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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-29 Agenda Review NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 29, 2024 AGENDA REVIEW MEETING PAGE 311 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on August 29, 2024, at 4:02 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, explaining that the purpose was to review and discuss agenda items for the September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting. However, the Board would first hear a staff update. STAFF UPDATE Planning and Land Use Director Rebekah Roth provided the following update regarding the Western Bank Comprehensive Plan amendment:  Western Bank Comprehensive Plan amendment:  Amendment process and timeline:  Riverfront Conservation Place Type:  Property north of Isabel Holmes Bridge currently classified as Urban Mixed Use is reclassified as a Commerce Zone  Parcels currently classified as Urban Mixed Use that front the rivers are reclassified Riverfront Conservation  Provides context on the reasons behind the proposed amendment  Identifies triggers for reconsideration of policies  References recommended place type and how it is applied  Outlines requirements for additional studies for future development  Sets framework for future staff work in:  Identifying funding to purchase property  Establishing a future trail network that connects with downtown Wilmington and Brunswick County  Initiating studies to monitor water and salinity levels on the Western Bank  Amendment process and anticipated timeline:  October 2024: Board of Commissioners Public Hearing Ms. Roth responded to questions stating that the hotel representatives have not been in contact, but several people had reached out regarding potential funding opportunities. She also reported that the discussion with Chuck Schoninger aligned with staff recommendations, particularly regarding the types of recreational uses and infrastructure required for the lower-intensity place type. She emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with the Board, as a project may involve structured parking, additional structures, and water and sewer extensions based on the information staff has received. Addressing questions about river gauge monitoring, Ms. Roth clarified that the topic came from the Western Bank report presented last fall. The report examined changes in salinity levels over time to determine whether the trends observed in the tidal gauges were accurate, particularly with downstream flooding impacts. She noted that the tidal gauges installed after Hurricane Florence focused more on downstream flooding and infrastructure impacts and were not specifically tied to tidal influences in this area. Assistant County Manager Jessica Loeper provided an update on grant funding discussions, stating that staff has engaged in many conversations with the community and state agencies to identify the best course of action. She mentioned a recent discussion with leadership at the Battleship and expressed confidence that the County will partner with them to support their goals for the land and surrounding area. She also feels optimistic about progress both north and south of the bridge. Although no conversations with property owners have taken place yet, there are many opportunities for land acquisition and conservation. Once the Board decides whether to move forward with the riverfront conservation place type, staff will have a clearer basis to engage property owners, share the vision for the area, and begin meaningful conversations. She highlighted numerous land acquisition, restoration, and environmental cleanup opportunities. She added that once the sustainability manager joins in October, they will help determine the next steps. This new hire will be part of the county manager’s office and report to her, working with Dru Harrison in Soil and Water, Lloyd Singleton at the Arboretum, and Ms. Roth in Planning. A brief discussion followed regarding plans for Eagles Island and the potential for other parcels, noting that the Wilmington Hotel and Spa is not part of the plan. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AUGUST 29, 2024 AGENDA REVIEW MEETING PAGE 312 Regular Agenda Item #7: Consideration of Adoption of the Resolution for Sponsorship Naming Rights of Cape Fear Museum Digital Dome Theater. Cape Fear Museum Director Kate Baillon clarified in response to questions that the naming rights are for ten years, not in perpetuity. She explained that this was one reason the donation amounts were lower, as staff aimed to attract a broader range of community partners willing to invest. Regarding how the amounts were determined, staff collaborated with the Cape Fear Museum Associates Board, which reviewed and set the amounts. Commissioner Barfield expressed concern that the County might be undervaluing itself with the low donation amounts, citing examples from other organizations. Donor Relations Manager Kitty Yerkes noted that different galleries have varying price points, emphasizing that the current request pertains specifically to the dome theater. She added that the ask is higher than it was a year ago. The combined total for all galleries will exceed one million dollars, not including grants staff will pursue to support the project, which will soon be presented to the Board. The funding model was then discussed, and County Manager Coudriet clarified that fundraising has always been part of the museum’s business model. Regular Agenda Item #8: Public Hearing Request on William Louis Drive Special Assessment. County Manager Coudriet asked if there were any questions from the Board or direction for staff before Monday. Staff recommended the assessment as is. There was no discussion. Regular Agenda Item #9: Rezoning Request (Z24-15) - Request by Brandy Hatcher with Grace Walk Inc., applicant and property owner, to rezone approximately one acre located at 6760 Carolina Beach Road from the R-15, Residential District to a Conditional R-5, Residential Moderate-High Density District for four new single family detached dwelling units. Senior Planner Zach Dickerson responded to questions, stating that each home is 480 square feet. The Board raised concerns about the shared septic system, noting that there might not be enough space for a septic repair field and leach field. A brief discussion followed regarding utility concerns, with staff confirming that an environmental health representative will attend the meeting on Monday. Regular Agenda Item #10: Rezoning Request (Z24-16) - Request by Cindee Wolf with Design Solutions, applicant, on behalf of Tidewater Investment Company, INC, property owners, to rezone approximately 7.79 acres located at 5000 North College Road from the (CZD) CB, Conditional Community Business District to (CZD) B-2, Regional Business for General Retail Sales, Business Service Center, and other limited uses. Associate Planner Amy Doss responded to questions, stating that the applicant plans to connect to the sewer after a certain phase of the project is built out. She added that the applicant could provide more details about their connection plan, noting that cost is the primary reason for delaying the connection. Ms. Doss will speak with the applicant to see if they are open to connecting to the sewer during the project's initial phase and will provide an answer before the meeting. Regular Agenda Item #11: Text Amendment Request (TA24-04) - Request by Cindee Wolf with Design Solutions, applicant, to amend Article 4 of the Unified Development Ordinance to allow the use of Restaurant by- right in the O&I, Office & Institutional District with a limitation on the maximum square footage of the use. Mr. Dickerson responded to questions about restaurants, explaining that coffee shops are not listed as a separate use in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Ms. Roth provided background on why this was not included during the UDO update, recalling that the County at the time was focused on creating more distinct districts with fewer uses in each, allowing for a combination of districts to achieve a mix of uses. Ms. Roth agreed that the amendment makes sense. While unsure why the applicant made the request, she noted that outside text amendments typically arise when the timing does not align with staff priorities. Regular Agenda Item #12: Public Hearing #2 Request (CDBG-I Application) - Proposed Scotts Hill Water Main Extension Community Development Block Grant - Infrastructure (CDBG-I) Application to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle responded to questions, explaining that the remaining $1.7 million for the project, outside of the grant, will come from the County and likely be included in the FY26 budget recommendation. County Manager Coudriet noted that this amount does not bind the Board. Housing Program Manager Theo McClammy addressed questions about water connections, confirming that the grant will cover the cost. He added that Gary McSmith with Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) will attend Monday’s meeting to clarify where the connection will be made. Mr. McClammy also confirmed that residents understand they will be responsible for CFPUA fees. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 4:55 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.