Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-20 RM Exhibits AGENDA: April 20,2026 Exhibit NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Book Xi-Ali I Page S• I AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of County Commissioners of New Hanover County,North Carolina,that the following Budget Amendment(s)be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30,2026. Section 1: Details of Budget Amendment Strategic Focus Area: Good Governance Strategic Objective(s): Proactively manage the county budget. Fund:GENERAL FUND Department: Information Technology Expenditure: Decrease Increase Total BA 26-037 Information Technology $ (503,790) $ - $ (503,790) Total $ (503,790)j $ 11$ (503,790) Revenue: Decrease Increase Total BA 26-037 North Carolina 911 Board Grant $ (503,790) $ - $ (503,790) Total $ (503,790) $ - 1 $ (503,790) Prior to Actions Total if Actions Taken Today Departmental Budget I$ 17,645,418 I $ 17,141,628 Fund:EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM FUND Department:911 Expenditure: Decrease Increase Total BA 26-037 North Carolina 911 Board Grant $ - $ 503,790 $ 503,790 Total $ - $ 503,790 $ 503,790 Revenue: Decrease Increase Total BA 26-037 North Carolina 911 Board Grant S - $ 503,790 $ 503,790 Total $ - $ 503,790 $ 503,790 Prior to Actions Total if Actions Taken Today Departmental Budget $ 3,021,636 $ 3,525,426 Section 2: Explanation BA 26-037 moves budgeted grant funds from the General Fund into the Emergency Telephone Service Fund to comply with grant directives from the North Carolina 911 Board.This movement allows for financial reporting of previously accepted grant funds in the manner prescribed by the grantor.Funding is being used to support the replacement of the County's Computer Aided Dispatch(CAD)system and applies specifically to the 911 portion of this project.This upgrade replaces the outdated 1996 system,improving emergency response times and interagency coordination.Additional project funding is included in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget,with a portion already allocated in the Emergency Telephone System Fund and the remainder in the General Fund.No County match is required,and no new positions are being created. Section 3: Documentation of Adoption This ordinance shall be effective upon its adoption. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of New Hanover County,North Carolina, that the Ordinance for Budget Amendment 26-037 amending the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026,is adopte. .sNTY•A O O, Adop is 20 day o'4• . ',2026. (SEA O / , 7..'.,kt.'!"'• t—C) attA4 i°,0 .e4 -_ LeAnn Pierce,Chair 3. we , .a , i' ATT ST: wn •FqA9CISNEd, CD- OcIGCS)(kreke- Kym 1 igh G.Crowell,Cl r o the Board EXh NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Book XL\J l page 5. 43rd ANNUAL NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK PROCLAMATION WHEREAS,travel and tourism benefit New Hanover County's workforce and supports our local economy; and WHEREAS, National Travel and Tourism Week [NTTW] celebrates the U.S. travel community and recognizes the travel industry's vital contributions to the U.S. economy, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses, and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day; and WHEREAS, this year's NTTW theme, "Postmarked: Essential," highlights that in every corner of the country, travel is a foundational pillar of growth, leaving an indelible mark on our local economies and culture; and WHEREAS, in the United States: • In 2024,travel generated an economic output of$3 trillion, representing a significant 2.4%of GDP; • Domestic leisure travel spending reached $876 billion; • Travel spending generated $89 billion in state and local taxes across the U.S.; • Travel directly supported 8 million American jobs and another 7 million through indirect impact; and WHEREAS, in North Carolina: • In 2024, direct visitor spending across the state totaled $36.7 billion; • Tourism accounts for 6.2%of total employment in the state; • Our state is the 5th most visited in the U.S.for domestic travel; • New Hanover County ranks 8th in visitor spending among the state's 100 counties; and WHEREAS, in New Hanover County: • Visitor spending infuses millions of new dollars into our local economy each year, helping to fund beach nourishment,the Convention Center,ocean safety programs, and more; • Room Occupancy Tax collections in 2025 exceeded $25.5 million, setting a new benchmark; • In 2024, visitor spending was estimated at more than $1.14 billion ($1,139.78 million), representing an increase of 1.5 percent over 2023; • In 2024, travel generated approximately $79.34 million in state and local tax receipts, thereby providing a $326.79 tax savings to each county resident as a direct result of visitor spending; • The local travel industry provided more than 7,003 jobs and supported a payroll of$290.59 million; • Travel is Essential to the County's economic success; and WHEREAS, this proclamation recognizes the significant effect the travel industry has on our local economy and the profound impact it has on the lives of New Hanover County's citizens. NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners that May 3-9, 2026, is recognized as "National Travel and Tourism Week" in New Hanover County. ADOPTED this 20th day of April, 2026. vP ��T NEW HAN V R COUNTY Az- w4t, fi2,4%/Ct_ r LeAnn Pierce, Chair ATTEST: Ky erleigh G. Cr ell, Clerk to the Board NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Exalt SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION J(IV1 WHEREAS, April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), marking 25 years of progress in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and working to prevent sexual violence in our communities; and WHEREAS, this year's SAAM theme, "25 Years Strong: Looking Back, Moving Forward," honors the resilience of survivors and recognizes the collective efforts of communities dedicated to creating meaningful change; and WHEREAS, Sexual Assault Awareness Month has served as a platform to educate the public, support survivors, and inspire action to prevent sexual assault, abuse, and harassment; and WHEREAS, as we reflect on how far we have come, we also recognize the work that lies ahead; and WHEREAS, prevention begins with each of us through fostering respect, practicing consent, and creating safe, supportive environments where all individuals are valued and protected; and WHEREAS, when we act with intention, we move closer to a future free from violence; and WHEREAS, sexual assault affects individuals and families across all walks of life, impacting their well-being, safety, and sense of security; and WHEREAS, New Hanover County honors the courage of survivors who have shared their stories and recognize's the advocates and organizations who continue to lead efforts in prevention, education, and healing; and WHEREAS, the Rape Crisis Center (RCC) of Coastal Horizons provides essential services, including 24-hour crisis response, individual counseling, and advocacy, to victims in New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, and Duplin Counties, ensuring that those impacted by sexual violence receive the help and support they deserve; and WHEREAS, fostering a culture that prioritizes safety, respect, and accountability helps ensure that every individual can live free from the threat of sexual violence and strengthens our commitment to a safer future for all. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners that April 2026 is recognized as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in New Hanover County. All residents are encouraged to take part in efforts to prevent sexual violence, support survivors, and help foster a community rooted in safety, dignity, and respect for all. ADOPTED this 20th day of April, 2026. NEW HANG ER COUNTY /(/vvv / ,t./4 Lc. z � c LeAnn Pierce, Chair "%> ' ATTEST: Ky erleigh G. C ell, Clerk to the Board NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Exhibit CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH PROCLAMATION Book AA/'1 Page WHEREAS, in fiscal year 2024-2025, Carousel Child Advocacy Center(CCAC) received 394 child abuse case referrals, with 188 of those referrals involving children in New Hanover County; and WHEREAS, children are our most vulnerable members, as well as our most valuable resources, helping to shape the future of our communities; and WHEREAS, child sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect are serious problems affecting every community and can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical consequences throughout an individual's lifetime, impacting future generations; and WHEREAS, children who have access to safe adults, protective environments, and families with concrete economic and social support are less likely to experience abuse and neglect; and WHEREAS, positive childhood experiences (PCEs), including loving caregivers and safe, stable, and nurturing relationships, help mitigate trauma and the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), promoting the social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children; and WHEREAS,nurturing positive childhoods and preventing child abuse is possible through partnerships among families, intervention and prevention advocates, child welfare professionals, education, health, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and local, state, and national governments; and WHEREAS, to address the public health and safety issues of child abuse, we must work together to change social norms, break down bias and barriers, center the needs of families, and inspire education and action across all sectors of society; and WHEREAS, New Hanover County is committed to preventing child abuse and recognizes the need to invest in primary prevention efforts, intervention services, and equitable, responsive, and effective systems that ensure all children and families are healthy and thriving. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners that April 2026 is recognized as"Child Abuse Prevention Month" in New Hanover County, and all citizens, community agencies, parent and caregiver groups, medical facilities, elected leaders, and businesses are called upon to increase participation in efforts to raise awareness, promote education, build connections, and support families, thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening our community. ADOPTED this 20th day of April, 2026. OWN y•Np c' } �y NEW AN VER COUNTY � a O � (AP'mil � x LeAnn Pierce, Chair ti • ATTEST: g. Quiry\rele_ Ky erleigh G. Cr ell, Clerk to the Board NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS E3d1ibit Book X I,YU 1 page 5 5 RESOLUTION APPROVING CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY PURSUANT TO NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTE§160A-279 WHEREAS,the New Hanover County(County)owns a sixty(60) acre, more or less, tract of