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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-30 Agenda ReviewNEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AGENDA REVIEW, OCTOBER 30, 2025 PAGE 696 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on October 30, 2025 at 3:00 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 Attorney K. Jordan Smith. CLOSED SESSION Chair Rivenbark stated that a Closed Session is needed pursuant to North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 143-318.11(a)(3) and (a)(5) to consult with its legal counsel in order to preserve the attorney -client privilege between legal counsel and the public body. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to enter into a Closed Session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) and (a)(5) to consult with its legal counsel in order to preserve the attorney -client privilege between legal counsel and the public body. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chair Rivenbark convened the Closed Session at 3:02 p.m. and ordered all people, not Board members or specifically designated staff, to leave the meeting room. CONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION FOR AGENDA REVIEW Chair Rivenbark called the meeting back to order at 4:10 p.m., reported that the Board had concluded its closed session, and stated that the Board would now review and discuss the November 3, 2025 Regular Meeting agenda items and receive a staff update. Regular Agenda Item #6: Hearing on Revocation of a Solid Waste Collection Franchise. In response to questions, Assistant County Manager Jessica Loeper explained that the Board will hold a hearing to consider revoking the Seahawk Sanitation, Inc. franchise after the county manager determined revocation was warranted following five resident complaints in March, May, and June 2025. The complaints cited early -morning trash collection in residential areas that violated the County noise ordinance, despite repeated notifications and compliance discussions with the owner. Deputy County Attorney Kemp Burpeau will provide an overview, followed by statements from Recycling and Solid Waste Director Joe Suleyman and Sergeant Shaun Moore with the Sheriff's Office. Franchise owner Anthony Jordan Cordero will then present his case before the Board makes its final determination. During Board discussion, Commissioner Zapple expressed appreciation to staff for their work and supported allowing the franchise to continue under a 90-day probationary period. He suggested adding language stating that any violation during that period would trigger immediate revocation of the franchise. Commissioner Scalise expressed frustration with the waste hauler, noting that the company had received repeated instructions and reminders yet continued to disregard requirements. He emphasized the seriousness of the violations, the strain on staff and residents, and the need for meaningful consequences rather than leniency. He said he would keep an open mind but believed the situation showed disregard for the law and the County's authority. County Manager Coudriet confirmed that the waste hauler retains the right to appeal to the Board and that staff have taken actions they consider appropriate. Regular Agenda Item #8. Public Hearing - Rezoning Request (Z25-16) — Request by Atilano Cardenas and Sebastian Cardenas, applicants, on behalf of Phillip and Princetta Pierce, property owners, to rezone approximately 0.39 acres located at 2624 Castle Hayne Road from an existing (CZD) B-1, Neighborhood Business district to a new (CZD) B-1 district for the uses of grocery store and restaurant. In response to questions, Development Review Supervisor Robert Farrell explained that the five-foot easement was a condition from the property's original rezoning, and staff's intent was to carry forward any existing conditions still relevant to the site. He added that while outdated conditions were removed, this one remains applicable since the site has not been developed. He also confirmed that a 20-foot multi -use path is the current standard and that the Board has the authority to request it. He noted staff can inform the applicant to be prepared to address that request. Regular Agenda Item #9: Rezoning Request (Z25-17) — Request by Mike Brown with Cape Fear Development, applicant, on behalf of OFSC Properties, LLC,Ammo Dump/ Lake +9, LLC, and the D. Webster Trask Revocable Trust, property owners, to rezone approximately 95 acres zoned 1-2, Heavy Industrial and approximately 13 acres zoned 1-1, Light Industrial for a total of 108 acres located in the 3100 to 4200 block of Blue Clay Road to