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2023-08-21 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 853 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met August 21, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in Regular Session in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present: Chair Bill Rivenbark; Vice-Chair LeAnn Pierce; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Commissioner Dane Scalise; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney K. Jordan Smith; and Clerk to the Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Bo Dean, Senior Human Resources Analyst, provided the invocation, and Commissioner Barfield led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chair Rivenbark requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Zapple requested to pull Consent Agenda Items #2: Adoption of Environmental Health Fee Schedule Revision and #5: Approval of an Application for Funding through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Teams Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II) Funding Opportunity for the Development And Implementation of Space Science Related Programming, and Equipment for the Operation of a Planetarium for further discussion and consideration. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Commissioners approved the minutes of the August 3, 2023 Agenda Review and the August 7, 2023 Regular Meeting. Adoption of Revision for the N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program Local Government Resolution – Sheriff The Commissioners adopted the revised resolution for the Governor's Highway Safety Program (GHSP) Forensic Lab grant award in the amount of $102,667 which has since been decreased from the original $110,167 that the Board approved at its July 17, 2023 meeting. The reduction is attributed to the removal of one training and travel expense associated with the GHSP program. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIX, Page 15.2. Adoption of Resolution to Award the Bid for the Purchase of New Firearms and the Trade-in of Used Firearms Owned by the County to Craig's Firearm Supply – Sheriff The Commissioners adopted the resolution to award a contract for the purchase of handguns and the sale of used handguns to Craig's Firearm Supply for a total expenditure of $238,223. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIX, Page 15.3. Adoption of Resolution Appointing Map Review Officers – Planning and Land Use The Commissioners adopted the resolution appointing Map Review Officers for the City of Wilmington, Town of Carolina Beach, Town of Kure Beach, Town of Wrightsville Beach, and New Hanover County. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIX, Page 15.4. Discussion of Consent Agenda Item #2 - Adoption of Environmental Health Fee Schedule Revision – Health and Human Services Health and Human Services (HHS) Public Health Director responded to Commissioner Zapple’s concerns with the reduction of some On-Site Water Protection (OSWP) fees for permitting and construction authorization. He explained that he has no concerns about the department being able to continue supporting the community. There is a cost reduction for the consumer, particularly when outside entities are used for permitting options in the OSWP planning phase. No negative impact to the budget capacity is expected and the change does not necessarily interpret a reduction in authority or ability to protect the community. The department has a good partnership with the state and third parties in support of the evaluation activities. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 854 Discussion of Consent Agenda Item #5 - Approval of an Application for Funding through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Teams Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II) Funding Opportunity for the Development And Implementation of Space Science Related Programming, and Equipment for the Operation of a Planetarium – Museum Commissioner Zapple commented on the positive impact the funding would provide for a planetarium for the Cape Fear Museum. Cape Fear Museum Director of Development Kitty Yerkes stated that the application is for grant funding through NASA TEAM II in the amount of $756,000 for the development and implementation of space science related programming and equipment for the operation of a planetarium. If awarded the funds, those would be expended over four years, and there is no requirement for matching funds. The next closest planetarium is in Sunset Beach, NC. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Scalise to approve Consent Agenda Items #2: Adoption of Environmental Health Fee Schedule Revision and #5: Discussion and Approval of an Application for Funding through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Teams Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II) Funding Opportunity for the Development And Implementation of Space Science Related Programming, and Equipment for the Operation of a Planetarium as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the revised Environmental Health Fee Schedule is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIX, Page 15.1. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized Recycling and Solid Waste Director Joe Suleyman for his work to implement several environmental stewardship programs in the County. Mr. Suleyman recently received recognition by the North Carolina Coastal Federation with a 2023 Pelican Award for said work. County Manager Coudriet presented him with a Stellar Award for community service and stewardship. The programs established by and under the supervision of Mr. Suleyman are the local oyster shell recycling program, the creation of the HazWagon program, and ensuring that the wastewater associated with the landfill is treated properly with a reverse osmosis system before being released. County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Years: Caroline Dawkins, Board of Elections Erik Tello, Sheriff's Office Judith Holland, Sheriff’s Office Angela Tuten, HHS – Social Services Betsy Graham, Veteran Services Ten Years: Annette Brown, Board of Elections Anthony DeLima, Engineering Bonita Carr, Legal/Risk Management Paul Dowe, Information Technology Fifteen Years: Kevin Caison, Facilities Management Damon Jones, Facilities Management Twenty Years: Richard Johnson, Parks and Gardens Twenty-Five Years: Brian Bocnuk, HHS – Social Services Chawana Johnson, Sheriff’s Office Thirty Years: Octavia Spicer, HHS – Social Services Chair Rivenbark 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: Sydney Buff Juanita Montano Daniel Shields Lisa Fitzgerald Chad Murray James Smith Chuck Gabriel Daniel Roe Shyanne Villarreal Nicholas Locastro Janelly Ruvalcaba Martinez The Commissioners welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATION OF 2023 AWARDS FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (NACo) County Manager Coudriet read descriptions for each NACo award, and the Board presented the awards to each respective team:  “Escape the Vape” in the category of Health  “Youth Intensive Intervention Services Program” in the category of Criminal Justice and Public Safety  “Older Adult Dental Program” in the category of Health  “Older Adult Mental Health Program” in the category of Human Services NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 855  “Building Safety Permitting Continuous Improvement Process” in the category of Community and Economic Development  “Burnout Learning and Development” in the category of Personnel Management, Employment and Training  “Su Condado – YouTube Show” in the category of Human Services  “Nature at Home Volunteer Program” in the category of Volunteers  “Water Quality Monitoring Program” in the category of County Resiliency  “Wilmington Housing Authority Recovery” in the category of Financial Management  “New Hanover County Connect” in the category of Human Services Chair Rivenbark presented the awards to each team and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked each team for their work and dedication to bring their respective programs to fruition. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY AS A NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION Vice-Chair Pierce read the resolution into the record recognizing August 26, 2023, “Women’s Equality Day” as a national day of celebration in New Hanover County. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Scalise to adopt the resolution recognizing August 26, 2023, “Women’s Equality Day” as a national day of celebration in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. New Hanover County Commission for Women Chair Sheila Evans expressed appreciation to the Board for adopting the resolution. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIX, Page 15.5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING CAPITAL FUND AND PUBLIC-SCHOOL BUILDING REPAIR AND RENOVATION FUNDS Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle provided an overview of the request stating that periodically the state distributes portions of the lottery proceeds to be used by school districts for facilities. The distribution is into two separate accounts (the capital projects account and the building repairs and renovations account). On August 2, 2023, the New Hanover County Board of Education approved the submission of three Public School Building Capital Fund (PSBCF) applications and one Public School Building Repair and Renovation Fund (PSBRRF) application for various schools. The total amount of the eighteen applications is $1,871,000. The current unallocated balance for PSBCF is $2,144,470. The current PSBCF applications are $1,705,169 and there is one application pending from August 2022 for $250,200. With approval of the PSBCF applications, the new unallocated balance will be $189,101. Lottery revenue is distributed to the unallocated balance four times a year. The current unallocated balance for the PSBRRF is $579,553. The current application is $165,831, therefore with approval the new unallocated balance will be $413,722. Lottery revenue is distributed to the unallocated balance four times a year. A brief discussion ensued about how the North Carolina General Assembly decided many years ago to divert lottery funds from local schools to help balance the state budget. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Chair Rivenbark to approve the four New Hanover County Board of Education applications for public school building capital fund and public school building repair and renovation funds in the total amount of $1,871,000. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS BOARD RESOLUTION AND REVISED BUDGET ORDINANCE Chief Strategy Officer Jennifer Rigby stated that on September 6, 2022, the Board adopted a strategy to address mental health and substance use disorders and to help guide funding the County receives from the opioid settlement. In March 2023, the Board received a briefing on the spending plan which was then adopted as part of the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. Since that time new guidance has been provided from the North Carolina Department of Justice (NC DOJ) on providing a resolution for the spending of the funds. The resolution does not change the content of the adopted spending plan. Mr. Credle stated that the revised budget ordinance is based on updated guidance from the UNC School of Government (SOG) of how the spending needs to be budgeted. For the budget process for the current fiscal year, staff recommended a multi-year project ordinance that was consistent with the approved five year opioid strategy. The project ordinance that was presented and adopted includes five years’ worth of expenditures that totaled $7.3 million, which matches the resolution. The SOG recently clarified a different way that the opioid settlement funds should be treated for statutory budgeting purposes. With one exception, the opioid settlement funds should be budgeted each year as a special revenue fund as part of the annual budget and should not be structured as a multi- NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 856 year project. The budget amendment isolates the first year of expenditures in the existing five year plan, which totals $1,480,000. Going forward, the settlement funds will be included in the annual budget. The Commissioners expressed appreciation to Ms. Rigby, Mr. Credle, and staff for ensuring that the County is staying abreast of the needed adjustments on this matter to address the opioid crisis in the County. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Pierce to adopt the Opioid Settlement Fund Expenditure Resolution and to adopt an amendment to the 2024 Budget Ordinance to reflect Fiscal Year 2024 opioid expenditures as part of the annual spending ordinance. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Copies of the resolution and budget amendment are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIX, Page 15.6. PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY UPDATE Airport Director Jeffrey Bourk presented the annual report highlighting the following information on the operations, maintenance, development, and existing projects of the airport:  New Hanover County Airport Authority annual report on Wilmington International Airport (ILM):  Landside and airside - new ground leases:  Active Projects (not including Airport Authority managed capital projects):  Ground leases: three with CIL (cold storage warehouses), future hotel, and 84 Lumber  General Aviation (GA) Hangar on the westside and hangar/training facility on the eastside:  Cape Fear Coastal Aviation:  Auto auction  VCKH’s Magnolia, LLC Airside Sublease:  Carwash/Entertainment Complex:  More choices within the terminal at ILM:  Port City Java, Dunkin’ Donuts and Jimmy Johns, Flying Machine Brewing Company, and new retail convenience center  Marketing and air service:  General Aviation Operations: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 857  Monthly Passenger Enplanements (2019-2023):  Seat Capacity: July – December 2019-2023:  ILM is North Carolina’s fastest growing airport and the third fastest growing airport in the US:  Inaugural Destinations: thth  Delta: Boston, MA (BOS) May 27 and Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (MSP) July 15-30 - seasonal st  Sun Country to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (MSP) June 1 - seasonal ndnd  Avelo to West Palm Beach, FL (PBI) June 22 (seasonal), Wilmington, DE (ILG) June 22, and Tampa, FL (TPA) June 23rd th  American to Miami, FL (MIA) November 11  Financial update – economic impact of ILM:  Data provided by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division of Aviation, January 2023 State of Aviation report:  13,550 jobs supported, $113 million in tax revenue, $823 million in personal income, $2.5 billion in economic impact, and 289,800 population within 30 minutes of airport  