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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-20 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 20, 2026 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 835 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on April 20, 2026, 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 LeAnn Pierce; Vice Chair Dane Scalise; Commissioner Bill Rivenbark; 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 Rabbi Chaya Bender, Bnai Israel Congregation, provided the invocation, and Commissioner Rivenbark led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chair Pierce requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. MOTION: Vice Chair Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Chair Pierce to approve the Consent Agenda items as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Board approved the minutes of the April 1, 2026 Agenda Review and Budget Work Session and the April 6, 2026 Regular Meeting. Adoption of Budget Amendment – Finance The Board adopted budget amendment (BA) 26-037, 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 XLVII, Page 5.1. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employee to receive a retirement award: Willie Murray, Fire Services, retiring with 27 years of service. Mr. Murray received a retirement award from the Board in recognition of his dedicated service. County Manager Coudriet then recognized the following employees receiving service awards: Five Years: Melissa Long, County Commissioners Office Kathleen Caporaso, Health and Human Services (HHS) – Social Services The Board presented each employee with a service award, personally thanked them, and expressed appreciation for their years of dedicated service. County Manager Coudriet requested the following new employees to stand for introductions: Akin Akinola Jada Matthewson Licia Etheridge Brant Meeks Jade Lockwood Melanie Morgan The Board welcomed the employees to the organization and wished them success in their new positions. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF 43RD ANNUAL NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK PROCLAMATION Chair Pierce read the proclamation into the record recognizing May 3-9, 2026, as “National Travel and Tourism Week” in New Hanover County, and invited Kim Hufham, Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO, to make remarks. Ms. Hufham, on behalf of the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, expressed appreciation for the County's partnership. The Board commended the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau for another successful year of promoting New Hanover County as a tourism destination and noted the continued growth of the local tourism industry. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Pierce asked for Board direction. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 20, 2026 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 836 MOTION: Chair Pierce MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to adopt the proclamation as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVII, Page 5.2. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION Commissioner Walker read the proclamation into the record recognizing April 2026 as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in New Hanover County and invited Amanda Piner, Coastal Horizons Rape Crisis Center Advocacy Coordinator, to make remarks. Ms. Piner expressed her appreciation for the Board’s consideration of the proclamation. She added that th April 2026 marks the 25 anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with this year's theme being "25 Years Strong: Looking Back, Moving Forward." Hearing no further discussion, Chair Pierce asked for Board direction. MOTION: Chair Pierce MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to adopt the proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVII, Page 5.3 CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH PROCLAMATION Vice Chair Scalise read the proclamation into the record, recognizing April 2026 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in New Hanover County and invited Brieanna Guerra, Child Abuse Prevention and Outreach Coordinator, Carousel Child Advocacy Center, to make remarks. Ms. Guerra expressed appreciation to the Board for considering the proclamation. The Board thanked Ms. Guerra and the Carousel Center staff for their work supporting children and families. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Pierce asked for Board direction. MOTION: Chair Pierce MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to adopt the proclamation recognizing April 2026 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVII, Page 5.4. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BRYAN PROPERTY PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT AND ADOPTION OF ASSOCIATED RESOLUTION Assistant County Manager Jessica Loeper reported that the Board, at its March 16, 2026 meeting, authorized a purchase and sale agreement with the Coastal Land Trust for the Bryan property located at 3990 Independence Boulevard and stated that staff worked with the County Attorney’s Office on the agreement being presented to the Board. She then provided the following overview of the agreement:  Bryan Property Purchase and Sale Agreement:  Highlights:  $3 million purchase price  Closing by December 15, 2027  Property to be conserved with public access  Permanent naming recognition for Flossie Bryan  Next steps:  County Public Notice, as required by NCGS 160-279  Land Trust will conduct due diligence and secure funding commitments A brief discussion ensued about the matter. The Board expressed support of the request and thanked North Carolina Coastal Land Trust Executive Director Harrison Marks and County staff for their work to preserve the property in permanent conservation. In response to questions, Mr. Marks confirmed that the conservation protection would run with the land and stated that the property would be open and available to the public, with specific access details to be determined later. