Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-17 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 FEBRUARY 17, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 429 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on February 17, 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; Vice-Chair LeAnn Pierce; 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. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Reverend David Haley, Associate Pastor of Wrightsville United Methodist Church, provided the invocation, and Commissioner Walker 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 Walker 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 for the January 30, 2025 Budget Work Session and Agenda Review and the February 3, 2025 Regular Meeting. Adoption of Budget Amendments – Budget The Board adopted the following budget amendments, amending the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025: Sheriff's Office: 25-033, 034, 035, and 036 Capital Improvement Projects: 25-037 Library: 25-038 Copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVI, Page 4.1. Approval of Individuals Authorized for Financial Transactions – Finance The Board approved allowing Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle, Deputy Chief Financial Officer Wendy Pope, and Investment Officer Beverly Thomas to engage in financial transactions with Truist Bank, First Carolina Bank, First National Bank, North Carolina Capital Management Trust, and US Bank and adopted requested resolution from First Carolina Bank. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVI, Page 4.2. Approval of Mid-Year Salary Adjustments – Human Resources The Board approved a 2.50% salary increase for employees in critical first responder roles within the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue, and 911 Center, including law enforcement and detention officers, fire rescue response personnel, and 911 critical response personnel, and a 1.00% increase for all other County employees. Approval to Award Construction Contract for 320 Chestnut Street Third Floor Upfit and HVAC System Replacement – Facilities Management The Board awarded Sexton Construction Coastal LLC the construction contract for the 320 Chestnut Street third floor upfit and HVAC system replacement in the amount of $698,900. Approval to Request Grant Funds from N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program Regional Forensic Laboratory – Sheriff The Board adopted the resolution approving the Sheriff’s Office to submit the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program grant application. This will allow the County to continue funding the salary and fringe of the Forensic Chemist position, supplies, and training from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. The total application for the FY25-26 grant cycle is $120,296. No match is required. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVI, Page 4.3. Authorizing prequalification application by Clancy & Theys Construction Company – County Attorney The Board authorized the submission and consideration of the prequalification application by Clancy & Theys Construction Company. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 FEBRUARY 17, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 430 REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employee receiving a retirement award: Wanda Isbill, 911 Communications Center, retiring with 16 years of service. Chair Rivenbark presented the retirement award to Ms. Isbill and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked her for 16 years of dedicated service. County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Years: Camen Boyd, Sheriff’s Office Sharon Hamby, Health and Human Services (HHS) - Public Health Quajii Harrison, Community Justice Services LaToya Moore, HHS – Social Services Monica Pettaway, HHS - Social Services Ten Years: Rebecca Bissette, HHS – Social Services Fifteen Years: Charles Fonti, Sheriff’s Office Twenty Years: Michael Fike, Sheriff's Office Twenty-Five Years: Raj Nandlal, Sheriff's Office Thirty Years: Renee Chesnut, County Attorney’s Office Chair Rivenbark presented each person with a service award, and the Board 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: Aaron Everett, HHS – Social Services Tanner Nance, Parks and Gardens Danielle Marfino, Finance Regina Stokes, HHS – Centralized Support Carolyn Moore-Hewett, HHS – Centralized Support Savannah Taylor, Community Justice Services The Board welcomed the new employees and wished them success in their roles. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF LINC, INC. th Commissioner Zapple read the resolution into the record celebrating the 25 anniversary of LINC, Inc. and recognizing its impact and legacy in New Hanover County. Frankie Roberts, Executive Director of LINC, Inc., thanked the Board for considering the resolution. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. th Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Pierce to adopt the proclamation honoring the 25 anniversary of LINC, Inc. 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 4.4. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING CAPE FEAR GARDEN CLUB, INC. FOR 100 YEARS OF SERVICE TO NEW HANOVER COUNTY Commissioner Scalise read the resolution into the record recognizing Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc. for 100 years of Service to New Hanover County. Cape Fear Garden Club President Delores Hawes thanked the Board for considering the resolution. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Walker to adopt the resolution recognizing Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc. for 100 years of service to 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 4.5. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROCLAMATION Chair Rivenbark read the proclamation into the record recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month in New Hanover County. LeRon Montgomery, President of the New Hanover County NAACP, thanked the Board for considering the proclamation. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 FEBRUARY 17, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 431 Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Walker to adopt the proclamation recognizing February 2025 as Black History 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 XLVI, Page 4.6. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF AMERICAN HEART MONTH PROCLAMATION Vice-Chair Pierce read the proclamation into the record recognizing February 2025 as American Heart Month in New Hanover County. HHS Public Health Nurse Eugenia Johnson thanked the Board for considering the proclamation. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. Motion: Vice-Chair Pierce MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to adopt the proclamation recognizing February 2025 as American Heart 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 XLVI, Page 4.7. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH Commissioner Walker read the proclamation into the record recognizing February 2025 as Children’s Dental Health Month in New Hanover County. HHS Public Health Dental Assistant Leslie Houston thanked the Board for considering the proclamation. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. Motion: Commissioner Walker MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Pierce to adopt the proclamation recognizing February 2025 as Children’s Dental Health 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 XLVI, Page 4.8. NEW HANOVER COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT PRESENTATION New Hanover Community Endowment (NHCE) CEO Dan Winslow provided an overview of the following information:  NHCE February 2025 report:  New staff and promotions:  New staff: Christine Tobias, Chief People Officer; Amber Rogerson, Communications Director; Sophie Dagenais, VP of Programs and Grants; Jodi-Tatiana Charles, Chief Marketing Officer; Gabriella Diaz, Board Liaison; and Moussa Toure, Network Associate  Promotions: Emily Page, VP of Research and Impact Department; Eileen O’Malley, Chief Technology Officer; and Crystal Cooper, Controller  New Board members: Bill Blair and Holly Sullivan  Organization Chart from top down:  Strategy: Four pillars: Education, Community Development, Social and Health Equity, and Community Safety  Investments in New Hanover County:  21 grant awardees for the fourth quarter of 2024, totaling $16,714,875: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 FEBRUARY 17, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 432  2025: Transformational change:  Grants rainbow:  Strategy: Pillar priority refresh: A brief discussion ensued about the grant cycles. Mr. Winslow responded to questions explaining that the $5,000 grants have not yet been issued. His team is in the process of rolling out community and capacity grants, aiming for early March or April. The direct funding for community grants will be announced and accessible to the community. NHCE operates with a rolling grants process, meaning there are no strict application deadlines. Consideration is being given to staggering quick application processes every few months to better evaluate requests, given that NHCE must turn down $5 of requests for every $1 awarded. Once the rules are finalized, NHCE will announce program specifics. Also, announced during the December public meeting, NHCE’s philosophy for capital grants prioritizes being the last dollars in a major project to ensure its completion. Recently, NHCE granted $7 million for a $65 million project, demonstrating its impact on the County. This strategy allows NHCE to confidently contribute to projects that are near completion, ensuring that its investment results in tangible outcomes, such as a new building or facility. The Board thanked Mr. Winslow for the update. PRESENTATION OF THE 2025 REVALUATION RESULTS Tax Administrator Allison Snell presented the 2025 reappraisal results as follows:  2025 Revaluation Update:  A revaluation reinstitutes equity and fairness amongst all property types to ensure the tax burden is equitably distributed.  North Carolina law requires all counties to revalue real property at least every eight (8) years.  New Hanover conducts its revaluations every four (4) years.  Revaluation purpose and process:  To appraise all property at fair market value to ensure equitable tax distribution.  Tax Appraisers conduct market analysis to determine the trends in the market.  Market analysis helps us determine the market cost, which helps staff build the Schedule of Values. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 FEBRUARY 17, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 433  The Schedule of Values is what County appraisers must adhere to when appraising any property within New Hanover County.  Market trend 2021-2024:  New Hanover County Market value increase:  Residential:  Mean change: 67%  Median change: 59%  Commercial:  Mean change: 67%  Median change: 66%  Total:  Mean change: 67%  Median change: 59%  Jurisdictional market value increase:  Project schedule:  August 18, 2024: Present Schedule of Values (SOV) to Board of County Commissioners  September 16, 2024: Public Hearing on SOV  October 7, 2024: Adoption of SOV by Board of County Commissioners  January 1, 2025: Values established for 2025 Revaluation  February 10, 2025: Complete final review of new numbers  February 17, 2025: Presentation of Revaluation to Board of County Commissioners  February 28, 2025: Value notices mailed to all property owners  April 24, 2025: Board of Equalization and Review will convene  May 22, 2025: Board of Equalization and Review will adjourn from receiving new appeals  June 2025: Finalize tax rates  North Carolina property tax rate relief programs:  Elderly or Disabled: Age 65 and/or totally and permanently disabled with income below $37,900  Disabled Veteran: 100% Total service-connected disability and discharged under honorable conditions (or unmarried surviving spouse)  Circuit Breaker: Income $0 - $37,900, taxes limited to 4% of income. Income $37,901 - $56,850, taxes limited to 5% of income. st  The deadline for all applications is June 1.  