a general use RMF-L, Residential Multi -Family Low Density zoning district and removing the Special Highway Overlay District (SHOD). In response to questions, Senior Planner Zach Dickerson stated that the use of "ammo dump" is just a name someone used, and he confirmed that it is a straight rezoning, and the applicant cannot be held to a plan. Vice Chair Pierce departed the meeting at 4:24 p.m. STAFF UPDATE Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) Deputy Director Abby Lorenzo presented the following information on the Cape Fear Navigating Change 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REVIEW, OCTOBER 30, 2025 BOOK 36 PAGE 697 • About the WMPO: • Formed in 1973 • Population of 300,000+ • Planning area covers approximately 494 square miles • 13-member Board including a representative from each member jurisdiction (2 from the City of Wilmington, Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority, and the North Carolina Board of Transportation • Responsibilities: • Federally required to provide regional transportation planning utilizing a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive (3Cs) process which serves as the basis of the expenditure of federal transportation funding • Update and maintain the metropolitan transportation plan every five (5) years • Prepare an annual work plan called the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) • Assist in the prioritization of transportation projects for the development of the State/MPO Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) • Coordinate the activities of the WMPO Board and Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) • Metropolitan Transportation Plan Overview: • Federal law requires the WMPO to adopt a Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and update it every five (5) years. • The MTP identifies the region's transportation needs and provides a blueprint for the next 25 yea rs. • The current WMPO MTP, Cape Fear Navigating Change 2050, was adopted by the WMPO Board on October 29, 2025, and is due for an update by October 29, 2030. • Requirements: • Federal law requires a Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) that is: • Multi -modal (six transportation modes) • Fiscally constrained • Has a minimum 20-year planning horizon (WMPO planning horizon is 25 years) • Adheres to the adopted public participation plan • Uses growth forecasts consistent with the latest local land use plans • Plan Development Process: • Timeline: August 2022 — November 2025 (40 months, 3.3 years): • August 2022 - May 2023: WMPO staff preparations • June 2023 - January 2024: CAC and MTPC meetings, public outreach phase • February 2024 - November 2024: Vision, goals, and objectives developed; modal project development; financial element • December 2024 - May 2025: Draft plan development • June 2025: Draft plan released for comment, public outreach phase II • July 2025 - August 2025: Plan finalization • September 2025: Present final plan to WMPO TCC and Board • October 2025: WMPO plan adoption • Public Outreach Phase I: Efforts and Results Summary for August — November 2023: Efforts Results 96 In -Person Comments 6 Public Meetings - 2,347 Survey Responses • Key Findings Summary for August - November 2023: • The survey and stakeholder interviews found: 1 . Currently citizens travel Most often .3. The i/ four in the following`/ /' 1 1 order): Public1. Drive Alone 1. Walking 2. Transportation PublicTransportation 4. Personal Car 4. Biking • Vision Statement Development: 71MAna:1ysi*9 TPc2050 MTP PublicInput MissiOT Vision Input Visi Statement • Cape Fear Navigating Change 2050 Vision Statement: • "Our region will thrive and prosper through a fair and resilient transportation network that supports regional economic vitality while improving quality of life for residents and enhancing quality of place for neighborhoods." • Goals Development: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REVIEW, OCTOBER 30, 2025 BOOK 36 PAGE 698 F,",_ -49 F 7 - -_ _7 9 r F"P,"- -I i. IIwMP0 Federal 2050 MTP Strategicctors MTP i lilililililil� Goalsng Plan Vision Factors • Cape Fear Navigating Change 2050 Goals: Safe, Fair, Connected, Resilient, and Proactive • Modal Project Scoring and Policy Development: Ing How projects are scored by • mode Modal Objectives 6L� ­7 Policies per How success is Policies made to guide defined per decision - transportation making mode • Regional Priority Projects: • Developed with member jurisdictions and planning partners: Bike/Ped, Ferry and Water Transportation, Public Transportation, Rail, and Roadway • Project cost estimates developed: Using 2024 $ • Financial Forecast: Funding projections for the WMP©, based on historical funding sources, through 2050 Aviation* $635,764,272 $ -- Bicycle and Pedestrian $73,324,879 517,942,00 Ferry and Water Transportation $10,834,000 $103,953,000 Public Transportation $79,704,275 $264,930,000 Rail* $78,075,000 $ -- Roadway $5,119,133,220 $962,908,000 Total $5,980,771,646 $1,349,733,000 FA"ation O&M is excluded as Wilmington International Airport {ILM) did not provide data and indicated revenues tied to enplanements are fully expended annualty. Rail ©&M is excluded as service is pmeately operated with no public passenger service within the WMPO's planning area. • Redline Analysis for Roadway Project Fiscal Constraint: DEVELOP REDUCE LIST BY INCREASE LIST COMPREHENSIVI: APPLYING BASE BY ADDING MODE -SPECIFIC SCENARIO PROJECTED ALTERNATIVE PROJECT LIST FUNDING FUNDING PROJECT-OPROJECT BASE PROJECT B BASE 2. PROJECT 3. PROJECT C MONEY PROJECT C MONEY 3. PROJECT 4. PROJECT D AVAILABLE 5. PROJECT E FOR THIS 4. PROJECT ALTERNATE S. PROJECT E 6. PRMODE S. "PROJECTE AVAILAI 6. PRO7. JECT FOR THIS PROJECT8. MODE 7. PROJECT �11 8. PROJECT %~ • Alternative Funding Opportunities: • A funding gap of $7.9 billion was identified based on regional project needs and forecasted funding. • Alternative funding sources utilized in North Carolina and other parts of the US were researched, including taxes, fees, grants, and bonds. • Alternative funding sources explored by the Board: • Quarter -Cent Local Option Sales Tax ($1.93 billion forecast through 2050) • Quarter -Cent Local Option Sales Tax for Transit ($1.18 billion forecast through 2050) • Vehicle Registration Fee ($67.78 million forecast through 2050) • Motor Vehicle License Tax ($12.8 million forecast through 2050) • Short Term Vehicle Rental Tax ($59.43 million forecast through 2050) • Tolling (Cape Fear Crossing, Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement) • Transportation Bonds __..d+we�r �lQlRom3'way. y, p ` ..era v,w.r7Yo o r • • • Biillfion • Billion • Public Outreach Phase II: Public Review of the Draft Plan for May 28 —June 27, 2025: • 57 comments were received from citizens and outside organ izations/agencies Efforts & Results No public comments resulted in modifications to the modal project lists 2 Open Houses • All comments were recorded into a master Pop -Up spreadsheet and staff provided written response to each 57 Comments Reviewed • Comments addressing formatting, wording/terminology, typos, mapping updates, etc. were made within the plan • Cape Fear Navigating Change 2050 Plan Chapters: • Beginning Pages: Cover Page, Acknowledgments, Table of Contents, and Acronym List 1. Introduction: About the WMPO, MTPs, why we are developing the MTP, and how it will be used NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REVIEW, OCTOBER 30, 2025 BOOK 36 PAGE 699 2. About Our Region: Region demographic trends, overview of the six modes of transportation, and their existing conditions, as well as economic conditions 3. Developing the Plan: Plan development strategy overview, planning considerations, visions, goals, and objectives 4. Identifying Our Priorities: Process for identifying priority projects, fiscal constraint, alternative funding considerations, and policies to guide the process 5. Analyzing Our Choices: Wilmington Regional Travel Demand Model, planning -level critical resource analysis, and summary of public outreach phase II 6. The Roadmap to 2050: Fiscally constrained roadway projects, non -highway priority projects, and modal policies • Cape Fear Navigating Change 2050 Appendices: • Appendices Beginning Pages: Appendices Cover Page, Acronym List, Appendices Table of Contents • 14 Appendices: Rr4nrniinrl nA l"I ranhir IJ osil B Federal Regulations I I Public Transportation C 'Public Involvement I Roadway D Financial Element K Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) E Aviation L Transportation Demand Management (TDM) F Bicycle and Pedestrian M Environmental Considerations G Ferry and Water Transportation N WMPO Comprehensive Transportation Plan • Final Plan Outcomes: • 2050 MTP Document: • Establishes the long-range vision, goals, and strategies for regional transportation through 2050 • Identifies multimodal project priorities including fiscally constrained roadway projects • Guides regional coordination and funding decisions • Supporting Products: • Go Coast 2026-2030 Implementation Plan: Short -Range Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan • Wilmington Regional Travel Demand Model: Base Year = 2021, Future Year = 2050 • Alternative Funding Analysis • f _TT o t+9 a te: • New Hanover County Priority Projects: Roadv ay — Fiscally