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2024-06-03 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JUNE 3, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 233 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met June 3, 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. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor D. Evan Grizzle, Apostolic Tabernacle of Wilmington, provided the invocation and Chair Rivenbark 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 Scalise 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 May 13, 2024 Special Meeting, the May 16, 2024 Agenda Review, and the May 20, 2024 Regular Meeting. Approval of March 2024 Tax Collection Reports – Tax The Board accepted the tax collection reports of New Hanover County, New Hanover County Fire District, and New Hanover County Debt Service as of March 2024. Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 11.1. Approval of April 2024 Tax Collection Reports – Tax The Board accepted the tax collection reports of New Hanover County, New Hanover County Fire District, and New Hanover County Debt Service as of April 2024. Commissioner Zapple commended Tax Administrator Allison Snell and her team for their work to reach an almost 100% collection rate on property taxes. Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 11.2. Approval of Lowest Bid Contract Award to ES&J Enterprises, Inc. – Environmental Management The Board approved the contract to be awarded to ES&J Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $3,971,690 for a partial cell closure. Funds are available in the department's Enterprise Fund. Adoption of Year-end Budget Amendment to Account for Anticipated Overage in Public Safety Function – Budget The Board adopted budget amendment 24-081, amending the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. A copy of the budget amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 11.3. Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the Negotiation of an Installment Financing Contract Not to Exceed $37.5 Million, Directing the Publication of Notice with Respect Thereto, Declaring the Intent of the County to Reimburse Itself for Capital Expenditures From Proceeds Thereof, and Providing for Certain Other Related Matters – Finance The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the negotiation of a contract for up to $37,500,000 to finance projects. The resolution also allows the Board to reimburse project costs with debt proceeds incurred before the debt is issued. Additionally, the Board instructed the chief financial officer to file an application with the Local Government Commission for contract approval and scheduled a public hearing for June 17, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. to discuss the contract, the deed of trust, the proposed project, and related transactions. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 11.4. Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of an Installment Financing Contract with TD Equipment Finance, Inc. to Finance the Acquisition of Various Vehicles and Equipment – Finance The Board adopted the resolution authorizing the execution and delivery of a 59-month installment financing contract with TD Equipment Finance, Inc. to finance the acquisition of various vehicles and equipment in the amount of $6,799,268. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JUNE 3, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 234 A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 11.5. Adoption of State Road Resolution – Governing Body The Board adopted the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) state road resolution in support of adding Cloverland Way, Goodwood Way, and Trumpet Vine Way within the Henderson Parke at the Lakes at Johnson Farms subdivision (Division File No: 1306-N) to the state system. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 11.6. First Reading: Approval of Solid Waste Franchise for Ideal Trash and Recycling LLC – County Attorney The Board approved the first reading to authorize the issuance of a solid waste franchise agreement to Ideal Trash and Recycling LLC. A second reading is required. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY PRIDE MONTH PROCLAMATION Diversity and Equity Coordinator Travis Corpening thanked the Board for its consideration to adopt the proclamation in recognition of Pride Month in New Hanover County. Chair Rivenbark read the proclamation into the record recognizing June 2024 as Pride Month in New Hanover County. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Pierce to adopt the proclamation recognizing June 2024 as Pride Month in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 11.7. