Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-20 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 OCTOBER 20, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 691 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on October 20, 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 Pastor Gayle Tabor, SALT Inclusive Methodist Community, provided the invocation, and Chair Rivenbark 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 Zapple 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 October 2, 2025 Agenda Review and the October 6, 2025 Regular Meeting. Approval of the Order of Denial for Special Use Permit (S25-04) – County Attorney The Board approved the order denying Special Use Permit S25-04 as required by North Carolina General Statute 160D-406. The order denying Special Use Permit (S25-04) is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and listing the findings of fact is contained in SUP Book IV, Page 104. Adoption of Budget Amendment – Budget The Board adopted budget amendment 26-015 for the Cape Fear Museum, amending the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The budget amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVI, Page 19.1. Adoption of Resolution Delegating Real Estate Excise Tax Refund Authority – County Attorney The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the county manager and county finance officer, or either of them, to grant requests for refund of overpayments of excise taxes paid in accordance with NCGS §105‐228.37, written notification will be provided to the Board after any refunds are approved. The resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVI, Page 19.2. 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: Gloria Bowden, Health and Human Services (HHS) – Social Services, retiring with 40 years of service Sherlyn Grantham, HHS – Social Services, retiring with 34 years of service Matthew Saunders, Fire Rescue, retiring with 20 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: Raymond-Frank Charfauros, Sheriff’s Office Fifteen Years: Marietta Chewning, HHS-Social Services Roxanne Pearson, Community Justice Services Twenty Years: Gina Jones, Sheriff’s Office Twenty-Five Years: Lynn Gavin, 911 Communications Kelly Johnson, HHS – Health Department Michael Stophel, Fire Rescue Gentry Turner, Fire Rescue NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 OCTOBER 20, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 692 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: Alan Brook and Joe Solomon. The Board welcomed the employees to the organization and wished them success in their new positions. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATION OF GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION AWARD Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle reported that the Finance Department received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence, the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. In July 2025, the GFOA informed the County of the award, granted for the County's annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. An impartial panel evaluated the report, confirming it met the program's high standards, including a constructive "spirit of full th disclosure" to communicate the County’s financial story effectively. This marks New Hanover County’s 44 consecutive year receiving the award. The Board thanked Mr. Credle and the staff for their work. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION Commissioner Zapple read the proclamation into the record recognizing October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in New Hanover County. Lauren Bryant, Executive Director of Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc., thanked the Board for recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and honoring both victims and survivors. She noted that one in three women and one in seven men experience domestic violence, calling it a community issue that affects people in all walks of life. She urged continued collaboration and affirmed to survivors, “We see you and we believe you.” Ben David, Community Justice Center CEO, praised Domestic Violence Shelter and Services for its partnership in supporting survivors. He highlighted new tools such as remote filing of protective orders and a weekly domestic violence courtroom, thanking the Board and partners for providing resources that strengthen victim support and community safety. Commissioner Walker thanked Lauren Bryant and Ben David for their work supporting survivors and highlighted the importance of nonprofit partnerships. She referenced attending the Silent Witness exhibit with Commissioner Zapple and encouraged revisiting County support during the next budget cycle to strengthen victim services. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Scalise to adopt the proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness 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 19.3. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION FOR SUPPORTING OPERATION GREEN LIGHT FOR VETERANS Commissioner Scalise read the resolution into the record recognizing Operation Green Light in New Hanover County, encouraging citizens to display a green light in a window of their business or residence from November 4 – 11, 2025. Veteran Services Officer Betsy Graham thanked the Board for adopting the resolution. Ms. Graham highlighted that 40% of North Carolina veterans are not connected to VA services and thanked County leadership and Facilities staff for their continued support. The Board expressed appreciation to Ms. Graham and Chief Facilities Management Officer Sara Warmuth for coordinating the Operation Green Light initiative. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to adopt the resolution recognizing Operation Green Light in New Hanover County, encouraging citizens to display a green light in a window of their business or residence November 4 – 11, 2025. 