2024-04-01 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36
APRIL 1, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 171
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on April 1, 2024, at 4:00 p.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; Clerk to the Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell; and County
Attorney K. Jordan Smith.
STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS
Chair Rivenbark presented the annual State of the County Address.
A copy of the state of the county address is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in
Exhibit Book XLV, Page 6.1.
BREAK: Chair Rivenbark announced a break from 4:20 p.m. to 4:37 p.m.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pastor John McIntyre, Wrightsville Beach Baptist Church, provided the invocation and Vice-Chair Pierce 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.
Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to approve the items on the Consent
Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes – Governing Body
The Board approved the minutes of the March 14, 2024 Budget Work Session, the March 14, 2024 Agenda
Review, the March 14, 2024 Closed Session, and the March 18, 2024 Regular Meeting.
Adoption of A Resolution Recognizing the Efforts of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Education
Foundation through the Leadership Wilmington Program – County Manager
The Board adopted a resolution recognizing the efforts of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Education Foundation through the Leadership Wilmington program.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV,
Page 6.2.
Approval of February 2024 Tax Collection Reports – Tax
The Board approved the February 2024 tax collection reports for New Hanover County, New Hanover
County Debt Service, and New Hanover County Fire District.
Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit
Book XLV, Page 6.3.
Award of Contract to Audit the County’s Financial Statements to Cherry Bekaert LLP – Finance
The Board approved the award of a contract for audit services to Cherry Bekaert LLP for Fiscal Year 2023-
2024 in the amount of $127,900, with the option to renew the contract for each of the following four fiscal years
based upon satisfactory performance each year.
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK PROCLAMATION
Commissioner Barfield read the proclamation into the record, recognizing April 1-7, 2024 as National Public
Health Week in New Hanover County.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for direction from the Board.
Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Chair Rivenbark, to adopt the proclamation recognizing April
1-7, 2024 as National Public Health Week in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Public Health Director Jonathan Campbell thanked the Board for adopting the proclamation.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book
XLV, Page 6.4.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36
APRIL 1, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 172
CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK PROCLAMATION
Commissioner Zapple read the proclamation into the record, recognizing April 11-17, 2024 as Black
Maternal Health Week in New Hanover County.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for direction from the Board.
Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to adopt the proclamation recognizing
April 1-7, 2024 as Black Maternal Health Week in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Health and Human Services Health Equity Coordinator Fawn Rhodes expressed appreciation to the Board
for adopting the proclamation.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book
XLV, Page 6.5.
PRESENTATION OF THE 2023 ANNUAL COMMUNITY CHILD PROTECTION TEAM REPORT AND APPOINTMENT OF
AT-LARGE MEMBERS
Judge J. H. Corpening, II, Chair of the Community Child Protection Team (CCPT), thanked the Board for the
opportunity to present the CCPT report as required by state law. The CCPT is a multidisciplinary organization
appointed by statute and the Board to evaluate gaps in services that affect children. Judge Corpening presented the
CCPT accomplishments, gaps, and goals for the coming year:
2023 Accomplishments:
Community Education on Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: Training provided to New Hanover
County (NHC) Foster Parent Association, Smart Start, NHC School nurses/social workers/guidance
counselors, UNCW nursing students, and Coastal Horizons on how to recognize, respond, and
report child abuse and neglect. This training is also offered to ALL New Hanover county employees
on a recurring basis.
Monthly CCPT case reviews: CCPT team reviewed ten complex child welfare involved families to
formulate strategies to address gaps in services and barriers to child protection.
CCPT partners were provided with program presentations from: Healthy Opportunities Pilot, Safe
Babies Court, Port City United, Casey Family Programs, and Medicaid Expansion.
Community Education on Infant Safe Sleep: Infant safe sleep training was provided to Safe Kids
Coalition, New Hanover county staff, Coastal Horizons Maternity Program, and monthly CCPT
members. A Safe Sleep display was placed in the WIC lobby.
