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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-15 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 661 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on September 15, 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; 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. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Reverend Caroline A. Jenkins, Little Chapel on the Boardwalk, 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 pulled for additional discussion Consent Agenda Item #7: Adoption of a Resolution to Dispose of Surplus Property According to Procedures Outlined in North Carolina General Statute Chapter 160A- Article 12 – Facilities Management. MOTION: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Vice Chair Pierce to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Board approved the minutes of the August 28, 2025 Agenda Review and the September 2, 2025 Regular Meeting. Approval of the Orders of Denial for Special Use Permits (S24-04 and S24-05) – County Attorney The Board approved the orders denying Special Use Permits S24-04 and S24-05 as required by North Carolina General Statute 160D-406. A copy of the order denying Special Use Permit (S24-04) and listing the findings of fact is contained in SUP Book IV, Page 102, and a copy of an order denying Special Use Permit (S24-05) and listing the findings of fact is contained in SUP Book IV, Page 103. Approval of Proposed Amendment to Interlocal Agreement for Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority (CFPTA) – County Attorney The Board approved the amendment to the Interlocal Agreement that created the CFPTA, requiring the County and City appointees to be current sitting members of their respective elected bodies. Adoption of Budget Amendments – Budget The Board adopted the following budget amendments, amending the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026: Senior Resource Center: 26-005, 26-006, and 26-007 Sheriff’s Office: 26-008, 26-009, and 26-010 Various: 26-011 New Hanover County Schools and Cape Fear Community College Capital Rollovers: 26-012 Legion Stadium: 26-013 Copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVI, Page 17.1. Approval of New Hanover County Board of Education Applications for Public School Building Capital Fund and Public School Building Repair and Renovation Funds – Finance The Board approved the eight Public School Building Capital Fund and Public School Building Repair and Renovation Fund applications for various New Hanover County Schools. The total amount of the eight applications is $3,194,617, with each of these funds being funded by the state lottery proceeds. Adoption of Resolution Approving the Award of Contract for Both the Purchase of New Rifles and the Sale of Rifles Firearms Owned by the County to Lawmen's Distribution, LLC – Sheriff The Board adopted a resolution to approve the award of a contract to purchase new rifles and sell the used rifles to Lawmen's Distribution, LLC. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVI, Page 17.2. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 662 Discussion and Adoption of a Resolution to Dispose of Surplus Property According to Procedures Outlined in North Carolina General Statute Chapter 160A-Article 12 – Facilities Management In response to Commissioner Zapple, Chief Facilities Management Officer Sara Warmuth stated that, upon approval, staff would make the items available the next morning. Nonprofit organizations would have the first week to view, inspect, and make offers; afterward, staff would advertise and sell any remaining items on GovDeals. Note: The Board declared County property as surplus and adopted the resolution authorizing the sale of the property electronically using GovDeals or disposal by any other method authorized by North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS), including discarding. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVI, Page 17.3. Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Submission of a Grant Application through the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) Locally Administered Projects Program for Construction of a Multi- Use Path from South College Road/17th Street to Piner Road – Parks and Gardens The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the Parks and Gardens Department to apply for a grant in the amount of $2,628,755. The County will provide the required cash match of $698,783 for a total project cost of $3,327,538. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVI, Page 17.4. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees to receive a retirement award: Margaret Burns, Health and Human Services (HHS) – Social Services, retiring with 15 years of service Tara Duckworth, Parks and Gardens, retiring with 15 years of service Douglas Perry, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with 27 years of service Georgia Morris, HHS – Social Services, retiring with 33 years of service Each retiree received a retirement award from the Board in recognition of their dedicated service. County Manager Coudriet then recognized the following employees receiving service awards: Five Years: Gwendolyn Brown, HHS – Social Services Ten Years: Heather Yenco, Cape Fear Museum Fifteen Years: Rebecca Pearce, Senior Resource Center Twenty Years: Stephen Simms, Information Technology Twenty-Five Years: Alice Moore, HHS – Social Services Forty Years: Gloria Bowden, HHS – Social Services The Board presented each employee with a service award, thanked them personally, and expressed appreciation for their years of dedicated service. County Manager Coudriet requested the following new employees to stand for introductions: Omar Perez Samantha Swain Frederick Falcone Trey Mince Christopher Kiestler The Board welcomed the employees to the organization and wished them success in their new positions. RECOGNITION BY THE NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (NCACC) FOR 2025 CIVIC EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARDS Commissioner Walker reported that New Hanover County received two of the ten statewide awards at the NCACC Annual Conference. The first award honored the 911 Care Team, which deploys mental-health professionals to non-violent behavioral-health calls, easing demands on law enforcement and EMS and supporting 911 telecommunicators. The second honored the Community Resource Portal, launched last year as a real-time directory that connects residents to services and reduces barriers. Since 2016, the County has earned repeated innovation recognition, and Commissioner Walker emphasized the impact on residents, first responders, and the community. Commissioner Walker and the Board thanked staff for their creativity, compassion, and commitment, noting that these awards belong to them. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION MONTH, SMART START OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY PROCLAMATION Commissioner Walker read the proclamation into the record recognizing September 2025 as “Early Childhood Education Month with Smart Start of New Hanover County” in New Hanover County. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 663 Jane Morrow, Executive Director of Smart Start of New Hanover County, expressed appreciation for the proclamation and reported on Smart Start activities. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Walker MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Scalise to adopt the proclamation recognizing September 2025 as “Early Childhood Education Month with Smart Start of New Hanover County” 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 17.5. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION Commissioner Zapple read the proclamation into the record recognizing September 15 through October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month in New Hanover County. Rafael Toro, member of the New Hanover County Hispanic Latino Commission, expressed appreciation for the proclamation and reported on the group’s activities. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Walker to adopt the proclamation recognizing September 15 through October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage 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 17.6. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION WEEK PROCLAMATION Commissioner Scalise read the proclamation into the record recognizing September 17 through 23, 2025, as Constitution Week in New Hanover County. Lynne Ashcraft, Regent of the Stamp Defiance Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, expressed appreciation for the proclamation and reported on the group’s activities in recognition of Constitution Week. Commissioner Zapple highlighted the premiere of The American Constitution, a film by David Garrigus filmed in New Hanover County with local actors. It will air on PBS next year and he encouraged the public to view it. Commissioner Scalise thanked Ms. Ashcraft for her work in bringing items to the Board. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to adopt the proclamation recognizing September 17 through 23, 2025, as Constitution Week 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 17.7. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to the New Hanover Community Endowment Chair Rivenbark reported that two vacancies exist on the New Hanover Community Endowment (NHCE) with two applications available for reappointment and twelve additional applications available for consideration. Commissioner Scalise nominated Shannon Winslow for reappointment and Justin Burgess for appointment. Commissioner Zapple nominated Spence Broadhurst for reappointment. Discussion ensued about the NHCE appointments. Commissioner Zapple noted prior Board and community discussions, outlined the appointing authorities (County 5, Novant 6, Endowment 2), and referenced the interim CEO’s request for stability and experience during NHCE’s leadership transition. Commissioner Zapple supported reappointing Spence Broadhurst and Shannon Winslow, citing Mr. Broadhurst’s experience and involvement since NHCE’s inception. He added that some committees warrant open discussion. Vice Chair Pierce countered that Commissioner Zapple had ignored their private conversation and that his comments condoned bullying and intimidation related to votes. Commissioner Zapple replied that he was not part of such behavior and was reading from the application. Vice Chair Pierce stated she would not be pressured into a vote and that applicants seeking her support should demonstrate their merits and community commitment. She reiterated that threats would not influence her vote. Commissioner Walker called for a more open and transparent process, citing NHCE’s foundational NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 664 documents and the need for diversity, including diversity of thought. Commissioner Walker said decisions appeared preordained, noted respect for multiple applicants, and asked to proceed to a vote. Commissioner Scalise noted that discussion began before a second was received for his nomination motion and requested same. Vice Chair Pierce provided a second. Commissioner Scalise then stated that he would have supported the status quo if not for Vice Chair Pierce’s account, which he believes. Referring to Commissioner Zapple’s prior media comments about the NHCE, Commissioner Scalise said his motion, to keep the current chair and replace a long-serving member, was consistent with those remarks and “switches things up.” He reiterated support for Mr. Burgess’ application. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark stated there will be a separate vote on each nomination. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Shannon Winslow to the New Hanover Community Endowment for a three-year term that expires September 30, 2028. Vote Results: The Board voted 3 - 2 to appoint Justin Burgess to the New Hanover Community Endowment for a three-year term that expires September 30, 2028; Commissioners Walker and Zapple dissenting. Appointment to the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council Chair Rivenbark reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council, with one application available for consideration. Commissioner Scalise nominated Karl Hess for appointment, seconded by Commissioner Zapple. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Karl Hess to the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council to fill an unexpired term that expires December 31, 2027. Appointment to the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Board Chair Rivenbark reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Board in the Licensed Dentist category, with one application available for consideration. Commissioner Walker nominated Dr. Anahita Shaya for appointment, seconded by Commissioner Scalise. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Dr. Anahita Shaya to the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Board in the Dentist Category for a four-year term, with the term to expire July 31, 2029. Appointments to the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Chair Rivenbark reported that three vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, two in the At-Large category and one in the Business Community category, with one application eligible for reappointment and five additional applications available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Wendy Dale for reappointment and Brittany Spell for appointment to the At-Large category, and Greg Savad for appointment to the Business Community category. Commissioner Walker 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 Wendy Dale and appoint Brittany Spell in the At-Large category, and to appoint Greg Savad in the Business Community category to the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council for two-year terms, with the terms expiring September 30, 2027. PUBLIC COMMENT Chair Rivenbark recognized Media Productions Specialist Eric Peterson for his work in the control booth for over 500 meetings. He then stated that two people signed up to speak under public comment and asked that the speakers to provide comments. Tom Plaskett, a resident of Tillson Road, Wilmington, NC, expressed concern about a sharp increase in his water bill and cited a 59% rise in irrigation rates. He said the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) budget did not clearly reflect this change and believes that the cost allocation unfairly burdened customers with irrigation meters. He noted he emailed detailed comments to the Board before the meeting. Commissioner Zapple asked him to also speak at the CFPUA meeting on October 8, 2025. Dr. Chris Barnes, Superintendent of New Hanover County Schools, thanked the Board for revisiting its decision to fully fund the school nursing program, noting the positive impact on both students and staff. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 665 Commissioner Walker commented on attending the Amazon Prime event in connection with The Runarounds, filmed at New Hanover High School. She also noted Wilmington’s long history in the film industry and encouraged the community to support it by watching the series. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 10:12 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.