2006-04-18 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18,2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 569
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at
10:00 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, Jr.; Commissioner Nancy H. Pritchett; County Manager Bruce T. Shell;
County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; and Deputy Clerk to the Board Teresa P. Elmore.
Chairman Greer called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Kopp 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.
Vice-Chairman Caster requested to remove Consent Items 2,3,4, 8, and 10 for discussion.
In discussion of Items 2, 3, and 4, Director Annette Crumpton of the Department of Aging responded to
questions concerning the grant applications for the RSVP program, the medication assistance program, and the
prescription drug program for persons over age 65.
On Item 8, County Engineer Greg Thompson clarified that Cape Fear Community College needed to lease
space on the water tower at the jail for internal communications between the northern and downtown campuses.
On Item 10, Chris O'Keefe of the Planning Department explained that the CAMA grant calls for the Town
of Kure Beach and the State to maintain the Fort Fisher Basin site for trash collection, etc. The County Parks
Department would not be responsible for any maintenance or clean up.
Hearing no further questions, 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 of the Regular Meeting and Closed Session held on April 3,
2006, as presented by the Clerk to the Board.
Authorization to Submit a Grant to the Corporation for National Service B Department of Aging
The Commissioners authorized the submission of a three-year renewal grant to the Corporation for
National Service in the amount of $137,223. The total cost of the program per year is $226,319. The County funds
a 40% match in the amount of $89,096 per year. This match has been included in the 2007 budget request. If
awarded, the funds will be used for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for years 2006-2009.
Ratification of Grant Application to the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission B
Department of Aging
The Commissioners ratified the grant application to the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund
Commission in the amount of $40,000. If awarded, the funds will be used for Phase III of the Medication
Assistance Program.
Acceptance of Grant Funds from the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission B
Department of Aging
The Commissioners accepted funds in the amount of $13,900 from the North Carolina Health and Wellness
Trust Fund Commission and approved the associated budget amendment #06-0159. The funds will be used to
extend the Prescription Drug Program February 1, 2006 through June 30, 2006. The previous contract ended
January 31, 2006. There is no required County match.
Budget Amendment # 06-0159 B Department of Aging
Adjustment
Debit
Credit
Prescription Assistance Grant:
Temporary Salaries
Supplies
Telephone
Training and Travel
$13,900
$13,600
$ 100
$ 100
$ 100
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18,2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 570
Explanation: To budget additional funds received from Prescription Drug Program Grant.
Adoption of Project Ordinance for the Purchase and Renovation of Chesterbrook Academy B New Hanover
County Schools
The Commissioners adopted the Project Ordinance for the purchase and renovation of Chesterbrook
Academy and the associated budget amendment #2006-53. Purchase of the property was approved on February 20,
2006.
Budget Amendment # 2006-53 B FinanceIPublic School Building Capital Fund
Adiustment
Debit
Credit
Public School Bldg. Capital Fund
Capital Project Expense
$1,200,000
$1,200,000
Explanation: To establish project budget according to Capital Project Ordinance.
A copy of the Capital Project Ordinance is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in
Exhibit Book XXX, Page 1.1.
Approval of Policy Revisions for Dental Services Provided by the Mobile Dental Unit - Health Department
The Commissioners approved the revisions to the Health Department Fee policy for Dental Services
provided by the Mobile Dental Unit. Fees will be collected through Medicaid billing, Health Choice insurance
billing, and patient fees collected at the time of service. Dental service fees are already included in the County
budget for FY 05-06.
Authorization to Submit a Grant Application to the Cape Fear Council of Governments Workforce
Investment Act - Title I - Juvenile Day Treatment Center
The Commissioners authorized the Juvenile Day Treatment Center to submit a grant application to the
Cape Fear Council of Governments Workforce Investment Act B Title 1 in the amount of $150,000. If awarded, the
funds will be used to support current staff and operations in the following curriculums: life skills, community
service learning, woodworking, and therapeutic arts. Funding will also cover stipends for youth as required under
the Fair Labor Standards Act. There is no local match required of the County.
Approval of Lease Agreement with Cape Fear Community College for Tower Space
The Commissioners approved the Site Ground Lease Agreement, contract #06-0175, with Cape Fear
Community College for space on the jail water tower for communication equipment. The lease is for an initial five
year term with the right of the lessee to extend for an additional five years. The actual market rent for use of tower
space would be in excess of $300 monthly. The College agrees not to conduct any use that might interfere with the
District's telemetry or communications systems. The College will allow the County to use excess broadband for
public purposes without cost.
