2006-02-20 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 527
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, February 20,
2006, at 9:00 a.ill. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street,
Wilmington, NC.
Members present were: Chairman Robert G. Greer; Vice-Chairman William A. Caster; Commissioner Ted
Davis, Jr.; Commissioner William A. Kopp, Jf.; Commissioner Nancy H. Pritchett; County Manager Bruce T. Shell;
County Attorney Wanda M. Copley and Clerk to the Board Sheila L. Schult.
Chairman Greer called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice-Chairman Caster led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Carl Byrd, Director of the Human Relations Commission, gave the invocation.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman Greer asked if any member of the Board would like to remove an item from the Consent Agenda.
Hearing none, Chairman Greer requested a motion from the Board to approve the items on the Consent
Agenda as presented.
Motion: Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to approve the items on the
Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSL Y.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes
The Commissioners approved the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on February 6, 2006 as presented
by the Clerk to the Board.
Adoption of Resolution Accepting North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Grant Funds -
Environmental Management
The Commissioners adopted the resolution accepting North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust grant
funds in the amount of$155,000 and approved the associated budget amendment #06-0126. The funds will be used
for the purchase and installation of a center pivot irrigation system to be placed on cell2/3A at the landfill.
Budget Amendment #06-0126 - Environmental Management
Adjustment
Debit
Credit
Environmental Management:
Appropriated Fund Balance
Clean Water Management Trust Grant
Capital Outlay
$ 39,700
$155,000
$194,700
Explanation: To budget grant matching funds from the Environmental Management Fund Balance and
accept the grant in the amount of $155,000 from the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund for the
purchase and installation of a center pivot irrigation system.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XXIX, Page 38.1.
Adoption of Resolution to Sell Surplus Property - Legal Department
The Commissioners adopted the resolution authorizing Staff to sell surplus property located at 915 South
Fourth Street in the City of Wilmington in the amount of $11,000. The current tax value is $5,577.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XXIX, Page 38.2.
Adoption of Resolution to Sell Surplus Property - Legal Department
The Commissioners adopted the resolution authorizing Staff to sell surplus property located at 604 North
Sixth Street in the City of Wilmington for $2,135. The current tax value is $2,357.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XXIX, Page 38.3.
Acceptance of Proposal to Purchase Easement Over County Property - Legal Department
The Commissioners accepted the proposal by Mike Nadeau to purchase a nonexclusive easement from the
County over a 0.312-acre strip ofland adjacent to his property located at 142 Gordon Road in the amount of $3,000
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 528
and authorized Staff to advertise for upset bids. The County would retain ownership of the land over which the
easement lies for ingress/egress to the County parcel situated to the south. The Tax Administrator has evaluated the
offer and considers the proposed compensation reasonable. The sale would not be detrimental to use of the balance
of the County property located to the south.
Authorization of Execution of the Site Ground Lease Agreement - Legal Department
The Commissioners authorized the execution of the Site Ground Lease Agreement submitted by Airgate
PCS and Egan Realty Service to rent a 15' x 15' pad at the County River Road Park Airgate PCS will pour a
concrete pad for placement of a generator and other telecommunications equipment. Airgate PCS, as the Lessee, is
to pay for electricity. Airgate PCS agrees to fence the pad area and plant shrubs or trees for screening. Airgate, on
an adjacent tower owned by Progress Energy, would install an antenna and associated cell phone equipment. The
rent for the initial year is in the amount of $1,000 per month, with a three percent increase with each following year.
Authorization to Submit a Grant Application to the Library Sciences and Technology Act Marketing Grant -
Library
The Commissioners authorized the Library to submit a grant application to the Library Sciences and
Technology Act Marketing Grant in the amount of $16,200 with matching funds in the amount of $2,000. If
awarded, the funds will be used to develop a web portal and programs that will highlight library and community
resources that promote small business development.