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF A REZONING REQUEST BY CINDEE WOLF WITH DESIGN SOLUTIONS, APPLICANT, ON BEHALF OF LITTLEBIRD PROPERTIES, LLC, TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 4.93 ACRES AT 3121 CASTLE HAYNE ROAD FROM B-1, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, AND R-20, RESIDENTIAL TO (CZD) B-2, REGIONAL BUSINESS FOR TWO COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES TOTALING A MAXIMUM OF 19,150 SQUARE FEET FOR CONTRACTOR OFFICE AND OTHER LIMITED USES (Z24-03) Development Review Planner Love Ott provided the staff presentation, noting that conditional rezoning requests can include conditions agreed upon by the applicant. The property, located along the Castle Hayne Road corridor, currently features one detached single-family dwelling unit that will be removed if the request is approved. The parcel is divided, with B-1 commercial zoning along the corridor and R-20 on the western portion. The southern parcel is zoned R-10 to accommodate a future fire station and a Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) development. Ms. Ott provided an overview of existing site conditions and examples of what might be seen in B-1, R-20, and B-2 districts. The concept plan shows the proposed location of the flex commercial space along Castle Hayne Road. A condition on the site states that the proposed restaurant use will be capped at 3,000 square feet. The rear/western side of the parcel includes the contractor’s office and garage with fenced outdoor storage directly behind the garage. Ms. Ott highlighted the locations of existing vegetation that will be preserved to meet the buffer requirements, the Type A opaque 20-foot buffer yard, the Ness Creek tributary with its 50-foot wide stream buffer, stormwater ponds, and the pedestrian access from the Haven Place subdivision to the flex commercial space. The property also has full access to Castle Hayne Road. One State Transportation Improvement Project (STIP) in the area, the Castle Hayne Road widening project, is in the design phase and may potentially restrict access to right-in right-out. The proposed development would generate approximately 86 AM and 53 PM peak hour trips, which is under the 100 peak hour threshold requiring a traffic impact analysis (TIA). Additional conditions are offered to mitigate impacts on adjacent residents. The area is trending toward commercial development, with similar parcels along the Castle Hayne corridor rezoned to commercial districts near the Wrightsboro commercial node from the original R-20 district. The request aligns with the County’s strategic plan as the parcel is near the population the businesses will employ and serve. Locating commercial use along the roadway provides an appropriate density transition to the adjacent residential districts. The 2016 Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Comprehensive Plan) designates the parcel as part of the Community Mixed Use and General Residential place types. Sites located near the boundaries between place types can be appropriately developed with either place type, considering site-specific features and evolving development patterns in the surrounding area. Community Mixed Use includes commercial uses and encourages infill development, while General Residential focuses on lower-density housing with strategically located commercial services as potential uses. The Planning Board considered this item at its May 2, 2024 meeting and voted (6-0) to recommend approval of the petition. The petition was found to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan because the proposed scale and density will provide a transition from a commercial corridor to residential districts. Recommending approval was considered reasonable and in the public interest because the proposed project aligns with current development patterns in the County. Staff recommends approval because the proposed scale and density will provide an adequate transition from a commercial corridor to residential districts with conditions NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JUNE 3, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 235 relating to maximum square footage, pedestrian access, preserving existing vegetation, landscape buffer, and stream buffer. Ms. Ott provided an overview of the proposed conditions, including permitted uses, noting that the outdoor storage condition was clarified following the Planning Board meeting to better reflect its intent. If the rezoning request is approved, development of the site will be subject to additional development review. Chair Rivenbark thanked Ms. Ott for the presentation and invited the applicant to make remarks. Cindee Wolf with Design Solutions, applicant, on behalf of Littlebird Properties, LLC, stated the Comprehensive Plan policies for growth and development encourage continued efforts to attract new and maintain existing local businesses. Bill Aldridge, the owner of Rain Bird Solutions, has built a successful business providing environmentally sensible and sustainable rainwater harvesting systems and stormwater control measures with the highest quality products. He desires to own real estate, and the parcel along the Castle Hayne Road corridor is ideal for this use. The parcel will allow his small contracting company to have an office and crew staging space with efficient access to I-140 and all portions of the County. The request is to create a conditional district for the entire tract, which is currently a split zone. The existing structure, already zoned for business, does not suit the specific needs, and will be removed or possibly relocated for adaptive reuse. Ms. Wolf noted that the proposed plan locates the contractor use at the rear of the tract with access to Ness Creek. The space allows for vegetation preservation and buffering, not only to the large vacant tract surrounding it but also to the Habitat neighborhood