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Pierce asked for Board direction. MOTION: Vice Chair Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to approve the purchase and sale agreement between New Hanover County and the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust and adopt the associated resolution authorizing the conveyance of property pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 160A-279. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 20, 2026 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 837 The resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVII, Page 5.5. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TERMINATION OF THE NEW HANOVER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER PENSION PLAN WITH NO REDUCTION IN BENEFITS TO PLAN PARTICIPANTS Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle provided the following information:  Proposed termination of Hospital Pension Plan with no reduced benefits for the employees of New Hanover Regional Medical Center:  Background:  New Hanover Regional Medical Center (“Hospital”) sold to Novant on February 1, 2021  The Hospital Pension Plan (Plan) was not included in the sale; New Hanover County retained it:  At the time, 8,125 participants and $337 million in assets  Novant made an $88 million one-time contribution as part of the hospital sale to fully fund the Plan  Participants were given a lump sum option to settle their benefits:  Approximately 2,200 participants elected a lump sum and exited the Plan, equaling approximately $83 million  5,900 participants remained, currently 5,500 participants  The Plan and its related obligations represent a contingent liability of the County:  County required to fund shortfall  Participant payments currently expected to extend beyond 2064  Assets of the Plan: historically, invested 66%-75% in stocks and the remainder in bonds:  Subject to market fluctuations  After initially being fully funded in 2021, calendar year 2022 had negative stock returns of 18%  Positive returns in 2023-2025 have resulted in the plan being fully funded again:  Current assets = $330 million  Estimated liability = $310 million  Current stock/bond mix is 30% stocks / 70% bonds  Termination process:  Allow participants to elect a lump-sum or no change in Plan benefits:  No benefits will be reduced or lost to any Plan participants  Bid out the liability for those not electing the lump sum to an annuity provider  Distribute the lump sum amounts and pay the annuity provider a cash payment to assume all liabilities  Regular communication: FAQ’s and Customer Service Center with employees knowledgeable about this Plan  Draft timeline:  April 20, 2026: Board of Commissioners authorization  June 1, 2026: Regulatory Notice of Intent to Terminate mailed to participants  July 31, 2026: Participant benefit election notices mailed to participants  Sept. 15, 2026: Deadline to return Benefit Election notice  Oct. 30, 2026: Solicit proposals from annuity providers  Nov. 1, 2026: Lump sum elections processed  Nov. 30, 2026: Bids due from annuity providers  Dec. 7, 2026: Payment to annuity provider to assume all liabilities A brief discussion ensued about the matter. The Board thanked Mr. Credle for sharing his contact information and noted that the proposed change involved technical plan management matters rather than a loss of value for participants. In response to questions, Mr. Credle stated that any excess assets remaining after liabilities are satisfied would revert to the County and that staff expect to know the final outcome by year-end. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Pierce asked for Board direction. MOTION: Chair Pierce MOVED, SECONDED by Vice Chair Scalise to adopt the resolution as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVII, Page 5.6. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF TWO RESOLUTIONS RELATED TO PLANNED GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND REFERENDUM TO FUND CAPITAL NEEDS FOR NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS Mr. Credle provided the following information:  Planned General Obligation Referendum, New Hanover County Schools (NHCS):  Background:  Joint meeting with the Board of Education held on November 17, 2025:  Discussion of capital needs for the New Hanover County Schools  Review of County’s debt service capacity  Review of characteristics of general obligation bonds:  Backed by the full faith of the County NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 20, 2026 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 838  Requires voter approval  Conclusion: consensus for a $320.5 million General Obligation Bond Referendum to be placed on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot  Expected project list:  Note: bonds are issued in increments of $5,000, and thus the attached resolutions round the above amount to $320,525,000  General Obligation Bond Referendum – statutory/Local Government Commission driven process:  First steps, resolutions proposed today:  Direct the publication of: “Notice of Intention to Apply to Local Government Commission for Approval of