Approval of Museum Deaccessions B Cape Fear Museum
The Commissioners approved to deaccession a list of items from the Museum's permanent collection as
recommended by the Curator, Director, Collections Committee, and Museum Advisory Board.
Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of the Final Grant Application to the North Carolina
Division of Coastal Management for the Fort Fisher Basin CAMA Beach Access Grant
The Commissioners adopted a resolution authorizing the submission of the final grant application to the
North Carolina Division of Coastal Management for the Fort Fisher Basin CAMA Beach Access Grant. If awarded,
the funds will be used to improve the boat ramp, parking area, and water access for the existing site at a total cost of
$369,800. The application requires a County cash match in the amount of $10,000.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XXX, Page 1.2.
Acceptance of Grant Funds from the Good Shepherd Fund, Inc. B Sheriff=s Office
The Commissioners accepted grant funds in the amount of $1,000 from the Good Shepherd Fund, Inc. and
approved the associated Budget Amendment #06-0173. The funds will be used for the Safe Summer Program which
is part of the Drug Awareness Resistance Education Program to teach children the dangers of drug use. There is no
local match requirement.
Budget Amendment # 06-0173 B Sheriff's Office
Adiustment
Debit
Credit
Good Shepherd Ministries
Safe Summer Program
$1,000
$1,000
Explanation: To budget grant award from Good Shepherd Fund, Inc. to be used for Sheriff=s Office Safe Summer
Program.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18,2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 571
Acceptance of New Hanover County and New Hanover County Fire District Tax Collection Reports B Tax
Department
The Commissioners accepted the following Tax Collection Reports for February 28, 2006 and March 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 XXX, Page 1.3.
Approval of Release of Tax Value B Tax Department
The Commissioners released the late listing penalty for New Hanover Medical Group in the amount of
$427.73 as this was the taxpayer's first offense.
Approval of Budget Amendments
The Commissioners approved the following budget amendments:
Budget Amendment # 06-0155 B Juvenile Day Treatment Center
Adiustment
Debit
Credit
Office of Juvenile Justice Grant
Training and Travel
$3,280
$3,280
Explanation: Adjust budget to show actual amount of grant award.
Budget Amendment # 06-0174 B Social Services
Adiustment
Debit
Credit
Administration:
Energy Neighbor Program
Project Share:
Assistance Program
$2,943
$2,943
Explanation: To budget additional State funds for energy assistance.
Budget Amendment # 06-0175 B Sheriff's Office
Adiustment
Debit
Credit
General Government:
Appropriated Fund Balance
Sheriff's Office!Patrol:
Capital Outlay B Motor Vehicle
$625,000
$625,000
Explanation: To budget for the purchase of vehicles for the Sheriff=s Office. This amount includes the road ready
tax. Vehicles will need to be purchased before April 28, 2006 in order to take advantage ofFY 05-06 pricing.
Budget Amendment # 2006-51 B Sheriff's Office
Adiustment
Debit
Credit
Federal Forfeited Property:
Federal Forfeited Property
Capital Project Expense
$31,172
$31,172
Explanation: To budget additional funds received on March 21,2006.
REGULAR ITEMS
PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SERVICE AWARDS
County Manager Shell requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
Five Year:
Kevin A. Nixon B W ASTEC
Ruth A. Haas - Cape Fear Museum
Ten Year:
Gary G. Faircloth B Inspections Department
Thomas M. Watson B Inspections Department
Victoria 1. McAniff - Department of Social Services
Phyllis B. Smith - Library
David F. McMillan - Sheriffs Office
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18,2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 572
Twenty Year:
Sharon L. Smith B IT Department
Frances D. Justice - Department of Social Services
Twenty-five Year:
Henry Chisholm - Cape Fear Museum
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:
Mark Weekly, Airlie Gardens
Patricia Belevan, Health Department
Michael Gomes, Information Technology
Steve Konieczny, Information Technology
Richard Bellows, Inspections Department
Paula Blanks, Department of Social Services
Samuel Lane, Department of Social Services
Legia Sullivan, Department of Social Services
Peggy Smith, Health Department
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Greer welcomed the new employees to County Government and wished
them success in their new positions.
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF DEXTER L. HAYES, DIRECTOR OF
THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT
County Manager Shell announced that Dexter Hayes, Director of the New Hanover County Planning
Department for 26 years, will retire May 1, 2006. He requested the Board to adopt a resolution recognizing Mr.
