Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-02 Agenda Review NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AGENDA REVIEW, OCTOBER 2, 2025 PAGE 666 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on October 2, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. for Agenda Review in Conference Rooms 137-139 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 A?orney K. Jordan Smith. Chair Rivenbark called the Agenda Review mee?ng to order and stated its purpose was to review items for the October 6, 2025, Regular Mee?ng. Consent Agenda Item #3: Approval of Revised Museum Governance Documents. In response to questions, Cape Fear Museum Director Kate Baillon stated that the museum has updated its bylaws and related governance documents for the first time in more than ten years. She explained that the revisions reduce the number of standing committees to those actively functioning, such as the Collections Committee, with the full board now handling strategic planning and nominations. She added that the updates align the documents with other County boards, American Alliance of Museums best practices, and current state law. Consent Agenda Item #4: Approval of the August 2025 Tax Collection Reports. In response to questions, Tax Administrator Allison Snell explained that tax collections are running slightly behind the prior year due to a delay in mailing tax bills caused by software issues outside the County’s control. She noted that collections are expected to return to normal by November or December. Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle added that the tax rate for the Fire Service District remains the same as last fiscal year, but property values have increased significantly due to the recent revaluation. Consent Agenda Item #6: Approval of Dennis Dixon’s individual gift in the amount of $200,000 as part of the “Invest in Grace” campaign. In response to questions, Ms. Baillon reported that with Dennis Dixon’s $200,000 gift, the museum’s fundraising total has reached $760,000. She also announced a $250,000 federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), bringing the total above the $1 million fundraising goal. Regular Agenda Item #8: Text Amendment Request (TA25-04) - Request by New Hanover County to amend Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, and 12 of the Unified Development Ordinance to modernize and clarify sign standards and ensure provisions are compliant with legal requirements. Planning and Land Use Director Rebekah Roth presented a proposed text amendment to update the sign regulations in the Unified Development Ordinance. She explained that the maintenance update aims to clarify inconsistencies, address questions about digital signage, and ensure the ordinance is organized and content neutral. The proposal introduces updated standards for electronic and changeable-copy signs similar to those used by the City of Wilmington but with stricter light limits in less urban areas. No changes are proposed to sign size or height. In response to questions about a nonconforming sign on Market Street, Ms. Roth explained that the property owner received a permit in error, making the sign a violation rather than a legal nonconformity. The Board of Adjustment denied a variance request, and a temporary agreement allowing the sign to remain has since expired. The amendment does not include changes that would make the sign compliant, though the Board may direct staff to review Market Street standards separately. Regarding past permitting errors, Ms. Roth stated that staff waive variance fees when permits are issued incorrectly and work with property owners to find resolutions if variances are denied. Vice Chair Pierce expressed concern about fairness when permits are revoked. County Manager Coudriet acknowledged that staff errors have occurred and explained that the County has allowed affected property owners time to bring signs into compliance through an informal amortization schedule. In response to questions, Ms. Roth stated that one clarification was incorporated before the Planning Board’s review and that an industry representative may submit additional comments. She agreed to review any suggestions and report back. She added that audio signage would be prohibited except when required for ADA accessibility and that digital messages may change no more than once every eight seconds, with transitions limited to two seconds to reduce driver distraction. Regular Agenda Item #8: Special Use Permit (S25-04) - Request by James Yopp with Hoosier Daddy, LLC, applicant and property owner, for an Additional Dwelling Allowance for additional density up to 6.54 dwelling units per acre in a R-15, Residential district on approximately 43.10 acres located at 5669, 5671, 5713, 5831 Carolina Beach Road and 1046, 1051, 1052, 1055 Rosa Parks Lane. A brief discussion ensued regarding questions about the applicant’s authority in the upcoming special use permit request. Ms. Roth explained that the manager of the LLC owning the subject property had passed away prior to the Planning Board’s preliminary forum, prompting concerns about the applicant’s ability to proceed. After that meeting, staff contacted the applicant’s attorney and received updated authorization from the current LLC managers confirming the applicant’s right to continue. She stated that staff verified this authorization and found it consistent with application requirements. County Manager Coudriet emphasized that although one LLC member had passed away, the surviving members granted consent, and NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AGENDA REVIEW, OCTOBER 2, 2025 PAGE 667 the applicant lawfully retains authority to proceed. In response to questions, Ms. Roth noted that staff are not aware of any attorney representing the opposition, though Planning Board members had advised those residents that expert testimony would be required to present certain evidence. In general discussion, Chief Communications Officer Josh Smith provided an overview of the upcoming ribbon cutting and dedication for Project Grace, marking the public opening of the new library and celebrating the completion of a long-term community investment. The Board also discussed preliminary information about a potential City of Wilmington initiative to acquire green space in partnership with the New Hanover Community Endowment. County Manager Coudriet noted that details are forthcoming and reaffirmed the County’s support for continued collaboration to preserve open space. ADJOURNMENT There being no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 2:36 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.