under construction. The frontage portion of the tract is planned for a single storefront style building with flexibility for tenants and a rear service drive. The one-story building can house up to eight 1,500 square foot units or other combinations based on business needs, with limited permitted uses. Parking is designed to align the access drive with the Swartville Road intersection, approved by the NCDOT. The building is set back to accommodate any future right-of-way acquisition for the Castle Hayne Road improvements project. Landscaping, including street yards and foundation plantings, will enhance the center's aesthetics. A screening fence will buffer the common boundary with the residence to the north and the future fire station to the south. Ms. Wolf concluded the application presentation, noting that the plan was developed to meet the goal for a vibrant economy by maximizing the effectiveness of commercial uses within proximity to the markets they serve. She and her client believe that the Community Mixed Use and General Residential place types of classifications make this a sensible place for infill and that the request is consistent, reasonable, and in the public interest. Ms. Wolf responded to questions explaining that the patch of what appears to be a wetland is an isolated depression next to the creek and the wetlands that flank the creek. The pond is oriented around it and the patch can be filled very easily. The pond is halfway in the stream buffer, so it would not be filled. The rest is marginal, but she would have the environmental consultant and engineer work out the details. The stormwater ponds will meet the criteria for the county and state requirements for stormwater management. The project is staying out of it and meeting all the regulations, and she would defer to the County’s Engineering Department to report on the down or up stream. Everything around the contractor’s office at the back of the property is vacant other than the Habitat homes. She reiterated what would be provided for vegetative buffers. Chair Rivenbark stated that no one signed up to speak in favor nor in opposition to the request, closed the public hearing, and opened the floor to Board discussion. Development Review Supervisor Robert Farrell confirmed that there are no notations about concerns relative to the property’s use as it relates to the County being one of the adjacent property owners. He confirmed that there have not been any comments or concerns expressed by any other agency associated with the County about the project. County Manager Coudriet added that the site was acquired to serve as a future fire station. Since then, a better suited site has since been acquired and he cannot speak to the plan for the adjacent parcel. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked Ms. Wolf if, based on the Board discussion and items presented during the public hearing, whether she would like to withdraw the petition or proceed with the vote. Ms. Wolf responded that she wanted to proceed with the vote. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to approve the proposed rezoning. The Board finds it to be consistent with the purposes and intent of the Comprehensive Plan because the proposed scale and density will provide an adequate transition from a commercial corridor to residential districts. The Board also finds recommending approval of the rezoning request is reasonable and in the public interest because the proposed concept plan is in line with current development patterns with the following conditions: 1. The proposed use of a restaurant will have a cap of 3,000 square feet. Any change in square footage must be reviewed and approved by the County in order to verify compliance with the zoning district standards. 2. Permitted uses shall be limited to: a. Animal Grooming/Veterinary (Kennel or Daycare prohibited) b. Business Service Center c. Contractor Office d. Offices for Private Businesses and Professional Activities e. General, Personal Services (Tattoo Parlors prohibited) f. Instructional Services and Studios NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JUNE 3, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 236 g. General, Retail Sales h. Restaurant 3. Pedestrian access will be provided from Haven Place to the proposed flex space commercial structure as shown on the concept plan. 4. The existing vegetation as shown on the concept plan will be retained to meet the Type A opaque buffer requirement. 5. A Type A buffer shall be provided along the southern boundary of the parcel adjacent to parcels zoned R-10. 6. A 50-foot wide stream buffer is required between the proposed structures and the Ness Creek Tributary as shown on the concept plan. 7. No business east of the Ness Creek Tributary shall be allowed outdoor storage. Approval is subject to the applicant signing an agreement acknowledging the applicant’s consent to all listed conditions. If the applicant does not provide a signed agreement within seven (7) business days from the date of approval, then the rezoning application approval is null and void. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF AREA 10A OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED July 1, 1974 is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Zoning Book II, Section 10A, Page 58. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF A REZONING REQUEST BY SAM FRANCK WITH WARD AND SMITH, P.A., APPLICANT, ON BEHALF OF YMCA OF EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA, INC, CONTRACT PURCHASER AND CORBETT PACKAGE COMPANY, PROPERTY OWNER, TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 53 ACRES OF AN APPROXIMATELY 242- ACRE PARCEL ZONED R-15, RESIDENTIAL LOCATED ON THE 6600 BLOCK OF THE NORTH SIDE OF SIDBURY ROAD TO A GENERAL USE CB, COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT (Z24-07) Senior Planner Zach Dickerson presented the rezoning request, noting that it is a straight rezoning request, so there are no concept plans, nor can conditions be imposed. The site was originally zoned R-15 in 1972 to ensure housing served by private wells and septic was developed at low densities. Water and sewer services have been extended to the Sidbury Road area through the County’s partnership with Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA). However, these services have not yet reached the subject parcel. He provided an overview of the existing conditions and examples of R-15 and Community Business (CB) district developments, noting common uses allowed by-right in the CB district include bank/financial institutions, restaurants, offices, pharmacies, and retail. The parcel has direct access to Sidbury Road. The County's Technical Review Committee (TRC) and NCDOT will review future site access due to the straight rezoning. The current Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) transportation plan includes a project to modernize Sidbury Road, bringing it to current design standards. This project includes widening the travel lanes to 12 feet and installing a 10-foot multi-use path. There is residential development under construction and review in the vicinity. Mr. Dickerson reported on the estimated trip generation for the site, noting that TIAs are not required for straight rezonings. However, with the parcel's acreage and the variety of by-right development permitted in the CB district, a TIA will likely be required, especially if the site is developed with multiple uses. If required, the TIA must be approved by the WMPO and NCDOT before TRC review and approval. The Sidbury Road corridor is expected to grow residentially due to the expansion of public water and sewer through the County’s partnership with CFPUA. Currently, residents in the area must drive to the Northchase shopping center for commercial services, which is approximately three miles away. The parcel is about halfway between the intersection of Sidbury Road and Dairy Farm Road and the future Hampstead bypass interchange, where a commercial node would be appropriately located. Providing areas for future commercial development supports community-oriented goods and services for the surrounding neighborhoods. The proposed project aligns with the County’s strategic plan because the CB rezoning will enable new business growth to serve the surrounding community. The Comprehensive Plan classifies the subject area as Community Mixed Use. The proposed project is generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s recommendations for properties in the Community Mixed Use place type. The Planning Board considered this item at its May 2, 2024 meeting and voted to recommend approval (5-1) of the rezoning request, finding it consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The Community Business zoning district would provide uses in line with the Community Mixed Use place type that could serve existing and future residents. It also found recommending approval of the rezoning request reasonable and in the public interest because the CB district would function as a community service business node for the surrounding area. Staff’s recommendation is based on the Comprehensive Plan, zoning considerations, and technical review. Staff found the proposed conditional CB district generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan because it aligns with appropriate uses for properties in the Community Mixed Use place type. The CB district will function as a community service business node for the surrounding area. As a result, staff concurs with the Planning Board’s recommendation. If approved, any development would be subject to TRC and zoning compliance review processes to ensure full compliance with all ordinance requirements. Chair Rivenbark thanked Mr. Dickerson for the presentation and invited the applicant to make remarks. Sam Franck with Ward and Smith, P.A., applicant on behalf of YMCA of Eastern North Carolina, Inc., contract purchaser, and Corbett Package Company, property owner, stated the request is to rezone the northern section of the parcel on the north side of Sidbury Road, covering approximately 53 acres. The site lies within an area designated for Community Mixed Use and R-15 zoning in the Comprehensive Plan. Rezoning part of the land to a district supporting commercial components aligns with the Comprehensive Plan. The CB district accommodates businesses NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JUNE 3, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 237 that serve the surrounding neighborhoods with goods and services needed for various daily and long-term purposes. This includes the YMCA, which plans to use the land alongside other