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2022-10-17 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 17, 2022 PAGE 566 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on October 17, 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 (remote); 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. Chair Olson-Boseman stated that Vice-Chair Hays was remote for the meeting and would be able to participate in the discussion but any votes she cast would not be counted towards a matter. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Imam Abdul Rahman Shareef, Tauheed Islamic Center of Wilmington, provided the invocation and Vice- Chair Deb Hays 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. Commissioner Zapple requested to pull Consent Agenda Item #7: Budget Amendments for further discussion and consideration. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4-0. While not counted towards the final vote, Vice- Chair Hays voted in favor of the motion. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Agenda Review Meeting held on September 29, 2022 and the Regular Meeting held on October 3, 2022. Adoption of 2023 Schedule of Agenda Review and Regular Board of Commissioners Meetings – Governing Body The Commissioners adopted the 2023 Schedule of Agenda Review and Regular Board of Commissioners Meetings. A copy of the schedule is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 36.1. Adoption of a Resolution to Award a Contract for Both the Purchase of Firearms and the Sale of Firearms Owned by the County to Craig's Firearm Supply – Sheriff The Commissioners awarded a contract for both the purchase of firearms and the sale of firearms owned by the County to Craig’s Firearm Supply in the amount of $108,100.50. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 36.2. Approval of Interlocal Agreement with CFPUA for Waterline Relocation – Engineering The Commissioners approved the interlocal agreement with Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) for waterline relocation. Adoption of Bank Resolution for Truist Bank – Finance The Commissioners adopted a bank resolution for Truist Bank designating Eric Credle, Chief Financial Officer; Martha Wayne, Deputy Chief Financial Officer; and Beverly Thomas, Investment Officer as employees who are authorized to transact business including opening and closing accounts and signing checks or other orders for payment. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 36.3. Approval of the Award of Bid and Adoption of Budget Amendment 23-027 for the Reconstruction of the River Road Park Pier that was Damaged During Hurricane Isaias – Parks and Gardens The Commissioners awarded a contract to Intercoastal Marine, LLC in the amount of $745,857.32 for the reconstruction of the River Road Park Pier that was damaged during Hurricane Isaias and adopted the associated budget amendment. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 17, 2022 PAGE 567 A copy of the budget amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 36.4. Discussion and Adoption of Budget Amendments – Budget Commissioner Zapple stated budget amendment 23-032 reinforces the commitment of the Board and the County to stand up the Stormwater Services Division to improve portions of Prince George Creek, Barnards Creek, Smith Creek, Dock Creek, Mott Creek, and Lords Creek. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve Consent Agenda Item #7: Adoption of Budget Amendments as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4-0. While not counted towards the final vote, Vice-Chair Hays voted in favor of the motion. Additional information: The Commissioners adopted the following budget amendments amending the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023: Sheriff 23-028, 23-031 Engineering 23-029, 23-032 Finance 23-033 Copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 36.5. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING OPERATION GREEN LIGHT FOR VETERANS Chair Olson-Boseman read the resolution into the record. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson- Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Chair Olson-Boseman MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to adopt a resolution encouraging citizens to recognize the sacrifices of veterans by displaying a green light in a window of their place of business or residence from November 7 - 13, 2022. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4-0. While not counted towards the final vote, Vice-Chair Hays voted in favor of the motion. Veteran Services Officer Betsy Graham expressed her appreciation for the Board adopting the resolution. Vice-Chair Hays stated that North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Board of Directors voted in support of Operation Green Light during its October meeting. Commissioner Barfield expressed appreciation to Ms. Graham and her team for the support they provide to the veterans in the community and nearby counties. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 36.6. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving a retirement award: David McMillan, Jr., Sheriff’s Office, retiring with 26 years of service Shawn Newton, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with 22 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: Cala Blondin, Tax Jason Jordan, Health and Human Services (HHS) – Social Services Ten Years: Eliza Baldwin, Office of Strategy Gina Golden, HHS - Social Services James Roten, Community Justice Services Brenda Tedder, HHS - Social Services Kenneth Vafier, Planning and Land Use Fifteen Years: Wendy Davis, HHS - Social Services Anthony Smith, Facilities Management Gwendolyn Williams, HHS - Social Services Twenty-Five Years: Mike Arkinson, Information Technology NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 17, 2022 PAGE 568 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: Matthew Allen, Emergency Management Nathan Vince Casella, Tax Hutchens, Facilities Management Ana Jacobs, HHS – Public Health Kerry Fitzgerald, HHS – Public Health Benjamin Lambros, HHS – Public Health John Flynn, Tax Caroline Longerbeam, HHS – Public Health Harriet Goad, HHS – Centralized Support Vincent Rivera, Sheriff’s Office Blythe Hall, Sheriff’s Office Eric Schomo, HHS – Public Health Alyssa Hamman, HHS – Centralized Support Ian Thackrah, Information Technology Donna Hoyt, Facilities Management Zachary Thompson, Parks and Gardens Richard Hunt, Facilities Management The Commissioners welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. NOVANT HEALTH UPDATE Novant Health President Shelbourn Stevens and Novant Health Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer John Gizdic provided the following update:  Novant Health - New Hanover Regional Medical Center:  Mission: Novant Health exists to improve the health of communities, one person at a time  Vision: We, the Novant Health team, will deliver the most remarkable patient experience in every dimension, every time  Values: Compassion; Courage; Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity; Excellence; Safety; and Teamwork  Our people: We are an inclusive team of purpose-driven people inspired and united by our passion to care for each other, our patients, and our communities  Our promise: We are relentlessly pursuing remarkable care every day so you can expect the compassionate, expert, personal experience you deserve  Our principles: Access for all; human-centered; purposeful innovation; and world-class quality  The journey to partnership:  New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC): NHRMC recognized the issues facing standalone health systems and from a position of strength, NHRMC wanted to find a strategic partner with aligned goals to join forces at a pivotal time in healthcare  Novant Health: Novant Health and NHRMC partnered in February of 2021, with a shared vision, mission, and values to meet the healthcare needs of the community together  As part of the partnership, Novant committed to advancing the value of care, achieving health equity, driving quality of care throughout the continuum, effective governance, engaging staff, improving access to care and wellness, investing to ensure long-term financial security, partnering with providers, and strategic positioning  Forces impacting healthcare:  COVID-19: The pandemic required health systems to cancel elective procedures, transition to virtual care and quickly adapt to meet the community’s needs  Staffing shortages: Health systems are facing the challenge of staffing shortages nationwide, causing patient safety and quality concerns  Financial: Nationally, health systems are dealing with major financial issues including rising costs for drugs and supplies, supply chain disruptions and inflation  What we have accomplished together so far:  Health careers education:  $2 million to strengthen the healthcare workforce through collaborative investments and scholarships alongside our college and university partners  Partnered with UNCW to launch the Interdisciplinary Health Education for Aspiring Leaders (iHEAL) camp to educate students about health careers  117 new local participants in Novant Health’s yearlong nurse residency program  Upward Mobility Registered Nurse (RN) Educational Assistance Fund is now supporting coastal team members with an initial class of 14  $200,000 in scholarships invested in health careers for local students  Our remarkable team:  $65 million invested to retain top talent, including base pay increases and bonuses  Hired over 300 nurses this summer (including contract)  Extended the Novant Health $15 per hour healthy community wage  UNC Health Partnership:  Advancing research and clinical trials with UNC Health  Planning new psychiatric residency and rural track of family medicine residency  Expanding UNC School of Medicine class size to 24 third year students  Launching sickle cell clinic in Wilmington with UNC Health  Affordability and Access: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 17, 2022 PAGE 569  Families at or below 300% of the federal poverty line will never owe payment for a bill at NHRMC  100 new providers onboarded, including pediatric subspecialities, to the area by end of 2022  Charity Care Patients Local residents qualifying for charity care:  Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity:  Expanded Health Community NC 2030 dashboard statewide  Adopted Novant Health screening mammogram goal to emphasize health equity  Safety and Quality:  Faster stroke treatments with Viz.ai artificial intelligence  Introduced a new care model to support patients and nurses  Adopting data and analytics to enhance safety and quality  Expanding Mobile Care:  $400,000 invested to create “Health Care on Wheels” to bring screenings, education, and primary care to underserved areas throughout the region  Ongoing investment: Creating access and health equity:  Novant Health is on track to meet commitments outlined in Asset Purchase Agreement and has met 100% of the commitments to date  Support so far:  $10 million gift from Michael Jordan (MJ) to open two clinics in the region  $2.5 million anticipated annual Novant Health investment in two new MJ clinics  $50 million one-time gift for NHRMC Foundation  $1.2 billion New Hanover Community Endowment  More to come:  $600 million committed over 10 years to fund facility improvements  $2.5 billion committed to support additional needs in the coastal region  Investments include building new Scotts Hill medical center, neuro patient tower, Leland ambulatory surgery center, and outpatient cancer care at Scotts Hill  We are working to help our patients live longer, stronger, healthier lives  Together, we make remarkable happen for our patients  2021 New Hanover Regional Medical Center Annual Report:  NovantHealth.org/NHRMCReport In response to Board questions, Senior Vice President Medical Education Novant Health and Executive Director of SEAHEC Dr. Joe Pino provided an overview of the iHEAL program which was developed by UNCW in partnership with Novant. It allows students to explore a variety of health careers and majors at UNCW and other academic institutions in the state, including UNC Chapel Hill. As part of the $2 million grant made by Novant Health, work is being done with the community college, UNCW, and the k-12 school system as well as the faith community and other organizations to continue developing the pipeline and provide students in this community opportunities they currently do not have. Dr. Pino acknowledged that working with the Port City United team would be a good avenue to help get at-risk students involved in the camp. Commissioner Barfield commented on his recent experience with a family member staying in the hospital and about his conversations with the nursing staff and how the people who work there do care. He learned that the traveling nurses were excited to be in the region and did recognize the increased differential in pay versus other locations and that the resident nurses have concerns with not making as much as the traveling nurses. He understands the concerns and that shortages are being seen in every industry. He expressed appreciation to Mr. Gizdic, Mr. Stevens, and Dr. Pino for providing the update, their leadership, and the quality healthcare being provided to the region. In response to Board questions, Mr. Gizdic stated that no nurses were let go. Rather, several travel nurses left at the same time, which is how the hospital was put into the situation of having a nurse shortage. It does not have enough nurses and needs all it can get. As a point of clarification, the past couple of years have been difficult primarily because of the factors facing the industry, not because of the change with Novant Health. Some of the challenges being faced are mainly the result of covid and where Novant finds itself in the healthcare industry as well as other industries. If it were not for the resources Novant Health brought here, the ability to turn the hospital around would not have happened and the ability to bring in the travel nurses would not have been affordable. In response to further Board questions, Mr. Gizdic stated the $2 million is the seed money to create the pipeline to start work in middle schools through high schools to get students directly into the iHEAL program, guarantee them a job based on certain circumstances at the hospital, and if they stay to work at the hospital for a certain number of years, the scholarship would pay for their education. It is a great way for all stakeholders to collaborate and not only build the healthcare workforce of the future but be an economic development opportunity for this community as well as an opportunity to create careers for kids. It is also a very exciting opportunity with NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 17, 2022 PAGE 570 nurses that teach the curriculum. There is a desire to offer additional clinical sites to train as many high school students to be certified nursing assistants (CNA) as are interested and to have the ability to expand the number of kids pursuing healthcare careers. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Gizdic and Mr. Stevens for the presentation. PRESENTATION BY YOUTH AMBASSADORS FROM YOUNG SCIENTIST ACADEMY Young Scientist Academy Founder and Executive Director Rob Condon and youth ambassadors provided the following update:  Young Scientists Academy presents Youth Ambassador Science:  Why youth science is important for the future of New Hanover County:  Climate change:  New Hanover County is Getting Hotter: Consequences for Urban and Coastal Communities o  Earth’s climate is changing rapidly due to human activities “2C increase in temperature will cause sea level to rise 6 feet”  What is climate change:  Long-term change in temperature due to natural processes and human activities that can be identified  Drought, flooding, wildfires, pollution, hurricanes….  Earth is hotter due to more CO2:  Wilmington is getting hotter:  Increases in temperature in the past 15-20 years  Increases in both day and night temperatures BUT increases were greater at night, particularly in summer and fall  Heat map shows concrete makes neighborhoods hotter:   Water quality:  Analysis of Water Quality in New Hanover County:  Water Quality Sample Sites:  E. coli Bacteria is super high in some areas:  Wetlands improve water quality: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 17, 2022 PAGE 571  Urban sustainability:  Analyzing changes in urban landscapes using python coding:  Why is Greenspace Important:  Using Image Analysis to Determine Greenspace:  Greenspace Map of Wilmington: The Commissioners expressed appreciation to Mr. Condon and the students for the presentation and for making a difference in the community with their work. WILMINGTON HOUSING AUTHORITY REMEDIATION UPDATE Tyrone Garrett, CEO of Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA) provided the following update:  Wilmington Housing Authority Update:  Displaced families:  Remediated units: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 17, 2022 PAGE 572  Work order overview: 87.92% completion rate:  Process implementation for PMO  September PMO Report:  Key changes and updates:  Use of Vendor Café:  Drastic reduction in time to complete vendor payments  Received Grants from Walmart: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 17, 2022 PAGE 573  Grant Sum $13,000  Physical Needs Assessment – Portfolio Wide:  Development at Hillcrest  RAD – Solomon  Rebrand Project Commissioner Barfield expressed appreciation for the work Mr. Garrett and his team are doing to return families back to their units. He understands the challenges the families are facing in raising their children in a hotel and to have a permanent, safe home to return to will go a long way to helping provide stability to the families. Vice-Chair Hays thanked the WHA Board, Mr. Garrett, and the staff for the many hours spent working to get this point and to get the assistance they needed to help the families return to their residences. In response to Board questions, Mr. Garrett stated that 104 families remain displaced. Commissioner Zapple commended Mr. Garrett for the detailed report and for the alternatives to help the remaining displaced families find housing other than the hotels if their residences will not be ready before the end of the year. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Garrett for the presentation. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointment to the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board Chair Olson-Boseman reported that one vacancy exists on the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board with four applications available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Stephen M. Fortlouis for appointment. Commissioner Barfield seconded the nomination. While being unable to vote due to remote participation, Vice-Chair Hays stated her support for Lucy Holman to be appointed. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted in the majority to appoint Stephen M. Fortlouis to the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board to fill an unexpired term, with the term to expire June 30, 2024. Commissioners Barfield, Rivenbark, and Zapple voted in favor. Appointment to the New Hanover Community Endowment Chair Olson-Boseman reported that two vacancies exist on the New Hanover Community Endowment with two applicants eligible for reappointment and seven additional applications available for consideration. Chair Olson-Boseman nominated Spence Broadhurst and Shannon Winslow for reappointment and for th service terms of county appointees to reflect an end date of September 30 to be in alignment with the asset purchase agreement (APA) and bylaws. Commissioner Zapple seconded the nominations and the service terms to th reflect an end date of September 30. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor and th the service terms for all county appointees to reflect an end date of September 30. Vote Results: The Board voted 4 TO 0 to reappoint Spence Broadhurst and Shannon Winslow to the New Hanover Community Endowment with the terms to expire September 30, 2025 and for the service terms of county appointees th to reflect an end date of September 30 to align the APA and bylaws. While not counted towards the final vote, Vice-Chair Hays voted in favor of the motion. Appointments 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 Education category with two applications available for consideration. Commissioner Barfield nominated Stephanie Medcalfe for appointment in the Education Community category. Commissioner Zapple seconded the nomination. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted 4 TO 0 to appoint Stephanie Medcalfe in the Education Community category to the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Community Relations Advisory Committee with the unexpired term to expire September 30, 2025. While not counted towards the final vote, Vice-Chair Hays voted in favor of the motion. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 17, 2022 PAGE 574 PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Olson-Boseman stated that no one signed up to speak under public comment on non-agenda items. ADDITIONAL ITEMS There were no additional items of business. CLOSED SESSION Chair Olson-Boseman announced a Closed Session pursuant to North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 143- 318.11(a)(3) to consult with attorney on a matter of potential litigation. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to enter a Closed Session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) to consult with attorney on a matter of potential litigation. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4-0. While not counted towards the final vote, Vice-Chair Hays voted in favor of the motion. Chair Olson-Boseman convened to Closed Session at 10:36 a.m. and stated that all persons not Board members or specifically designated staff were asked to leave the meeting room. CONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION Chair Olson-Boseman called the meeting back to order at 10:52 a.m. and reported that pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) the Board has concluded consultation with the attorney on a matter of potential litigation. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Olson-Boseman adjourned the meeting at 10:53 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.