land located on Independence Boulevard in the City of Wilmington, identified as Tax Parcel ID Number R06500-005-002-000; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute §160A-279 authorizes a county to convey real property by private sale to a nonprofit corporation for public use or benefit if the county is authorized by law to appropriate funds to the corporation; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute §153A-149 authorizes a county to undertake open space acquisition and preservation for the public benefit; and WHEREAS,the County has negotiated with the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, a North Carolina nonprofit corporation (hereinafter "Land Trust"), to convey the above-referenced tract so that the Land Trust may preserve the property pursuant to a perpetual conservation non-development covenant. NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners that: 1. The County Manager is authorized to execute all documents necessary to convey fee simple title to the approximately sixty (60) acre tract of land located on Independence Boulevard in the City of Wilmington, more particularly described as follows: Being all that property, rights, easements, and appurtenances as more fully described in Deed Book 6782, Page 1831; Deed Book 1431, Page 1069; and Book 577, Page 466, New Hanover County Registry, and commonly known as the Flossie Bryan Tract. 2. The consideration for this conveyance shall consist of the following conditions,covenants, and restrictions, which shall be incorporated into the deed of conveyance to the Land Trust or recorded thereafter: a. The Land Trust, its successors, and assigns shall hold, operate, and maintain the subject parcel for public use and benefit, consistent with the terms of a permanent conservation non-development covenant set forth in the deed of conveyance or subsequent recordation. b. The transaction shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the County and the Land Trust, incorporated herein by reference, establishing a purchase price of Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00). 3. The Clerk to the Board is directed to publish a notice summarizing the contents of this resolution,and the property may be conveyed at any time ten (10) days after publication of such notice. ADOPTED this 20th day of April, 2026. ‘yN1-Y•nio NEW HA 0V COUNTY 6)(11 LeAnn Pierce,Chair ATTEST: j ,2- , Q0,AJCY42.._ •£CTABUSNFV Ky erleigh G. Cro II, Clerk to the Board NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Exhibit Book X LA/ Page 5®, RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TERMINATION OF THE NEW HANOVER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER PENSION PLAN WHEREAS, the New Hanover Regional Medical Center (the "Center") previously sponsored and maintained the Pension Plan for the Employees of the Center, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2020, and as subsequently amended (the "Plan"); and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 11.1 of the Plan, the Center had reserved the right to amend the Plan at any time; and WHEREAS, in connect-ion with the consummation of the transactions under that certain Asset Purchase Agreement by and among New Hanover County, the Center, and Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, LLC (the "Agreement"), and the related termination of employment for all Plan participants, the Center amended the Plan to: (1) reflect that the Plan became frozen and that no additional benefits would accrue under the Plan with respect to any period after the closing date under the Agreement; (2) reflect that all Plan participants became fully vested as of that same date; and (3) transfer sponsorship of the Plan to the County; and WHEREAS, as a result of the consummation of the transactions under the Agreement and as reflected in the amendment adopted by the Center, the County currently sponsors and maintains the Plan for the benefit of Plan participants; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 11 of the Plan, the County has the authority to amend or terminate the Plan on behalf of itself and all affiliated employers, if any, in accordance with the procedures set forth therein; and WHEREAS, the County desires to terminate the Plan effective on or about July 31, 2026 (the "Termination Date") with no reduction in benefits to plan participants, and amend the Plan for certain related changes, to the extent appropriate or necessary to comply with applicable laws. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners that: 1. The County hereby terminates the Plan, effective on the Termination Date, pursuant to Section 11.2 of the Plan. 2. The officers of the County shall be, and each of them hereby is, authorized to amend the Plan to the extent they deem necessary, advisable, or desirable in connection with the termination of the Plan, including, without limitation, any amendments necessary to maintain its tax qualification or otherwise comply with applicable law. 3. The officers of the County shall be, and each of them hereby is, authorized to make any commitments they deem necessary, advisable, or desirable to ensure that the assets of the Plan shall be sufficient to provide for benefits under the Plan as a result of the termination of the Plan in accordance with applicable law. 4. Benefits payable under the Plan shall be paid at such times and pursuant to such terms and conditions are set forth in the plan and in the termination amendment. 