Appeals:  Every property owner has the right to file an appeal  If a property owner feels the value is incorrect for any reason, they must file an appeal and submit supporting information  All appeals must be in writing: online submission, letter, or email. The department cannot accept a verbal appeal. st  Applications are due by June 1  Comparable sales search: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 FEBRUARY 17, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 434  For questions:  New Hanover County Tax Administration  910-798-7300  reappraisal@nhcgov.com  tax.nhcgov.com A brief discussion ensued about the revaluation process, frequency, methodology, and impact on property values. Ms. Snell responded to Board questions, clarifying key aspects of the revaluation process, tax relief programs, and payment options. The County conducts property revaluations every four years instead of the state-mandated eight to reduce drastic fluctuations in assessed values. However, even with this shorter cycle, significant increases have occurred due to market trends. Nearly all properties have increased in value since 2021, with beach communities like Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach experiencing the largest percentage increases due to high demand. Property owners concerned about their new valuations have the option to appeal. The appeal process is open from January 1 to May 22, 2025 and updated property values are already available online, eliminating the need to wait for mailed notices. There are also tax relief programs, including the circuit breaker program, which allows individuals 65 and older with an income below $56,850 to defer a portion of their tax bill. However, this program is a deferment, not an exemption, meaning deferred taxes become due if the property is sold. She reiterated that property tax bills will be mailed in July, but residents have flexible payment options. Bills include four payment coupons, allowing homeowners to pay in installments. Additionally, the county accepts payments throughout the year, and many residents choose to pay weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Mortgage companies also receive tax information directly, but homeowners should verify that payments have been processed to avoid delinquency. The County’s median residential sale price, which currently stands at $411,000, is based on recent data analysis. It was emphasized that property valuations are determined using a defined methodology rather than arbitrary estimations. Residents are encouraged to visit the County website for resources, including valuation methods, appeal instructions, and tax relief details. She also reiterated that property value notices will be mailed on February 28, and residents are advised to review their values and file appeals if necessary. Applications for tax relief st programs are due by June 1. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark thanked Ms. Snell for the presentation. PRESENTATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 Eric Credle, Chief Financial Officer, presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 second quarter financial results as follows:  Finance Report for the Second Quarter Financial Summary for FY 2025:  Second quarter of FY 2025:  Property tax rate per $100 of assessed value:  FY 2022 = 47.5 cents  FY 2023 = 45.5 cents  FY 2024 = 45.0 cents  FY 2025 = 45.0 cents  Property tax bills mailed in late July:  Payable by citizens without interest until January 5, 2025  Tax receipt peak period is December – January  Sales taxes received on three month lag  Financial results dashboard:  General Fund revenues and expenditures: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 FEBRUARY 17, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 435  General Fund revenues:  Property taxes: total for July through January:  Sales taxes: total for July through November:  General Fund expenditures:  Debt Service Fund revenues and expenditures:  Environmental Management: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 FEBRUARY 17, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 436  Fire Services:  Stormwater Services: A brief discussion ensued about the update. Mr. Credle confirmed that stormwater services fees apply only in unincorporated areas, avoiding double payments for city and beach town residents. County Manager Coudriet added that only improved properties are assessed, excluding forestry land. County Engineer Tim Lowe explained that the engineering department's data analyst calculates impervious areas for commercial properties, while non- single-family residences pay a flat fee. Vacant land is not assessed. Regarding stormwater expenditures, Mr. Lowe clarified that while spending appeared low early in the year, numerous projects, including ditch and culvert cleanouts, engineering, and surveying, are ramping up. Funds will be fully utilized. Mr. Credle acknowledged concerns about the increased landfill use as it will reduce available space and confirmed that discussions are being held on the matter. County Manager Coudriet confirmed funding for a waste shredder in the current budget, which is working well. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark thanked Mr. Credle for the presentation. PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING NEW HANOVER COUNTY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ASSESSED CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (C-PACE) PROGRAM Chair Rivenbark stated the North Carolina Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Program is a statewide financing program administered by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina that allows commercial property owners to secure up to 100% private financing for eligible energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and resiliency improvements, with repayment structured as a voluntary property assessment. On February 3, 2025, the Board adopted a Resolution of Intent to join the program. Adoption of the Final Resolution would formally authorize the County’s participation, allowing local commercial property owners to access C-PACE financing. The Board will now hold a public hearing to receive comments on the request that the Board adopt a resolution authorizing New Hanover County to participate in the North Carolina C-PACE Program. Public comment speakers will be allowed to speak for three (3) minutes. He then asked for a motion to open the public hearing. MOTION: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Walker to open the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chair Rivenbark recognized Sustainability Manager