Lack of consistent, accessible, effective mental health and developmental disability services:
Difficulty accessing inpatient treatment for stabilization
Difficulty accessing therapeutic placements and psychiatric residential treatment within North
Carolina
Limitations for coverage by both Medicaid and private insurance
Limited accessible services for caregivers and children with co-occurring mental health and
developmental disabilities
Recommendations:
Advocate for expansion of private insurance coverage for enhanced mental health services
Encourage private providers to expand capacity of therapeutic placements for children and
encourage community members to become licensed foster parents
Advocate for local youth crisis facility for assessment and stabilization to prevent youth from
inappropriately lingering in Emergency Rooms pending placement/stabilization
Advocate to increase the number of local mental health providers who accept Medicaid and
provide services for youth and adults with dual diagnoses
Children impacted by parental substance misuse:
Prevalent contributory factor in child maltreatment resulting in:
Neglected and unsupervised children
Substance affected newborns
Child ingestion of improperly stored medications and illegal substances (pills, gummies…)
Criminal activity in household and parental incarceration
Parental death by overdose
Recommendations:
Advocate for legislation mandating improved oversight of medication providers and effective
assessment and treatment services
Advocate for expanded capacity for family residential treatment
Advocate for expanded Medicaid and private insurance coverage to include childcare and
transportation to treatment
Community education regarding the safe storage of prescription medication and illicit
substances
Lack of affordable housing (subsidized and non-subsidized):
Working poor are not eligible for housing assistance and are unable to afford market rent in
the community in which they work
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36
APRIL 1, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 173
Several consecutive years of increases in the market rate for rental properties
Lack of affordable, adequate housing in New Hanover County, results in:
Families forced to live in unsafe neighborhoods
Multiple families residing in a single residence
Unsafe sleep environment for infants
Homelessness and transiency (families living in cars and tents)
Lack of access to critical resources, i.e., food deserts
Recommendations:
Provide funding to community agencies to develop innovative housing initiatives and solutions
that meet the needs of all our populations
Ensure adequate designation of a percentage of new residential units to be financially
accessible for lower-wage earners
Encourage and incentivize property owners to accept housing choice vouchers
Advocate for increased federal housing subsidies and expansion of USDA-eligible zones to
increase home ownership
Ensure all residential areas have access to critical resources, i.e., grocery stores
Service barriers for undocumented families:
Systemic barriers exist for undocumented families to access services to meet the basic needs of
their children including medical care, dental care, mental health treatment, housing, and
education
Recommendations:
Ensure that basic needs for ALL children are met, regardless of citizenship, through advocacy
at the local and state level
Judge Corpening requested the Board make the appointments of the following at-large members to the
CCPT for the ensuing year: Lauren Daley, Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc. Executive Director; Amy Feath,
Carousel Center Executive Director; Chris Preston, NHC Community Justice Services Director; and Steven Still, NHC
Emergency Management Director.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for direction from the Board to appoint Lauren Daley,
Amy Feath, Chris Preston, and Steven Still to the CCPT for one-year terms expiring July 2025.
Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to appoint Lauren Daley, Amy Feath,
Chris Preston, and Steven Still as recommended to the Community Child Protection Team for one-year terms expiring
July 2025. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Commissioner Barfield expressed appreciation to Judge Corpening for his passion and commitment to the
youth in the community.
COUNTY MANAGER PORT CITY UNITED UPDATE
County Manager Coudriet opened his remarks by expressing regret over the need to present a
programmatic update about Porty City United (PCU) and the mediation and outreach division, more commonly
known as the violence interrupters. The update is necessitated by the unfortunate shooting incident that occurred
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on March 21 in the Houston Moore community, resulting in a young community member being hospitalized in
serious condition. The circumstances of the event are challenging for the community and members of this
organization, and concerted efforts continue to address the situation with urgency and compassion. He assured
those present of the County's dedication to providing a thorough account of the response to this incident. He
reported that Stephen Barnett, PCU Mediation and Outreach Supervisor, has been implicated in the incident and
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subsequently arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to attempted murder. On March 21, Mr. Barnett
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was placed on administrative leave while the investigation continued; however, upon his arrest on March 26, he
was dismissed from employment with the County. Also, the county vehicle operated by Mr. Barnett at the time of
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the incident, which was taken into police custody, was released to the County on March 22, and retrieved on the
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morning of March 25.