5. The County Manager and the Chief Financial Officer of the County shall be, and each hereby individually is, authorized, empowered, and directed, on behalf of the County, to make, execute, deliver, and file or cause to be made, executed, delivered, or filed, any and all such additional agreements, tax returns, reports, filings, documents, instruments, and certifications as any one or more officers shall deem necessary, advisable, or desirable to implement the termination of the Plan and to carry out the full intent and purposes of the foregoing resolutions, including, without limitation, providing notices to participants in the Plan and other relevant parties, filing such reports, applications, statements, and other documents with applicable governmental agencies, and paying such fees and costs as determined in the discretion of such officers to be necessary or appropriate with respect to the termination of the Plan, and to take such further action as may be deemed necessary, appropriate, or convenient to fully implement and effectuate the intent of the foregoing resolutions and the termination of the Plan, subject to the preservation of any protected rights and features, including, but not limited to, the adoption of any amendments to the Plan, and to otherwise secure and maintain for the Plan its compliance with the requirements of the Code, and the taking of such further action by such officers shall be conclusive evidence of such necessity, appropriateness, and convenience; and 6. All actions heretofore taken by any appropriate officers or directors of the County in connection with any matter referred to in any of the foregoing resolutions are hereby approved, ratified, and confirmed in all respects. ADOPTED this 20th day of April, 2026. NEW HA 0 ER COUNTY O�/:1':Y.hQ eu/t Ge G LeAnn Pierce,Chair 44, o 1 4 b` a ATTEST: 01, 0„.„..a_ , .t „Ft2, Ky erleigh G. C ell, Clerk to the Board Exhibit Book )(LV i I Page 5. 1 ct NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS --. .. ,.: RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL OF BONDS WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners (the "Board") of the County of New Hanover, North Carolina (the "County") is considering the issuance of general obligation bonds of the County for the following purpose and in the following maximum amount: $320,525,000 of bonds to provide funds to pay the capital costs of constructing, improving, and renovating school facilities, including, but not limited to, the construct-ion and renovation of classroom facilities; the acquisition and installation of furnishings and equipment; the acquisition of land, rights-of-way, and easements; and related public infrastructure development. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board that the Clerk to the Board is hereby directed to cause a copy of the "Notice of Intention to Apply to the Local Government Commission for Approval of Bonds"to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the County. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall become effective upon its adoption. READ, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 20th day of April, 2026. Ty♦ cp"- 4 N T NEW HANOVER COUNTY LeAnn Pierce, Chair W ATTEST: ak4� 0). Qi( A4OL Ky berleigh G. Cr ell, Clerk to the Board Exhibf NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Book XLY it p 1 19 RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER, NORTH CAROLINA, MAKING CERTAIN STATEMENTS OF FACT CONCERNING PROPOSED BOND ISSUANCE AND AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners (the "Board") of the County of New Hanover, North Carolina (the "County") is considering the issuance of general obligation bonds of the County, which shall be for the following purpose and in the following maximum amount: $320,525,000 of bonds to provide funds to pay the capital costs of constructing, improving, and renovating school facilities, including, but not limited to, the construction and renovation of classroom facilities, the acquisition and installation of furnishings and equipment, the acquisition of land, rights-of-way and easements in land required therefore, and related public infrastructure development; and WHEREAS, certain findings of fact by the Board must be presented to enable the Local Government Commission of North Carolina (the "Commission") to make certain determinations as set forth in Section 159-52 of the North Carolina General Statutes, as amended. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board, meeting in open session on April 20, 2026, has made the following factual findings in regard to this matter: A. Facts Regarding Necessity of Proposed Financing. The proposed bonds are necessary or expedient to pay the capital costs of constructing, improving, and renovating school facilities as set forth above. B. Facts Supporting the Amount of Bonds Proposed. The sums estimated for these bonds are adequate and not excessive for the proposed purpose. Estimates for the proposed projects have been carefully analyzed and determined by persons knowledgeable about the projects. C. Past Debt Management Procedures and Policies. The County's debt management procedures and policies are good and have been carried out in compliance with the law. The County employs a Chief Financial Officer to oversee compliance with applicable laws relating to debt management. The Board requires annual audits of County finances. In connection with these audits, compliance with