Hayes for his years of dedicated service saying that Mr. Hayes has played an integral part in the planning for the
phenomenal growth experienced in the unincorporated areas of the County.
Chairman Greer read the resolution into the record and called for a motion to adopt.
Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Caster, to adopt the resolution in
recognition of Dexter Hayes.
Chairman Greer presented the resolution to Director Hayes and his wife Peggy Hayes, expressed
appreciation for his years of dedicated service to the County, and wished him a happy retirement.
Director Hayes expressed appreciation to the Board and stated that next month will be the first time since
1975 that he would not have to attend a Planning Board or County Commissioners meeting. Although he will not
miss the long night meetings, he expressed his pleasure for the opportunity to work with the people of New Hanover
County.
A round of applause was given to Mr. Hayes.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XXX, Page 1.4.
PRESENTATION OF DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION AWARD
County Manager Shell reported that notification has been received from the Government Finance Officers
Association of the United States and Canada that New Hanover County has qualified to receive the Distinguished
Budget Presentation Award for the 15th consecutive year. The award is for New Hanover County's budget
submitted for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2005. The award is the highest form of recognition in governmental
budgeting. In addition, Special Performance Measures recognition was received for the FY 05-06 budget.
Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, presented the award to Budget Director Cam Griffin and thanked
her and her staff for their continued excellence.
Budget Director Cam Griffin, along with staff members Norma Troutman and Donna Seal, accepted the
award.
CONSIDERATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 2006, AS FAIR HOUSING MONTH IN
NEW HANOVER COUNTY
Carl Byrd, Sr., Director of the Human Relations Department introduced Chairman Marla Rice- Evans and
past Chairman Lethia Hankins of the Human Relations Board, and he expressed appreciation for the
Commissioners' support of the Human Relations Commission.
Commissioner Kopp, as a member of the Human Relations Commission, read the proclamation into the
record and requested the Board to adopt.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18,2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 573
Motion: Commissioner Pritchett, MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Caster, to adopt the proclamation
declaring April 2006, as Fair Housing Month in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Rice-Evans thanked the Board for the proclamation and requested the Commissioners, as they
make decisions for the residents of the county, remember the children of low-income parents and the working poor
who need and deserve to have affordable housing.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XXX, Page 1.5.
CONSIDERATION OF JOINT RESOLUTION WITH THE CITY OF WILMINGTON FOR
AUTHORIZATION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE WATER AND SEWER CONSOLIDATION
PROCESS
Chairman Greer reported that the County/City Water and Sewer Consolidation Committee is ready to move
forward in the process to establish the Consolidated Water and Sewer Authority. To proceed further, funds are
needed to set up the accounting of joint assets and billing, hire a project manager to guide the County and City on
the consolidation process, and perform a rate feasibility study.
Commissioner Pritchett expressed concern in not being informed on the committee's progress and on how
the $400,000 will be spent. County Manager Shell explained that an interlocal agreement will list specific
guidelines to establish the authority and must be approved by the Board. A request for qualifications will define the
scope of work for the project manager and the rate feasibility study, which will need the Board's approval.
However, a financial commitment from both governing bodies needs to be in place to begin the process.
In discussion, it was determined that the Water and Sewer District Board should consider the budget
amendment since District funds would pay the $200,000.
Chairman Greer read the resolution into the record and requested direction from the Board.
Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Caster, to adopt the resolution authorizing
the County to move forward with the consolidation process. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XXX, Page 1.6.
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ACQUIRING THE LORAN PROPERTY FOR
PUBLIC USE
Parks Director Neal Lewis reported that the U. S. Coast Guard plans to recommend the decommissioning
of the LORAN station and file a surplus property report on approximately 200 acres of land in the southern end of
the county on River Road. Other Federal agencies will have first rights of refusal for the surplus property. If none
of the agencies need the property, State and local governments will have an opportunity to purchase at fair market
value or possibly at a discount conveyance. In November 2005, the County requested the National Parks Service to
assist the County in getting the property through the Federal Lands to Parks Program. Additionally, U. S.
Representative Mike McIntyre's office is helping the County through the process of getting Federal surplus
property. The Cape Homeowners Association, the Council of Neighborhoods Association, and the County Parks
Advisory Board have adopted resolutions in support of the County obtaining the property for park land.
