreach program “Getting Home” as follows:  The Challenge:  The top five causes of homelessness among individuals are: lack of affordable housing, unemployment, poverty, mental illness and the lack of needed services, and substance abuse and the lack of needed services  Compared to their sheltered counterparts, unsheltered individuals are shown to be at a higher risk of illness and disease.  Program Purpose:  Partnership between New Hanover County HHS Mental Health Division and the City of Wilmington Police Department (WPD) to address needs and impacts of homeless residents within the city limits of Wilmington  Prepare unsheltered residents for sheltering and re-homing through service provision while enhancing safety of public  To keep primarily the downtown area clean and attractive in areas where the homeless gather  Initial plan will be structured as a pilot program to begin October 1, 2022, with the social work st team fully staffed by November 1; plan to continue through December 31, 2024  Program Structure:  Non-traditional hours for social workers 8 am – 9 pm; 7 days/week with on-call capacity  Pairing of social workers (4+ 1 supervisor) and police officers to assess and address mental health, substance use disorders, employment, medical/dental care, housing needs, respect for public and privately owned property, and compliance with laws, policies, ordinances, and social norm  Roles:  Social workers: assess the needs of each homeless individual, arrange for provision of appropriate services, follow up to ensure service delivery, track progress, gather and compile data, incorporate and collaborate with all homeless providers, modeling Wilmington Downtown, Inc./Block by Block’s Street Outreach Program, and other duties as assigned by the County  Law enforcement officers: establish rapport with homeless population and refer them to services, utilize traditional community engagement functions (identifying underlying conditions and formulating plans to address them), ensure social worker safety, enforce compliance with laws, policies, and ordinances, and other duties as assigned by WPD  Operations:  Targeted geographic area is within city limits of Wilmington with initial focus on downtown  Strong collaboration with local homeless service providers  Person-centered approach working to build trust with an emphasis on engagement and problem- solving over therapeutic goals  Must “learn their story”, focus upon their strengths and resources and not make assumptions about what a person might need or want  Services will be informed by a harm-reduction philosophy  Barriers to entry should be removed – persons experiencing homelessness should not be screened out of or discouraged from participating in programs because of such factors as:  Lack of income or employment  Poor credit or financial history  Active or history of substance abuse or completion of treatment  Having a criminal record except for legally mandated restrictions (e.g., sex offender registry parameters)  History of domestic violence  Behaviors that are interpreted as indicating a lack of “housing readiness”  Services to include:  Obtaining identification cards  Applying for benefits (FNS, MA, SSI, SSD, VA)  Health assessment (physical, dental, mental)  Access to food and clothing banks  Personal and environmental hygiene  Employability skills  Education on how to access services  Utilize coordinated-entry processes  Linkage to on-going services  Critical Programming Aspects: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 PAGE 540 Mr. Burgess continued the presentation as follows:  County Program Costs:  Salaries, benefits, vehicles, contracted services, and miscellaneous:  $460,563 through June 30, 2023  -$435,063 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds  -$25,500 General fund (Budget Amendment)  $1,181,688 through December 31, 2024  -$1,105,188 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds  -$76,500 General fund (Budget Amendment)  Requested Actions:  Approve the Program (“Getting Home”)  Authorize the county manager to negotiate and execute an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Wilmington  Adopt Budget Amendment 23-013 Mr. Burgess stated that the request is slated to be heard and considered by City Council during its th September 20 meeting. Commissioner Barfield stated that he thinks about the amount of money being sent overseas to help with humanitarian efforts in other countries but how there are individuals in this country who suffer every day. While he is not against helping other countries, in his opinion generosity and charity and taking care of your own first begins at home. He is honored and thankful that the County is finally putting forth real dollars to help individuals. The program presented today will help save lives and bring dignity to folks that may have lost them but also help bring stability to their world. To find ways to partner with The Good Shepherd Center, Salvation Army and other community providers and individuals is important to him. It is important for individuals to recognize it could be them in the same situation and so many people are just one paycheck away from losing everything in their lives. At the appropriate time he would make the motion to approve the three requested actions. He thanked Mr. Burgess, Ms. Fayko, and the staff for their efforts to bring this program to fruition. Vice-Chair Hays expressed appreciation to Mr. Burgess, Ms. Fayko, and their teams for their work on the program and for including the Wilmington Downtown, Inc./Block by Block’s Street Outreach Program as the model to follow. Commissioner Zapple expressed appreciation for the revised plan to include compassion and meaning, but more importantly one that has real solutions. In response to Board questions, Mr. Burgess confirmed that the $25,000 is part of the $76,500, there will not be another budget amendment forthcoming because the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024. Adjustments may be needed based on the results of the pilot program based on the data and what is taking place in the field to make the program more effective before December 2024. If the program is successful, it could become a regular program of the County and no longer considered a pilot program. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Hays, to approve the comprehensive program, authorize the county manager to negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement with the City of Wilmington, and adopt budget amendment 23-013. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the budget amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 34.8. PORT CITY UNITED UPDATE Port City United (PCU) Director Cedric Harrison provided the following update:  PCU: Putting the “Village” back into the Community:  First 90 days:  Mission: PCU is dedicated to building resources and relationships in our community that empower individuals and families to heal through the principles of nonviolence, equity, justice, and solidarity NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 PAGE 541  Vision: A community that provides equitable, healthy, and safe opportunities for all residents to grow  Logo and colors: green, yellow, and black  Principles: right wrongs, show loyalty, deliver results, practice accountability, listen first, keep commitments, judge free zone  Staff:  Community Relations: Leading Into New Communities, Inc. (LINC), Voyage, Communities in Schools, Novant, Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA), Community Justice Services (CJS), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), Northside Food Co-op, The Good Shepherd, Furniture Mattress Liquidators, City of Wilmington, Duke Energy, More Life Mobile Gaming, Resiliency Task Force, The Harrelson Center, UNCW, and Cape Fear Community College County Manager Coudriet reported on the identified partnership with WHA. The County and City have taken great lengths to help that organization navigate some difficulties. There were 158 displaced families the County felt it could help WHA by providing funds via the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) so that families could apply for to receive assistance with housing costs. Through the good work of the PCU team, 154 of the 158 families completed applications and were able to receive assistance. The PCU team helped to build the trust with the displaced families assuring them it was okay and safe to let the County help them. That is just one accomplishment that he knows Mr. Harrison would not speak to but he wanted to level set for the Board and share with the community that the success of WHA is very much informed and driven by the men and women of PCU. In response to Board questions, Mr. Harrison explained the work of LINC, CJS, WHA, DOJ, and DJJ and how each organization works with PCU. He then continued the presentation as follows:  Events, programs, and initiatives: Stand 4 Peace, Fresh Chance Friday, Stop the Violence Festival / Initiative, 2 Cool 4 School Welcoming Committee, Back to School Drive, Resilience Response (shooting response):  Bright Lights Peaceful Nights: PCU can help report broken streetlights or request area lighting to help keep neighborhoods bright and peaceful at night. To use this service, call PCU Connect at 910-798-4444 st  Lights installed/repaired so far: North 31 Street, Princess Place Drive, Hurst Street, and th North 30 Street PCU Mediation and Outreach Supervisor Steven Barnett presented the following information:  Mediation and Outreach Team:  PCU Mediation and Outreach team is dedicated to deescalating violence in the community, by building resources and relationships in the community that empower individuals and families to heal through the principles of non-violence, equity, justice, and solidarity  The team responds shootings that occur within the target area  The formation of the Mediation and Outreach Team began with the hiring of the Steven Barnett on March 22, 2022 as the PCU Mediation and Outreach Supervisor  May 23, 2022: Mr. Barnett and his team of seven started working in the community  Team is built on the Cure Violence Global (CVG) model, focusing on three main areas:  Decrease Violence  Provide Presence in communities (to be the “Peacekeepers”)  Engagement  Team Requirements: credibility and risk aware  Respond to various types of shootings: without injury, with injury, resulting in a death  Mediations have been held with 38 individuals and 8 groups; all have been successful  Events and outreach: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 PAGE 542  Flyers/Public Education: 356  Events hosted by PCU: 7  Events attended by PCU: 12 PCU Connect Supervisor Rashad Gattison presented the following information:  PCU Connect Center:  PCU Connect is 24 hour/7 days a week, locally staffed call center available to the community to answer the need for resources, support, or faced with threats of violence or other concern(s) not addressed via 911 or mental health hotlines. All calls placed are confidential and are not recorded.  The goal is to provide for and empower the community by connecting them to the relief being sought. Ultimately, the leadership and staff of PCU Connect Center desire to be the change agents for the community and provide support to sustainability.  