Authorization to Submit an Application to the Grassroots Arts Grant Distributed by the North Carolina Arts
Council as the Designated County Partner with the Greater Wilmington Arts and Cultural Alliance - Cape
Fear Museum
The Commissioners authorized the Museum to act as the designated County partner with the Greater
Wilmington Arts and Cultural Alliance to submit an application to the Grassroots Arts Grant distributed by the
North Carolina Arts Council in the amount of $32,021. If awarded, approximately 80% will be distributed as sub-
grants to local arts organizations and approximately 20% will be used by Cape Fear Museum to offset costs of
administration and support defined program goals of the Greater Wilmington Arts and Cultural Alliance. The North
Carolina Arts Council has reviewed and endorsed the proposed budget. Ruth Haas, Museum Director, will be the
designated manager.
Approval to Destroy Old Jury Cards and Unclaimed Instruments - Register of Deeds
The Commissioners approved the request from the Registrar of Deeds to destroy jury cards and disposition
reports for 2002 and 2003.
Approval to Budget Additional Funds Received - Sheriff's Office
The Commissioners approved the following budget amendments for additional funds received by the
Sheriff's Office.
Budget Amendment #06-0122 - Sheriff's Office
Adiustment
Debit
Credit
Controlled Substance Tax:
Controlled Substance Tax
Capital Project Expense
$6,764
$6,764
Explanation: To increase budget for additional revenue received on January 4,2006 and January 23,2006.
Budget Amendment #06-0123 - Sheriff's Office
Adiustment
Debit
Credit
Federal Forfeited Property:
Federal Forfeited Property
Capital Project Expense
$2,601
$2,601
Explanation: To increase budget for additional revenue received on December 20,2005.
Acceptance of New Hanover County and New Hanover County Fire District Tax Collection Reports - Tax
Department
The Commissioners accepted the following Tax Collection Reports through January 31, 2006.
New Hanover County Fire District
New Hanover County
Copies of the Tax Collection Reports are hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and are contained in
Exhibit Book XXIX, Page 38.4
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 529
Approval of Release of Tax Values - Tax Department
The Commissioners granted the following taxpayers the Senior Citizen/Disability Exclusion:
Clemmons, Jean
Cofflin, William T. & Nanciann
Goldston, Teresa G.
Rich, Margaret H.
Shulman, Neal B.
Stiles, Bertha K.
White, James A. Marcelyne 1.
$ 6,970
24,617
52,932
41,058
23,081
17,960
40,720
Authorization for Release of Taxes Barred - Tax Department
The Commissioners authorized the release of taxes barred according to G.S. 105-378. The referenced statute states
that forced collection of any taxes after ten years from the date due is not allowed. These uncollected amounts are
.16% of the combined tax levies for the County and the municipalities charged in 1995 in the amount of
$74,718,909.21. A total of 273 accounts amount to $100.00 or more.
New Hanover County
Fire District
City of Wilmington
City of Wilmington License Tax
Wrightsville Beach
Carolina Beach
Kure Beach
Total
$ 75,728.80
1,386.28
29,482.55
5,808.18
887.27
4,234.91
182.21
$117,710.20
Approval of Advertisement of Tax Liens on Real Property - Tax Department
The Commissioners approved the advertisement of Tax Liens of Real Property to be published in the
Wilmington Star News on April 5, 2006 for all delinquent 2005 real estate accounts not paid by 5:00 p.ill. on March
28, 2006.
Approval of Scheduling Board of Equalization and Review for April 18, 2006 - Tax Department
The Commissioners approved scheduling the first meeting of the Board of Equalization and Review for
April 18, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Historic Courthouse, 24 North Third
Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Approval of Budget Amendments
The Commissioners approved the following budget amendments:
Budget Amendment #06-0114 - Social Services
Adiustment
Debit
Credit
Energy Assistance:
State Grant
Assistance Payment
$27,575
$27,575
Explanation: To budget additional grant funds received for Energy Assistance Payments.
