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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-21 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JANUARY 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 405 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met January 21, 2025, 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; Dane Scalise; Commissioner Stephanie A.C. Walker; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. Vice-Chair Pierce arrived at 9:10 a.m. Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; Clerk to the Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell; and County Attorney K. Jordan Smith. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Reverend David Haley, Associate Pastor, Wrightsville United Methodist 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. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to approve the 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 January 2, 2025 Agenda Review and the January 6,2025 Regular Meeting. Second Reading: Approval of Solid Waste Franchise Agreement for Valor Waste Services, LLC – County Attorney The Board approved the second reading to authorize the issuance of a solid waste franchise agreement to Valor Waste Services, LLC. A copy of the franchise agreement is on file in the legal department. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Years: Stephanie Teachey, Health and Human Services (HHS) – Social Services Michele Tidd, HHS – Social Services Ten Years: Kelly Henry, Building Safety Twenty-Years: Marie Hemmen, HHS – Public Health Hans Schult, Building Safety Thirty-Five Years: Beverly Thomas, Finance 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: Francy Cortes Fandino, HHS – Social Services Sheena Figan, HHS – Public Health Wendy Pope, Finance Lona Popovic, Cape Fear Museum Camden Winston, HHS – Social Services The Board welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF NATIONAL DAY OF RACIAL HEALING PROCLAMATION Commissioner Zapple read the proclamation into the record recognizing Tuesday, January 21, 2025 as the National Day of Racial Healing in New Hanover County. Cynthia Pershia, New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage, and Culture Chair expressed appreciation for the Board considering the proclamation. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Walker to adopt the proclamation recognizing Tuesday, January 21, 2025 as the National Day of Racial Healing in New Hanover County. Commissioner Scalise stated he would not be voting in favor of the proclamation and provided a brief explanation of his decision. He expressed concerns about the proclamation’s origins, noting that in his research he has learned it stems from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) initiative, which aims to address systemic racism through truth and reconciliation efforts. He feels that the initiative aligns with Critical Race Theory (CRT), which he believes promotes a divisive worldview and is inappropriate for the County to NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JANUARY 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 406 endorse. He contended that CRT and systemic racism narratives conflict with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of unity, which emphasized judging individuals by their character rather than race. He further questioned the relevance of such proclamations to county governance, feeling they detract from a county’s core responsibilities, such as providing essential services and maintaining law and order, while introducing unnecessary legal risks and political divisiveness. He also expressed concerns about the County’s Diversity and Equity (DEI) department promoting these narratives in such manners as an unsolicited letter being sent to the Board from the department advocating for policy positions, including the idea of moving toward sanctuary county status, which he opposes. He called for the defunding of the DEI Department, citing its lack of alignment with the County’s priorities and trends in other organizations moving away from similar offices. He reaffirmed his commitment to focusing on the County’s core responsibilities, emphasizing the need for policies that unify rather than divide the community. Commissioner Walker voiced support for the proclamation, emphasizing its importance to the community’s history and ongoing efforts toward healing and equity. As a local resident and former member of the African American Commission, she highlighted the significance of acknowledging the work being done by the commission and the County’s DEI department. She believes the proclamation is particularly fitting considering Martin Luther King Jr. Day was the day prior to this meeting and stressed the need for continued focus on healing and unity within the community. She further expressed confidence in the County’s commitment to equity and the value of the commission's contributions. While acknowledging her perspective as a former commission member might differ from others, she encouraged support for the proclamation and the work of the DEI department. Commissioner Zapple stated the primary focus should be on all citizens and noted that while intellectual and political objections to the language and implications of the proclamation may exist, these issues resonate deeply within the County's history and community. He noted the significant events that have occurred in the County, including the 1898 coup and the prosecution of the Wilmington 10 in the 1970s, as events that have left lasting scars on many residents. He commented on today's ongoing struggle to provide equal educational opportunities for all children within the community. He further expressed his support for the proclamation as he believes it is both appropriate and necessary and a meaningful way to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Vice-Chair Pierce expressed support for the proclamation and its intent to promote equality and inclusivity. She believes in moving forward rather than revisiting the past and spoke on the importance of treating everyone equally, as taught by faith. She acknowledged that she did not conduct the same level of research as Commissioner Scalise but expressed concerns about external pressures influencing County decisions. She reiterated her support for the proclamation, stating that it aligns with the goal of supporting all people regardless of race or color. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 1. Commissioner Scalise dissenting. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVI, Page 2.1. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES RESOLUTION FOR 2025-26 Tim Buckland, Intergovernmental Affairs Manager, presenting the following information about the legislative priorities for 2025-26:  New Hanover County priorities, advancing legislative goals:  Advocacy:  Representation in Washington and Raleigh  Participation in the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) and the National Association of Counties (NACo)  Priorities reflect ongoing and emerging issues  Work beyond the scope of listed priorities  Engagement with elected and administrative partners at state and federal levels  Success in 2023-24:  PFAS enforceable standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  Medicaid expansion  Coastal Storm Damage Reduction (CSDR) project in Wrightsville Beach completed  Exemption to Coastal Barrier Resources Act  Raw water line  Raises for Community College employees  Progress in 2023-24:  Federal grant awarded for Cape Fear Memorial Bridge (CFMB)  Funding for mental health and substance use disorder support and treatment  CSDR:  The Board supports the state identifying a recurring source of funding for the beach nourishment fund created by the General Assembly in 2018 to support ongoing CSDR projects  The Board further supports continued federal and state funding of Congressionally approved CSDR projects for Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JANUARY 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 407  CFMB: The Board supports the commitment of necessary federal and state resources to fund the replacement of the CFMB, which was built in 1969, and its age and ongoing maintenance expenses are inadequate to meet future growth  Protecting drinking water:  The Board supports legislation or action to hold polluters financially responsible for the cleanup and remediation of perfluorinated chemicals (PFOA and PFOS) and other emerging contaminants in drinking water  The Board supports the state and federal governments in enforcing formal standards to ensure drinking water quality  Improving disaster recovery: The Board supports administrative and legislative changes to federal agencies and regulations including, but not limited to, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Administration (HUD), that would accelerate the flow of aid to local governments to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies  Film industry advocacy: The Board supports administrative and legislative changes to federal agencies and regulations including, but not limited to, FEMA and HUD, which would accelerate the flow of aid to local governments to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies  Affordable workforce housing: The Board supports administrative and legislative changes to federal agencies and regulations including, but not limited to, FEMA and HUD, which would accelerate the flow of aid to local governments to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies  Supporting schools:  The Board supports a statewide school capital commitment at the earliest possible time  The Board supports the state returning to the original Education Lottery formula that set aside 40 percent for capital needs  Superior public health: The Board supports increased federal and state funding to address mental health and substance use disorder support and treatment  West Bank conservation: The Board supports state and federal investments and actions to preserve the West Bank of New Hanover County as conservation land, recognizing that preservation of its natural landscape would mitigate flooding risks brought by development  Specialty Court funding: The Board supports the state reinstating financial support for drug treatment and specialty courts. The County has operated a drug treatment court successfully since the state withdrew funding for treatment courts in 2011 by fully funding, at an expense of more than $1.5 million, and staffing a drug treatment and DWI court for county residents. Treatment courts are an extension of the judicial system, and the state has the primary duty to fund the court system and its associated services.  Transportation needs:  The Board supports fair and equitable funding through the N.C. Department of Transportation for infrastructure needs as the County continues to rapidly grow  The Board supports state funding and policy initiatives to identify, repair, and bring into the NCDOT system orphan roads that were built by developers but have fallen into disrepair A brief discussion ensued about the legislative priorities. In response to questions, Mr. Buckland confirmed he will amend the resolution to include language addressing support for critical infrastructure, including wastewater and water treatment facilities in the County. The Board expressed support for the legislative priorities and noted the importance of advocacy for schools and capital needs. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark thanked Mr. Buckland for the presentation and asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Pierce to adopt the resolution listing its legislative priorities for 2025-26 for New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVI, Page 2.2. PRESENTATION AND APPROVAL OF THE AUDIT REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024 Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle provided a brief overview of the annual process to bring the presentation of the audit report for the fiscal year to fruition for the Board’s consideration. April Adams, partner with Cherry Bekaert LLP, presented the following information about the New Hanover County Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year (FY) that ended June 30, 2024:  New Hanover County audit executive summary:  Client service team: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JANUARY 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 408  Results of the audit:  The audit firm has audited the financial statements of New Hanover County, North Carolina (the “County”) for the year ended June 30, 2024, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and Government Auditing Standards and has issued their report dated December 13, 2024  The audit firm has also audited the County’s compliance with the types of compliance requirements described in the OMB Compliance Supplement and the Audit Manual for Government Auditors in North Carolina that could have a direct and material effect on each of the County’s major federal and state programs for the year ended June 30, 2024. They have issued their report dated December 13, 2024.  