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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-19 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 19, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 301 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on August 19, 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: 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 Retired Superior Court Judge Jay Hockenbury, Believers Destiny 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 Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield 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 August 1, 2024 Agenda Review and Closed Session and the August 5, 2024 Regular Meeting. Approval of New Hanover County Monthly Collection Report for July 2024 - Tax The Commissioners approved the July 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 15.1. Adoption of Budget Amendment – Budget The Board adopted budget amendment 25-003 which amends the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. A copy of the budget amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 15.2. Adoption of American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARP/CSLFRF) Specific Policies – Finance The Board adopted the ARP/CSLFRF-specific Allowable Costs and Costs Principles Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, Eligible Use Policy, Nondiscrimination Policy, and Record Retention Policy as required by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). The documents are on file with the Finance Department. Approval of New Hanover County Board of Education Applications for Public School Building Capital Fund and Public School Building Repair and Renovation Funds – Finance The Board approved the submission of eight Public School Building Capital Fund (PSBCF) applications and one Public School Building Repair and Renovation Fund (PSBRRF) application for various schools. The total amount of the nine applications is $1,846,000, with each of these funds being funded by state lottery proceeds. Adoption of Proposed Legislative Priorities for North Carolina Association of County Commissioners – County Manager The Board adopted a resolution detailing the New Hanover County suggested legislative priorities for consideration by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) at the NCACC Legislative Conference which will be held November 14 and 15, 2024 in Raleigh, NC. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 15.3. Approval of Brunswick and New Hanover Counties Emergency Management Alert and Notification System Mutual Aid Agreement – County Attorney The Board approved the Emergency Management Alert and Notification System Mutual Aid Agreement with Brunswick County. The agreement allows each county, pursuant to a request, to provide aid and assistance in alerting and notifying the public in the partnering jurisdiction. Adoption of Resolution for ILM Airport Hotel Partners, LLC – County Attorney The Board adopted a resolution at the request of ILM Airport Hotel Partners, LLC, in compliance with Wisconsin statutes, which require that the local government where a financed project is to be located approve the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 19, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 302 project. This action does not obligate New Hanover County financially in any way and conveys no zoning or permitting benefits to ILM Airport Hotel Partners, LLC. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 15.4. Second Reading: Approval of Solid Waste Franchise Agreement for Thomas and Son, Inc. – County Attorney The Board approved the second reading to authorize the issuance of a solid waste franchise agreement to Thomas and Son, Inc. A copy of the franchise agreement is on file in the legal department. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS APPOINTMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO ALLISON SNELL TO SERVE AS THE TAX ASSESSOR (TAX ADMINISTRATOR) AND TAX COLLECTOR (COLLECTOR OF REVENUE) Chair Rivenbark stated that the Board is being asked to administer the Oath of Office to Allison Snell, who will serve as Tax Assessor and Collector of Revenue and carry the functional title of Tax Administrator for a four-year term from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2028. Commissioner Barfield commented on the excellent work of Ms. Snell and her team. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Pierce to appoint Allison Snell as the Tax Assessor and Collector of Revenue, and carry the functional title of Tax Administrator for a four-year term from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2028. A copy of the oath of office is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 15.5. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employee receiving a retirement award: Nikki Todd, retiring with 30 years of service, Health and Human Services (HHS) Chair Rivenbark presented Ms. Todd with a retirement award, and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked her for her years of dedicated service. County Manager Coudriet then requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Years: Tina Evans, HHS – Social Services Tamika Tillie, HHS – Social Services Anne McAllister, Recycling and Solid Waste Ten Years: Tara Robles, Office of Strategy Twenty Years: Eric Kelley, Sheriff’s Office Kenneth Whitley, Facilities Management Chair Rivenbark 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 Emily Williams from the Library who is a new employee to stand and be introduced. The Board welcomed Ms. Williams to County Government and wished her success in her new position. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATION OF 2024 AWARDS FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (NACo) County Manager Coudriet read descriptions for each NACo award, and the Board presented the awards to each respective team for the Community Empowerment Court; Food Access Story Map; Getting Home Program; Integrated Targeted Testing Services; Digital Evidence Lab; Blue Clay Road Business Park; Shadow Puppetry; Teacher Housing Assistance Program; The Healing Place Partnership; Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Strategic Plan; and Customer Service at the new Government Center. Chair Rivenbark presented the awards to each team and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked each team for their work and dedication in bringing their respective programs to fruition. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF CHILD SUPPORT AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION Chair Rivenbark read the proclamation into the record recognizing August 2024 as Child Support Awareness Month in New Hanover County. HHS – Social Services Director Tonya Jackson spoke about child support being not only about economics, but also about the mental health and physical health of the children to live happy, productive lives. She thanked the Board for supporting financial stability for the families in the County and ensuring that the department is putting productive individuals into our future. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for direction from the Board. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 19, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 303 Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to adopt the proclamation recognizing August 2024 as Child Support Awareness 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 15.6. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY AND RECOVERY MONTH PROCLAMATION Commissioner Zapple read the proclamation into the record, recognizing August 31, 2024, as Overdose Awareness Day and September 2024 as National Recovery Month in New Hanover County. Assistant County Manager Tufanna Bradley thanked the Board for the proclamation and accepted it on behalf of The Healing Place of New Hanover County, Inc. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Pierce to adopt the proclamation recognizing August 31, 2024, as Overdose Awareness Day and September 2024 as National Recovery 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 15.7. NEW HANOVER COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT PRESENTATION New Hanover Community Endowment (NHCE) Chair Bill Cameron announced the hiring of a new CEO, Dan Winslow, who will begin his role on October 1, 2024. He commented on NHCE’s commitment to the community, with plans to invest $40 to $50 million this year. To streamline the grant process, NHCE has adopted a more open, rolling application system. This new approach allows applicants to meet with NHCE staff for assistance and ensures that applications are processed promptly. The goal is to make timely grant decisions. Additionally, NHCE will prioritize grassroots grants, with an increased focus on these types of grants both now and in the future. He then provided an overview of the following information:  NHCE August 2024 Report:  Housing Investment Strategy Roadmap:  2024 New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) Grant – Education Investment Strategy:  $8,740,857 invested in NHCS grant over three years  Literacy facilitators:  The literacy facilitators will be new positions for NHCS  The facilitators will strengthen the transition from PreK to Kindergarten, ensuring a coherent academic and social structure. They will support teachers in implementing curriculum and applying science of reading principles to improve instruction.  NHCS is modeling their literacy facilitator intervention off a proven approach started in Mississippi and adopted in Alabama and Louisiana  2024 Third Quarter Grants Update:  Red Cross: $2,490,474 over three years:  This funding will support the first and only North Carolina-based American Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP)  The CAP will strengthen the capability, capacity, and continuity of local social services for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery  The Forward Fund: $3,000,000:  The Forward Fund (TFF) finances short-term, high-yield training programs in the critical sectors of skilled trades, technology, and healthcare  Most of the $2.5 million grant will be placed in the revolving loan fund to go directly to students  The learner-centric loans pay for enrollment, tuition, and program fees along with life expenses  The remaining $500,000 will provide operating support The Board thanked Mr. Cameron for the update and for providing funding to the school system. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 19, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 304 PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY UPDATE Wilmington International Airport (ILM) Director Jeffrey Bourk presented the annual report highlighting the following information on the operations, maintenance, development, and existing projects of the airport:  ILM Annual Report:  Non-Stop routes:  Air service development:  ILM growth comparison:  Terminal curb, canopy, and parking improvements: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 19, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 305  Terminal access at Phase 1B completion:  Design capacity: 1.1 million passengers; 2024-year end: 1.5 million passengers  Financial results:  Cash flow (in 000s):  ILM Aerospace Foundation – ACE Camp 2024:  Summer theme: “Forces in Motion” rdth  100 3 - 5 graders participated A brief discussion ensued about the upcoming ILM improvements. Mr. Bourk expanded on the air service which continues to grow each year by established and new airlines and parking fees. He also noted that by the time the improvements are complete, ILM will be able to accommodate approximately 1.6 million passengers. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark thanked Mr. Bourk for the update. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS REQUEST TO FUND COMPREHENSIVE FACILITY STUDY Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle reported New Hanover High School (NHHS), which opened in 1922, is now 102 years old. Due to the age of the building, ongoing repairs are necessary, including current work being done on the front side. As counties are statutorily responsible for school facilities and given that NHCS' fund balance has been reduced in recent years, the schools have requested that the county fund a comprehensive needs analysis for NHHS. The proposed analysis would identify and prioritize all necessary repairs and associated costs. The study is expected to take six to nine months and is estimated to cost $300,000. This agenda item is to consider the approval of this funding request. If approved, it will also involve adopting a budget amendment to allocate $300,000 from interest earned in prior years by a special purpose fund, which is separate from the County's general fund. Discussion ensued about the request. Commissioner Barfield stated his support for replacing the aging facility with a modern, state-of-the-art building. As an alum from the class of 1984, he understands the deep personal connections that many have to the school; however, he recognizes that the current building, which has undergone numerous repairs and temporary fixes over the years, is no longer adequate for the students who attend. He noted that the school's front is visibly sinking into the ground and believes the assessment will likely reveal even more significant structural issues. He believes it is time to provide NHHS students with a safe, secure, and up-to-date learning environment. He supports the assessment study but stressed that continuing to invest in repairs is not a sustainable solution. Commissioner Scalise stated his support for the study. He wants to understand exactly what the school needs and the cost of repair versus building a new facility. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 19, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 306 Further discussion ensued about which entity will pay for the study. Commissioner Zapple stated his support for the study but expressed concerns about the County paying for it rather than the school district using one of the two funds reflected in Consent Agenda Item #5. He also believes the study will reveal that several millions of dollars will be needed to repair the high school. Assistant Superintendent – Operations Eddie Anderson explained that the funds from the earlier agenda item are state lottery funds, and the school district is submitting applications to fund projects based on funding available in those accounts. The referenced account lines will be depleted once the applications are approved and submitted to the state. After further discussion of Commissioner Zapple’s concerns, Mr. Credle stated he will follow-up with the Board after the meeting with further explanation of the lottery fund applications as they relate to the school district’s capital fund. Mr. Anderson explained what work has been done at NHHS on the south facing wall during the summer break. The estimated number of students attending high school is 1,650 this school year. Commissioner Barfield commented that the focus should be on solving the actual problems rather than debating where the money comes from. He stressed the importance of the County being genuinely supportive of schools' needs without making the process of securing funds overly difficult. Commissioner Zapple expressed his concerns that when state lottery funds are not fully spent, it seems future state lottery funds are not sent to the school district. County Manager Coudriet stated that the state lottery funds are not free because of local match requirements. Commissioner Scalise made a motion to approve the request. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the request of New Hanover County Schools to fund a comprehensive facility study for New Hanover High School in the amount of $300,000 and adopt budget amendment 25-004, which amends the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the budget amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 15.8. PRESENTATION ON PROPOSED 2025 SCHEDULE OF VALUES AND APPROVAL TO SCHEDULE THE REQUIRED PUBLIC HEARING FOR SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 Tax Administrator Allison Snell presented the proposed Schedules, Standards, and Rules for the 2025 Tax Revaluation per North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 103-317(c). She requested the Board to authorize staff to th schedule a public hearing to receive comments on the Schedule of Values at the Regular Meeting on September 16 at 9:00 a.m. or shortly thereafter. Board adoption of the Schedule of Values will be placed on the agenda for the October 7, 2024 meeting at 4:00 p.m. After adoption by the Board, any appeal should be made to the NC Property Tax Commission within 30 days.  2025 Revaluation:  Revaluation: A revaluation reinstitutes equity and fairness amongst all property types to ensure the tax burden is equitably distributed. North Carolina law requires all counties to revalue real property at least every eight years. New Hanover conducts its revaluations every four years.  Included and excluded:  Mass appraisal:  Uniform Schedule of Values, standards, and rules (SOV):  Describes the methodology and procedures for appraisal at market value  Provides summaries and broad ranges of parameters and schedules in the CAMA system  Establishes the base rates and ranges for all types of property which will be in effect until the next revaluation  Includes adjustments that may be used for various types of construction, adjustment for market conditions, and valuation schedules for land  SOV adoption schedule:  August 19, 2024: Present the SOV to the Board of Commissioners and set a public hearing date  August 21, 2024: Advertise notice of the public hearing on the SOV  September 16, 2024: Hold a public hearing on the SOV NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 19, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 307  October 7, 2024: Consideration of SOV adoption  October 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2024: Advertise the adoption of the SOV  November 8, 2024: Last day to appeal the SOV to the State Property Tax Commission  The SOV will be available at the Government Center and online for public inspection  2025 Revaluation schedule:  Fall 2024: perform additional analysis and quality control, and community outreach throughout the County  February 2025: presentation of Revaluation Results - New Hanover/municipalities and notices mail to property owners  April 24, 2025: The Board of Equalization and Review convenes  May 22, 2025: The Board of Equalization and Review adjourns from accepting new appeals  Through Fall 2025: The Board of Equalization and Review considers all timely filed appeals  Board requested action:  Receive the proposed Schedule of Values  Schedule a public hearing during the regularly scheduled meeting on September 16, 2024  Direct the Tax Administrator to advertise the submission of the SOV’s and the date/time of the public hearing Ms. Snell responded to questions confirming that the new values will be reflected in the citizens’ tax bill in July 2025. Citizens will receive the notice in February 2025. The Board will then be working with the new tax base values, and then property tax bills will be mailed out. Also, there will be an online tool for citizens to file property tax value appeals. It will also help them research sales that were used by staff to determine property values. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to authorize staff to schedule a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed 2025 Schedule of Values at the Board’s meeting on September 16, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. or shortly thereafter. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Copies of the proposed Schedule of Values are available for review in the Tax Department. NEW HANOVER COUNTY STORMWATER SERVICES UPDATE ON TROPICAL STORM DEBBY Tim Lowe, the New Hanover County Engineer, provided the following update on Stormwater Services in response to Tropical Storm Debby:  Engineering: August 19, 2024 Tropical Storm Debby impacts:  Pre-storm preparation:  Stormwater Services began monitoring the situation of a potential Eastern Seaboard event in late July  Pre-storm procedures initiated on August 2, 2024:  Approximately 25 sites that are critical to historic flooding issues were inspected  Most blockages that were found were addressed before the storm  Monitoring National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts  Coordination with County Emergency Management:  Briefing on the status of the drainage infrastructure  Identification of the availability of pumps, if needed  Storm details: thth  Official reports of rainfall totals up to 13.4 inches between August 6 and 10  Rainfall intensities at times were reported to be five inches per hour  Unofficial reports in the Ogden area receiving as much as 16 inches of rainfall th  ILM reported a peak of 5.66 inches in 24 hours on August 7  New Hanover County design standards:  County design standards (beginning in 2000) for new development:  Ponds – based on rainfall depth (inches): 25 year, 24-hour = 9.2 inches in 24 hours  Neighborhood pipes – based on intensity (inches per hour): 25 years = typically five to eight inches per hour  Neighborhood street inlets - based on intensity (inches per hour): four inches per hour, which matches the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)  Post-storm analysis:  Summary of contributing factors for Debby  Elevated creek levels due to a prolonged period of rainfall  Capacity of drainage systems:  NCDOT systems designed to older standards  Neighborhood systems designed to older standards  Lack of maintenance of privately permitted stormwater systems  Blockages: limited, but did play a role in some areas  Path forward:  Near term: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 19, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 308  Investigating all the sites reported and responding to citizens  Identifying any maintenance issues that contributed to impacts from Debby  Performing maintenance and repair resulting from Debby  On-going: stay the course – maintain – repair - improve  Long term:  Continue collecting additional data to inform decisions and solutions  Enhanced master planning and programming of improvements  Proactive infrastructure management  What can the community do:  We want to hear from you:  https://www.nhcgov.com/240/Engineering  Upload videos and photos  Ask us questions, we are here to help  Stay alert:  Do not get caught up in storm categories:  Understand the forecasts  Listen to weather forecasters, the NWS, and local authorities  Warnings, description of potential impacts, etc.  Know your property and surroundings:  How do they perform under different circumstances?  Always be prepared A brief discussion ensued about the report. County Manager Coudriet responded to questions confirming that the new hire for the newly established sustainability manager position will be announced soon. That person will work closely with Stormwater Services and Planning and Land Use. One of the tasks of the position is to help identify potential funding opportunities which will relieve some of that burden from the county engineer. Commissioner Barfield comments on the importance of maintaining and properly sizing infrastructure, particularly in unincorporated areas without homeowners' associations. He highlighted the collaboration with NCDOT to ensure effective water management and shared a recent flooding example in the City of Wilmington, noting that these challenges exist both in the County and City. Mr. Lowe responded to questions stating that there are 14 full-time staff members for Stormwater Services that manage maintenance, repairs, and capital needs, with a budget of around $4.6 million for the fiscal year. The Board thanked Mr. Lowe and his department for the work being done to improve stormwater issues. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Workforce Housing Advisory Committee Chair Rivenbark reported that three vacancies exist on the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Workforce Housing Advisory Committee in the categories of At-Large, Business/Education Community, and Development Community with one application eligible for reappointment and four applications available for consideration. Commissioner Scalise nominated Kristen Keser for reappointment in the Business/Education Community category and nominated Chad Hill for appointment in the At-Large category and McKay Siegel for appointment in the Development Community category. Vice-Chair Pierce seconded the nominations. Commissioner Barfield nominated Liz Carbone for appointment in the At-Large category. Commissioner Zapple seconded the nomination. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Kristen Keser in the Business/Education Community category and to appoint McKay Siegel in the Development Community category to the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Workforce Housing Advisory Committee to serve three-year terms with the terms to expire August 31, 2027. Vote Results: A majority of the Board voted to appoint Chad Hill in the At-Large category to the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Workforce Housing Advisory Committee to serve three-year terms with the terms expiring August 31, 2027. Chair Rivenbark, Vice-Chair Pierce, and Commissioner Scalise voted in favor. Appointments to the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage, and Culture Chair Rivenbark reported that five vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage, and Culture in the At-Large category, and five applications are available for consideration. Commissioner Barfield nominated Kiara Bennerman, Veronica Carter-Edwards, and Daniel Jones for reappointment in the At-Large category and nominated Bernadette Correa and Nadira Nash for appointment in the At-Large category. Chair Rivenbark seconded the nominations. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 19, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 309 Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Kiara Bennerman, Veronica Carter-Edwards, and Daniel Jones in the At-Large category and to appoint Bernadette Correa and Nadira Nash in the At-Large category to the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage, and Culture to serve three-year terms with the terms to expire August 31, 2027. Appointment to the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Chair Rivenbark reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council in the Under Age 21 category, and one application is eligible for appointment. Commissioner Scalise nominated Aiden Koppinger for appointment in the Under Age 21 category. Vice- Chair Pierce seconded the nomination. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Aiden Koppinger in the Under Age 21 category to the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council to fill an unexpired term, with the term to expire September 30, 2025. Appointments to the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board Chair Rivenbark reported that four vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board, with two applications eligible for reappointment and four additional applications available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Shaun Assael and Cheryl Lynn Kozik for reappointment and Ellen Haragan and Tiffany Salter for appointment. Commissioner Barfield 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 Shaun Assael and Cheryl Lynn Kozik and appoint Ellen Haragan and Tiffany Salter to the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board to serve three-year terms with the terms to expire August 31, 2027. Appointment to the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority Chair Rivenbark reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority, and one applicant is available for consideration. Commissioner Scalise nominated Kristin Freeman to serve in the Vacation Rental Properties (100+) Owner/Manager category. Chair Rivenbark 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 Kristin Freeman to serve in the Vacation Rental Properties (100+) Owner/Manager category on the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority to serve an unexpired term with the term to expire December 31, 2026. Appointment to the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors Chair Rivenbark reported that a vacancy exists on the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors, and four applications are available for consideration. Commissioner Scalise nominated Jamie Hobbs 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: Upon vote, the Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Jamie Hobbs to the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors to serve a three-year term with the term to expire June 30, 2027. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Rivenbark stated that two people signed up to speak under public comment and asked the persons to step forward to provide remarks. Bryan Michael, a resident of Market Street, Wilmington, NC spoke on animal welfare and urged the Board to ban the retail sale of cats and dogs, citing concerns about animals coming from puppy mills. He noted that North Carolina has the second-highest euthanasia rate for shelter animals in the country. He talked about a new business, Puppy Place, which brings puppy mill dogs from Missouri, potentially exacerbating this state's existing problem. He emphasized the need for immediate action, noting that many states and cities have already banned the retail sale of cats and dogs, and reiterated the desire for the Board to do the same. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 19, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 310 Robin Gregory, a resident of Thistle Court, Wilmington, NC spoke about issues with unregulated practices by Duke Energy, focusing on environmental dangers and outdated policies. She highlighted the lack of enforcement for tree removal outside city limits, contrasting it with Wilmington's successful tree retention efforts. Despite contacting various authorities over the past three years, she expressed frustration with the lack of action. She submitted a detailed report on Duke Energy violations to the Utilities Commission and urged the Board to enforce compliance with environmental policies. She also criticized Duke Energy's use of herbicides and their disregard for environmental protection. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS Vice-Chair Pierce requested County Manager Coudriet to follow-up with Ms. Gregory and report back to the Board with guidance. Commissioner Barfield and those present in the meeting room recognized the birthday of Chief Information Officer Sunny Hwang. Commissioner Scalise addressed the concerns raised about animal welfare, acknowledging the citizens' efforts, and confirming that a committee is being formed to address the issue. The Board is taking the matter seriously and exploring potential solutions, although no decisions have been made yet. He also recognized the advocates for New Hanover High School. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 11:24 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.