Bonds” in the amount of $320,525,000  Make seven Findings of Fact: Primarily related to overall prudence and confirming sound fiscal practices of the County  Directs staff to:  File an application with the LGC  Request to the Local Government Commission that Park Poe Adams and Bernstein LLP be approved as bond counsel  Comply with Local Government Commission document requirements  General Obligation Bond Calendar: Key Date Milestone April 20, 2026 Board Action: Adopt Resolutions Regarding LGC Application and Findings of Fact May 4, 2026 File Application with LGC May 18, 2026 Board Action: Introduce Bond Order & Set Public Hearing May 19 – May 24, 2026 Statement of Disclosure filed with LGC and Posted Online June 1, 2026 Board Action: Hold Public Hearing & Adopt Resolution on Bond Referendum June 4, 2026 Publish Bond Order & Board Clerk Delivers Referendum Resolutions to the Board of Elections August 27 & Sept. 8, 2026 Publish Notice of Special Bond Referendum November 3, 2026 Voter Referendum November 16, 2026 Board Action: Resolution Certifying and Declaring Results of Special Bond Referendum February 2, 2027 Local Government Commission Approval of Bond Order In response to questions, Mr. Credle stated that the bond program is expected to be phased through three debt issuances, beginning with an issuance of $150 million, followed by a second issuance of approximately $100 million two to three years later, and a final issuance of about $70 million to complete the remaining projects. He indicated that the overall timeline for school construction would likely span three to five years. County Manager Coudriet and Mr. Credle confirmed that the new Trask Middle School would be in the same general area, but not on the existing Laney/Trask property. NHCS Superintendent Dr. Chris Barnes stated the facility will handle approximately 1,000 students. The Board commented on the steps that led to this point. It was acknowledged that the requested action for this matter is part of the required process to place the matter on the November ballot. The Board thanked County and school staff for their work in advancing the school capital improvement plan. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Pierce asked for Board direction. MOTION: Chair Pierce MOVED, SECONDED by Vice Chair Scalise to adopt the two resolutions as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The resolutions are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVII, Page 5.7. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY JOURNEYMAN PROGRAM ORDINANCE AMENDMENT Building Safety Inspections Director Hans Schult provided the following information:  New Hanover County (NHC) Journeyman Program:  Historical background:  Established in the 1970s, before statewide licensing existed  Provided local testing, credentialing, and reciprocity for building trades  Helped ensure public safety and trade competency NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 20, 2026 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 839  Evolution of state oversight:  Statewide licensing now covers all trades  Apprenticeship North Carolina and Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) provide accredited training and certification  North Carolina Building Code ensures statewide consistency  State boards govern testing, continuing education, and enforcement  Comparison of Then vs. Now:  1970s: local exams, patchwork codes, no statewide regulation, and independent local oversight  2026: unified state licensing, integrated and accepted North Carolina Building Code, comprehensive state enforcement, and statewide consistency  Why sunset the local program:  Redundant with state systems  Administrative and legal burden  Local reciprocity dissolved  No added safety benefit  Other counties and municipalities use a state-only model*  *Asheville administers an electrical journeyman test  Building safety and accountability:  Accountability is enforced by state licensing boards  Licensed contractors are required to hold permits and assume responsibility for work  Code Compliance Officials continue enforcing building codes  State boards maintain disciplinary authority, not the County  Public safety is ensured without the need for a county-level credential  Feedback from Boards of Examiners:  Electrical Board:  Supportive of local program based on desire for local accountability and standards  Feel the state’s electrical hours requirements are not as strong as local standards  Suggested program revamp versus sunset  Mechanical and Plumbing Boards:  Eliminating local requirements would have no negative impact  Considered an outdated requirement and a bureaucratic formality  High-quality inspections are maintained regardless of the journeyman credential  Recommended and requested action:  Formally sunset the NHC Journeyman Program and align with state licensing and CFCC apprenticeship frameworks  Update NHC Code of Ordinances to repeal journeyman-related sections from Chapter 11 (to include Boards of Examiners), effective April 20, 2026  Next steps if approved:  Communication plan to notify all appointees, contractors, journeyman cardholders, and other stakeholders  Update website and all communication platforms  Develop educational resources for apprenticeship programs and State licensing information  Monitor transition to ensure clarity  Closing and questions: The journeyman program served the county well for more than 50 years. State systems now ensure even stronger standards Commissioner Zapple thanked Mr. Schult and the staff for their work on the proposal and for maintaining open communication throughout the review process. He stated that the long-standing program had served the County well for many years, but that it was time to modernize in light of current systems and state requirements. Mr. Schult noted that the proposal had received endorsement from the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Pierce asked for Board direction. MOTION: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Chair Pierce to adopt an amendment to Chapter 11 of the New Hanover County Code of Ordinances to remove the local journeyman program and the associated Boards of Examiners as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The ordinance is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLVII, Page 5.8. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS New Hanover County Hispanic/Latino Commission Appointments Chair Pierce reported that five vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Hispanic/Latino Commission. One application is available for reappointment, and five additional applications have been received and are available for consideration. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 20, 2026 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 840 Commissioner Zapple nominated Whiyie Sang for reappointment and Brenda Brooks, Jean Lozada, Lucas Menezes, and Maria Parra for appointment, seconded by Commissioner Walker. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Pierce asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Whiyie Sang and appoint Brenda Brooks, Jean Lozada, and Maria Parra to the New Hanover County Hispanic/Latino Commission with terms to expire April 30, 2029, and to appoint Lucas Menezes to an unexpired term, with the term to expire April 30, 2028. New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Appointment Chair Pierce reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. One application has been received and is available for reappointment. Vice Chair Scalise nominated Teresa Bevin for reappointment, seconded by Commissioner Walker. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Pierce asked for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Teresa Bevin to a three-year term expiring April 30. 2029. New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority Appointment Chair Pierce reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority in the Carolina Beach Hotel Owner/Manager category, with one application available for consideration. Chair Pierce nominated Tom Ullring for reappointment, seconded by Commissioner Zapple. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Pierce asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Tom Ullring to the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority in the Carolina Beach Hotel Owner/Manager category for a three-year term, with the term expiring December 31, 2028. The Healing Place of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors Appointment Chair Pierce reported that one vacancy exists on The Healing Place of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors. Four applications are available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Diane Withrow for appointment, seconded by Commissioner Walker. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Pierce called for a vote on the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Diane Withrow to The Healing Place of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors, with the term to expire April 30, 2029. Wilmington-New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission Appointment Chair Pierce reported that one vacancy exists on the Wilmington-New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission in the Environmental Concerns category, with one application available for consideration. Chair Pierce nominated Kerri Allen for appointment, seconded by Vice Chair Scalise. Hearing no further nominations, Chair Pierce asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Kerri Allen in the Environmental Concerns category to the Wilmington-New Hanover Port, Waterway, and Beach Commission for a three-year term, with the term to expire February 28, 2029. PUBLIC COMMENT Chair Pierce stated that two people signed up to speak and invited them to make remarks. Michael Vollmin, co-founder of the Wilmington Arena Project, stated that Wilmington lacks the arena and recreational facilities needed to expand youth opportunities and support the community through sports. The Wilmington Arena Project was formed to pursue a community-owned arena through a public-private partnership that would support youth programs, education, and community access. He also invited the Board to a Carolina Hurricanes playoff watch party and coalition kickoff event at Riverfront Park on April 25, 2026. Kyler Harding, co-founder of the Wilmington Arena Project, stated that the County needs year-round space for sports, events, and community activities. The proposed arena would support youth engagement, local events, internships, and emergency shelter use while strengthening community connection. He noted that proceeds from the April 25, 2026 event will support the purchase of a mobile street hockey rink for local schools, camps, and neighborhoods. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 APRIL 20, 2026 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 841 ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS Commissioner Walker stated that a statewide burn ban remained in effect and urged residents not to burn anything. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Pierce adjourned the meeting at 10:16 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.