Budget Amendment #06-0115 - Information TechnologylLibrarv
Adiustment
Debit
Credit
Information Technology:
Supplies
Library:
Supplies
$12,500
$12,500
Explanation: To transfer funds from Information Technology to Library
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY RETIREMENT PLAQUES
County Manager Shell requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
James B. Byrd, Engineering - 16 years of service
Martha E. Watson - Economic Services Caseworker -10 years of service
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 530
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Greer presented a retirement plaque to each employee, expressed
appreciation and thanked them for their dedicated years of service.
PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SERVICE AWARDS
County Manager Shell requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
Five Year:
Edward E. Stephens - Sheriffs Office
Felicia M. Jones - Health Department
Arielle U. Nixon - Health Department
Panza A. McNeill - Health Department
Linda Wright - Health Department
Karen B. Halso - Social Services
Angela O. King - Social Services
Ten Year:
Thomas S. Nolan - Tax Department
Gregory L. Kennedy - Aging
Fifteen Year:
Christine B. McNamee - Social Services
Caroline B. Eisenstein - Library
Twenty Year:
Howard M. Williams - Property Management
Ruth C. Roethlinger - Health Department
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Greer presented a service award to each employee, expressed
appreciation and thanked them for their dedicated years of service.
RECOGNITION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
County Manager Shell requested the following new employees to stand and be introduced:
Michael Cross - Fire Services
Jennifer Peters - Museum
Neal Robertson - Parks Department
Yolanda Boynton-Clark - Social Services
Sandra Macon - Sheriff's Office
Frank Talman - Sheriff's Office
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Greer welcomed the new employees to County Government and wished
them success in their new positions.
RECOGNITION OF AWARD PRESENTED TO DONALD BLAKE AS NORTH CAROLINA'S HEALTH
MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Commissioner Pritchett reported that the Association of North Carolina Boards of Health recently named
Donald Blake, Chairman of the New Hanover County Board of Health, North Carolina's Board of Health Member
of the Year. Mr. Blake has been a member of the Board of Health for thirteen years and Chairman for three years.
He has diligently served to protect the health of citizens of New Hanover County.
Mr. Blake stated that it has been his privilege to serve the citizens of New Hanover County.
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Greer congratulated Mr. Blake on the recognition and award.
UPDATE ON THE MEADOWS OF WILMINGTON COMPLAINTS
Department of Social Services Director LaVaughn Nesmith reported that the North Carolina Division of
Social Services completed their survey on February 8-9, 2006 and a final report is expected March 2,2006. County
staff continues to monitor the situation with the results being positive.
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION FOR BOND ORDER FOR $35.5 MILLION IN GENERAL
OBLIGATION BONDS
Chairman Greer reported that at the Board's meeting on February 6, 2006, a resolution was approved to
proceed with a $35.5 million Bond Issue to pay capital costs of providing parks and recreation facilities, including
the acquisition and development of land, the construction and development of athletic fields, parks, playgrounds,
swimming pools and recreation centers, and the provision of related library, museum and beach improvements and
including the acquisition and installation of machinery and equipment.
Chairman Greer requested a motion to introduce the following Bond Order.
Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Caster, to introduce the $35.5 million
Bond Order. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Greer read the Bond Order into the record.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 531
Chairman Greer requested a motion to adopt the resolution providing for public hearing on the bond order,
publication of the bond order with a notice of such hearing and directing the Finance Officer to file a statement of
debt with the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners.
Motion: Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to adopt the resolution providing
for public hearing on the bond order, publication of the bond order with a notice of such hearing and directing the
Finance Officer to file a statement of debt with the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Greer requested a motion to adopt the resolution authorizing absentee voting on the issuance of
the bonds, authorizing and directing the Clerk to the Board to County Commissioners to publish the notice of
availability of absentee ballots and requesting the Board of Elections to prepare and distribute the absentee ballots.
Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Caster, to adopt the resolution authorizing
absentee voting on the issuance of the bonds, authorizing and directing the Clerk to the Board to County
Commissioners to publish the notice of availability of absentee ballots and requesting the Board of Elections to
prepare and distribute the absentee ballots. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Copies of the resolutions are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book
XXIX, Page 38.5.
RECOGNITION OF AWARDS PRESENTED TO THE NEW HANOVER SOIL AND WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Assistant County Manager Dave Weaver reported that the New Hanover Soil and Water Conservation
District has received recognition from the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Districts as the Community
Conservation District of the Year and the Education District of the Year. The New Hanover District was chosen out
of ninety-six Districts in the State of North Carolina.
The Community Conservation Award recognized the District for their local and statewide efforts in
promoting cost share programs on non-agricultural lands. The New Hanover District was the first District in the
State to receive Federal Farm Bill money for cost share on residential backyards.
The Education District of the Y ear Award recognized the District for its growing education and outreach
programs to groups ranging from the Boy Scouts to homeowners associations. The District has also educated over
one thousand students in the past year on water quality and soil conservation issues and provided a number of
teacher workshops.
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Greer congratulated Executive Director Shelly Miller and members of
the New Hanover Soil and Water Conservation District Board on their recognition and awards.
RECOGNITION OF CYNTHIA GRAHAM'S FAMILY
County Manager Bruce Shell reported that Environmental Management employee Cynthia Graham passed
away on February 9, 2006 and requested her husband Hubert, daughter Amber and son Alex be recognized by
accepting Ms. Graham's County Service Award for fifteen years of service.
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Greer offered the family condolences and presented them with Ms.
Graham's County Service Award.
PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY RE-CERTIFICATION AS A STORMREADY
COMMUNITY
Emergency Management Director Warren Lee introduced Steve Pfaff, Staff Meteorologist with the
Wilmington Office of the National Weather Service.
Mr. Pfaff reported that the StorrnReady program was started in 1999 to help aid communities with the
communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property. StorrnReady helps community leaders and
emergency managers strengthen local safety programs. StorrnReady communities are better prepared to save lives
from the onslaught of severe weather through better planning, education and awareness.
New Hanover County was first designated as a StorrnReady community in 2002 and the National Weather
Service Office in Wilmington would like to present to the New Hanover County Department of Emergency
Management the County's re-certification as a StormReady community.
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Greer congratulated the Emergency Management Director Warren Lee
and Staff.
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO APPROVE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ACTIONS RELATED
TO CHESTERBROOK PROPERTY PURCHASE
County Manager Bruce Shell reported that the Board of Education is requesting approval of the purchase of
the Chesterbrook property, the related Board of Education budget amendment #3 appropriating funds in the amount
of $2,572,500 to establish a budget for the Chesterbrook property purchase, approve applying for Public School
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 532
Building Capital Funds in the amount of $1,224,166 for the Anderson Elementary School and $1,200,000 for the
Chesterbrook property purchase.
New Hanover County Schools, Director of Facility Planning and Construction, Eddie Anderson reported
that the immediate plans are to use the Chesterbrook property to house kindergarten classes from Parsley
Elementary School to relieve overcrowding. Under consideration by the Board of Education, is also the option of
moving the pre-kindergarten classes from J.c. Roe Elementary to the Chesterbrook property.
Motion: Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to approve the purchase of the
Chesterbrook property, the related Board of Education budget amendment #3 appropriating funds in the amount of
$2,572,500 to establish a budget for the Chesterbrook property purchase, approve applying for Public School
Building Capital Funds in the amount of $1,224,166 for the Anderson Elementary School and $1,200,000 for the
Chesterbrook property purchase. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PRESENTATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES ON LEADING BY RESULTS
Social Services Human Services Planner Chris McNamee presented the Department of Social Services'
Leading by Result Initiative Journey and provided the following information:
. Emphasis on prevention and supportive services to decrease abuse, neglect and welfare
dependency:
. Expansion of Medicaid to children ages 0-5 from Health choice
. Family and Children Medicaid growth of 112% in eight years
. Food stamp growth of 21 % in five years
. Childcare subsidy decrease of 9% from FY 05 to FY 06
. Currently 391 children on waiting list
. Develop initiatives to enhance internal and external communications to improve customer service.
