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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-21 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 OCTOBER 21, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 358 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met October 21, 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 Pastor Tim Blevins, Life Church, provided the invocation and Commissioner Zapple 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. Commissioner Zapple asked that Consent Agenda Items #3: Adoption of Budget Amendments and #5: Approval of The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grant - Invest in Grace be pulled for further discussion and made a motion to approve the remaining Consent Agenda items. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the remaining Consent Agenda items as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Board approved the minutes of the October 3, 2024 Special Meeting and the October 7, 2024 Regular Meeting. Adoption of 2024 Schedule of Agenda Review and Regular Board of Commissioners Meetings – Governing Body The Board adopted the 2025 Schedule of Agenda Review and Regular Board of Commissioners Meetings. A copy of the schedule is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 19.1. Approval of New Hanover County Monthly Collection Report for September 2024 – Tax The Board approved the September 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 19.3. Discussion and Adoption of Budget Amendments – Budget Chief Hart responded to Commissioner Zapple’s inquiries about budget amendment 25-016, confirming that the $35,000 amount is correct as the units are marine radios, and weatherproofing them does increase their costs. Note: The Board adopted the following budget amendments amending the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025: Sheriff 25-016, 25-017, 25-018, 25-019, 25-020, and 25-021. Discussion and Approval of The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grant - Invest in Grace – Museum Cape Fear Museum Director Kate Baillon responded to Commissioner Zapple’s inquiries, confirming that the grant is a good opportunity. The grant requires matching funds, which are already matched through the project funds. The museum has partnered with different community industries to help develop interactive galleries. Note: The Board approved submitting the IMLS grant application for $250,000 to develop and fabricate the Science Matters Gallery at Project Grace, aiming to enhance science literacy in the region. The grant application deadline is November 15, 2024, and if successful, funding notification is expected by August 2025. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Scalise to approve Consent Agenda Items #3: Adoption of Budget Amendments and #5: Approval of The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grant - Invest in Grace. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Copies of the budget amendments for Consent Agenda Item #3 are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 19.2. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 OCTOBER 21, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 359 REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employee receiving a retirement award: Brenda Stella is retiring after 42 years of service in the Tax Department. Chair Rivenbark presented the retirement award to Ms. Stella and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked her for her years of dedicated service. County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Years: Julie Babson, Tax Department Tanesha Farrior, Health and Human Services (HHS) – Social Services Mitchetta Murphy, Parks and Gardens Charles Reavis, Facilities Management Samantha Speaker, Register of Deeds Ten Years: Angela English, Register of Deeds Joelle Sholer, HHS – Social Services Bradley Schrader, Community Justice Services Fifteen Years: Leslie Sampson, HHS – Social Services Twenty-Five Years: Greg Benton, Facilities Management Jonathan Hart, Sheriff’s Office Thirty Years: Judy Peacock, Sheriff’s Office 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 then requested the following new employees to stand and be introduced: Diego Amorocho, HHS - Public Health Jay Stokley, Building Safety Emma Cary, HHS - Public Health Sinquetta Tindall, Community Justice Services Wendy Goodman, Cooperative Extension Madelyn Wampler, County Manager’s Office Amanda Lauria, HHS – Public Health The Board welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATION OF GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION AWARD Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle reported that the Finance Department received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence, the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. In August 2024, the GFOA informed the County of the award, granted for the County's annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. An impartial panel evaluated the report, confirming it met the program's high standards, including a constructive "spirit of full rd disclosure" to communicate the County’s financial story effectively. This marks New Hanover County’s 43 consecutive year receiving the award. The Board presented the award to the staff and thanked Mr. Credle and the staff for their work. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION Commissioner Zapple read the proclamation into the record recognizing October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in New Hanover County. Hannah McCoy, Outreach Coordinator at Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc., expressed appreciation for the proclamation and support of the agency. She confirmed that it is the only organization that provides emergency services for victims of domestic abuse. The Board thanked Ms. McCoy and her team for their work. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Scalise to adopt the proclamation recognizing October 2024 as Domestic Violence 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 19.4. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF NATIONAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH PROCLAMATION Commissioner Barfield read the proclamation into the record recognizing October 2024 will be recognized as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month in New Hanover County. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 OCTOBER 21, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 360 HHS Clinical Therapist David Wood expressed appreciation for the proclamation and reported on the 911 care team’s activities. S ince the onset of the care team program in November 2023, over 1,400 individuals in the community have received assistance and support. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Scalise to adopt the proclamation recognizing October 2024 will be recognized as National Substance Abuse Prevention 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 19.5. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION Vice-Chair Pierce read the proclamation into the record recognizing October 2024 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in New Hanover County. HHS Infant Child and Prep Manager Carla Turner expressed appreciation for the proclamation and reported on the breast and cervical cancer control program (BCCP) activities. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Vice-Chair Pierce MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to adopt the proclamation recognizing October 2024 as Breast Cancer 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 19.6. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION FOR SUPPORTING OPERATION GREEN LIGHT FOR VETERANS Commissioner Scalise read the resolution into the record recognizing Operation Green Light in New Hanover County, encouraging citizens to display a green light in a window of their business or residence from November 4, 2024 through November 15, 2024. New Hanover County Veteran Services Director Betsy Graham expressed appreciation for the resolution and spoke on the importance of Operation Green Light. Commissioner Barfield thanked Ms. Graham and her team for their efforts to assist veterans. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to adopt the resolution recognizing Operation Green Light in New Hanover County, encouraging citizens to display a green light in a window of their business or residence from November 4, 2024 through November 15, 2024. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 19.7. NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMMISSION FOR WOMEN UPDATE PRESENTATION New Hanover County Commission for Women Chair Sheila Evans presented the following update:  New Hanover County Commission for Women annual update: • Speakers for Commission for Women meetings: Shemeka Kemp, Vice President of Community Impact for the Junior League of Wilmington, and Holly Jones, North Carolina Department of Justice • Pulse survey: An ad hoc committee was created to update the Pulse Survey, and it is currently being translated into Spanish  Events: A Safe Place Presentation January 2024, Heart of the Matter Luncheon February 2024, Women’s History Month Event, Women’s History Month Project 2024, YWCA Maternal Health Summit April 2024, NC Council for Women Conference (The Status of Women in Tomorrow’s NC), th Joint Commissions Meeting May 28, MED Week Luncheon in October 2024  The Commission for Women, appointed by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners and the Wilmington City Council advocates to improve the lives of women in our area  Goals: advocate for women in our community, provide information and resources, identify the needs of local women, spread awareness of impactful issues, improve the lives of all women, people, and genders, and support local organizations, initiatives, and programs that align with our goals A brief discussion ensued about the presentation, and the Board thanked Ms. Evans and the committee members for their work over the past year and for the update. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 OCTOBER 21, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 361 CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY STABILIZATION AND RE-ENTRY (STAR) CENTER RENOVATION – CONSENT TO AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO THOMAS CONSTRUCTION GROUP Assistant County Manager and HHS Director Tufanna Bradley reported that The Harbor Facility, a crisis and detox center, closed on April 30, 2021, following its last day of new admissions on April 23, 2021. This closure left a gap in local access to non-hospital crisis stabilization and detox services. In March 2021, discussions with various stakeholders led to a partnership between the County, LINC, and RHA, with Trillium joining over the past three years to support funding for the facility. Facilities Project Manager Kevin Caison presented the following information:  New Hanover County (NHC) Stabilization and Re-entry (STAR) Center renovation:  Floor plan:  NHC STAR Center construction contract:  Renovation of existing 14,000 square foot nursing