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 19.4. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE SCOTTS HILL WATER MAIN EXTENSION CDBG-I COMPLIANCE MANUAL RESOLUTION Planning and Land Use Program Manager Theo McClammy stated that the Board is being asked to consider and adopt a resolution to submit the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-I) Compliance Manual to the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 OCTOBER 20, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 693 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). The Compliance Manual is a federal and state requirement that ensures the County’s adherence to NCDEQ and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) CDBG program standards. It consolidates relevant County policies and procedures into one comprehensive document, covering citizen participation, language access, Fair Housing, employment, procurement, accessibility, and code of conduct. Development of the manual was a collaborative effort, prepared with technical assistance from the County’s CDBG consultant and input from several departments, including Risk Management, Finance, Human Resources, and Civic Engagement. Throughout the duration of the Scotts Hill Project, the manual will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure continued compliance with NCDEQ, HUD, and other oversight agencies. The Scotts Hill Water Main Extension will benefit approximately 120 residents across 57 parcels in the Old Scotts Hill and Kirkland area. The project is jointly funded through local County funds and federal CDBG-I grant funds:  Project: Public water service to residents in the Old Scotts Hill/Kirkland area, benefiting approximately 120 residents across 57 parcels  Grant: $2,997,703 from CDBG-I  County Contribution: $1,751,089 (FY25–26 Budget)  Total Cost: $4,748,792 In July, the Board approved several agreements related to the Scotts Hill Project. Since then, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority has engaged engineering services, and both the environmental review and engineering report are scheduled for submission later this month. Upon state approval of that report, the County will be authorized to request release of funds and move forward with the design and bid process in 2026. Commissioner Zapple thanked Mr. McClammy for his persistence and detailed work on the Scotts Hill water project, crediting his coordination and dedication for helping bring clean, filtered water to the community. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Walker to adopt the resolution authorizing the adoption of the supplemental program manual for New Hanover County during the implementation of the North Carolina Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Infrastructure (CDBG-I) Program. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVI, Page 19.5. PRESENTATION OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY DESTINATION 2050 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE FINAL GOALS AND FUTURE LAND USE MAP Planning Director Rebekah Roth provided an update on the New Hanover County (NHC) Destination 2050 Comprehensive Plan, noting that since the Board’s authorization in Fall 2023, staff have worked to update the County’s long-range policy guide for land use and development in unincorporated areas. She explained that staff have engaged the Board and Planning Board at each major milestone, and today’s presentation represents the final step before releasing the full draft for public review and beginning the formal adoption process. Ms. Roth described the plan as a continuation of the County’s long-range planning cycle following adoption of the Strategic Plan, ensuring policies remain current, responsive, and aligned with the County’s vision for a vibrant, sustainable coastal community. She outlined two key components guiding future work:  Goals, objectives, and policies that define how the County will manage growth and investment; and  The Future Land Use Map, which translates policy direction into specific geographic guidance. She reviewed how the plan connects community feedback, Board priorities, and daily decision-making through measurable goals and objectives. Staff requests the Board’s confirmation that the proposed goals and policies accurately reflect its priorities before finalizing the draft for release. The four proposed goals are: 1. Create vibrant, lasting places by balancing local character with future needs. 2. Support long-term community needs through fiscally responsible growth, infrastructure, and services. 3. Promote environmental stewardship and coastal resilience. 4. Strengthen collaboration and engagement to guide community planning. Ms. Roth summarized each goal’s focus area: maintaining neighborhood stability and connectivity; aligning growth with infrastructure capacity and economic resilience; protecting natural resources and addressing flooding and coastal vulnerabilities under the Coastal Area Management Act; and strengthening partnerships and public communication built on transparency and trust. She then outlined updates to the Future Land Use Map, which aims to:  Protect existing neighborhood character;  Focus growth near existing infrastructure investments;  Preserve areas for commercial development;  Encourage master planning of large tracts to support coordinated infrastructure; and  Account for environmental constraints. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 OCTOBER 20, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 694 Ms. Roth explained that the updated map introduces more specific place types than the 2016 Comprehensive Land Use Plan, offering clearer guidance for desired development patterns, emphasizing residential infill consistent with existing neighborhoods, improved commercial corridors, and coordinated planning to avoid piecemeal development. Supplementary maps will show nodes, transition areas, flood advisories, and environmental considerations. Ms. Roth noted that the plan links land use policy with related guidance on street design, transitional buffers, and priority transportation projects. Each goal will include measurable targets and implementation strategies to track progress and build public confidence. She concluded by requesting Board confirm alignment of the plan’s goals, policies, and Future Land Use Map with its expectations so staff can finalize the draft for public release next month, ahead of a January Planning Board hearing and a February Board of Commissioners hearing. In brief discussion, the Board commended Ms. Roth and her staff for their work on the update, noting that it reflects both community input and Board priorities through thoughtful, balanced revisions from the current plan. Commissioner Zapple highlighted the plan’s emphasis on communication among developers, the Board, and the public, and suggested adding measurable targets for open space and transportation access. Commissioner Scalise underscored the importance of balancing conservation with responsible development, describing the plan as an inflection point for the County and encouraging public feedback as the process moves forward. Commissioner Walker noted that stormwater, tree preservation, and conservation remain top community concerns, emphasized the need to address flooding in northern areas affected by Hurricane Florence, and raised questions about future energy capacity as electric-powered technologies expand. Ms. Roth commented that while energy demand was not analyzed in detail as part of this update, staff will evaluate additional measures and coordinate with partners to ensure development and infrastructure planning align with the Board’s goals. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark asked for Board direction on the presentation. MOTION: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice Chair Pierce to affirm that the information presented on the NHC Destination 2050 Comprehensive Plan update is directionally correct and authorizes staff to proceed with the next steps in the public process, including public comment, Planning Board review, and eventual Board consideration. This action does not change existing policy, and the current plan and policies remain in effect until final consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointment to the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage, and Culture Chair Rivenbark reported that one vacancy exists in the At-Large category on the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage, and Culture with one application available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Carolyn Beatty for appointment, seconded by Commissioner Walker. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Carolyn Beatty to the New Hanover County Commission on African American History, Heritage, and Culture in the At-Large category for an unexpired term that expires August 31, 2027. Appointment to the New Hanover County Inspections Department Advisory Council Chair Rivenbark reported that one vacancy exists in the At-Large category on the New Hanover County Inspections Department Advisory Council with one application available for consideration. Commissioner Scalise nominated Greg Wallace for appointment, seconded by Vice Chair Pierce. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Rivenbark asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Greg Wallace to the New Hanover County Inspections Department Advisory Council for a three-year term that expires July 31, 2028. Appointment to the New Hanover County Jury Commission Chair Rivenbark reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Jury Commission, with one application eligible for reappointment and one additional application available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Sheila Nicholson 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 reappoint Sheila Nicholson to the New Hanover Jury Commission for a two-year term, expiring October 31, 2027. Appointment to the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Chair Rivenbark reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council in the Faith Community category with two applications available for consideration. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 OCTOBER 20, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 695 Commissioner Zapple nominated Terry Smith for appointment to the Faith Community category, 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 Terry Smith in the Faith Community category for a two- year term expiring September 30, 2027. PUBLIC COMMENT Chair Rivenbark stated that two people signed up to speak under public comment and asked that the speakers to provide comments. Adrianne Garber, a resident of Wilmington, NC, expressed concern that current development conflicts with the 2016 Comprehensive Plan’s goal of conserving natural resources, citing flood-prone development along River Road as an example. She questioned the credibility of new land use maps and urged greater accountability to ensure growth aligns with environmental preservation. Laura McCabe, resident of New Orleans Place, Wilmington, NC, representing the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, commended staff for the Destination 2050 Comprehensive Plan and urged implementation of its conservation goals. She noted that the Alliance’s Code and Canopy policy paper can be a resource for strengthening the UDO to prevent further tree canopy loss. 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 10:08 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.