. Identify new funding sources to assist in enhancing services and improving outcomes.
. Fully implement Multiple Response System to improve child safety:
. Over 190 Child and Family Team meetings since July 2005
. Strengthened Work First/Child Welfare coordination
. Memorandum of Understanding's with all Law Enforcement entities in the County
. Loss of federal dollars
. Results in the making:
. Results driven system instituted
. More accountable to the community
. Customer satisfaction improved
. Creativity and innovation encouraged
. Competent, enthusiastic staff recruited, trained and retained
. Flexibility in process; willingness to change
After a brief question and answer period, Chairman Greer thanked Ms. McNamee for the presentation.
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING ROAD
IMPROVEMENTS PLANTATION ROAD BETWEEN MURRAYVILLE ROAD AND MARKET STREET
Chairman Greer reported that at the request of Senator Boseman's office, the Board is being requested to
adopt the resolution supporting road improvements to Plantation Road between Murrayville Road and Market Street
and read the resolution into the record.
Mike Kozlosky, Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordinator, reported that limited accessibility in the
northeastern section of New Hanover County has resulted in substantial traffic problems along Market Street and
Gordon Road. Future road projects may relieve some of this congestion but there is an immediate need to provide
better connectivity between the numerous residential neighborhoods that are being built and the services that they
utilize along these major arterials. Improvements to Plantation Road between Murrayville Road and Market Street
would be a cost-effective solution that would provide a tremendous benefit to this area of the County. The North
Carolina Department of Transportation and General Assembly's local delegation have identified potential funding
sources to complete this connection.
Senior Planner Steve Candler reported that the County is currently working with the developer to
incorporate the road design in his project. This rezoning request will be coming to the Board at their March 13,
2006 meeting.
Hearing no further comments, Chairman Greer requested a motion for adoption.
Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Caster, to adopt the resolution supporting
the construction of a collector street utilizing Plantation Road between Murrayville Road and Market Street. Upon
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 533
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XXIX, Page 38.6.
BREAK
Chairman Greer called for a break from 10:30 a.ill. until 10:50 a.ill.
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO SUBMIT A PRELIMINARY APPLICATION TO THE LOCAL
PLANNING AND ACCESS PROGRAM COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT ACT FOR FUNDS TO
IMPROVE THE FORT FISHER BASIN ACCESS AREA AND TO THE NATIONAL FISH AND
WILDLIFE FOUNDATION COASTAL COUNTIES RESTORATION INITIATIVE GRANT
Senior Planner Chris O'Keefe reported that New Hanover County has been asked to participate in two
partnerships seeking funds to improve the Fort Fisher Basin access area.
The first request is to authorize the Planning Department to submit a preliminary application to the Local
Planning and Access Program Coastal Area Management Act for funds in the amount of $200,000 to $250,000. The
deadline for submittal of a preliminary application is February 28, 2006. The grant program requires a 25% match
of which half can be in-kind. The use of heavy construction equipment can also be used in lieu of the cash portion
of the required match. The second grant request is to submit an application for funds from the Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA) Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access program in the amount of $100,000.