The audit firm has issued an unmodified opinion on the financial statements and on compliance with major federal and state programs related to our single audits performed in accordance with Uniform Grant Guidance and the State Single Audit Implementation Act.  Internal Control and Compliance, Single audit (grants):  Internal controls communication:  In planning and performing the audit, the audit firm considered internal control over financial reporting (“internal control”) as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances for the purpose of expressing their opinion on the financial statements and on compliance with Uniform Guidance and the NC State Single Audit Implementation Act, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the County’s internal control. Accordingly, they do not express an opinion on the effectiveness of the County’s internal control.  The audit firm’s consideration of internal control was for the limited purpose described in the preceding paragraph and was not designed to identify all deficiencies in internal control that might be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies and, therefore, material weaknesses or significant deficiencies may exist that were not identified. In addition, because of inherent limitations in internal control, including the possibility of management override of controls, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected by such controls.  A deficiency in internal control exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, misstatements on a timely basis.  Corrected and uncorrected misstatements: Professional standards require us to accumulate all misstatements identified during the audit, other than those that are clearly trivial, and communicate them to the appropriate level of management.  Corrected misstatement: The following material misstatements detected as a result of audit procedures were corrected by management:  Certain long-term receivables were not included in fund financial statements and instead were only recorded at the governmental activity level. As a result, adjustments to the debt service fund and a capital projects fund were made to record receivables of approximately $10.4 million and $10.5 million, respectively.  Uncorrected misstatements: none noted  Qualitative aspects of accounting practices:  Management is responsible for the selection and use of appropriate accounting policies. The significant accounting policies used by the County are described in Note I to the financial statements. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JANUARY 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 409  No new accounting policies were adopted, and the application of existing policies was not changed during the year. The audit firm noted no inappropriate accounting policies or practices.  Related party relationships and transactions:  As part of our audit, the audit firm evaluated the County’s identification of, accounting for, and disclosure of the County’s relationships and transactions with related parties as required by professional standards. The firm noted none of the following:  Related parties or related party relationships or transactions that were previously undisclosed to the audit firm;  Significant related party transactions that have not been approved in accordance with the County’s policies or procedures or for which exceptions to the County’s policies or procedures were granted;  Significant related party transactions that appeared to lack a business purpose;  Noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations prohibiting or restricting specific types of related party transactions; and  Difficulties in identifying the party that ultimately controls the entity.  Significant unusual transactions:  The audit firm noted no transactions entered into by the County during the year for which there is a lack of authoritative guidance or consensus. All significant transactions have been recognized in the financial statements in the proper period.  For purposes of this presentation, professional standards define significant unusual transactions as transactions that are outside the normal course of business for the County or that otherwise appear to be unusual due to their timing, size, or nature. The audit firm noted no significant unusual transactions during our audit.  There were no noted significant unusual transactions during the year  Significant estimates:  Accounting estimates are an integral part of the financial statements prepared by management and are based on management’s knowledge and experience about past and current events and assumptions about future events. Certain accounting estimates are particularly sensitive because of their significance to the financial statements and because of the possibility that future events affecting them may differ significantly from those expected. The most sensitive estimate(s) affecting the financial statements was (were):  Allowance for doubtful accounts  Depreciation and amortization expense  Fair value of investments  Pension liabilities  Other Post Employment Benefits liability  Accrued compensated absences  Self-insurance claim liabilities that have been incurred but not reported.  Liability for closure and post closure (Landfill)  Imputed interest rate on leases and IT subscriptions  Financial statement disclosures:  The estimates are based on an analysis of historical collection trends, current and anticipated economic conditions, the category of individual capital assets and their useful lives, actuarial calculations, and estimated future costs. The audit firm evaluated the key factors and assumptions used to develop the estimates in determining that they were reasonable in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole.  