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2024-04-15 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 15, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 185 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met April 15, 2024, 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: Vice-Chair LeAnn Pierce; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Commissioner Dane Scalise; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. Members absent: Chair Bill Rivenbark. Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; Clerk to the Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell; and County Attorney K. Jordan Smith. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Imam Abdul Rahman Shareef, Tauheed Islamic Center of Wilmington, provided the invocation and Commissioner Barfield led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Vice-Chair Pierce stated that Chair Rivenbark is unable to attend the meeting and therefore, the Board members present need to excuse him from the meeting. She asked for a motion and a second to excuse Chair Rivenbark from the April 15, 2024 meeting. Motion: Vice-Chair Pierce MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to excuse Chair Rivenbark from the April 15, 2024 meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Vice-Chair Pierce requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Board approved the minutes of the April 1, 2024 Regular Meeting. Adoption of Budget Amendments – Budget The Board adopted the following budget amendments amending the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024: Health and Human Services (HHS) – Health 24-063 Sheriff 24-064, 24-065, 24-067, 24-068, and 24-069 Capital Improvement Projects 24-066 Copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 7.1. Approval of Reallocation of Capital Fund Expenditures for New Hanover County Schools – Finance The Board approved the request to reallocate $567,485 in savings from computer and computer-related equipment purchases to address lead contamination remediation ($500,000) and for camera replacements ($67,485). The previously budgeted computer and technology items relate to fiscal years ended 2019-2021. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving a retirement award: Regina Floyd-Davis, Health and Human Services (HHS) Attorney, with sixteen years of services Lisa Troth, HHS – Social Services, retiring with 36 years of service Vice-Chair Pierce presented each retiree with a retirement award, and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked them for their years of dedicated service. County Manager Coudriet then requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Years: Robert Burrows, Building Safety Morgan Combs, Community Justice Services Christine Donahue, Building Safety Dale Flaverney, Sheriff’s Office Fallone Hutchens, HHS Administration Ten Years: Bo Dean, Human Resources Edward McCaleb, Building Safety T.R. Nunely, HHS - Health NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 15, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 186 Twenty-Five Years: Nadine Sharmah, Facilities Management Thirty Years: Teresa Hewett, Finance Vice-Chair Pierce presented each person with a service award, 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: Sandra Cintron-Goitia Tiffany Savage Shawanna Hobbs Dee Smith John Karr Michelle Sweeney The Board welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING HONOR FLIGHT OF THE CAPE FEAR AREA Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area President and Trip Leader Ruth Ravitz Smith presented the request for the Board to adopt a resolution recognizing Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area. The next flight as part of Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area will be April 20, 2024. The Board recognized the veterans in attendance and thanked them for their service to the country. Vice-Chair Pierce read the resolution into the record. Hearing no further discussion, she asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chair Pierce MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to adopt the resolution as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 7.2. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE FAIR HOUSING MONTH PROCLAMATION Dr. Kirsten Kainz, representing the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Community Relations Advisory Committee (C-RAC), stated her appreciation for the Board’s consideration of the proclamation. She provided a brief overview of the creation of C-RAC and its charge. Commissioner Zapple read the proclamation into the record, recognizing April 2024 as Fair Housing Month in New Hanover County. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Pierce asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Scalise to adopt the proclamation recognizing April 2024 as Fair Housing Month in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 7.3. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH PROCLAMATION Commissioner Barfield read the proclamation into the record, recognizing April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in New Hanover County. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Pierce asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Scalise to adopt the proclamation recognizing April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. Social Services Director Tonya Jackson expressed appreciation to the Board for adopting the proclamation. Carousel Center Advocacy Center Executive Director Amy Feath reported on the spectrum of services available for children. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLIX, Page 7.4. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF RESILIENT AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES WEEK PROCLAMATION Human Resources Analyst Bo Dean and J’vanete Skiba, New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force Director, thanked the Board for considering the proclamation. Ms. Skiba provided a brief overview of the task force's mission and purpose and its collaboration with 56 partner organizations. Commissioner Scalise read the proclamation into the record, recognizing April 28 - May 5, 2024 as "Resilient and Thriving Communities Week" in New Hanover County. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 15, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 187 Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Pierce asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to adopt the proclamation recognizing April 28 - May 5, 2024 as "Resilient and Thriving Communities Week" in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 7.5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY JUVENILE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL FUNDING RECOMMENDATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 AND 2024-2025 Chief Judge District Court J. H. Corpening, II stated that he serves as the chair of the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) and presented an overview of the JCPC funding plan for the next biennium. The request is that the Board approve the allocation of $547,770 in state JCPC funding for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 as follows:  JCPC Administration: $9,900  Youth Empowerment Services (Psychological Assessments, Counseling, and Community Service programs): $406,345  Coastal Horizons (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting \[STEP\]): $39,180  Communities in Schools (Teen Court and Mediation programs): $92,345 Judge Corpening stated that the recommendations meet the JCPC funding priorities of psychological assessments, counseling, community services and restitution, teen court, supervision issues, substance use disorders, and skill building. These are state dollars that JCPC administers locally to meet the needs of the young people in this community. Furthermore, the Board is also being asked to approve the updates to the JCPC bylaws which the JCPC Executive Committee approved on February 16, 2024. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Pierce asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Juvenile Crime Prevention Council’s funding recommendation and bylaws. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. TRILLIUM HEALTH RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT Cecelia Peers, Regional Vice President of Trillium Health Resources, provided the annual report on Trillium Health Resources highlighting the following:  Trillium Health Resources Annual Report New Hanover County:  In FY 22-23 Served 43,571 unique individuals with severe behavioral needs:  32,929 for Mental Health  12,526 for Substance Abuse  7,456 for Intellectual Developmental Disability (I/DD)  Total spent on services: $653,498,469  Medicaid transformation changes:  Original date to go live with Tailored Plan was July 1, 2022 (delayed over the past two years)  NC General Assembly took steps to help ensure Tailored Plans can go live and be successful:  Changed the number of Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCOs) from six to four or five  Increased minimum population to 1.5 million  Gave secretary of health and human services authority to change the LME/MCO structure to ensure Tailored Plans go live  Go live date July 1  Consolidation:  11/01/23: NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) secretarial directive issued  11/17/23: Consolidation plans due to NC DHHS  12/15/23: Consolidation agreement approved by Trillium and Eastpointe  12/18/23: Consolidation agreement approved by NC DHHS Secretary Kinsley  01/01/24: Consolidation effective date for operations  02/01/24: Consolidation effective date for members and providers  Five regions:  46 counties with a total population 3.1 million: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 15, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 188  51,000 Tailored Plan members, 163,000 Medicaid direct members, and 287,000 uninsured members  Tailored Plan:  For members who have severe behavioral health, Substance Use Disorder, and I/DD Population  Will be managing whole person care: Behavioral Health Services, Physical Health Care, and Pharmacy benefits  Most individual’s, even those with mild to moderate behavioral health needs are now managed under Standard Plans and have been since July 2021:  AmeriHealth Caritas NC Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC, UnitedHealthcare of NC Inc., WellCare of NC Inc., and Carolina Complete Health covers regions 3, 4 and 5  Changes in Care Management:  Expanded provider based tailored care management  Plan based tailored care management since the soft launch  Developed new specialized teams:  T Star: Trillium Support Transition and Re-Entry, rapid access care coordination, and DSS foster care management  Focus on whole person care  Population health  Projects Updates: The Healing Place, summits, value based purchasing, re-entry simulations, one community, CHESS Health, naloxone distribution, healthy opportunities plot, and family solutions  Consumers served in New Hanover County:  In FY 22-23 Trillium served 7,351* unique individuals in NHC with severe behavioral health and I/DD needs:  5,436 for Mental Health, 2,756 for Substance Abuse, 1,254 for I/DD  Total spent on services: $106,268,520 *Total is unduplicated, since a single individual may receive services in more than one category A brief discussion ensued about the Trillium’s coverage area increasing from 28 to 46 counties and the need for a facility like The Healing Place focused on mental health disorders. Ms. Peers stated, in response to questions, that the care access number is 1-877-685-2415 and the website is trilliumhealthresources.org. Also, the Trillium team is looking at different models to possibly provide a transitional setting for people with severe mental health concerns who need support through behavioral health services and stable housing. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Pierce thanked Ms. Peers for the update. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO JOIN THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AND AARP NETWORK OF AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES AND APPROVAL OF LETTER OF SUPPORT Senior Resource Center Director Amber Smith presented the following information:  AARP network of age-friendly communities:  In 2006, in response to preparing for a growing older adult population, the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC) was established. Bringing together cities and communities across the world who are committed to becoming more age-friendly, to facilitate the exchange of information, resources, and best practices.  In 2012, AARP became the U.S. affiliate of the WHO for the Network of Age-Friendly Communities to help U.S. cities prepare for their own growing population of older adults.  What does age-friendly mean?  Age-Friendly are livable communities that include essential features to allow residents of all ages and backgrounds to thrive.  There are eight domains of the livability framework used for the AARP Network of Age- Friendly Communities to organize and prioritize their work to enhance livability for both older residents and people of all ages. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 15, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 189  What “age-friendly” affiliation is:  Elected leadership has made the commitment to working towards making the community a great place to live for all ages.  Action plans are developed to address those needs, including residents' input on community needs and community benefits from diverse citizen engagement.  A multi-step and multi-sector process of improvements.  The community is inclusive of all residents, all ages, and all stages through the eight domains of livable communities.  AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities:  850 age-friendly members, 236 counties, and 11 states  In North Carolina:  May 2, 2023, NC became an age-friendly State signed by Governor Roy Cooper Executive Order No. 280  Nine North Carolina counties have joined the Network: Alamance, Buncombe, Durham, Forsyth, Lenior, Mecklenburg, Orange, Rockingham, and Wake  North Carolina population shift:  Growing age of population:  In 2022, one in six were 65+ and by 2025: one in five will be 65+  In-migration of people 60+ to largest counties:  New Hanover County aging demographics:  New Hanover County already has more residents 60+ than ages 0-17  By 2042, it is expected, 27% of the NHC population will be 60+  By 2042, the largest percentage change will be in older adults  By 2042, one out of every 3.76 New Hanover County residents will be aged 60+  AARP livability score – New Hanover County:  The overall livability index score for New Hanover County, North Carolina is 52. This is in the top half of communities in the U.S. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 15, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 190  Benefits of joining the network:  Access to a global network of communities and experts  Access to best practices, planning models, and initiatives  Opportunities for partnerships with communities  Mentoring and peer-review evaluations  Grant opportunities  Development of multi-sector action plans with age-friendly initiatives. Plans on how to address an ever-growing aging population and livability of all ages.  Age-friendly communities foster economic growth and make for happier, healthier residents of all ages  Next steps: A brief discussion ensued about the request. Ms. Smith stated in response to questions there is no fee for joining, and the only obligation will be to include the eight domains as part of the County’s plans, initiatives, policies, and ensure the communities are part of the plans. She further explained that every community plan is different, and the program is designed to help communities look at their plans and community needs. There is no anticipation of issues arising with the County’s existing or future versions of the Master Aging Plan (MAP) as it looks at livable communities. She confirmed that the Board's action is to approve the County joining the WHO/AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities and can withdraw the County from the network in the future. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Pierce asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to adopt the resolution authorizing and directing New Hanover County to take action to join the WHO/AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities and directs that the Network of Age-Friendly Communities framework be used in the development of the 2026 Master Aging Plan and to approve the letter of support to the AARP State Director. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF REQUEST TO PURCHASE THE WRIGHTSBORO FIRE STATION Fire Rescue Chief Donnie Hall reported that the Board is being asked to consider purchasing the Wrightsboro Volunteer Fire Department facility at 3515 North Kerr Avenue. The corporation that owns the building made known its interest in selling the property in March. The sale price is $500,000 and currently the County is in the due diligence process. Staff are requesting the Board approve the purchase to close on the property. The Board thanked Chief Hall for bringing the matter forward as it is felt the County should own the facility. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Pierce asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve the buy-sale agreement, Budget Amendment 24-070, and grant authority to the county manager and county attorney to execute all necessary documents for the purchase and closing on the property, contingent upon meeting all conditions outlined in the Buy-Sale Agreement. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 0. PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT PURSUANT TO NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTE 158-7.1 Vice-Chair Pierce stated that the public hearing is being held to receive comments on appropriations and expenditures for economic development and an economic incentive grant agreement. The source of funding for the agreements will be from the General Fund of the County. The purposes of economic development and economic incentive grant agreements are to increase the population, taxable property, agricultural industries, employment, industrial output, or business prospects for New Hanover County. The economic development payments being discussed relate to Wilmington Trade Center in a total amount of $3,383,112, with no more than $1,127,704 payable in any one fiscal year, through June 30, 2031. She asked for a motion to open the public hearing. Motion: Vice-Chair Pierce MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Scalise, to open the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4-0. Wilmington Business Development CEO Scott Satterfield presented the following on Project Trade:  Wilmington Trade Center:  Location overview: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 15, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 191  Wilmington Trade Center today:  New Hanover County  Hwy 421 Corridor  Development Partners – Edgewater Ventures and McKinley Building  +310,000 square feet of class-a industrial space today  Sister 157,000 square feet shell buildings in place  Additional 100,000 square feet planned  Building 1 full (Paperfoam and Coastal Carrier)  Building is complete (tenants already include GLE and NHC)  Wilmington Trade Center – future:  212 total acres  Approximately 3.3 million square feet master planned  Accommodate users up to 1 million square feet  +$80 million investment  +1,500 jobs  The park will be one of the largest of its kind in North Carolina  Site plan: Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle continued the presentation with the following information:  Wilmington Trade Center:  Total Vision for the Wilmington Trade Center Business Park:  13 buildings with over 3 million square feet, $400+ million in direct investment, and 2,000+ job creation  County staff recommends an incentive of $3,383,112:  Infrastructure Costs:  Incentive structured with the following in mind: near term start to project  Three-pronged incentive structure – each tied to 1/3 of the total incentive:  Construction of Full Infrastructure  Construction of Buildings 4,5,6,7 – estimated cost of $82 million NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 15, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 192  1,500+ New Jobs  Payback from property taxes is 7.9 years for buildings 4, 5, 6, and 7  Payback drops to 1.7 years for all ten remaining buildings  Incentive structures:  One-third ($1,127,704) tied to infrastructure investment:  $1 from County for each $7.85 in Investment  Performance period: July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026  One-third tied to direct investment ($82 million: approximate costs of buildings 4-7)  Performance period: July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031  One-third tied to jobs created at site (1,500 jobs)  Performance period: July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031  Maximum payout in any one year = one-third of the total ($1,127,704) Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Pierce asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Motion: Vice-Chair Pierce MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to close the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4-0. A brief discussion ensued about the economic development grant. The Board commented on the importance of investments in infrastructure and job creation for enhancing the tax base, emphasizing the expected positive returns from such investments. The impact of these developments on providing quality, livable wage jobs is crucial for the community. Hearing no further discussion, Vice-Chair Pierce asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Scalise, to approve the economic development appropriations and expenditures based on the findings that the appropriations and expenditures will increase the population, taxable property, agricultural industries, employment, industrial output, or business prospects of the County and approve the associated incentive agreement. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4-0. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Vice Chair Pierce stated that two people signed up to speak under public comment and asked them to step forward to provide their remarks. Leslie Posey, resident of Long Leaf Acres Drive, Wilmington, NC and representing the New Hanover County Education Justice group, stated her concern over the school district’s staffing shortages and how proposed staff cuts would exacerbate the issue. The information provided to the Board is incomplete, and, in her opinion, attrition will not offset the number of staff losses as claimed by the school administration. She emphasized the importance of adequate funding for education, arguing that quality schools are essential for attracting families to the area, and urged the Board to prioritize educational investment to support student and community well-being. Yvonne Pollard, resident of Old Lake Road, Riegelwood, NC, reported on her family’s issues with HHS – Social Services and child protective services. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS There were no additional agenda items of business. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 11:11 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.