Donna Moffitt with the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher reported on the partnership that includes
the Fort Fisher Public Property Managers Working Group, New Hanover County, the Town of Carolina Beach, the
Town of Kure Beach, the Citizens Advisory Committee for the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the North
Carolina Coastal Federation, the North Carolina Division of Water Resources, the Cape Fear the Cape Fear
Resource Conservation and Development, Inc., the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers and
Coastal America. The Board is being requested to authorize the Planning Department to submit a preliminary grant
application in the amount of approximately $200,000 to $250,000 to improve the Fort Fisher Basin access. If
awarded, the funds will be used to organize traffic flow, enlarge and pave the parking area, fill low spots, install
interpretive signage highlighting the historic and natural features, improve the bulkhead and boat ramp, construct a
separate canoe/kayak launch area and improve the breakwater linking Fort Fisher to Zeke's Island.
The second grant request is for funds from the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Public Beach and
Coastal Waterfront Access program in the amount of $100,000. If awarded, the Coastal Counties Restoration
Initiative grant funds will be used for coastal wetland and riparian vegetation restoration, shoreline stabilization and
erosion control including oyster revetment. The CAMA grant funds would be used to construct a separate pier
facility for canoe and kayak launching. The required in-kind match will come from the Aquarium for educational
and outreach efforts and from the North Carolina Coastal Federation for volunteer labor.
Ms. Moffit confirmed with Commissioner Pritchett that they are currently in discussion with the Town of
Kure Beach concerning trash collection. The Aquarium has discretionary funds for this use, if needed.
Chairman Greer requested direction from the Board.
Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Caster, to authorize the Planning
Department to submit a preliminary grant application to the Local Planning and Access Program Coastal Area
Management Act for funds in the amount of approximately $200,00 to $250,000 to improve the Fort Fisher Basin
access area and to submit a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Coastal Counties Restoration initiative grant in
the amount of $100,000 to coastal wetland and riparian vegetation restoration, shoreline stabilization and erosion
control including oyster revetment and construction of a separate pier facility for canoe and kayak launching. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER UPDATE
County Manager Bruce Shell reported that the renovation project would provide new offices for the
essential County departments that are currently located at 320 Chestnut Street. This renovation is the last phase to
locate essential County departments to the New Hanover County Government Center to enhance services and access
to the citizens.
Bruce Bowman with BMS Architects presented an overview of the renovation project and reported that
bids have been received. Increases to the initial cost estimates included mechanical infrastructure, electrical
infrastructure, data infrastructure, generator power, initial projections based on early phases with less adaptation
involved, less privacy and less subdivision. The proposed budget is as follows:
Base bid $2,877,000
Additional costs of $1,000,000 to include:
. Atrium renovations
. Signage
. Computer room
. Contingency
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 2006
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PAGE 534
. Design fees
. FF&E (blinds for conference rooms, break rooms)
. Exterior
Total project cost in the amount of $3,877,000; $66 a square foot.
Mr. Bowman reported that permitting was currently underway with a six-month construction calendar for a
proposed occupancy date of September 1, 2006. Staff recommends the Board award the contract to the lowest
responsible bidder, Monteith Construction Corporation, in the amount of $2,877,000 and approve the associated
budget amendment.
Commissioner Pritchett confirmed with Project Manager Max Maxwell that the Human Relations
Department and the Veteran Services Department are not included in this renovation project but would be included
in the next renovation phase.
Commissioner Pritchett stated her concern about the increase in the project cost and that the requested
proposal did not include the relocation of the Human Relations Department and the Veteran Services Department.
Commissioner Davis confirmed with County Manager Bruce Shell that the County is currently considering
options to sell or lease the downtown property and will keep the Board informed of the progress.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman Greer called for a motion from the Board.
Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Caster, to award the contract for the New
Hanover County Government Center renovation project to Monteith Construction Corporation in the amount of
$2,877,000 and approve the associated budget amendment #2006-21. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 3 TO 2.
Commissioner Davis and Commissioner Pritchett voted in opposition.
