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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-13 Agenda Review NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AGENDA REVIEW, FEBRUARY 13, 2025 PAGE 426 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on February 13, 2025, 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 Dane Scalise; Commissioner Stephanie A.C. Walker; 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, noting that its purpose was to review and discuss items for the February 17, 2025 regular meeting agenda. Before proceeding, the Board first received a staff update. STAFF UPDATE Chief Strategy Officer Jennifer Rigby and Assistant County Manager Tufanna Bradley updated the Board on the unsheltered homeless opportunities:  Unsheltered homeless opportunities update:  Strategy process:  Joint Resolution for a Strategy to Address Unsheltered Homelessness: April 22, 2024  Low barrier options for the unsheltered population:  Supply and capacity for supportive housing:  Opportunities for success:  Grow the capacity of the Continuum of Care and support service providers:  Improve the Council of Governments data systems and coordinated access (hotline, case management, etc.)  Enhance adequate capacity for existing service providers  Increase the capacity of facilities to meet the needs of the unsheltered population:  Work with partners to increase low-barrier day shelters and spaces that meet the basic needs of individuals who are unsheltered (e.g., personal hygiene, safety, etc.)  Create a mental health-focused treatment and day center with supportive housing options:  Partner with Trillium on an evidence-based model for treatment  Identify partners to provide supportive housing NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AGENDA REVIEW, FEBRUARY 13, 2025 PAGE 427  Supportive regulations, Incentives for developers, property management, and housing assistance:  Property Management incentives to offset risks associated with high-need individuals  Support housing assistance programs  Update land use regulations to increase access to housing units  Continuum of care capacity proposal:  The proposal requests $331,675 to enhance the Coordinated Entry (CE) system and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) capabilities. This funding would support 3.5 FTE and the ongoing operation and improvement of these systems, ensuring they remain responsive to the needs of our community, compliant with federal and local regulations, and capable of generating data that informs local policy and program decisions.  A process improvement that includes a comprehensive review of current processes related to coordinated entry and data collection by the Office of Strategy:  Process Improvement Goals:  Identify new staffing requirements and establish measures to determine when to adjust staff levels  Strengthen the coordinated entry system to facilitate streamlined access to services  Improve data quality and reporting mechanisms to enable informed, data-driven decision-making  Timeline: March to June 2025  Getting Home Street Outreach:  Building connections to meet basic needs and support recovery  Assessing and addressing basic needs is vital for mental health and substance abuse recovery  Facilitated 3,657 client interactions, including:  Transportation to appointments and services  Connections and facilitation to essential resources  473 referrals to Mental Health and Substance abuse recovery  Achieved housing for 94 clients since inception, creating stability and a foundation for recovery  These efforts foster trust, reduce barriers, and pave the way for long-term recovery and success A brief discussion ensued regarding funding. County Manager Coudriet clarified that staff do not currently recommend funding for the $331,675 project scope, as there needs to be further process review. He further commented as to the City of Wilmington’s (City) involvement, that while the City Manager is aware of the funding request, he cannot predict what will be recommended to the City Council. He also suggested that the County may not be the appropriate funder for a regional service. In response to questions about funding for the Getting Home Street Outreach program, he confirmed that with the expiration of American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) funding, the General Fund now supports the program. He added that staff plan to recommend continued funding in the upcoming budget. The City Council passed a resolution committing to continued funding, with the City providing law enforcement services and the County covering the mental health component of the program. Commissioner Scalise raised concerns about a proposed land use policy change allowing the by-right development of certain housing initiatives in R-15 neighborhoods. He recalled strong Board opposition to the proposal last year and believed the Board intended to discard the concept, not pause it. He stated his opposition to zoning changes that permit halfway houses and similar housing without restrictions and asked for clarification on the matter. County Manager Coudriet responded that staff will not present a draft recommendation for this change unless the Board signals a change in position. Commissioner Scalise emphasized his preference for the County to establish its own priorities, collaborate when appropriate, and take independent action rather than waiting for external involvement, acknowledging that interpretations may differ. The Board briefly discussed partnerships and investments in addressing homelessness. County Manager Coudriet noted that the County has spent $67 million over the past 10 years on outreach and rental assistance. He clarified that staff are not requesting, encouraging, or defining any new investment at this time, regardless of potential funding sources.  Residential mental health facility:  Background and purpose:  Continued mental health crisis  Challenge with where patients go after acute treatment when there is no other option or additional assistance is needed  Concept:  Research into models shared by Trillium Health Resources  The concept of a "step-down" residential facility from acute mental health treatment to a less intensive level NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AGENDA REVIEW, FEBRUARY 13, 2025 PAGE 428  Next steps:  Explore an agreement with Trillium Health Resources to continue developing the concept  Staff visited Skyline Trail in Atlanta, Georgia  Continue conversations with potential financial partners A brief discussion ensued about the differences between the proposed residential mental health facility and existing state facilities. Ms. Bradley explained that the new facility will serve as a transition between acute care and returning home, whereas state facilities provide long-term care. In response to questions about funding, County Manager Coudriet stated that Trillium’s analysis indicates private insurance, and Medicaid should cover operating costs, as the County will partner with Trillium, like its arrangement with The Healing Place. He further noted that the full details are unavailable at this time. There being no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark thanked Ms. Rigby and Ms. Bradley for the presentation. Consent Agenda Item #5: Approval to Award a Construction Contract for 320 Chestnut Street Third Floor Upfit and HVAC System Replacement. Chief Facilities Officer Sara Warmuth stated in response to questions that the variable refrigerant (VRF) system has a standard life of 7 to 10 years. When the fourth floor was upfitted, a next- generation system was installed that has proven itself. Moving forward, staff are being proactive to replace the HVAC systems on each floor. As the fourth floor is currently vacant, staff will utilize the space to shift offices around during the project. Consent Agenda Item #6: Approval to Request Grant Funds from N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program Regional Forensic Laboratory. Chief Deputy Jonathan Hart stated in response to questions that the regional forensic laboratory is fully up and running and currently being housed in the Wilmington Police Department (WPD). The facility will be moving to Juvenile Center Road by Summer 2025. Currently, the lab is handling all drug testing for the Sheriff’s Office, WPD, and other local agencies. The lab also handles all blood alcohol testing for DWIs for the region. The turnaround now is typically about thirty days for drug testing or blood alcohol testing, which would take anywhere from twelve to eighteen months at the state lab. Regular Agenda Item #10: Consideration of Resolution Recognizing Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc. for 100 Years of Service to New Hanover County. Commissioner Zapple inquired about the increase in the insect population. A representative from the Cape Fear Garden Club was not present, but Clerk Crowell will forward the question to the team so they are prepared to address it on Monday. Regular Agenda Item #15: Presentation of the 2025 Revaluation Results. Tax Administrator Allison Snell stated in response to questions that revaluation letters will be mailed on February 28, 2025. ADJOURNMENT There being no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 4:50 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.