The formation of the Connect Center began with the hiring of Rashad Gattison on March 22, 2022 as the PCU Connect Supervisor  June 14, 2022: Mr. Gattison and his team of 12 opened the center and began receiving calls for support and resources  Calls received:  Top three resources requested: employment assistance (299), financial assistance (201), and housing assistance (130)  Connect Center:  Social media following:  Get Connected:  WHA Housing Assistance:  Within three days, PCU Connect was able to reach over 50 families including over 60 dependents ranging from the ages of five months to 53 years old  55% of families contacted by PCU staff were successfully referred to the ERAP program  Weekly lunches to displaced residents:  Staff continued to deliver lunches to displaced victims’ three times per week, connected them to resources, and assisted with providing boxes to move their belongings out of their currently damaged units  Stay Connected: DJJ partnership, transporting clients, and first clients PCU Community Resource Coordination Liaison Jarrett Gattison presented the following information:  Community Resource Coordinators (CRCs):  From local nonprofits placed in schools to help students and families get equitable and easy access to needed support services  PCU Community Resource Coordinators provide support to the students of seven schools and their families to ensure they attain equitable resources through easy access to support services with the goal to successfully thrive  Jarrett Gattison has been working to coordinate this partnership since his employment with PCU began on April 6th, 2022  With his leadership, the seven schools listed have the support of 22 CRCs  A collaboration with nonprofits and schools:  Communities in Schools, LINC, and Voyage  The schools: Gregory Elementary, Snipes Elementary, Forest Hills Elementary, Freeman Elementary, DC Virgo, Williston Middle School, and New Hanover High School  PCU Community Resource Coordinators are focused on three key points: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 PAGE 543  Support high-performing academic success of students who are working with a Community Resource Coordinator through: Increased student attendance, decreased occurrence of behavioral referrals, decreased out of school suspensions (OSS), decreased in school suspensions (ISS), grow post-secondary education, technical training, and/or military numbers.  Promote life skills to students working with a CRC: CRC referral employment, increase extra-curricular activity participation, establish and grow student volunteerism, exposure through PCU Growth Excursions for students  Ensure students and families receive needed wrap around services: Increase parent participation with student’s school and maintain students receiving school supplies  School locations of CRCs:  Caseload management:  Snipes (2 Staff): 43; Freeman (2 Staff): 11; Williston (4 Staff): 39; NHHS (6 Staff): 54; DC Virgo (1 Staff): 23; Gregory (2 Staff): 13; and Forest Hills (2 Staff): 9  Outreach:  May/June 2022: End of Grade test support:  Williston Middle School: 100 students impacted  Snipes Academy of Arts and Design: 120 students impacted  Rachel Freeman School of Engineering: 504 students impacted  Notable volunteers: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Charles Foust, NHCS, Superintendent, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  Welcome Back to School – supporting students to success:  D.C. Virgo: 207 students impacted  Snipes: 157 students impacted  Rachel Freeman: 115 students impacted Commissioner Barfield expressed appreciation to Mr. Harrison and the PCU team for their work to date and the work they will continue to do. It is making a difference in the communities. Vice-Chair Hays expressed appreciation for the work of Mr. Harrison and his team. She looks forward to the department spreading out into other schools, particularly the high schools. In response to Board questions, Mr. Harrison stated that his team did not pick the schools rather PCU staff were assigned by the school district. Since being in the schools, the work the PCU team has been doing is being seen firsthand and calls have been received from other principals from schools such as Sunset Park, Holly Tree, and Lake Forest Academy asking about the ability of PCU to be in their schools. Efforts are being made make connections in the Latinx community and to bring people from that community into the office to be a part of the department. In response to further Board questions, Mr. J. Gattison explained the difference between each multi-tiered system support (MTSS) service as defined by the school district. Tier I is for students who do not need much support, Tier 2 is for students who need more group work and interventions, and Tier 3 is for students who need essentially one-on-one support. His team is identifying the Tier 3 students in the school system so they can work with them and provide the needed support. Commissioner Zapple expressed his support for the department to expand into the other high schools and into the Latino communities. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Harrison and the PCU team for the update. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CAPE FEAR PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY – NORTHERN NEW HANOVER COUNTY Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle presented the following information on the request:  Proposal: Interlocal Agreement with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority  Infrastructure project: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 PAGE 544  Water mains:  Sewer mains:  Timeline:  Preliminary engineer report: completed in July 2020  Design phase: 2023  Construction phase: 2026  Key Provisions of the Interlocal Agreement:  Primary responsibilities:  The Authority manages the project:  Eventually owns the assets of the project after debt repaid  New Hanover County pays for the project:  Promotes economic development and grows tax base  Regular cooperation and consultation between the parties  Costs:  Design phase: not to exceed $3 million  Construction phase is estimated at $23.5 million:  Will be submitted to Board of Commissioners at a future date for approval  Expected to be funded by borrowings  Other provisions:  The Authority to obtain any necessary easements (reimbursed by the County)  County has the ability to charge fees to recover the project costs:  Fees to access the mains  Fees based on water volume  Interlocal Agreement and Recommendation:  Promotes long-term growth and increased tax base in this relatively undeveloped area of the County  Recommendation: Approval of interlocal agreement included in the agenda as Exhibit C Commissioner Zapple stated the interlocal agreement is one of the most important things the County will do over the next five to 10 years. It is the next step in protecting the aquifers and moving away from septic systems. This is an incredibly important partnership with CFPUA, and these are huge infrastructure improvements. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 PAGE 545 Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Hays, to approve the interlocal agreement with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority – Northern New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board Chair Olson-Boseman reported that one vacancy exists on the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board with five applications eligible for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Richard Andrews for appointment. Commissioner Zapple nominated Stephen M. Fortlouis for appointment. Vice Chair Hays nominated Lucy Holman for appointment. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: In the matter of the appointment of Richard Andrews, Chair Olson-Boseman and Commissioner Rivenbark voted in favor. Vote Results: In the matter of the appointment of Stephen M. Fortlouis, Commissioners Barfield and Zapple voted in favor. Vote Results: In the matter of the appointment of Lucy Holman, Vice-Chair Hays voted in favor. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman declared a tie vote for Richard Andrews and Stephen M. Fortlouis and stated that the Board would need to vote again on the two nominations to break the tie. Vote Results: The Board voted in the majority to appoint Richard Andrews to the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board with the unexpired term to expire June 30, 2023. Chair Olson-Boseman, Vice-Chair Hays, and Commissioner Rivenbark voted in favor. Chair Olson-Boseman stated that due to a majority of the votes being cast for Mr. Andrews, he would be the appointee to the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board. Appointment to the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Community Relations Advisory Committee Chair Olson-Boseman reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Community Relations Advisory Committee in the At-Large category with one application eligible for reappointment and eleven additional applications available for consideration. Commissioner Barfield nominated Cherri Cook for reappointment in the At-Large 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 Cherri Cook in the At-Large category to the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Community Relations Advisory Committee with the term to expire September 30, 2025. Appointment to the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage, and Culture Chair Olson-Boseman reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage, and Culture in Faith Community category with one available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Patricia Smith for appointment in the Faith Community 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 appoint Patricia Smith in the Faith Community category to the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage, and Culture with the unexpired term to expire August 31, 2025. Appointments to the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Chair Olson-Boseman reported that five vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council in the categories of At-Large and Under Age 21 with one application eligible for reappointment and four applications available for consideration in the At-Large category and one application eligible for appointment in the Under Age 21 category. Commissioner Barfield nominated Zachery Mitcham for reappointment in the At-Large category. Commissioner Zapple nominated Amir Johnson for appointment in the Under Age 21 category and Deborah O’Neill, Brittany Patterson, and Gina Warren for appointment in the At-Large category. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 PAGE 546 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 Amir Johnson in the Under Age 21 category, reappoint Zachery Mitcham and appoint Deborah O’Neill, Brittany Patterson, and Gina Warren in the At-Large category to the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council with terms to expire September 30, 2024. Appointment to the New Hanover County Nursing Home Advisory Committee Chair Olson-Boseman reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Nursing Home Advisory Committee with one application available for reappointment. Vice-Chair Hays nominated Marianne Eisenhauer-Wall for reappointment. 