Richard Mandel, Chairman of the LORAN to Park Land Committee and representative for the 10,000
property owners in the southern part of the county, spoke in support of the County obtaining the LORAN property
for park land and/or schools. The committee plans to continue working on the effort and he offered its assistance in
getting the property for New Hanover County. He introduced members of the LORAN to Park Land Committee, the
Cape Homeowners Association, and CONA.
Chairman Greer read the resolution and requested direction from the Board.
Motion: Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to adopt the resolution affirming
New Hanover County's interest in the acquisition of the LORAN property for some future public use. Upon vote,
the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XXX, Page 1. 7.
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A COMMUNITY CONSERVATION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Shelly Miller, Community Conservationist with the Soil and Water Conservation District, introduced
Chairman Karen Allison and Vice-Chairman Dave Thomas of the District Board. Ms. Miller spoke on the efforts of
the N. C. Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts' request to the State for an enactment and funding of
the Community Conservation Assistance Program. The program will provide education and technical assistance for
homeowners, businessmen, local governments, and other landowners to install and maintain BMP (best management
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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practices) to reduce non-point source pollution in developed communities. The level of funding and distribution will
be negotiated with the Division of Soil and Water Conservation. The request may be for $2 million.
The Clean Water Management Trust Fund has contributed $500,000 for starting the program in non-
agricultural areas. The pilot program in New Hanover County was in the Hewlett's Creek Watershed. These
homeowners received a 75% cost reimbursement for implementing conservation practices along creekside lawns. A
reimbursement of $200,000 was paid to these participants.
Chairman Greer expressed concern in asking the State to fund a program when the total cost has not been
determined. He spoke on the number of State agencies performing the same services such as the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, Soil & Water Conservation, and the Erosion &
Sedimentation Control Act.
Commissioner Davis expressed concern that politics may interfere with who gets funding and stated he
would like some assurance that New Hanover County would get its fair share.
Ms. Miller stated that the program may be administered through the Division of Soil and Water
Conservation, but the NC Association of Soil and Conservation Districts would be involved and most likely be the
forerunner of the program. She felt that New Hanover County would receive a significant amount of funds since it
is an urbanized area.
Motion: Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to adopt a resolution in support
of the Community Conservation Assistance Program. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 to 1. Chairman Greer
voted in opposition.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XXX, Page 1.8.
MEETING CONVENED FROM REGULAR SESSION TO HOLD A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF
EQUALIZATION AND REVIEW
Chairman Greer convened from Regular Session at 11 :25 a.m. to hold a meeting of the 2006 New Hanover
County Board of Equalization and Review. Chairman Greer reconvened to Regular Session at 11:35 a.m.
BREAK: The Chairman called a break from 11:35 a.ill. to 11:45 a.ill.
CONSIDERATION OF REVISIONS TO NEW HANOVER COUNTY CODE, SECTION FIVE: ANIMALS
& FOWL
Chairman Greer reported that the item was postponed until the next meeting to allow for a public hearing.
PRESENTATION ON PROCESSING OF ADULT CARE/NURSING HOME COMPLAINTS AND
AGENCY ROLES
Assistant County Manager Pat Melvin reported that the Commissioners had requested a presentation on the
processing of adult care/nursing home complaints and agency roles therein. She introduced the group that prepared
the presentation as follows: Harvin Quidas, Regional Ombudsman with the Cape Fear Council of Governments;
Wanda Marino, Deputy DSS Director; Jane Jones, Director of Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging;
Annette Crumpton, Director of Aging; and Tom Stich, Environmental Health.
Deputy Director Marino presented information on the role of the State Division of Facility Services (DFS)
and the County DSS in the monitoring of family/adult care and nursing homes. She explained that DFS licenses
family/adult care homes and DSS monitors the homes bi-monthly. Complaints from residents, family, friends,
ombudsman, Community Advisory Committee (CAC) are received and investigated by DSS. When violations
occur, DSS develops a corrective action plan or penalty for review by DFS, who can impose sanctions or revoke
licenses. DFS licenses nursing homes and provides an annual survey/assessment of each nursing home. DFS
receives and investigates complaints on nursing homes.
Ms. Quidas spoke on New Hanover County having 7 family care homes (39 beds), 17 adult care homes
(1,066 beds), and 8 nursing homes (1,019 beds). She explained the role of the regional ombudsman as being the
advocate of residents' rights and providing training and technical assistance to the CAC. Volunteers serving on the
CAC visit adult care and nursing homes quarterly and notify the ombudsman and DSS of any adverse conditions in
family and adult care homes. They notify the ombudsman and DFS of any adverse conditions in nursing homes.