Recognizing the seriousness of the incident, County Manager Coudriet stated that he made the
administrative decision to suspend the mediation and outreach division operations to allow for a critical examination
of the unit's protocols, processes, and practices. The decision affected all ten positions within the unit, including the
one vacated by Mr. Barnett, with staff being placed on paid administrative leave during the review period. He noted
that PCU Director Rashad Gattison has been steadfast through this matter as a leader within the organization, but
more importantly, with his team to ensure that daily his team members have the support they need. The financial
impact of the administrative suspension is $18,218 per biweekly pay period. Despite suspending one unit, he
reassured the Board and the public that the remaining functions of PCU continue to operate effectively, highlighting
the significant impact of PCU Connect and the Community Resource Coordinators (CRC) program on the community.
The increase in service utilization since the beginning of the fiscal and school years was presented as evidence of the
CRC program’s effectiveness. He further explained that he needs to be able to assure the Board that all possible
guardrails and procedures are in place to ensure the County’s programs lead to safe, tangible, and positive outcomes
for the community. The future of the mediation and outreach division remains uncertain, necessitating a pause in
its operations. The suspension will remain in effect until the leadership team conducts a thorough evaluation,
supplemented by strategic direction from the Board.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36
APRIL 1, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 174
County Manager Coudriet provided a brief overview of how the inception of PCU within the County's
governance framework was a strategic move designed to provide a comprehensive network of support, services,
and interventions aimed at bolstering community safety and mitigating gun violence. The initiative, central to the
mission of PCU, was initiated by an inclusive series of community consultations. The gatherings, which drew insights
from a diverse group of stakeholders, including nonprofits, partner organizations, affected families, and students,
were motivated by the impacts of the August 2021 shooting at New Hanover High School. In January 2022, following
the consultations, the Board formalized the establishment of PCU, signaling the launch of an expansive community
building program. In conjunction with other efforts, this program has focused on connecting individuals and families
with necessary resources, removing barriers to education and employment, and fostering trusted community
relationships. As part of these efforts, the County has expanded pre-K offerings in public schools, partnered with
Cape Fear Community College to facilitate the completion of trade and training programs, stationed school resource
officers (SROs) in every school, and enhanced the NHC Sheriff Office's Elements program and Community Justice
Services’ Too Good for Violence program. Additionally, the Board increased nonprofit capacity building to collectively
impact and reduce community violence. These initiatives and PCU's work have significantly contributed to the
communities most in need. Despite the current challenges, the commitment to these community building programs
remains strong. As county manager, he serves the Board and will facilitate discussions and reviews concerning the
future of the PCU department and/or any associated services with the community building program. He noted that
as discussions continue, it is important to remember that an active law enforcement investigation is ongoing.
However, he welcomes questions about the County's actions in response to the incident. He concluded by reiterating
regret over the current circumstances, emphasizing that the situation is not the result of any design or intention
with any policy choice made by elected officials or his operational decisions.
Chair Rivenbark opened the floor for Board discussion.
