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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-02 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 DECEMBER 2, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 374 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on December 2, 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 School Pastor David Claytor, Apostolic Tabernacle of Wilmington, provided the invocation and Chair Rivenbark led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Rivenbark requested a motion to approve the minutes of the November 18, 2024 Regular Meeting as presented. MOTION: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the minutes of the November 18, 2024 Regular Meeting as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PRESENTATION OF APPRECIATION GIFT TO COMMISSIONER BARFIELD On behalf of the Board, Chair Rivenbark presented Commissioner Barfield with a plaque in recognition and appreciation of his sixteen years of service as a New Hanover County Commissioner, including three years as Vice- Chair and three years as Chair. Commissioner Barfield expressed appreciation for the recognition. OATHS OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED The Honorable W. Allen Cobb, Jr., Emergency Superior Court Judge, Sixth Judicial District, administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Bill Rivenbark. The Honorable Chief United States District Judge Richard E. Myers II, Eastern District of North Carolina, administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Dane Scalise. The Honorable Ricardo Jensen, Superior Court Judge, Sixth Judicial District, administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Stephanie A.C. Walker. Commissioners Rivenbark, Scalise, and Walker offered comments to the audience, thanking their families for their support, expressing appreciation to the voters for electing them, and promising to serve the citizens of New Hanover County to the best of their abilities in their role as County Commissioners. Copies of the Oaths of Office are hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 21.1. BREAK: Chair Rivenbark called for a break at 4:14 p.m. The Board reconvened at 4:25 p.m. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR FOR THE ENSUING YEAR Members present: Commissioner LeAnn Pierce; Commissioner Bill Rivenbark; Commissioner Dane Scalise; Commissioner Stephanie A.C. Walker; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. County Attorney Smith opened the floor to receive nominations for Chair of the Board of County Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioner Scalise nominated Commissioner Rivenbark to serve as Chair of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioner Pierce seconded the nomination. There being no further nominations, County Attorney Smith declared the nominations closed and called for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to elect Commissioner Rivenbark as Chair of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for the ensuing year. County Attorney Smith opened the floor to receive nominations for Vice-Chair of the Board of County Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioner Scalise nominated LeAnn Pierce to serve as Vice-Chair of the Board of County Commissioners for the ensuing year. Chair Rivenbark seconded the nomination. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 DECEMBER 2, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 375 There being no further nominations, County Attorney Smith declared the nominations closed and called for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to elect Commissioner Pierce as Vice-Chair of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for the ensuing year. BOARD SEATED FOR 2024-2025 Members present: Chair Bill Rivenbark; Vice-Chair LeAnn Peirce; Commissioner Dane Scalise; Commissioner Stephanie A.C. Walker; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chair Rivenbark requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Zapple asked that Consent Agenda Item #2: Adoption of Public Officials Bond Resolution be pulled for further discussion and made a motion to approve the remaining Consent Agenda items. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for direction from the Board. 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 October 2024 Tax Collection Reports – Tax The Board approved the October 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 21.2. Second Reading: Approval of Solid Waste Franchise Agreement for Eastern Waste and Recycling, Inc. – County Attorney The Board approved the second reading to authorize the issuance of a solid waste franchise agreement to Eastern Waste and Recycling, Inc. A copy of the franchise agreement is on file in the legal department. Discussion and Adoption of Public Officials Bond Resolution – County Attorney County Attorney Smith and Deputy County Attorney Karen Richards responded to Commissioner Zapple’s inquiries, explaining that they have discussed the bond amounts with the County’s risk manager, and all agree the bond complies with the state statute and operates as a separate document from higher-limit insurance policies that cover broader liabilities. They explained that combining the bond and the insurance policies is not practical due to differing purposes and legal requirements. After further discussion, the Board directed County Attorney Smith to research and report back to the Board about the bond’s history, potential for adjustment, and compatibility with state requirements. Note: The Board adopted the resolution approving the public officials bond for the Finance Officer, Sheriff, Register of Deeds, and Tax Collector. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for direction from the Board. MOTION: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Walker to approve Consent Agenda Item #2: Adoption of Public Officials Bond Resolution. 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 21.3. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY 2024-2028 STRATEGIC PLAN YEAR 1 REPORT OUT New Hanover County Chief Strategy Officer Jennifer Rigby provided the following update:  2024-2028 Strategic Plan Year 1 report out:  Workforce and economic development measures: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 DECEMBER 2, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 376  Community safety and well-being:  Sustainable land use and environmental stewardship:  Good governance: A brief discussion ensued about the update. Chief Facilities Officer Sara Warmuth reported that the Northside grocery store project design phase is nearing completion, with bidding expected in early 2025 and construction projected to start in the spring or early summer of 2025. While cost estimates are pending, the project remains on budget. Concerns were raised by some Commissioners about a private grocery store development near downtown potentially conflicting with the Northside grocery project. It was acknowledged that monitoring the potential challenge is warranted, but that there is a successful coexistence among grocery stores near each other in other parts of the County. As to the Robin Hood facility, Ms. Warmuth reported that demolition began recently and is proceeding on schedule and within budget. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark thanked Ms. Rigby and Ms. Warmuth for the updates. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Rivenbark stated that two people signed up to speak under public comment and invited them to provide comments. Ricky Meeks, resident of Caswell Street, Wilmington, NC, shared his concerns about upcoming changes to Wave Transit services. He noted the elimination of bus routes to Gordon Road, Market Street, Wrightsville Beach, and Cape Fear Hospital starting January 2025, emphasizing the impact on local communities. He shared his personal connections to the area, including family history and burial sites, and reflected on his involvement in the community as a former school board candidate. He urged the Board to take action to address the transit cuts, emphasizing his commitment to the city and its residents. Claudia Campese, resident of Tall Oaks Drive, Castle Hayne, NC spoke about her opposition to the Hilton Bluffs development in Castle Hayne, where she has lived since 1997, citing concerns about increased traffic, NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 DECEMBER 2, 2024 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 377 infrastructure demands, and the Board's apparent lack of oversight due to by-right approval. She spoke about the area’s 3,000 acres of wetlands, which is home to diverse wildlife. She also highlighted the area's natural beauty, proposing the creation of a wildlife preserve with bike paths and educational opportunities. She believes this path will provide lasting benefits for the community while preserving the environment. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS Commissioner Zapple welcomed Public Health Director Jon Campbell back from military service and thanked him for his service. Commissioner Scalise congratulated Chair Rivenbark and Commissioner Walker on reelection and election, respectively, and stated that he looks forward to working with his fellow Commissioners. Vice-Chair Pierce congratulated Chair Rivenbark, Commissioner Scalise, and Commissioner Walker on their respective elections and stated that she looks forward to working with her fellow Commissioners. Commissioner Walker expressed appreciation for being welcomed onto the Board and stated that she looks forward to working with everyone. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 5:02 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.