In conclusion, Assistant County Manager Melvin spoke on the challenges of a growing senior population
who need or will need adult and nursing home care. It will be important to have the community involved in visiting
the homes to make sure quality services are provided and comply with Federal and State regulations. The Adult
Care Home Community Advisory Committee has several vacancies with 7 of the required 19 members appointed.
She recommended that the Commissioners advocate for changes in State regulations that would provide for
resources or expansion of services to address their concerns. She invited the Commissioners to join one of the
CACs to get more involved in the process.
Discussion continued about the complaint process and the State's involvement in addressing complaints.
Ms. Quidas expressed appreciation to the Board for its concern and said that an increase in public awareness and
involvement would help the agencies provide better services.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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Commissioner Pritchett requested that the Commissioners be given a list of specific needs that would help
the agencies provide better services for residents in adult and nursing care homes. She also urged the public to get
involved and volunteer for the community advisory committees.
In further discussion, Deputy Director Marino gave a status report on the Meadows of Wilmington saying
that during a recent inspection, four deficiencies, three Type B violations, and two Type A violations were found in
the nursing home. DSS has given the Corrective Action Report to the Division of Facility Services and the home
has 15 days to review the plan and take corrective action.
Chairman Greer thanked the group for the presentation and report.
PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR NCDOT RURAL OPERATING
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDS
Assistant County Manager Pat Melvin reported that New Hanover County is eligible to receive $157,115
through the N. C. Department of Transportation's Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) for FY2006-07.
Funding must be used to provide transportation services to specific populations of the unincorporated areas of the
County and WAVE Transit will provide the services. No local match is required. NCDOT has determined the
funding should be spent as follows:
Elderly/Disabled Assistance
Work First Assistance
Rural General Public Assistance
$82,100
$13,948
$61,067
Assistant County Manager Melvin and Arlando Rouse, Assistant Director of WAVE Transit, responded to
questions on services provided by WAVE Transit for areas of the unincorporated county.
Chairman Greer opened the public hearing to receive comments on the grant application.
There being no comments, Chairman Greer closed the public hearing.
Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Caster, to approve the application for
funding from the Rural Operating Assistance Program. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSL Y.
BREAK: Chairman Greer called for a lunch break at 12:35 p.m. untill:05 p.m.
CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT FOR 800 MHZ RECONFIGURATION SUPPORT
Warren Lee, Director of Emergency Management, reported that public safety offices and other "high-site"
radio systems used by police, fire fighters, emergency services, utilities, and businesses operating in the 800 MHz
Band have been experiencing equipment interference problems and communication "dead zones" as a result of
technically incompatible "low-site" commercial wireless systems operating in the same or adjacent spectrum bands.
To address the problem, the FCC has ordered the reconfiguration of the 800 MHz Band to avoid a potentially life-
threatening problem where public safety communications equipment may be rendered inoperable. The planned
reconfiguration of the 800 MHz Band includes creating "guard band," or buffers, to help ensure that signals from
different types of networks will not interfere with each other.
SprintlNextel has been charged by the FCC with funding relocation costs for affected licensees. In addition
to reconfiguring many of its own 800 MHz operations, SprintlNextel will pay all allowable costs of relocating other
800 MHz incumbents that are required to reconfigure their systems to new frequencies with comparable facilities.
New Hanover County has 13 frequencies (5 conventional mutual aid and 8 trunked) that are within the
range that must be relocated as a result of the FCC order. Staff recommended Federal Engineering, Inc. provide the
reconfiguration support for the County. SprintlNextel is solely responsible for payments due to Federal Engineering
at no cost to the County. The fixed-price cost for Phase 1 of the reconfiguration support is $132,906.
After a brief question and answer period on the impact to the County, Chairman Greer requested direction
from the Board.
Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Caster, to approve the contract agreement
with Federal Engineering, Inc. to provide the 800 MHz reconfiguration support for New Hanover County. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PRESENTATION ON THE STATE OF AIRLIE GARDENS
Jim McDaniel, Director of Airlie Gardens, gave a presentation on the State of Airlie Gardens. He said that
the master plan for Airlie Gardens, adopted in February 2002, established several goals for future growth with
emphasis on infrastructure and environmental education. A part of the plan called for a garden service center which
was recently completed. The service center is a valuable asset which enhances the enjoyment and appreciation of
the historic gardens. The center provides new restroom facilities for visitors, a multi-task room, and a staff work
area. The multi-task room is used for educational and training programs, club meetings, and other small events.