home:  One story type 2B construction  Adding sprinkler system  All major systems are being replaced  Existing footprint will remain  Award of construction contract to Thomas Construction Group in the amount of $4,284,000  Project schedule:  Award of construction contract: October 2024  Construction starts: November 2024  Construction completion: October 2025  Final completion and furniture delivery: November 2025  Facility open and operational: early 2026  NHC STAR Center project budget: The Board briefly discussed the project. Commissioner Barfield expressed appreciation, noting how the facility will support individuals needing detox services, reentry assistance, and housing for formerly incarcerated individuals. Responding to questions, Mr. Caison confirmed the choice of shared bathrooms to align with existing plumbing and minimize structural changes, with security considerations also in place. RHA remains comfortable with this setup. On the bid sheet, he explained that Thomas Construction Group included all costs in the main bid, showing zero for unit cost allowances. Contingencies cover any unforeseen issues, and extensive inspections minimize potential unknowns. He noted that any unit costs arising as change orders may require further discussion. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to approve the award of the construction contract for the New Hanover County Stabilization and Re-entry (STAR) Center Renovation to Thomas Construction Group in the amount of $4,284,000. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointment to the New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Chair Rivenbark reported that a vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee, and one application is available for consideration. Commissioner Scalise nominated Al Sharp for appointment. Commissioner Zapple seconded the nomination. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 OCTOBER 21, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 362 Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Al Sharp to the New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee to serve a one-year term with the term to expire October 31, 2025. Appointment to the New Hanover County Non-County Agency Funding Committee Chair Rivenbark reported that a vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Non-County Agency Funding Committee in the Educational (pre-k thru 12) category, with one application available for consideration. Commissioner Scalise nominated Alison Linkner for appointment in the Educational (pre-k thru 12) category. Commissioner Zapple 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 Alison Linkner in the Educational (pre-k thru 12) category to the New Hanover County Non-County Agency Funding Committee to serve a three-year term with the term to expire June 30, 2027. Appointment to the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Chair Rivenbark reported that a vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee and one application is eligible for reappointment. Commissioner Scalise nominated Donna Guillaume for reappointment. Commissioner Zapple 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 reappoint Donna Guillaume for a three-year term, with the term expiring October 31, 2027. STAFF PRESENTATION ON PERIODIC INSPECTIONS Assistant County Manager Lisa Wurtzbacher and Building Safety Inspections Director Hans Schult presented the following update:  Periodic Inspections:  The purpose of the proposed Periodic Inspection program is to confirm that the building or structure under consideration is safe for continued use under its present occupancy  Statute authority:  North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 160D-1117: “The inspection department may make periodic inspections, subject to the governing board's directions, for unsafe, unsanitary, or otherwise hazardous and unlawful conditions in buildings or structures within its planning and development regulation jurisdiction. In exercising this power, members of the department shall have a right to enter on any premises within the jurisdiction of the department at all reasonable hours for the purposes of inspection or other enforcement action, upon presentation of proper credentials.”  Policy considerations:  What:  Type of structure: non-residential structures  Age of building: buildings over 100 years (approximately 400 currently)  Complaint driven: continue to also provide inspections for other structures on a complaint basis  When: frequency of every five (5) years and three (3) years depending on the outcome of the baseline inspection  Where:  Which jurisdictions county-wide services can be provided: outside of unincorporated areas of the county would require jurisdictions governing board approval  How:  Create a compliance division:  This would require additional staffing, the size of which will depend on the number of inspections needed  Structural and electrical inspections  Fees: would be established to cover the cost of the program  Advantages and disadvantages:  Advantages: increased general public safety by having code-compliant buildings, reduced non- residential tenant/landlord complaints, reduced likelihood of building condemnations  Disadvantages: increased financial stress on owners, increased potential for closure of businesses, increased need for compliance staff, increased liability potential for the County The Board briefly discussed the matter. Responding to questions, Mr. Schult confirmed that property owners affected by the proposed inspection program have not yet been