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 Marianne Eisenhauer-Wall to the New Hanover County Nursing Home Advisory Committee with the term to expire April 30, 2025. Appointment to the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors Chair Olson-Boseman reported that one vacancy exists on the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors with one application available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Dana Lingenfelser 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 Dana Lingenfelser to the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors with the unexpired term to expire June 30, 2025. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Olson-Boseman stated that one person signed up to speak under public comment on non-agenda items and invited the speaker to make remarks. James Ablard, resident of Grace Street, stated that he represents PFAW (People for the American Way), and a public citizen’s group dedicated to popularizing and promoting a better solution for elections which includes an agenda for a national holiday on Election Day. Progress has made been made in the state and now North Carolina felons have a chance to vote for the first time in 200 years. The resolution he sent to the Board back in August is being promoted by both organizations as a center point for local government to lean in on what the groups see as the chaos. The groups have also appointed a staff person to work with him to organize a rally in the community. He asked that the Board take up consideration to approve the resolution. Chair Olson-Boseman departed the meeting at 10:52 a.m. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS Consideration and Approval of Amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Zimmer Development Company County Manager Coudriet stated what is being presented to the Board are recommended changes from staff based upon communication from State Treasurer Folwell, not the Local Government Commission (LGC), and are specific to the lease agreement. It is staff’s understanding from the state treasurer’s office that the changes should lead to consideration of the lease agreement. If the LGC approves the lease agreement, the work is not done, and it is important to note that staff continues to meet with the design team and firm on a regular basis. There is a cost to bring that project in at the ceiling cost as shown in the lease agreement. Again, the changes are specific to the lease agreement, not necessarily other aspects to the profiles and contours of the project itself. Assistant County Manager Lisa Wurtzbacher stated the lease agreement, specifically, is on the LGC’s nd September 22 meeting agenda under the consent agenda to be heard and voted on by the LGC members. There were three requests of the state treasurer and of those, staff was able to address two of them while on the third, staff does not suggest making the change as suggested by the treasurer, which would require an upset bid process for the private side of the block. Staff is proposing that the County continue to use the statute that was afforded to it. As shown in the agenda packet, the amendments are shown with the two recommendations. The first is to remove the LGC reference out of the section that discusses the County purchasing the plans if the agreement is terminated, so it just removes the reference to the LGC. Everything else in that section stays the same. The treasurer also requested the County address change orders and there is now a section included in the MOU that states if any sort of change orders would change the lease amount, the County would go back to the LGC for those change orders. As County Manager Coudriet mentioned, there is still additional work to be done and staff continues to work with the development team on the design plans and the final costs. As the Board is aware, the longer the County waits for LGC approval and the higher interest rates get, the more the project will cost. There is another vote coming on Thursday on whether to have an interest rate hike, which is expected to be approved. Again, staff is diligently working through cost on the project. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 PAGE 547 In response to Board questions, Ms. Wurtzbacher stated that as of this morning the lease agreement was on the consent agenda for the LGC. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Hays asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Rivenbark to approve the amendment to the memorandum of understanding with Zimmer Development Company. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 – 0. ADDITIONAL ITEMS Commissioner Zapple reported on attending The Cape Fear Latino Festival which was held at the New Hanover County Arboretum. The event has outgrown the facility and he did hear discussions about moving it to a larger venue next year. It was a great day of celebration for Hispanic and Latino heritage. Commissioner Barfield recognized the passing of Valerie Watkins, the wife of former Commissioner Skip Watkins. He asked that the Watkins family be kept in everyone’s prayers. Vice-Chair Hays also recognized the passing of Ms. Watkins and stated she could not begin to express all that Valerie meant to the community. She was a swimmer at UNCW, helped write the first preschool curriculum at Cape Fear Community College, ran the Azalea Festival ticket office for over 10 years, was involved with the Azalea Festival as a committee member for several years, and was the marketing director for Chick-fil-A for nearly 20 years. She impacted all that she met and touched everyone in their hearts. All are forever better because of Valerie Watkins. She would like to also join Commissioner Barfield in asking that all keep the Watkins family their thoughts and prayers. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Vice-Chair Hays adjourned the meeting at 11:02 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.