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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 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18,2006 BOOK 30 PAGE 574 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 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18,2006 BOOK 30 PAGE 575 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 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18,2006 BOOK 30 PAGE 576 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