commercial uses. The YMCA's use supports the County’s goals for economic development and promoting healthy lifestyles by providing facilities and programs that foster physical activity. Incorporating commercial uses, including the YMCA, will enhance the mixed-use nature of this area. The County and CFPUA have collaborated to extend utilities along Sidbury Road, spurring residential development in the area. Now, it is time to incorporate commercial uses to support residential growth. The CB district allows for various desirable uses, such as banks, restaurants, offices, food markets, pharmacies, retail, and indoor/outdoor recreation facilities. As this is a straight rezoning, there are no proposed limitations beyond the scope of the code, which also sets development parameters, including buffers and setbacks. A Type A buffer and a 25-foot rear setback are required between commercial and residential uses. The proposed project is consistent with both the Comprehensive Plan and the strategic plan for fiscal years 2024 through 2028. This proposal supports a business-friendly environment, health promotion, and collaboration. The area includes Sidbury Station to the southwest and a B-2 zone approved for a self-storage facility. Other residential developments along Sidbury Road are in various approval stages. This rezoning will facilitate a range of uses to better serve the community. Mr. Franck asked that the Board approve the rezoning request. Chair Rivenbark stated that no one signed up to speak in favor nor in opposition to the request, closed the public hearing, and opened the floor to Board discussion. Mr. Franck responded to questions explaining the YMCA has a contract to purchase approximately half of the 53-acre parcel. Most of that is on the northern or back half of the site and includes an access path after the road. The YMCA will not use half of the subject property as contemplated today. The first reason for the straight rezoning is that the Comprehensive Plan contemplates the mixing of uses in the area that has homogeneous R-15 zoning that has existed since 1972. There is a need for some land that is zoned for commercial use. Second, conditional rezoning fits well with in-fill development sites where there is a specific transition from one residential product to another or an internal mixing of uses on a single site. Third, it is practical as it is expensive and time consuming to propose a conditional rezoning with a design sufficient to support a site plan while curtailing the number and type of uses the market can bring to a particular site. It would be a struggle today to state exactly which of those uses permitted in the CB district will be the best fit to serve the citizens of that section of the County. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked Mr. Franck if, based on the Board discussion and items presented during the public hearing, he would like to withdraw the petition or proceed with the vote. Mr. Franck responded that he wanted to proceed with the vote. He then asked for Board direction. Motion: Vice-Chair Pierce MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Scalise, to approve the proposed rezoning. The Board finds it to be consistent with the purposes and intent of the Comprehensive Plan because the Community Business zoning district would provide uses that area in line with the Community Mixed Use place type that could serve existing and future residents. The Board also finds approval of the rezoning request is reasonable and in the public interest because the district would act as a community service business node to serve the surrounding area. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF AREA 8A OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED July 7, 1972 is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Zoning Book II, Section 8A, Page 47. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING OF A SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUEST BY SAMUEL POTTER WITH EQUITAS LAW PARTNERS, LLC, APPLICANT, ON BEHALF OF HOOSIER DADDY, LLC, PROPERTY OWNER, FOR AN ADDITIONAL DWELLING ALLOWANCE TO INCREASE THE ALLOWED DENSITY UP TO 10.2 DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE FOR 24 PARCELS TOTALING APPROXIMATELY 16.78 ACRES OF LAND CURRENTLY ZONED R-15, RESIDENTIAL LOCATED AT 535, 539, 543, AND 547 MANASSAS DRIVE AND UNADDRESSED PARCELS ON THE 5900 BLOCK OF SHILOH DRIVE (S24-01) The applicant withdrew the Special Use Permit Request on May 30, 2024. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE AS REQUESTED BY NEW HANOVER COUNTY PLANNING AND LAND USE TO AMEND THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO INCORPORATE REVISIONS TO BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE POLICIES Associate Long Range Planner Dylan McDonnell presented the request stating that this policy has been presented multiple times to the Planning Board, included a public comment draft, and was approved during its May meeting. The plan aims to improve the planning and installation of bicycle and pedestrian (bike/ped) infrastructure in the County by identifying desired facilities, with a preference for multi-use paths. The Comprehensive Plan includes the community's future needs for bike/ped paths. Projects in this priorities plan were identified from past initiatives, such as