The financial statement disclosures are neutral, consistent, and clear  Independence considerations:  Non-attest services:  The audit firm prepares the data collection form  For all nonattest services we perform, you are responsible for designating a competent employee to oversee the services, make any management decisions, perform any management functions related to the services, evaluate the adequacy of the services, and accept overall responsibility for the results of the services.  Independence conclusion:  The audit firm is not aware of any other circumstances or relationships that create threats to auditor independence.  The audit firm is independent of New Hanover County and has met their other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audits  Other required communications:  Difficulties encountered: No significant difficulties in dealing with management in performing and completing the audit were encountered  Disagreements with management: Includes disagreements on a financial accounting, reporting, or auditing matter, whether resolved to our satisfaction, which could be significant to the financial statements or the auditor’s report. The audit firm is pleased to report that no such disagreements arose during the audit. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JANUARY 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 410  Auditor consultations: No matters noted that are difficult or contentious for which the auditor consulted outside the engagement team, other than those already mentioned related to the restatement of prior periods.  Management representations: The audit firm has requested certain representations from management that as included in the management representation letter dated December 13, 2024  Management consultations: In some cases, management may decide to consult with other accountants about auditing and accounting matters, like obtaining a “second opinion” on certain situations. There were no such consultations with other accountants that the audit firm is aware of.  Other findings or issues: The audit firm generally discusses a variety of matters, including the application of accounting principles and auditing standards, with management each year. These discussions occurred in the normal course of the professional relationship and the responses were not a condition of the firm’s retention.  Fraud and illegal acts: As of the date of this presentation no fraud, illegal acts, or violations of laws and regulations were noted  Going concern: No events or conditions noted indicate substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern  Other matters:  Upcoming financial reporting changes:  These standards will be effective for the County in the upcoming years and may have a significant impact on the County’s financial reporting  The audit firm would be happy to discuss with management the potential impacts on the County’s financial statements and how it may be able to assist in the implementation efforts  Local Government Commission (LGC) Performance Indicators:  Written Response from the Board is due within 60 days of this presentation.  One Indicator was noted:  A material weakness over financial reporting was noted. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark requested Board direction. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Chair Rivenbark to approve the New Hanover County Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to the New Hanover County Adult Home Care Community Advisory Committee Chair Rivenbark reported that two vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Adult Home Care Community Advisory Committee, with two applications available for consideration. Commissioner Scalise nominated Annamarie Atwood and Elizabeth Smith for appointment. 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 Annamarie Atwood and Elizabeth Smith to the New Hanover County Adult Home Care Community Advisory Committee for an initial one-year term, with the terms to expire January 31, 2026. Appointment to the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council Chair Rivenbark reported that a vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council with one application available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Duane Truscott for appointment. Commissioner Scalise seconded the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JANUARY 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 411 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 Duane Truscott to the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council to serve a three-year term, with the term to expire December 1, 2027. Appointments to the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Chair Rivenbark reported that two vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee, and two applications are eligible for reappointment. Commissioner Scalise nominated Becky ODaniell and Yvette Wright for reappointment. Vice-Chair Pierce seconded the nominations. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Becky ODaniell and Yvette Wright for three-year terms, with the terms expiring January 31, 2028. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Rivenbark stated that the three people signed up to speak under public comment and asked that the speakers provide comments. Scott Mullins, resident of North Fork Road, Barnardsville, NC, President of the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of North Carolina, and Captain at the Asheville Fire Department, expressed gratitude for the County’s swift water rescue teams, commending their efforts during Hurricane Helene and other emergencies. He also highlighted two firefighters who either passed or are currently battling medical issues linked to PFAS exposure. He expressed concerns about hazardous working conditions at the Castle Hayne fire station, specifically citing the presence of PFAS chemicals in the water supply and hazardous mold in the station’s HVAC system. He described the conditions as unacceptable and a direct threat to firefighters’ health, emphasizing that these issues worsen the already dangerous nature of their work. He urged the Board to promptly relocate