Constrained Bicycle and Pedestrian • RW-36: Blue Clay Road Modernization BP-53: Carolina Beach Road MUP • RW-37: Future Hampstead Bypass/Sidbury Road Phase 2 Interchange BP-55: Carolina Beach Road MUP • RW-39: I-140/Blue Clay Road Interchange Phase 4 • RW-40: Mohican Trail/Masonboro Loop Road BP-56: Carolina Beach Road West MUP Roundabout BP-57: Castle Hayne Road MUP • RW-41: Murrayville Road Modernization and Extension BP-63: Masonboro Loop Road MUP • RW-43: Myrtle Grove Road/Finer Road/61asonboro Phase 2 Loop Road Roundabout BP-65: Middle Sound Loop Road MUP • RW-44: Navajo Trail/Masonboro Loop Road Phase 2 Roundabout BP-67: Murrayville Road Trail MUP • RW-45. Connector road between Holly Shelter Road BP-72: S College Road MUP Phase 1 and Sidbury Road • BP-74: Sidbury Road MUP • RW-46: Piner Road Widening and Intersection BP-75: Silver Lake Road MUP Realignment • RW-47: Sidbury Road Widening • RW-48: US 17/U5 17 BUS/I-140 Interchange Improvements • Aligning the 2050 MTP with Local Efforts for Greater Impact: • Integrate MTP goals and strategies during project scoping, development review, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning, and local lrypie� of Tron"notion Pion transportation planning. • Participate in and promote WMPO programs, studies, and initiatives that advance regional MTP priorities. TIP • Reference the 2050 MTP when identifying local priorities, as it directly guides WMPO project selection for future NC©OT Prioritization processes. • Stay engaged and participate in the development of the 2055 MTP in the years ahead. • A Special Thanks to All Who Helped: WMPO Board of Directors Metropolitan Transportation Plan C:iti7ens Advisory Committee (CAC: Technical Advisory Committee Hank MIties. Cliar, Town of Wrightsrille Beach Paul Louka% Chair, Town of VVhglltFwft @CaCh Luke WaddeN Vice Chair, City of Wrrnrgton David Branton. Vice Chew, City of WNmuglon Lynn Barbee Town of Carolina Beach Linda Palnt*r, Chair. Cary of Wmitio tgton Can Adams. Tmvin of Cargkni Beads Chuck Bost Town of Belo!" Daniel Adams. V"Chak, Perrier County Damsrn Buchanan. Pender CoIIMy Bfon4a Sooleman. Town of Letand Ben Andrea Town of eLand John Cawthorn. Town of Kure Beach John Ellen ' -hn of Kure Beach Stepivni* Aylfrs, North Carrot" Ports Tyler Cralle New Hanover County Brad C*orge Pender County Tommy Batson. Pender Cotwtty Emergency Will Daubs Ciory or Virantntgloon Bill RivenDark. New Hanover Corry MWggt Ylnt Tnsh Famharft. Town of Letlnd Dan* Scakso. New Hanover Cdlnty Sim Boswen. Cape Fear RPO Rich Leary. Brunswick County Kevin Spear City of Wilmington Helen Bunch, BnwwawKk County atyesha Patrick Town of ltavassa Frank wdrums. Bru nsviromCounty Kim Carson City of VAknwt W Jonas Williams Town of Betvne Eulis Willits, Town OfNiraM Adrienne Cos I4CDOTDrvtsKu+3 L a noon Zinsmer. PIC Board of Transportation Cr ans*ur Dock 1VIY7kn icon Mtelrlational Airport Jon Dodson, Wafts Tralmot Paul Lou kas. CAC Chan WMPO Technical Coordinating Bill Marty FHWA Consultant Leah Mayo. VlaCW Committee (TCC) Rebekah Roth, #tow Hanover County WrrMey-trdrrt R ASsoCWks Nabs Saroer, rtCDOT Transrforuppi Purning Dho"+on Steven Still 'Jew Hanoar+Cwnty Ernergenty . tvnwi store Zander. VMPO SPAC Chair • Where to Find the Plan: • The WMPO Office: 525 N. 4th Street, Wilmington 0 Printed copies will be distributed to all member jurisdictions and area libraries NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AGENDA REVIEW, OCTOBER 30, 2025 PAGE 700 • https://www.wmpo.org/mtp/ Commissioner Scalise thanked the WMPO team for their extensive work on regional transportation planning for the next 25 years of transportation. He reported that the WMPO Board approved the item the previous day and disbanded the body that had worked on the plan for approximately three years. In response to questions, Ms. Lorenzo explained that Gordon Road is already funded and under construction, while Castle Hayne Road carried over from a previous STIP cycle and will need to undergo future scoring through the state's prioritization process. The WMPO Board created a subcommittee to explore alternative funding options identified in the plan, including potential regional sources to support major transportation projects. Ms. Lorenzo clarified that the mileage -based tax currently under legislative review falls outside the subcommittee's scope but noted that the plan emphasizes finding new funding sources. She added that the statement "Our region will thrive and prosper" reflects the plan's vision, which the steering committee developed from public input. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 4:40 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.