Commissioner Zapple asked County Manager Coudriet a series of questions concerning PCU and the
community building program. County Manager Coudriet responded to the questions stating that from August 2021
through January 2022, County staff engaged with community members, parents, nonprofits, law enforcement, and
others to develop policies for Board consideration, often referred to under the preliminary title of PCU. However,
the County also launched initiatives beyond those directly overseen by Mr. Gattison. The concept of the Cure
Violence model was first discussed shortly after the August 2021 shooting, during a joint meeting between the
County, the school board, law enforcement, and judicial system representatives drawing from similar efforts in
Durham, NC. The introduction suggested that adopting the model might involve hiring individuals who would not
traditionally fit the criteria for county employment. Meetings were held with representatives from Cure Violence
Global, based in Chicago, leading to the recommendation of incorporating a mediation and outreach division within
PCU. This also included establishing the PCU Connect Center and the CRC, which, although funded by the County,
operates within three local nonprofits, and serves ten schools. Other local government units, such as Durham, are
implementing programs based on the Cure Violence Global model. This approach is not unique to this County and is
supported by local government entities elsewhere. Entities administering these programs adhere to the standards
and guidelines established by Cure Violence Global. The Cure Violence Global model is the strategy endorsed by
Medicaid funding as the violence interruption tool to use if a local government is going to explore it. It is also an
eligible expense as part of the capitated managed care but not part of the Medicaid expansion. As a matter of state
policy, it is deemed as an evidence based tool for interrupting violence. Locally, each CRC staffer works in one of the
ten public schools with an identified caseload either by the school or another entity. Students are not selected based
on academics (i.e., difficulties in math or reading) but rather for other challenges that may affect their school
attendance, such as bullying, family issues, or personal matters. A CRC’s role is to identify the root causes of these
issues and connect both the students and their families with community resources to address them. This approach
stems from the community building process, highlighting the need for trusted adults in schools. Students and faculty
have reported that many students are more comfortable discussing their life challenges with someone they trust
outside of their teachers, counselors, principals, or SROs. Initially launched in four schools, the program expanded
to ten schools based on the evidence shared with the County that the principals and the staff find value in the work
being done.
Commissioner Barfield stated he along with Chair Rivenbark and Commissioner Zapple were part of the
Board at the inception of PCU. In his discussions with the Bull City United director, he gained insights into the
program, noting the initial reluctance of Durham police to support the director due to his past, yet ultimately
recognizing the program's effectiveness, leading to increased investments, and hiring to support its efforts.
Commissioner Barfield commented on his personal connections to the Houston Moore community, how it has
changed and grown, including the evolving challenge of violence. Regarding Mr. Barnett, he emphasized the
importance of presumed innocent until proven guilty. Based on his conversations with those close enough to the
situation, he believes Mr. Barnett will be exonerated in time. There was a previous situation with another PCU
employee where charges were dropped against them, but once charged, they were immediately fired. To his
knowledge, there was no attempt by County staff to rehire the person to make them whole within the County
system. He expressed concerns about the County’s approach to employment termination and reinstatement,
emphasizing the need for due process and caution in making employment decisions based on accusations. He hopes
Chief Human Resources Officer Mark Francolini and his team will review and assess the County’s personnel policies
on prematurely separating individuals from County employment and allow due process. He understands law
enforcement has had challenges with some of the PCU team and believes there will be a shift to accept the work
being done. He commented on the effectiveness of the violence interrupters, acknowledging the challenging nature
of the work, which involves de-escalating violence without the protection typically afforded to law enforcement.
There is a need to have a more in depth understanding about the nature of the work and stand by the team unless
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36
APRIL 1, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 175
proven guilty. The employees are going into situations to intercede on behalf of the County to prevent violence. He
praised the work of the violence interrupters and their positive impact on the community, including legal
expungement initiatives, support for displaced families, and community engagement activities like providing Santa
Claus during holidays. He reiterated the need for withholding judgment until investigations conclude along with a
review of the County’s personnel policies to ensure fair treatment of accused individuals. He also spoke on the
broader implications of accusations and the importance of due process and justice.
