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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-15 Agenda Review NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 15, 2024 AGENDA REVIEW MEETING PAGE 299 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on August 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. for Agenda Review in Conference Rooms 138-139 at the New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive, 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. Chair Rivenbark called the Agenda Review meeting to order stating the purpose is for the Board to review and discuss agenda items for the August 15, 2024 Regular Meeting. Consent Agenda Item #2: Approval of New Hanover County Monthly Collection Report for July 2024. Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle explained that while the County has paid down debt, it has also issued new debt. County Manager Coudriet added that the debt fund will continue to collect money until the County pays off all debt, even if the rate is lowered or the base grows annually. Consent Agenda Item #5: Approval of New Hanover County Board of Education Applications for Public School Building Capital Fund and Public School Building Repair and Renovation Funds. New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) Assistant Superintendent - Operations Eddie Anderson responded to questions, explaining that the school system still uses the intercom system for security reasons. Consent Agenda Item #7: Approval of Brunswick and New Hanover Counties Emergency Management Alert and Notification System Mutual Aid Agreement. Emergency Management Director Steven Still clarified that the agreement does not cover Sunny Point, which the Department of Defense operates. He believes the current agreements are effective and further explained that this matter relates to the emergency sirens in Brunswick County. Consent Agenda Item #8: Adoption of Resolution for ILM Airport Hotel Partners. Commissioner Zapple expressed concerns about adopting the resolution without understanding the potential risks. Airport Director Jeff Bourk clarified that the resolution does not expose the airport or the County to liability. A public finance authority in Wisconsin issues the bonds, and neither the airport nor the County is responsible for repaying the debt. County Attorney Smith added that safeguards are in place to protect the County from financial liability, noting that similar resolutions have been adopted for past projects. Regular Agenda Item #17: Consideration of New Hanover County Schools Request to Fund Comprehensive Facility Study. County Manager Coudriet reported that the last comprehensive review of New Hanover High School (NHHS) occurred in the late 1990s. The school currently has significant structural damage to a portion of the front of the building, and a fence surrounds the front area. The study, over the next six to nine months, will help the community understand what is needed to modernize NHHS. Mr. Anderson added that the study will include a comprehensive facility assessment and a master plan for future improvements. He also noted that immediate repairs are underway, separate from this request. Inspections revealed similar foundational issues in other parts of the original building, with the southern wall subsiding particularly in the west and east corners. A discussion followed on how to decide whether to renovate or replace aging schools, emphasizing cost- effectiveness and long-term sustainability. Mr. Anderson explained that the study will allow for a discussion on this issue, but a decision cannot be made until the team develops a detailed scope of work and cost estimate. Commissioner Barfield requested a summary of the funds spent on NHHS since he joined the Board in 2008. Mr. Anderson noted that a facility assessment was completed on all schools around 2010 and mentioned that NHCS updates its long-range plan every five years. He added that exterior circulation issues were a key factor in the decision to replace Blair and College Park Elementary Schools. County Manager Coudriet responded to questions, stating that the County would pay for the study and the funds will come from a special revenue fund. Regular Agenda Item #18: Presentation on Proposed 2025 Schedule of Values. Tax Administrator Allison Snell responded to questions, stating that she will present a copy of the full schedule of values after Monday’s presentation. A brief discussion ensued regarding the computer-assisted mass appraisal system and how it determines the market value of a parcel. Ms. Snell explained that her office verifies all sales to determine whether they are qualified and to establish the market value for a given area. The rise in property values and its effect on tax bills for residents was also briefly discussed. ADDITIONAL ITEMS Commissioner Scalise shared that he has discussed the animal welfare ordinance with concerned citizens and suggests forming an ad hoc committee focused on animal welfare. He proposed that the committee include members of the Sheriff’s office, the County’s Legal department, and other staff as deemed appropriate by the county manager, with input from animal welfare advocates. A brief discussion followed about the presence of puppy mills in the County and the committee's goals. County Manager Coudriet stated the team will work to identify any gaps in the existing animal control ordinance. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 15, 2024 AGENDA REVIEW MEETING PAGE 300 Commissioner Zapple, in connection with the stormwater update presentation on Monday, reported that rainfall during Tropical Storm Debby was close to a 200-year flood level. He also mentioned that he and Commissioner Barfield toured the new Board of Elections facility earlier in the day. County Manager Coudriet added that the facility will open for early voting on October 16, 2024, with the administration moving in after the election. Commissioner Barfield pointed out that stormwater issues are not limited to the unincorporated areas of the county, noting that the city is experiencing similar problems. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 4:46 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.