contacted for feedback, though this outreach is essential to the project's success. The Board expressed support for advancing the inspection initiative, NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 OCTOBER 21, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 363 which aims to enhance public safety by addressing structural concerns in aging buildings, especially in Wilmington and surrounding areas. The program is seen as overdue, with examples cited where proactive inspections might have mitigated safety issues, such as collapsing facades. The discussion also covered potential challenges, including financial impacts for property owners and demands on inspection staff. Mr. Schult expressed optimism about managing with existing staff, but acknowledged the possibility of needing additional personnel as the program expands, particularly given the challenges of electrical inspections in older buildings. The Board expressed support to start with non-residential inspections and eventually including residential properties to comprehensively ensure public safety. Mr. Schult outlined the goal of inspecting 400 buildings within the first two years, with subsequent inspections every five years. The program’s feasibility, safety impact, and cost-effectiveness will be closely monitored, with potential adjustments or recommendations to halt the program if future analysis shows limited benefit. The Board thanked Ms. Wurtzbacher and Mr. Schult for the update. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Rivenbark stated that the one person signed up to speak under public comment and asked that the speaker provide comments. Dawson Gage, resident of 513 Orange Street, Wilmington, NC, raised concerns about the legality of using GPS ankle monitors on individuals charged with a crime, arguing it infringes on privacy and constitutional rights. He explained that the state uses these devices for various purposes, including on those convicted of serious offenses, on probation, or simply charged. Mr. Gage urged the Board to investigate the Pre-Trial Release office’s practices, particularly regarding whether monitor data is shared with law enforcement and other agencies in Raleigh, noting that Wilmington Police have access to this data. He questioned if these current practices are more effective than past methods and expressed hope that the County will eventually discontinue the use of these devices. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS County Manager Coudriet reported that a disaster assistance center has opened at the Carolina Beach Recreation Center to support those affected by Potential Tropical Storm Number Eight (PTC8), specifically in Carolina and Kure Beaches. The center offers federal and state aid and will operate for several weeks, providing financial assistance and in-person support for affected residents. Although the setup process took five weeks, which County Manager Coudriet acknowledged was longer than ideal, he expressed appreciation for the Board’s advocacy in pushing this forward. In response to questions, he clarified that while he cannot confirm coverage for Brunswick County, assistance is confirmed for New Hanover County, including Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, the City of Wilmington, and unincorporated parts of the County. Eligible residents and businesses in New Hanover County can apply for Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance and state-level disaster aid, although assistance will be granted based on verified need. Commissioner Barfield commended the Board of Elections staff, county team, and volunteers for their hard work managing an overwhelming voter turnout, noting it may be the highest since early voting began in 2008. He highlighted challenges at the Senior Resource Center, where limited access and curbside voting created traffic issues, suggesting additional access points could improve flow and safety. He noted that the Northeast Library and Government Center had similar high demand. County Manager Coudriet provided a brief historical overview of the 3990 Independence Boulevard property matter, explaining that the property was willed to New Hanover County in 2004 by Flossie Bryan with the intent of creating a park. However, the heirs of Ms. Bryan contested the will, resulting in a 2006 court order that divided ownership: two-thirds to the County and one-third to the heirs. The court order also required the County to pursue rezoning and sale of the property at its "highest and best use," determined to be residential, with proceeds to be shared based on ownership. Over the years, multiple appraisals and court actions have occurred, most recently in 2022, when the court allowed for an upset bid process with rezoning as a prerequisite for sale. The property’s complex division of wetlands and developable land adds challenges, as the County and heirs each own a share across varied acreage. If rezoning by the City of Wilmington fails, future use of the property, such as for a park or green space, would require further court order modification. Discussion ensued around the potential benefits of preserving green space within the County. Some County Commissioners expressed uncertainty about creating another park near the existing Echo Farms Park. The Board thanked County Manager Coudriet for his detailed response and acknowledged that any further steps depend on the outcome of the City of Wilmington Council’s rezoning decision. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 10:54 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.