Commissioner Scalise stated that based only on the provided reports and media coverage the recent tragic
incident has left a young individual paralyzed for life due to the shooting. The tragedy that occurred in 2021 led to
the creation of the PCU program as a new county department. He believes the current tragic event should serve as
a catalyst for a thorough evaluation of the PCU department's practices and the effectiveness of its services to the
community. The point would be to assess whether the intended objectives of these services are being met and if the
community is receiving a beneficial return on its investment from the programs. While an attorney by trade, the
basic principle of innocence until proven guilty is essential to him, but in this role, he serves as a county
commissioner, not an attorney. The Board is not the judicial and law enforcement systems; rather, it makes policy
decisions and determines the allocation of finite resources. He engaged County Manager Coudriet in a brief question
and answer period. County Manager Coudriet responded to the questions stating that the program’s funding comes
from a variety of sources but primarily from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as part of the COVID financial
relief to fund many things. He explained how long the funding will last for various programs based on federal rules.
If it is personnel that is directly employed by the County, those funds must be used by December 31, 2024. If there
are contracted services, available funds can be expended up through December 31, 2026. He confirmed that if the
Board desires to continue funding all or some of the services, it would be through taxpayer dollars. Commissioner
Scalise stated his view will be informed based on the facts as he understands them. The PCU brand has taken
significant hits since its inception. While current allegations are presently unproven, they must be taken as what is
available at present. He provided a brief overview of said allegations, emphasizing the claims' gravity and potential
impact on community safety and the program's integrity. Although he defers to the judicial system for legal
judgments, he asserts that enough information exists to question the program's current direction and efficacy. He
expressed dissatisfaction with the current PCU policy framework, as he does not believe it is fully operating based
on its intended purpose nor increasing community safety. He urged the County Commissioners to reassess PCU and
reiterated his concerns about the program's effectiveness and return on investment. He does not believe the County
can continue the same path and stated his preference for reallocating the funding to the school district as a policy.
He is, however, open to discussing if there are aspects of the program that should continue in the future.
Vice-Chair Pierce stated the importance of transparency considering the ongoing investigation,
acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the events in question. She also noted the broader societal issue where
youth violence is increasingly seen as a solution, which she believes is a tragedy not only in the County but
nationwide. She thanked Judge Corpening for his comments during his earlier presentation, as the comments
touched on this issue. No one knows the correct and effective solution to youth violence; she thinks it needs to be
addressed first at home and in schools. While PCU has done some good things, she has concerns about the job title
of Violence Interrupter as it is unclear what form of training and certifications the employees must have, which are
traditionally associated with law enforcement personnel who have extensive training and evaluation. She wants that
to be thought about as the County asks those employees to put themselves in between the violence and feels there
is a need to rework it. She does have concerns about funding and would like to discuss the funding and what program
pieces might be continued at the next budget work session to see what may work best for all involved.
Chair Rivenbark agreed with Vice-Chair Pierce to discuss the funding at the next budget work session.
Commissioner Zapple spoke to several data points, noting that over the past eight months the mediation
and outreach team has had 52 team interventions, and all the interventions were within the team’s primary focus
area. Said team also opened 1,741 cases in the first eight months of FY24, up from 1,125 cases in the prior year. He
believes good work is being done and feels it is important to highlight the positive work being done by PCU and more
specifically, the mediation and outreach team. He thinks the reduction in the number of overall violence incidents is
through the work of law enforcement, the judicial system, and PCU.
County Manager Coudriet stated that he hopes the Board does not read the fact sheet, which is now public,
as a report of trying to demonstrate anything about any of the programs as the reason that something has happened.
Rather, it is an input-output report to demonstrate the mediation and outreach coordinators’ involvement in the
community. Again, it does not suggest that something has gone up or down because of the work.