Operating Results FY23 Budget versus Actual:  FY24 Budget (in millions):  Total inflows of $38:  Operating revenues: $16 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 858  Other financing sources: $22  Total outflows of $38:  Operating expenses: $14  Capital expenditures: $24  Five-Year Capital Plan:  $165 million:  Terminal curb and roadway improvements:  Rehabilitate Runway 6-24 and blast pads (start late 2024):  Relocate Taxiway B in 2025-2026:  Airline Terminal expansion by 2026-2027: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 859  CFR Part 150 noise compatibility study process (Spring 2024):  Master Plan Process:  Marketing: A brief Board discussion ensued noting the importance of local establishments being added to the airport as well as national chains. The Board expressed appreciation to Mr. Bourk and his team for the airport’s continued success. Mr. Bourk confirmed in response to the discussion that most of the airport’s resources come from various fees, airline fees, and federal grants with parking being the largest revenue producer. Vice-Chair Pierce reported that soon an ILM foundation will be established for the purpose of providing New Hanover County students exposure to aviation career paths. There have been small scale aviation career education camps already and the hope is to have a flight simulator in every school, which will help provide pilot licenses to kids who could not otherwise afford it. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark thanked Mr. Bourk for the update. PRESENTATION OF nCINO SPORTS PARK PROJECT UPDATE Wilmington Hammerheads Youth Soccer Executive Director Carson Porter provided the following update on the nCino Sports Park project:  nCino Sports Park project:  Wilmington Hammerheads donated a 70 acre property to the City of Wilmington (approx. 35 acres already developed and in use)  City of Wilmington provided $10 million of investment into property. No land purchase so $10 million goes ‘straight to work’  Park becomes a city-owned community park shared by all members of the community and beyond  Wilmington Hammerheads will manage the park with oversight from the City of Wilmington Sports Council  City of Wilmington will pay Hammerheads annual fee for management of City-owned park  Sports to include soccer, football, lacrosse (all rectangular-based fields)  Existing conditions: opportunities and constraints: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 860  Master site plan:  The Numbers: Mr. Porter concluded the presentation stating that the idea of teamwork is very big with the project. The project is closing in on approximately $20 million. Efforts have been made to be very efficient in identifying wants versus needs. He expressed appreciation to the Board for waiving the landfill tip fees and for the support of the County’s Parks and Gardens department and the school system to help find places for the teams to play until the full completion of the complex. Mr. Porter responded to questions confirming that Pop Warner football will be able to utilize the fields and that the current focus is on sports that utilize rectangular fields. The main priority is for the kids in the community to be able to utilize the complex and the second is sports tourism/hosting large regional events. Commissioner Scalise thanked Mr. Porter for the presentation and his work on the project. The combination of citizens, nonprofits, the County, the City of Wilmington, and the private sector working together is why the complex can be brought to fruition. Chair Rivenbark thanked to Mr. Porter for the update. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A REQUEST TO SUBMIT BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PROJECTS FOR NCDOT FUNDING PRIORITIZATION Planning and Land Use Director Rebekah Roth and Parks and Gardens Director Tara Duckworth presented the request for approval to submit bicycle and pedestrian projects for NCDOT funding prioritization as follows:  State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP):  Funding benefits and requirements:  NCDOT design and management of construction  NCDOT funds 80% of project cost  County must fund 20% of project cost  Piner Road multi-use trail connects Masonboro Loop Road trail to the County’s planned South College Road trail  Carolina Beach multi-use trail:  Connects the end of the planned South College Road trail to the multi-use trail being constructed by NCDOT from the Antoinette Drive intersection to the Willoughby Park Court intersection  Connects the planned South College Road trail to the City of Wilmington's planned Carolina Beach Road trail  South Carolina Beach Road multi-use trail connects to the planned South College Road trail via bicycle and pedestrian improvement elements included in the Monkey Junction intersection project  Timeline:  August 2023: projects finalized with NCDOT staff  September 2023: NCDOT submittal for funding allocation  Spring 2024: data estimates/project scores  Summer 2025: NCDOT funding prioritization finalized  2024-2033: County 20% match required (for any projects funded) NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 861 Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the request to develop and submit bicycle and pedestrian projects for NCDOT funding prioritization, with the understanding that if funded, the County would be expected to contribute a 20% funding match at the time of project design. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF PROPOSED $57,000,000 FINANCING OF IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND ADOPTION OF THE APPROVING RESOLUTION Chair Rivenbark stated that on August 7, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the County of New Hanover, North Carolina, Authorizing the Negotiation of an Installment Financing Contract, Directing the Publication of Notice with Respect Thereto, and Providing for Certain other Related Matters Thereto. The Board determined that it is in the best interest of the County to enter into an installment financing contract to pay the capital costs of construction of a new joint library-museum facility and improvements to an existing County parking deck that will serve the new facility. The Board must now conduct a public hearing concerning the Installment Financing Contract and the proposed 2023A Projects and any other transactions contemplated therein and associated therewith. He asked for a motion to open the public hearing. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to open the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle stated that he does not have a lot to add other than the purpose of the agenda item today is to hold the public hearing and to vote on the approving resolution that authorizes County staff to carry out the debt issuance. Information wise, staff has presented on this several times in the past. Staff did file the application with Local Government Commission (LGC) on August 8, 2023. Chair Rivenbark stated that each public comment speaker will be allowed three minutes to speak. He then invited the speakers to make their remarks. Diana Hill, resident of Klein Road, Wilmington, NC, stated that she would like for the Board to reconsider the whole project. Obviously, there has been a lot of mistakes from the very beginning. The previous Commissioners, of which only two are left, approved the multi-million dollar project in 2017. It took the Board four years to get that project to the LGC and then the money of about $100 million is now worth over $1,247,000 million. Now there are developers who are willing to do it for $55 million. More money would have been saved if the Board had not decided to gift the previous developers with $2.5 million. This is all about funding. Two of the buildings are historic, contributing buildings and that is the Borst building and the library. The only reason the library is not on the Historic National Register is because when they purposely renovated the Belk building to be a library, they moved the entrance to the library. That is the only impediment for the Board now to be destroying two historic contributing buildings. She asked if it is really revitalization to take a blank slate that the Board has on the Grace Street side and move two existing venues over there, knock them down, demolish them, and then build a combination that is going to confine, especially the museum. She hopes the Board has had time to look at what has happened in New Hanover County. This County is the second smallest county in this state out of 100 counties. The County has all the history of everything east of the Mississippi, plus the first European to discover the Atlantic Ocean who made landfall here. And of course, the County has the only successful coup d’état plus lots of other things. To think that the Board would consider confining the museum when there are 1,000s of people coming here for tournaments, events, and for conventions. Chair Rivenbark notified Ms. Hill that her three minutes was complete. Brad Hunter, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage Vice-President and Director of New Homes, stated he can attest to the critical role downtown plays in attracting people and businesses to the region. When meeting people in his capacity as builders and developers who are considering a move to the region, culture and quality of life is always a top consideration in their decision making process. His organization takes pride in showing them all that the downtown area has to offer. Whether it be the Live Oak amphitheater, the Wilson Center or Thalian Hall, world class restaurants and businesses, the city center is alive and thriving. This is a huge differentiator in attracting businesses and future citizens to the region. This has not always been the case. For many years downtown struggled but fortunately thanks to a lot of work and the foresight of city leaders, past and present , there has been tremendous progress and revitalization efforts over the last 20 years. It would be foolish to grow complacent and not continue to build on that momentum and would be short sighted if New Hanover County did not take advantage of the opportunity to redevelop this underutilized block which is not only dated but an eyesore. Of equal importance, Project Grace serves as a critical need for New Hanover County which is a modern library and museum. It will be a community asset that will serve citizens for decades to come and will be an educational and cultural asset for the community, especially for the youth. On behalf of the 900 agents and team members at Coldwell Banker, he thanked the Board for its persistence and vision to bring Project Grace to a reality, and they cannot wait to see it built. Natalie English, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) President and CEO, stated that she is a citizen of New Hanover County and today, she comes to thank the Board for its leadership and investment in the community in ways that keep it moving forward. Project Grace is one example of a redevelopment that will contribute to the community for decades to come. The Chamber adopts a policy agenda every year and one item that is consistently on the agenda is to advocate for opportunities supporting transformational redevelopment, including public-private partnerships which create a quality of place and offers a choice for places to live. To that end, she comes today to advocate in favor of the County issuing the debt to move forward with the Project Grace NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 862 th public-private partnership. She also urges the LGC to put this on its agenda on September 12, and to vote to pass it. This particular public-private partnership is a true example of placemaking. Placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of their community. Placemaking is proven to result in economic growth as well as the attraction and retention of workforce age people. County staff and representatives of the private sector have collectively done just that with Project Grace. Strengthening the connection between people and the places they share will shape the community to maximize shared value. More than just promoting better urban design, placemaking facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution. Additionally, Project Grace’s proximity to citizens in the downtown area presents an access opportunity to state of the art facilities for those citizens. The children growing up in downtown deserve to have just as nice a place to read, learn, play, and dream as the children in Pine Valley or Landfall. The new library facility in Project Grace will bring that to citizens around downtown. Project Grace will provide a catalyst for continued investment in the citizens and the property they own in the downtown area. The community must endeavor to remember and honor its past while also moving boldly forward in pursuit of a better downtown for everyone. Project Grace will bring greater attention to the Cape Fear Museum toward this end. She concluded her statement in support of Project Grace by again publicly urging the LGC th to put this on its agenda for the September 12 meeting and voting to pass it. Christina Haley, Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (WDI) Vice President, stated she is here to express her unwavering support behind the financing for Project Grace and the opportunity that comes without a tax increase. WDI additionally urges the LGC to see this on their agenda in September. She believes Project Grace embodies the County's spirit and echoes the dedication and perseverance of the Board’s staff to see this day come. This one project holds immense potential to change the fabric of downtown and revitalize this one block. When she thinks of Project Grace, and this resolution before the Board today, it fills her with even more hope for her son's future in this region in addition to the future of the community she serves. One of her son's favorite exhibits is the fire exhibit. He dreams of becoming a firefighter one day. She tells this to the Board to offer a glimpse of the weight its decision carries today. If the Board can envision the joy and wonder of families at the Cape Fear Museum, or at the main public library and its books and archives one can see how great of an impact a unanimous decision today can have on the citizens the Board serves. It is more than building a state of the art civics facility. By merging our public treasures into Project Grace this facility can expand on the treasures, transforming the learning opportunities this region has to offer and chances for individual growth. This will be a space that she feels will bond the sense of community greater than ever before. Yes, it is an investment that will progress the local economy, attract future investment jobs, and foot traffic that will drive downtown's growth. She recognizes this one project will promote commerce, benefit business, and downtown's foundation. But