Budget Amendment #2006-21 - Government Center Capital Proiect/Wireless 911 Fund/General Fund
Adiustment
Debit
Credit
General Fund:
Appropriate Fund Balance
Transfer to Capital Project
Supplies
Wireless 911 Fund:
Appropriated Fund Balance
Transfer to Capital Project
EOC/911/Tower/Govt Center CP:
Golds Gym Renovations
Judicial/CAB Renovations
Tower
Library Basement
COPS Funding
Sales Tax Refund
Interest on Investments
City of Wilmington Participation
Transfer in from Wireless 911
Transfer in from General Fund
Government Center Renovations
$1,208,611
$1,208,611
$ 189,000
$ 189,000
$ 423,613
$ 12,712
$ 1,143
$ 8,919
$ 190,123
$ 47,986
$ 6,034
$ 28,785
$ 189,000
$1,208,611
$1,679,110
Explanation: To adjust budget for bids received to complete renovations to Government Center; to budget
a transfer from the Wireless 911 Fund of $189,000; to move available funds from various components of the Capital
Project Fund, i.e. Golds, Tower, Library, etc., to the Government Center component. Upon approval of this budget
amendment, General Fund balance appropriated to date is $8,407,173; Wireless Fund balance appropriated to date is
$905,130.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
Appointment to the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission
Chairman Greer reported that one vacancy needs to be filled on the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission
and one member was eligible for reappointment and eight applications had been received and asked for nominations
from the Board.
Motion: Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to reappoint Paul Woodbury to a
three-year term with the term to expire on February 28,2009 on the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20, 2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 535
MEETING RECESSED TO HOLD A REGULAR MEETING OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY
WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
Chairman Greer convened from Regular Session at 11:45 a.m. to hold a meeting of the New Hanover
County Water and Sewer District.
Chairman Greer reconvened to Regular Session at 11 :57 a.m.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman Greer announced that time had been reserved to allow the public to present an item that was not
listed on the regular agenda. He requested all persons speaking to limit their remarks to three minutes.
No comments were received.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR FUNDING FROM RADIO STATION WHQR
County Manager Bruce Shell reported that the County has received a request from the Friends of Public
Radio Inc., the non-profit organization, pointing out in their request for funds in the amount of $15,000 that
thousands of County residents depend on WHQR for information during hurricane and other emergencies that
impact them. If awarded, the funds will be used to replace the emergency power service to be prepared for
broadcast during the upcoming hurricane season. The City of Wilmington has not acted on the same request.
Chairman Greer requested direction from the Board.
No motion was made.
Items Presented by Vice-Chairman Caster
Vice-Chairman Caster reported that he attended the following meetings and events:
Presented greetings for the 8th Annual Conference of the Partners for Economic Inclusion; the 2006
Wilmington Garden Show Preview Party; the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority meeting; monthly
meeting with School Board Chairman and Superintendent; Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce annual
meeting; UNC-W Master of Public Administration site visit; Hanover Federal Credit Union annual meeting;
Mayor's Prayer Breakfast; Judges Luncheon; tour and meeting with Northchase Homeowners Association members,
Representative Wright, Senator Boseman and Representative Justice; and the Porter's Neck Quality of Life meeting.
Items Presented by Commissioner Pritchett
Commissioner Pritchett reported that she attended the following meetings and events:
The funeral service in memory of Cindy Graham; the special announcement with UNCW and the United
Way Partnering for Progress program designed to enhance non-profit organizations; the 2006 Wilmington Garden
Show preview party; the Special Olympics Polar Plunge fund raiser; the Planning Board meeting concerning traffic
improvements; and the First Annual Lower Cape Fear Stewardship Development Awards program.
Item Presented by County Manager Bruce Shell
On behalf of the County, Manager Shell expressed condolences to the Cynthia Graham family and the
Elizabeth Hewett family. Ms. Graham worked with the County and Environmental Management for fifteen years
and Ms. Hewett recently retired with twenty-two years of service from the Tax Office.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman Greer adjourned the meeting at 12: 10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila L. Schult
Clerk to the Board