Commissioner Barfield reiterated that all must understand that this is the work the County asks these
employees to do. It is dangerous work and what occurred in the Houston Moore community is what the mediation
and outreach team have and will face to try to diffuse situations. At their best, law enforcement and the judicial
system are reactive and not proactive. A person cannot be stopped from deciding to do what they put in their hearts
and minds. That is why prisons exist for those who do something against the law. There cannot be a police officer
with every citizen to stop things from happening. Again, the work is dangerous, and the Board and senior staff have
asked these individuals to put themselves in that space. He expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the men
and women working on behalf of the community.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark thanked County Manager Coudriet for the update.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36
APRIL 1, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 176
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointment to the New Hanover Community Endowment
Chair Rivenbark reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover Community Endowment with nine
applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Scalise nominated Mary Lyons Rouse for appointment. Vice-Chair Pierce 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 appoint Mary Lyons Rouse to the New Hanover Community
Endowment to fill an unexpired term, with the term expiring September 30, 2026.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Hispanic/Latino Commission
Chair Rivenbark reported that three vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Hispanic/Latino
Commission with one application eligible for reappointment and ten additional applications available for
consideration.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Andres Afanador for reappointment and Joseph Casares and Lambeth
Chalk for appointment for three-year terms. Vice-Chair Pierce 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 Andres Afanador and appoint Joseph Casares and
Lambeth Chalk to the New Hanover County Hispanic/Latino Commission with terms expiring April 30, 2027.
Appointments to the Southeastern Economic Development Commission
Chair Rivenbark reported that two vacancies exist on the Southeastern Economic Development Commission
in the At-Large and Executive Committee Member categories, with one application eligible for reappointment and
two additional applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Barfield nominated James Branton for reappointment in the Executive Committee Member
category and Bryan Ford for appointment in the At-Large 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 James Branton to the Southeastern
Economic Development Commission in the Executive Committee Member category and to appoint Bryan Ford in the
At-Large category, with terms expiring April 30, 2028.
Appointment to The Healing Place of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors
Chair Rivenbark reported that one vacancy exists on The Healing Place of New Hanover County, Inc. Board
of Directors with one application eligible for reappointment and two additional applications eligible for
consideration.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Takeema Young for reappointment. 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 Takeema Young to The Healing Place of New Hanover
County, Inc. Board of Directors for a three year term, with term expiring April 30, 2027.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chair Rivenbark stated that no one signed up to speak under public comment.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Grocery Land Matter. County Manager Coudriet reported on the discussions held with the Wilmington City
Council (City Council) during its April 1, 2024 agenda review briefing concerning property for the grocery store. He
asked for the Board to authorize the county attorney and him to attend the April 2, 2024 City Council meeting to
propose a plan that they believe will be positively received by both the City Council and the city manager. He
explained that the possible resolution is if the County ever sold the land the grocery store is to be built on, or it ever
ceased to be a grocery store, the County would convey the then appraised value of the unimproved property back
to the City of Wilmington (City). He further reported that County Attorney Smith has prepared a draft document,
the summary of which he provided to the Board following the City Council agenda review.
A brief discussion ensued about the proposed solution. Commissioner Barfield expressed his support for
the proposed solution. County Manager Coudriet, in response to questions, confirmed that the appraisal would be
only for the land, not the building, and the funds would be given to the City while the County maintained full
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36
APRIL 1, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 177
ownership of the entire parcel. Commissioner Scalise stated his support for the compromise and encouraged the
county manager and county attorney to work out the details of the appraisal value process now rather than in the
future. County Manager Coudriet responded that the draft document reflects the proposed appraisal process and
County Attorney Smith added that as proposed, the appraisal mechanism would allow the County and City to agree
on an appraiser. If that does not happen it would allow both entities to get their own appraisers. Then, the average
of the two appraisals is to be the value. If there is a 15% deviation between the two appraisals, the two appraisers
would select a third appraiser, and that third appraisal would be final. The 15% can be adjusted either by the Board
or City Council. Commissioner Scalise stated that he felt it is a reasonable proposal.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction.
MOTION: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the proposed resolution
on the grocery land matter and direct the county manager and county attorney to present the same to the
Wilmington City Council for consideration during its April 2, 2024 meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Commissioner Zapple thanked staff for the work completed to date on the assembly room technology
upgrades.
Commissioner Barfield thanked Parks and Gardens Director Tara Duckworth and her team for bringing
Hanover Pines Park to fruition.
Commissioner Scalise congratulated Chair Rivenbark on delivering the 2024 State of the County Address.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 6:10 p.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.