again, at its roots Project Grace is a hub for lasting community connection for residents and visitors alike. In this one block’s transformation, the Board sows the seeds for future generations. She wants to leave the Board with this final reflection. Last Saturday she witnessed 18 families downtown while out for brunch. Among them were infants, children on bicycles, toddlers in strollers, and youngsters walking hand in hand with their loved ones. It is evident that the community needs more family offerings downtown. She believes Project Grace is the solution the County needs and the site is where the County needs it. She wholeheartedly supports this opportunity and hopes the Board seizes it by adopting the approving resolution today. In closing, she thanked the Board and its staff for their commitment to thoughtful growth, nurturing community, and inclusivity, and for carefully considering such a well calculated investment, in addition to including phenomenal private partners in Cape Fear Development, LS3P, and Monteith Construction to ensure a lasting development. Andrew Cook, McKinley Building Corporation Business Development Director and WDI Executive Committee Vice-Chair, stated that he is a lifelong New Hanover County resident and comes here today to strongly endorse and lend his support for Project Grace. The project ties directly to WDI's mission of providing economic opportunity and revitalization of the central business district. It also provides world class facilities in a museum and library to the central business district, which is very, very important. He thanked all for pushing forward and revitalizing the project. It is very much needed for the community. As a business community and as the WDI board, th they will fight to make sure that this is on the LGC’s September 12 agenda. Tommy Taylor, United Way of the Cape Fear Area (UWCFA) CEO, stated he is here just to lend his support. The UWCFA is a local nonprofit located downtown on Second and Grace Streets. UWCFA strongly believes in this effort and appreciates and thanks the Commissioners for their tenacity and for their vision for the project. UWCFA is very excited about what this means to downtown families, and the educational and cultural opportunities that children will have access to that they may not have otherwise. The Board has the full support of the UWCFA, and he very much would like to see it on the LGC agenda. Ed Ablard, resident of Grace Street, Wilmington, NC stated he is an attorney who has practiced law for more than 50 years. He has one of the newest licenses in North Carolina because he passed the bar after some time engaged therein. He moved here in 2012, from north of the old town of Alexandria, so he knows about old places. He bought a house in the old place here in Wilmington, and his wife and he are above 82 years old. His wife is going to be 82 and he is above 80. He is here because he believes his neighbor Diana Hill is in the right on this. The Board is diminishing the intellectual assets of the County. He thinks the Board should know that the law library, the public law library has been shrunk. The substitute, which is suggested, is that it is all on computers which is true except that there is a paywall barrier. For the public, the paywall is available in terms of right now set aside space for the law library on the main floor of the existing building. There is no plan in the current plan for set aside space where a door can be shut, and private conference can be held between people who are examining what is on the computer or what is on the shelves. He stated that Ms. Hill is in the right, the situation for lawyers here in New Hanover County is not good. A lot of the services are going to lawyers in Raleigh and then Charlotte. A lot of the dollars are going up NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 863 there and being counted in their economic database and not here. The labor statistics show that the lawyers here in town earn approximately one-half of what those lawyers do up there in the ring of cities north of here. So, this step here is a step back. The intellectual assets are being diminished as we speak. Gustavo Rodea, resident of St. Francis Drive, Wilmington, NC and representing the Latino-American community, stated he owns Mattress and Furniture Liquidators and can attest to the critical role of downtown in attracting people and their business to this region. When he meets people who have moved to the area, culture and quality life is always a conversation, especially for those that want to move from big cities like Los Angeles and New York. Telling them all about what downtown has to offer whether that is the Wilson Center, Thalian Hall or the world class restaurants, especially the Mexican restaurants is critical. The community center is alive and thriving. This is a huge differentiator and keeps future citizens in the region, especially as more millennials move to the County. It will be foolish to grow complacent and not to continue to build on that momentum. It would be shortsighted if New Hanover County did not take advantage of the opportunity to redevelop the entire block, which is not only dated but an eyesore. For equal importance, Project Grace serves as a critical need for New Hanover County being a modern library and a museum. This community asset will serve all citizens for many decades to come. It will be an educational and cultural asset to our community. On behalf of the Latin-American citizens in New Hanover County, he thanked the Board for its persistence and vision of bringing Project Grace to reality and they cannot wait to see it built. There being no further public comment speakers, Chair Rivenbark asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to close the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. County Manager Coudriet stated to help with the discourse of the Board since the public hearing is closed, which he also shared on Friday, Mr. Credle, two assistant county managers and he had a meeting with LGC staff on Friday. Their point was twofold, one to inform the County that it had submitted a complete and thorough application before the deadline which would be evaluated in time for a recommendation of approval or not of issuing debt, likely before the September 12th meeting. The other point of the call, which he thinks is more important, was for th the LGC staff to instruct that per the state treasurer the debt item will not be heard on September 12 for two reasons. Number one, the treasurer does not like the site, and number two, if this project were to proceed, debt is not necessary in that the County has a large cash balance of available revenues. He asked the LGC staff to validate that at least three different times and they had every opportunity to say that he had misunderstood what the instructions were, but he believes Mr. Credle, Ms. Wurtzbacher, and Ms. Loeper will affirm that what he is sharing th with the Board is correct. The matter will not be calendared for September 12 because the treasurer does not like the site and believes that debt is not necessary. They also were told that they would not be invited to make a th presentation to the LGC on September 12 to outline the deal parameters which has happened previously with the application for the prior model. Staff has prepared a letter for the Board’s consideration addressed to the treasurer to ask for him to change his position as the County has submitted a complete