Director McDaniel reported that recent changes to upgrade membership benefits for Friends of Airlie have
increased members from 1,070 to 1,200. A contract with a local marketing firm has increased advertising and
awareness of Airlie events. Current projects of restoring vistas in the historic gardens include laying 26,000 square
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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feet of sod, renovating causeway areas, restoring fountain areas, and completing Phase II of the Bradley Creek
Overlook. Next year's projects include renovation of the camellia gardens and installing a seasonal butterfly house.
Some new events include a bulb sale in the fall, adding Thursday nights to the Enchanting Gardens event, a
Tremendous Tree Houses and Delightful Doll Houses event, and kayak eco-tours. Events such as the summer
concert series, oyster roasts, and water quality educational programs for third and eighth graders will continue.
Director McDaniel gave a financial report saying the Foundation has a total endowment of $1,205,849. He
projected that the Foundation would reach its lO-year goals of increasing membership to 15,000, an endowment
fund of $10,000,000, and 60,000 visitors per year in order to become self sufficient.
Chairman Greer thanked Director McDaniel for the report.
Commissioner Davis, as a member of the Airlie Gardens Foundation Board of Directors, complimented
Director McDaniel for his hands-on approach leadership, working well with the Foundation Board members, and the
fantastic look of the gardens.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointment to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Chairman Greer announced that twelve vacancies needed to be filled on the Adult Care Home Community
Advisory Committee. He reported that one applicant was eligible for reappointment. He requested direction from
the Board.
Motion: Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to reappoint Mary K. Busbee to
serve on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with the term to expire April 30, 2009. Upon vote,
the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Appointment to the Airlie Gardens Foundation Board of Directors
Chairman Greer announced that an unexpired vacancy needed to be filled on the Airlie Gardens Foundation
Board of Directors. He reported that three applications were received and requested nominations from the Board.
Commissioner Davis nominated Sarah Bellamy McMerty. The nomination was seconded by Vice-
Chairman Caster.
Chairman Greer nominated Joyce Williams. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Kopp.
Vote: The Board voted to appoint Sarah Bellamy McMerty to serve an unexpired term on the Airlie Gardens
Foundation Board of Directors with the term to expire June 30, 2007. Commissioner Davis, Vice-Chairman Caster,
and Commissioner Pritchett voted in favor.
Appointment to the Juvenile Day Treatment Center Advisory Board
Chairman Greer announced that a vacancy needed to be filled on the Juvenile Day Treatment Center
Advisory Board and one application was received. He requested direction from the Board.
Motion: Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to appoint Leslie King to serve on
the Juvenile Day Treatment Center Advisory Board with the term to expire April 30, 2009. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Appointment to the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority
Chairman Greer announced that one vacancy needed to be filled on the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer
Authority. He reported that two applications were received and requested nominations from the Board.
Vice-Chairman Caster stated that he is the current Chairman of the Authority and he would like to serve
another term because of several on-going projects.
Commissioner Pritchett asked whether any at-large members were serving on the Authority and whether
more public input was needed.
Vice-Chairman Caster responded that most members were elected officials, but expansion in Bladen and
Columbus Counties may change the structure of the membership in the near future.
Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Greer, to reappoint Vice-Chairman Caster to
the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority with the term to expire May 10, 2009. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MEETING RECESSED TO HOLD A REGULAR MEETING OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY
WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
Chairman Greer convened from Regular Session at 1:55 p.rn. to hold a meeting of the New Hanover
County Water and Sewer District.
Chairman Greer reconvened to Regular Session at 2:20 p.rn.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18,2006
BOOK 30
PAGE 577
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
Items Presented by Vice-Chairman Caster
Vice-Chairman Caster reported that he attended the following meetings and events:
Toured the Myrtle Grove Middle School on an Elected Official Goes to School Day, participated in the
Azalea Festival, and attended the NC Turnpike Authority meetings, a farewell reception for Lynn Pharr with United
Way, and a dedication of club canteen at the Boys and Girls Club.
Items Presented by Commissioner Pritchett
Commissioner Pritchett urged the public to participate in the high school senior projects programs this
spring and the Hands on Wilmington event scheduled for April 22, 2006. She also invited everyone to the Earth
Day Celebration at Hugh MacRae Park on Saturday afternoon.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman Greer adjourned the meeting at 2:24 p.rn.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa P. Elmore
Deputy Clerk to the Board