firefighters and address hazards, demonstrating its commitment to safety. He concluded his remarks by stressing the importance of decisive action, noting that the community, the state, and the firefighters are watching and counting on the Board's leadership. Vice-Chair Pierce thanked Captain Mullins for his comments and reassured the firefighters present that the Board is taking the necessary actions to address the issues. She expressed gratitude for their hard work and recognized the challenges they would face in the coming days, particularly with wintry weather and increased community needs. She reiterated the Board’s full support for the firefighters. Commissioner Zapple echoed Vice-Chair Pierce’s comments and urged Captain Mullins to also advocate to the state legislature, noting the lack of the legislature’s recognition regarding the dangers of PFAS chemicals. He highlighted the County’s acknowledgment of PFAS dangers and called for state action to stop the ongoing pollution of the Cape Fear River and surrounding areas. Isabelle Shepherd, resident of Hudson Drive, Wilmington, NC, Executive Director of the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, spoke in support of preserving Sledge Forest, a 3,000-acre old-growth floodplain forest near Castle Hayne recognized for its ecological and cultural importance. She highlighted the forest's role in reducing storms, controlling floods, and aiding endangered species. She expressed concern over the proposed Hilton Bluffs housing development, highlighting risks from infrastructure, habitat disruption, and pollution that could irreparably damage the forest's ecology. She urged the Board to protect this critical natural resource. Stephen Axthelm, resident of Sweet Fern Row, Wilmington, NC, expressed his concerns about the proposed Smith Creek Park Preserve project. He asked the Board to preserve it in its current state and described the park as a 92-acre green space with a 35-acre freshwater fishing lake and walking and biking trails, emphasizing its natural beauty and existing amenities. He expressed opposition to the proposed plans, which include adding restrooms and infrastructure, arguing that the preserve does not need further asphalt or facilities. He urged the Board to pause the project, hold a public hearing, and reconsider the decision to keep the preserve as an unspoiled natural area. A brief discussion ensued about the proposed phase two development of Smith Creek Park Preserve. In response to the questions, County Manager Coudriet explained that the project, which does include more parking, a restroom, a picnic shelter, and nature-based trails, has been part of the County’s long-term capital improvement plan and approved by the Board as part of the current year’s budget. He also noted that the proposed developments are intended to complement the park’s natural features while addressing practical needs like improved access and facilities. He confirmed that the speaker had already communicated with staff and clarified that the disagreement stemmed from differing views on the Board’s long-standing policy decision to continue with the park’s development. He reiterated that the project aligns with the County’s goals, is data driven, and includes the recommendations of the Parks and Gardens Recreation Advisory Board. He confirmed the intention to continue unless directed otherwise by the Board. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 JANUARY 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 412 ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS Commissioner Scalise addressed earlier remarks, clarifying that the local delegation, particularly Representative Davis, has been a strong advocate for addressing PFAS issues and has supported meaningful efforts to address the problem. In response, Commissioner Zapple agreed with the recognition of the local delegation’s efforts, emphasizing that his earlier comments were directed at the full state legislature, not the local delegation. He highlighted Representative Davis’s leadership on the “polluter pays” legislation and expressed concern about the lack of broader legislative support for addressing PFAS impacts statewide. Both commissioners underscored the importance of prioritizing this issue. WEATHER UPDATE Chief Communications Officer Josh Smith reported on the County’s action to prepare for the forthcoming winter weather. County offices, facilities, and parks are open this morning but will close at noon, with public libraries and the Cape Fear Museum also closed to the public. The landfill will close at 3 p.m. While the Emergency Operations Center is not fully activated, emergency management staff are monitoring the situation closely. Current forecasts predict 1–3 inches of snow, with isolated amounts up to 4 inches, beginning between 1 and 3 p.m. and continuing into the night. Essential emergency services, including fire rescue and 911, remain fully operational. Updates on government services for tomorrow will be communicated later today, with closures currently planned from noon today through at least noon tomorrow. The school district has been working with the emergency management staff and will soon announce its plan for staff and students. CLOSED SESSION Chair Rivenbark stated that a Closed Session is needed pursuant to North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 143-318.11(a)(3) to consult with the attorney employed and retained by the public body to preserve the attorney- client privilege. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Walker to enter into a Closed Session pursuant to North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 143-318.11(3) to consult with the attorney employed and retained by the public body to preserve the attorney-client privilege. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chair Rivenbark convened the Closed Session at 10:24 a.m. and ordered all people, not Board members or specifically designated staff, to leave the meeting room. CONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION Chair Rivenbark called the meeting back to order at 11:44 a.m. and reported that the Board had concluded its closed session. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 11:45 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.