Madelyn Wampler to make remarks. Ms. Wampler stated that the Board is being asked to consider formalizing the County’s participation in this program supporting commercial property improvements, which aligns with the County’s strategic plan. This initiative provides funding assistance to enhance building resilience, improve energy efficiency, and reduce costs for property owners. It represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen long-term sustainability efforts within the County. She acknowledged City of Wilmington Sustainability Manager David Ingram for introducing the program and for his ongoing cooperation in its development. Ms. Wampler responded to questions confirming that this initiative has no connection to wastewater discharge. The program strictly provides a financing mechanism for commercial property improvements and does not alter existing wastewater policies. She also reconfirmed that the County is not providing funding, financing, or handling billing and collection for the program. There being no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark stated that no one signed up to speak and requested a motion to close the public hearing. MOTION: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to close the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 FEBRUARY 17, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 437 MOTION: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to adopt the resolution authorizing New Hanover County to participate in the North Carolina C-PACE Program. 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 4.9. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council Chair Rivenbark reported that two vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council with two applications available for consideration. Commissioner Scalise nominated Sharisse Brown and Emilea Norris for appointments. Vice-Chair Pierce seconded the 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 Sharisse Brown and Emilea Norris to the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council to each serve three-year terms to expire December 1, 2027. Appointment to the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Board Chair Rivenbark reported that a vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Board in the Psychologist Category. One application has been received and is available for consideration. Commissioner Scalise nominated Emily Baxter for an appointment in the Psychologist category. Vice-Chair Pierce 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 Emily Baxter to the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Board in the Psychologist category to fill an unexpired term to expire July 31, 2025. Appointment to the Wilmington-New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission Chair Rivenbark reported that a vacancy exists on the Wilmington-New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission in the Commerce and Finance category with one application available for consideration. Vice-Chair Pierce nominated Eve Phillips for an appointment. Commissioner Scalise seconded the 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 Eve Phillips in the Commerce and Finance category to the Wilmington-New Hanover Port, Waterway, and Beach Commission for a three-year term to expire February 28, 2028. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Rivenbark stated that there are three people who signed up to speak under public comment and asked that the speakers provide comments. Tim McClung, resident of Royal Bonnett Drive, Wilmington, NC, stated he was also a county employee but speaking as a private citizen and that he was present to refute comments made by Commissioner Scalise during the st January 21 meeting regarding the County’s DEI department. He asserted that DEI plays a vital role in the County, emphasizing that while he has not faced discrimination personally, many others have. Until inequities are addressed, he believes the DEI department remains necessary. He noted that a small portion of his tax bill supports the DEI department and offered to prepay that amount and thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak. Mark Hommes, resident of Castle Hayne Road, Castle Hayne, stated his opposition to the Hilton Bluffs development, citing flooding concerns. His family-owned flower farm, which has been in operation since 1932, borders the site. He explained that heavy rain events currently push water to the edge of the fields and greenhouses. After Hurricane Florence, the farm invested $50,000 in drainage improvements, but the fears are that new roads will worsen flooding for the farm and neighbors. He further expressed doubt over the developers’ claims that culverts and retention ponds will prevent issues, noting past severe flooding, including during hurricanes Florence and Floyd. With no flood insurance available for the greenhouses, he worries about losing the family’s livelihood. He suggested reversing a previous denial to allow sand mining on the subject site to allow the landowners to profit while preserving the property. He also proposed that the County consider acquiring the land. Steve Szczerbiak, resident of McDougald Drive, Castle Hayne, NC shared his concerns about the Sledge Forest and Hilton Bluffs projects. He stated he was initially unaware of the projects but later learned that the developer, Mr. Miller, sought access through his property, which he declined due to neighborhood opposition. He reported that the development plans include over 4,000 homes, potentially adding 30,000 cars per day to Castle NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 FEBRUARY 17, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 438 Hayne Road, significantly impacting traffic. He expressed his safety concerns, citing the road’s unchanged conditions, past accidents, and the fact that school buses no longer enter McDougald Road, requiring children to wait at a hazardous intersection. He urged the Board to consider reducing the project’s density to mitigate traffic and safety issues. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS There were no additional agenda items of business. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 10:53 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.