and thorough application; the staff will th have evaluated it and will have a recommendation in time for September 12, and the Board and County staff would like him to agree to calendar it for consideration. The County is not asking him to vote for it, but asking for him to calendar it because the County has met the statutory framework. If he is not willing to calendar the item, in the letter, staff is asking for the Board to ask the LGC as a body to calendar the item for consideration on September th 12. That is something that staff believes the LGC Board has the authority to do particularly in light of the fact that the analysis will be done. The LGC staff affirmed that they usually publish the agenda two or three days before the th meeting, so it is likely it will be the Thursday or Friday before the September 12 meeting. Their point was to let staff know that the debt item would not be on the agenda per the state treasurer. Commissioner Scalise asked County Manager Coudriet and County Attorney Smith to clarify whether the traditional role of the LGC as defined by North Carolina statute is to determine whether a city, a county, or a municipality has the capacity to take on debt and pay back that debt. He asked if that was a correct baseline assertion of what the LGC does. County Manager Coudriet stated that is correct. Commissioner Scalise stated that when trending into the territory of disliking a site, or trending into the territory of directing a municipality, a county, or a city to use its cash reserves rather than take on debt, which is not something that has been specifically enumerated within the confines of the LGC’s charge under NC statutes. County Attorney Smith responded that the statutory framework, one of the factors they look at in approving debt is whether the debt is necessary or expedient. So, it is an “or”, they do not have to find that both of those are applicable; just necessary or expedient. Commissioner Scalise asked if it is traditionally the case for many individuals and businesses that rather than spend liquid cash they have on reserve if money can be had for cheaper in the debt service marketplace, businesses, people will go to the debt service rather than spend their liquid cash. County Manager Coudriet stated that is correct and particularly in the context of the county government, the County looks to use cash for one time capital and capital outlay investments that have a rather short duration. So, the County is not financing necessarily for vehicles and things, such as that. The County has historically issued debt for major capital projects for facilities and things such as that for the very reasons that he has noted. It is a better business decision in staff’s minds to preserve the County’s liquidity in times of unexpected crisis. He has used Hurricane Florence in 2018 as an example many times where the County put out more than $32 million of cash that had to come out of its fund balance. Because of this, the County drained down the fund balance beyond the 18% minimum of the policy, and it took more than 24 months, probably closer to 36 months, to earn back all those revenues from the federal government. There NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 864 were times during the recession that sales tax was not captured at the rate expected and fund balance was available to offset those short revenues so that the County did not have to make substantive changes to services in the middle of a budget year. He believes the treasurer is most specifically likely referring to the County’s fund balance and Revenue Stabilization Fund (RSF). Both of those were created for specific purposes which are to help the County navigate unanticipated crisis, whether its economic or otherwise. Staff’s position to the Board has been that debt is the preferred more expedient route in this regard. With the RSF the intention when the Board created it was certainly to avoid disruption to local revenues in the state of crisis. It was also to grow the corpus of the $300 million to be more so that interest earnings on an annual basis could be used to fund perhaps a concern of the County government or setting a lower tax rate, if in fact that was the will of the Board. Commissioner Scalise asked whether it was true that because of the nature of the County’s financial position, that the County can borrow money at a preferred rate, perhaps a better rate than many other places in the United States, even in North Carolina because of how well the finances are handled. County Manager Coudriet confirmed that Commissioner Scalise is correct, and that the County has the luxury of being triple A rated by both Moody’s and Standard and Poor's. The last debt issuance was approved by the LGC although there was a “no” vote on it from the state treasurer. The expectation was to issue the debt somewhere in the marketplace north of 4%. Because of the competitiveness of the County’s rates, staff ended up seeing a sale on that $24 million of something less than 4% in the marketplace that is seen. Commissioner Scalise asked for confirmation for the public’s awareness that the County has deeply considered as a policy matter that because of its preferred ability to obtain debt at a very good rate, it is more sensible to pursue financing the project in that means than going into the cash reserves that are available in the RSF. County Manager Coudriet confirmed that is correct and debt will be issued at a lower rate than the interest earnings that the County is enjoying currently off the RSF and other fund balance as well. Commissioner Scalise asked if it was correct that this is a policy decision that the Board has made, and the Board has consistently advocated towards since the beginning of the project. County Manager Coudriet stated that is correct. Commissioner Scalise stated that it is important to recognize New Hanover County Commissioners’ vote on policy matters for New Hanover County. The Board has been uniformed in its pursuit of the project since 2017, regardless of any number of factors, politics should not get in the way, but politics have not gotten in the way on this. Everyone, regardless of their political persuasion, who sat up on the dais has voted in favor of the project. He hopes that if this matter is not calendared th on September 12, that the other eight members of the LGC Board, and there are nine members, one of those folks or two of those folks will take the initiative to put it on as it really needs to be heard. He appreciates all the opportunities to have these public hearings and wants to be always transparent with the public. The public wants this, and the Board wants this. There is a mechanism by which it can be approved, and it needs to be approved. It is time to stop talking, and it is time to start acting. Commissioner Zapple asked about Treasurer Folwell being against the site and if he offered his opinion as to where he thought was a better site, and if it is anywhere in his purview to tell the County where it should site a project. County Manager Coudriet stated that he does not believe it is within the boundaries of what the LGC should be considering, but he has certainly expressed his displeasure with the site. The specific reference has been the first two floors of what is now the City of Wilmington (City) owned building that was formerly Thermo Fisher. Commissioner Zapple asked if the City has expressed any desire to have a County museum and library in the former