the capital improvement plan (CIP), the 2022 ¼ cent sales tax referendum, and public comments. Staff collaborated with multiple departments to ensure consistency and coordination with other projects. Public input from the WMPO's outreach for updating the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) was utilized and comments received in response to the released draft have been included in the agenda packet. The comments were generally supportive, with some expressing concerns about safety and/or desired specific road segments to provide connectivity or a bike/ped path. The plan prefers multi-use paths, aligning with the County's preference. Staff anticipates a more comprehensive bike/ped plan that includes safety elements like crosswalks, signage, and additional connectivity opportunities. The Terry Benjey Bicycling Foundation and Cape Fear Cyclists support the policy. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JUNE 3, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 238 One main objective is to extend the existing bike/ped network, which includes paths along major roadways like College Road, Market Street, and Carolina Beach Road. The priorities plan formalizes the Board's policy direction to obtain bicycle and pedestrian easements along Carolina Beach Road. It will guide staff during project reviews and the Board in making recommendations for bike/ped facilities. The plan aims to position the County better for federal and state funding to install high-priority facilities that expand on the existing network via collaborating with partners such as the WMPO through its transportation plan. The County's Parks and Gardens department has received grants to extend a multi-use path and sidewalk along North College Road and has overseen recent multi-use path projects. If approved, the policy will be part of the Comprehensive Plan, allowing the Board to request bike/ped infrastructure during the development approval process. The desire is to establish and adopt the County's highest priority projects. Mr. McDonnell highlights priority projects in the northern and southern parts of the County, noting several under construction or forthcoming. The design phase for a multi-use path along South College Road is in the 2022-2026 CIP, but additional funds are needed for construction, with potential funding through the WMPO's MTP process. The policy additions clarify the need for a bike/ped plan and multi-use paths along Carolina Beach Road. Including these in the Comprehensive Plan will guide applicants and the public on desired bike/ped facilities. NCDOT, not County staff, will determine if specific safety features are warranted for any submitted project. Planning staff will recommend preferred safety elements and key intersections for features like crosswalks. NCDOT's complete streets policy, adopted in 2019, provides for bike/ped facilities in new or upgraded roadways, which has resulted in multi-use paths along Market Street and Gordon Road. Planning and Land Use Director Rebekah Roth explained in response to concerns expressed in the public comments about bike/ped users and vehicles not seeing each other in a timely fashion to avoid a collision that addressing that potential issue is the engineering portion that is beyond the scope of what staff is working with on this request. While she understands the concerns, staff highly depend on engineering consultants, WMPO, and NCDOT on this front and will continue collaborating with those partners on those concerns. A brief discussion ensued on the request and the concerns expressed in the public comments. Commissioner Barfield commented that it is incumbent on the bike/ped users to be alert in addition to the vehicular drivers. He noted his experience riding his bike through town and driving a vehicle. Vice-Chair Pierce stated her appreciation for bringing the amendment forward for Board consideration, as it has been needed for some time. She also expressed her desire to see the County submit applications for projects through the NCDOT 80/20 grants to help with funding the projects. Chair Rivenbark thanked Mr. McDonnell for the presentation, announced that no one signed up to speak in support or in opposition to the request, closed the public hearing, and opened the floor to Board discussion. Commissioner Scalise stated that the request clearly shows that the County takes bike/ped infrastructure more seriously than in previous years by moving it to the top of its priorities. He expressed support for the request. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Vice-Chair Pierce, to approve the proposed amendment to the New Hanover County Comprehensive Plan to add the Bicycle and Pedestrian Priorities Plan that includes new strategies and guidelines found in Chapter 5 Building the Future. The Board finds it to be consistent with the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan because it broadens existing goals and guidelines promoting the desire to have more bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the County. The Board also finds recommending approval of the proposed amendment reasonable and in the public interest because it articulates identified priority bicycle and pedestrian projects, clarifies where bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is desired during the development review process and formalizes policy direction to include bicycle and pedestrian easements along Carolina Beach Road with new development projects. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED FEBRUARY 3, 2020, is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes, and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 11.8. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Rivenbark stated that six people signed up to speak under public comment and asked them to step forward to provide remarks. Tammie Hall, representative of Novant Health, Wilmington, NC, spoke in support of Port City United (PCU), stating she is the violence interrupter for Novant Health and reported on her collaborations with PCU since its inception. She highlighted the importance of understanding local violence prevention dynamics, noting her experience in upstate New York and Detroit, and the support she received from PCU. She further states that the support PCU has provided through financial resources, housing assistance, mental health support, and food has helped her with clients as she has limited alliances and funding at the hospital level. Also, there have been numerous community events where Novant Health and PCU collaborated, such as community health days and a recent Mother's Day event. She acknowledged some of the negative aspects within the department but opposes dissolving it, as she believes doing so will leave her and the community without necessary support at the hospital. She urged the Board to recognize the importance of PCU’s presence in the community. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JUNE 3, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 239 Bryan Farland, representative of Novant Health and resident of Wrightsville Avenue, stated that he works with Ms. Hall on the violence prevention program at Novant Health. Also, as the pastor of a ministry and a single father of a nine-year-old male, he feels that PCU has been helpful with children and parents. PCU has been present when a person needed help and nobody else wanted to provide the assistance. He urged the Board not to dissolve the program. Frankie Roberts, resident of Hargrove Drive, Wilmington, NC, spoke in support of PCU, reflecting on how the department came to fruition. He urged the Board not to dissolve a program that is working well just based on the poor decisions of a few people. Ashley Crane, resident of Summertime Lane, Wilmington, NC spoke in support of PCU, stating she has been involved with PCU since January 2023, initially as an unpaid intern and later as an employee from January to May 2023. She provided an overview of the personal and professional growth she has experienced while working with PCU, as well as the passion and dedication of the PCU staff. She reported on PCU’s efforts to provide resources, transportation, and support for community members through a unique community based approach. She urged the Board to reconsider dissolving the department and to recognize that it takes time for meaningful change to take place as deep-rooted community issues cannot be resolved overnight. Demon Wells, resident of Rogers Drive, Wilmington, NC, spoke in support of PCU and stated that he works with LINC, Inc. and is a community health worker and peer support specialist and works with PCU. He noted that those closest to the problem are also closest to the solution but often lack power and resources. He urged the Board to consider this when determining the future of PCU. He highlighted the importance of addressing social determinants of health, such as lack of proper food, medical attention, and mental health services. He explained how PCU provides essential wraparound services, including transportation to doctor's appointments and job interviews. He shared his personal story of spending 15 years in prison for second-degree murder and how he successfully reintegrated into society thanks to support and wraparound services. His personal experience reflects the effectiveness of such support systems and how direct interactions with the community have positive impacts. Carlos Braxton, resident of Appleton Way, Wilmington, NC spoke in support of PCU, referring to the critical role it plays in the community. The community's outrage led to the creation of PCU through collaborative efforts of community leaders, elected officials, and law enforcement, modeled after successful programs in other cities. Acknowledging that there have been missteps, he believes PCU provides essential services to the community, including conflict resolution and support for individuals in crisis. It also plays a vital role in preventing violence, though its impact is hard to quantify. He emphasized the importance of public pressure in establishing and maintaining such programs. He also highlighted disparities in responses to social issues, noting how similar problems in different communities are managed differently based on race and socioeconomic status. He urged the Board to reconsider dissolving PCU, noting the program's life-saving work and its positive impact on the County and Wilmington community. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS There were no additional items of business. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 5:25 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.