laws is reviewed. The County is not in default in any of its debt service obligations. The County Attorney reviews all debt-related documents for compliance with laws. D. Past Budgetary and Fiscal Management Policies. The County's budgetary and fiscal management policies have been carried out in compliance with laws. Annual budgets are closely reviewed by the Board before final approval of budget ordinances. Budget amendments, changing a function total or between functions are presented to the Board at regular Board meetings. The Chief Financial Officer presents financial information to the Board which shows budget-to-actual comparisons annually and otherwise as the County Manager deems necessary or as a member of the Board may request. E. Increase in Taxes.The increase in taxes, if any, necessary to service the proposed debt will not be excessive. The schedule for issuance anticipates issuing all of the bonds in one or more series during the seven years following the approval of the bond order. F. Marketing of Bonds. The proposed bonds can be marketed at reasonable rates of interest. G. Estimated Interest. The assumptions to be used by the County's Chief Financial Officer in preparing the statement of disclosure to be filed with the Clerk to the Board pursuant to Section 159-55.1(a) of the General Statutes of North Carolina are reasonable. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby authorizes and directs the Chief Financial Officer of the County to file with the Commission an application for its approval of General Obligation School Bonds hereinbefore described, on a form prescribed by said Commission, and (1) to request in such application that said Commission approve the County's use of Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP as bond counsel for the County, and (2)to state in such application such facts and to attach thereto such exhibits in regard to such General Obligation School Bonds and the County's financial condition as may be required by said Commission. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall become effective on the date of its adoption. READ,APPROVED AND ADOPTED on April 20, 2026. __�r,,;y.No NEW:_lAzi) COUNTY , /7,0 a 44, 11h (\ LeAnn Pierce, Chair c ATTEST: 611(wLe a (--) Kymberleigh G. Crowell, Clerk to the Board EAR* Book V L u► i Page NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ORDINANCE AMENDING NEW HANOVER COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 11 The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners does hereby enact and ordain that the New Hanover County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11, Articles IV, V, VI, and Appendix B, Fee Schedule, Buildings and Building Regulations, be amended as follows: I. Amend Article IV, Electrical Code, Division 1, Section 11-121, Definitions, by deleting the following portions: Apprentice electrician means a person who does any work of installing wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures and other appliances for hire under the direction and supervision of an electrical contractor or a journeyman electrician. Electrical contractor means a person who, by the employment of journeyman electricians or apprentice electricians, performs the work of installing wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures and other appliances for carrying or using electricity for light, heat and power purposes or who holds himself out to the public or advertises to take contracts for the installation of electric wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures and other appliances for carrying or using electricity for light, heat or power or their alteration, renewal or repair. Journeyman electrician means a person at least 18 years of age who does any work of installing wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures and other appliances for hire. II. Repeal Article IV, Electrical Code, Division 5, Electricians, as follows: Article IV, Electrical Code, Division 5, Electricians, Sections 11-241, 242, and 243 are hereby repealed and the Division and Sections are to be designated as reserved for future use. III. Repeal Article V, Plumber's License, Division 1, Board of Plumbing Examiners as follows: Article V, Plumber's License, Division 1, Generally, is hereby repealed and the Division and Sections are to be designated as reserved for future use. IV. Repeal Article V, Plumber's License, Division 2, Board of Plumbing Examiners, as follows: Article V, Plumber's License, Division 2, Board of Plumbing Examiners, is hereby repealed and the Division and Sections are to be designated as reserved for future use. V. Repeal Article VI, Regulation of Mechanical Work, in its entirety and the Division and Sections are hereby designated as reserved for future use. VI. Appendix B, Fee Schedule, Chapter 11, Buildings and Building Regulations, as follows: Appendix B, Fee Schedule, Chapter 11, Buildings and Building Regulations, Article IV, Electrical Code (Division 5, Electricians);Article V, Plumber's License(Division 1, Generally);and Article VI, Regulation of Mechanical Work, are hereby repealed. VII. Except as amended above, New Hanover County Code, Chapter 11 and Appendix B, shall remain unaltered, in full force and effect. This ordinance is adopted and shall take effect on the 20th day of April, 2026. NEW HANOVER COUNTY O°NTY•NOBS i T Z''":r t Q. /VIA. ee// p LeAnn Pierce, Chair ��ti ., I�► a ATTEST: triAPCISF\FO 2ictt.Ky erleigh G. Crell, Clerk to the Board