Thermo Fisher building. County Manager Coudriet stated that the city manager and he have had those discussions, and both agree that it is not the right location for a museum and a library. Commissioner Zapple stated that as well as the fact that the County does not own the building. County Manager Coudriet responded that was correct. Commissioner Zapple stated that the County owns the land at the current site. County Manager Coudriet responded that was correct. Commissioner Zapple asked if it were correct that there would be a major upfit in the City owned building if indeed it structurally could happen and asked for confirmation that a lease of some sort would be required. County Manager Coudriet responded that was correct. Commissioner Zapple stated that does not make any sense and that he also agrees with Commissioner Scalise’s point of view about the funding of the project. He feels that Treasurer Folwell is layering in his own opinion on something that is not part of his job and is outside of his purview on the two items that he will not come off despite the efforts the efforts of the county manager and staff to explain to him ad nauseum why the project should move forward and the viability of it. What in his mind thinks that the County should pick up this project that has been information now for six years and put it into the old Thermo Fisher building? It is not his job. Commissioner Barfield stated that he appreciates all the great work that has gone into the matter over the last five or six years. As he looks at Treasurer Folwell’s comments, to him, it is all about the sale of the hospital. He thinks it is retaliation for the County selling the hospital, and now wanting to direct the County to use those resources, but he appears to be an intelligent man and is also the state treasurer. Commissioner Barfield stated that he would think that with Treasurer Folwell’s great mind and intelligence, he would understand that the money that the County is receiving interest wise on the $350 million the County has invested will bring a greater return than the interest that will pay on any loan the County would get. It would make not make good common sense for the County to spend more on interest that will be received with the County protecting the corpus of the $350 million that is invested there. The fact that the state treasurer is trying to unilaterally usurp the LGC Board's authority to let the County be heard behooves him. He is hoping that some of the members of the LGC Board who are in favor of this project will indeed put it on the agenda and hopes staff and some of the County Commissioners will be in attendance in the event that happens so they can speak to it. Treasurer Folwell stated before that the business community was not in favor of the project and the Board and staff have heard from many folks in the business community that they are indeed delighted and truly 100% behind the project. For him, it is going to be transformative in downtown Wilmington. A great transformation has been taking place in the look and feel of downtown Wilmington. The project will enhance the educational opportunities for not only the folks that live here, but also those that visit here. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 865 Relocating to the Thermo Fisher building is far away from the central downtown business area and far off the path of those that are visiting here that they would normally take to see a library. When one goes to downtown Raleigh, they see the Museum of History and Science and state museums that attract a lot of attention, and a lot of visitors. He is hoping again that through the County’s efforts the matter will get on the agenda. Commissioner Barfield then asked if the matter does not get on the agenda, is there a mechanism where counties or cities have indeed sued the state in the past to allow their projects to move forward? To him, if the state treasurer is a roadblock, and the County is one of the handful of counties in the country, which has two triple A bond ratings, he would think the County will have good standing in this case to take this to the next level. County Attorney Smith responded that he is unaware of any history of a local government suing the LGC to get an item on the agenda. He is not saying that is not an option, but he does not think it has been done before in history. He would say certainly a better and quicker option to get on the agenda would be to have a member move and a member second and a majority vote in favor to place it on the September agenda. It would be a more efficient and effective mechanism, but legal action could be a possibility, but he has not fully explored that. Chair Rivenbark stated that he did not know what the LGC was or what it meant when he got on the Board and looked it up. It was formed approximately 90 years ago when the City of Asheville went bankrupt, and the LGC had to go in to straighten it out. It was formed for a good reason to keep cities from getting in trouble. He would dare to say that the County is probably as far away from getting in trouble as any city in the United States. He feels it is a personal vendetta for the state treasurer, and the County is going to do the best it can. Vice-Chair Pierce stated that the LGC was certainly created for a very worthy cause. She applauds the members for doing that and they certainly keep a lot of communities from getting in trouble. If the County has submitted the application in a timely fashion, which she knows has been done, it should be calendared to be heard, then the LGC members can look at the facts, look at the numbers, and make their decision. She asks that they follow the proper procedure in that. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark requested direction from the Board on the resolution. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to adopt the Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the County of New Hanover, North Carolina, Approving an Installment Financing Contract and Delivery Thereof and Providing for Certain Other Related Matters. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Commissioner Zapple thanked the members of the business community and the County’s community partners who took the time out of their day to speak on this matter and for their support. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIX, Page 15.7. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to the New Hanover County Board of Examiners of Electricians Chair Rivenbark reported that two vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Board of Examiners of Electricians in the Independent Electrical Contractor Category with one application eligible for reappointment and one additional application available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Russell Carlson and Charles Harrell for reappointment in the Independent Electrical Contractor Category. Commissioner Scalise seconded the nominations. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: Upon vote, the Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Russell Carlson and Charles Harrell to the New Hanover County Board of Examiners of Electricians in the Independent Electrical Contractor category to serve two-year terms with terms to expire September 1, 2025. Appointments to the New Hanover County Board of Mechanical Examiners Chair Rivenbark reported that two vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Board of Mechanical Examiners in the Mechanical Contractor category with one application eligible for reappointment and one application available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Donald Lewis and Devin Skipper for reappointment in the Mechanical Contractor category. Commissioner Scalise seconded the nominations. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: Upon vote, the Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Donald Lewis and Devin Skipper to the New Hanover County Board of Mechanical Examiners in the Mechanical Contractor category to serve two-year terms with terms to expire August 31, 2025. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 866 Appointments to the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Workforce Housing Advisory Committee Chair Rivenbark reported that three vacancies exist on the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Workforce Housing Advisory Committee in the categories of Cape Fear Realtors Representative, Financial Community, and Non-Profit Housing Community with two applications eligible for reappointment and two applications available for consideration. Commissioner Barfield nominated for reappointment Sharm Brantley in the Financial Community category and Tom Gale in the Cape Fear Realtors Representative category and to appoint Erica Barnett in the Non-Profit Housing Community category. Commissioner Scalise seconded the nominations. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Sharm Brantley in the Financial Community category and Tom Gale in the Cape Fear Realtors Representative category and to appoint Erica Barnett in the Non-Profit Housing Community category to the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Workforce Housing Advisory Committee to serve three-year terms with the terms to expire August 31, 2026. Appointments to the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board Chair Rivenbark reported that five vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board with one application eligible for reappointment and ten additional applications available for consideration. Commissioner Scalise nominated Scott Dodd for reappointment and Ann Clinton, Erin Cogan, Tammy Heuring and Harriet Smith for appointment. Vice-Chair Pierce seconded the nominations. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: Upon vote, the Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Scott Dodd and appoint Ann Clinton, Erin Cogan, and Harriet Smith to the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board to serve three-year terms with the terms to expire August 31, 2026 and to appoint Tammy Heuring to the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board to fill an unexpired term, with term to expire August 31, 2024. Appointment to the New Hanover County Non-County Agency Funding Committee Chair Rivenbark reported that a vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Non-County Agency Funding Committee in the Faith-Based category with one application eligible for reappointment. Commissioner Zapple nominated Shane Hartley for reappointment in the Faith-Based category. Commissioner Scalise seconded the nomination. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Shane Hartley in the Faith-Based category to the New Hanover County Non-County Agency Funding Committee to serve a three-year term with term to expire June 30, 2026. Appointment to the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors Chair Rivenbark reported that a vacancy exists on the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors with four applications available for consideration. Commissioner Scalise nominated Nivine Richie for appointment. Commissioner Barfield seconded the nomination. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: Upon vote, the Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Nivine Richie to the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors to fill an unexpired term, with term to expire June 30, 2025. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Rivenbark stated that one person signed up to speak under public comment. Bonnie Murray, resident of Stephens Church Road, Wilmington, NC, stated she is present to represent residents of the Scotts Hill and Kirkland communities. The residents are mostly elderly, retired, with low income and disabilities. She presented the residents’ concerns about the ongoing issue of the lack of clean water. Residents utilize well water and many of the wells contain PFAs, sulfur, Lyme, bacteria, lead, copper, nitrites, and iron. The iron creates the presence of red rust in the water which negatively impacts everything that it touches. Research has proven that these contaminants contribute to cancer and other health issues. Many of the residents have been diagnosed with illnesses including diabetes, heart and kidney disease, autoimmune disorder, and child development issues. The residents are faced with additional financial burdens of purchasing and maintaining water softener machines and systems, which typically have a lifespan of five to eight years. Water pumps and appliances must be purchased on a regular basis because of the rust deteriorating them. She concluded her comments stating that the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 AUGUST 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 867 residents are soliciting the County’s help to obtain grants to assist the community to acquire clean water. She thanked the Board for its consideration and support. Commissioner Barfield stated that there are a few pocket communities that are experiencing the same challenge with PFAs, contaminated wells, and other issues. He would like to see the County find resources from grant funds to help the communities. Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) is not in the business of extending new water and sewer service and does not want to burden the ratepayers with that challenge. It is up to the local governments to find the federal and/or state resources that can help. He would like to see the full water and sewer facilities throughout the County, maintained by CFPUA. The situation in the Scotts Hill, Kirkland, Walnut Hills, and other similar communities is also a public health concern. Commissioner Zapple stated that in the past budget cycle the County committed $500,000 to study and determine the priority areas for water and sewer services in communities like Scotts Hill and Rock Hill. The study will also help determine how far the communities are from water and sewer services. The information will help in trying to obtain federal and state funding. Vice-Chair Pierce voiced her agreement with Commissioners Barfield and Zapple and stated that she would encourage the extension of water and sewer services to all residents in the County. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS Vice-Chair Pierce reported that long-time colleague and former Town of Carolina Beach councilmember Steve Shuttleworth has been appointed to the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission. th Commissioner Scalise expressed appreciation regarding the August 18 situation involving various branches of local law enforcement and commended everyone involved for how they handled the situation. In no way will he ever tolerate someone talking about defunding law enforcement. Law enforcement will be funded in New Hanover County. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 11:16 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.