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Public Notices

North Carolina K-12 Public Schools to Require Key Safety Measures to All In-person Instruction

Districts may choose to conduct school entirely by remote learning

North Carolina will continue to pause in Safer At Home Phase 2 for three more weeks

RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen were joined today by education and health leaders to announce health and safety plans for K-12 public schools for the new school year. Schools will open for in-person instruction under an updated Plan B that requires face coverings for all K-12 students, fewer children in the classroom, measures to ensure social distancing for everyone in the building, and other safety protocols.

“The most important opening is that of our classroom doors. Our schools provide more than academics; they are vital to our children’s’ health, safety and emotional development,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a difficult time for families with hard choices on every side. I am committed to working together to ensure our students and educators are as safe as possible and that children have opportunities to learn in the way that is best for them and their families.”

The Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit outlines the updated requirements for Plan B. Districts may choose to operate under Plan C, which calls for remote learning only, and health leaders recommend schools allow families to opt in to all-remote learning. Modifications have been made to Plan B since it was released in June to make it more protective of public health.

“After looking at the current scientific evidence and weighing the risks and benefits, we have decided to move forward with today’s balanced, flexible approach which allows for in-person instruction as long as key safety requirements are in place in addition to remote learning options.” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD. “We will continue to follow the science and data and update recommendations as needed. We ask every North Carolinian to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and follow the three W’s: Wear a face covering when in public, Wait 6 feet apart, Wash your hands.”

Governor Cooper also announced that the state will provide at least five reusable face coverings for every student, teacher and school staff member in public schools. In June, the state provided packs of personal protective equipment to schools that included a two-month supply of thermometers, surgical masks, face shields and gowns for school nurses and delegated staff who provide health care to students.

“Educators and stakeholders across our state have worked tirelessly to reopen our school buildings safely for our students, teachers and staff. Today, we take another critical step towards that goal. We also know families need to choose the option that is best for their children, so all school districts will provide remote learning options,” said Eric Davis, Chairman of the State Board of Education.

“In-person education is important for children, and it happens in the context of a community. This plan strikes the right balance between health and safety and the benefits of having children learn in the classroom. We must all continue with proven measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission like wearing a face covering, keeping distance between people, and frequent hand and surface cleanings so we can move closer to safely re-opening public schools,” said Dr. Theresa Flynn, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, a practicing pediatrician who serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Pediatric Society and joined today’s announcement.

Under Plan B, schools are required to follow key safety measures that include:
• Require face coverings for all teachers and students K-12
• Limit the total number of students, staff and visitors within a school building to the extent necessary to ensure 6 feet distance can be maintained when students/staff will be stationary
• Conduct symptom screening, including temperature checks
• Establish a process and dedicated space for people who are ill to isolate and have transportation plans for ill students
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in the school and transportation vehicles regularly
• Require frequent hand washing throughout the school day and provide hand sanitizer at entrances and in every classroom
• Discontinue activities that bring together large groups
• Limit nonessential visitors and activities involving external groups
• Discontinue use of self-service food or beverage distribution
In addition, schools are strongly recommended to follow additional safety measures that include:
• Designate hallways and entrance/exit doors as one-way
• Keep students and teachers in small groups that stay together as much as possible
• Have meals delivered to the classroom or have students bring food back to the classroom if social distancing is not possible in the cafeteria
• Discontinue activities that bring together large groups
• Place physical barriers such as plexiglass at reception desks and similar areas

More details can be found in the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit. Read the Screening Reference Guide for schools and the Infection Control and PPE Guidance.

In addition to the announcement about school plans, Governor Cooper shared that North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 after the current Executive Order expires on Friday, July 17.

“As we continue to see rising case numbers and hospitalizations, we will stay in Safer At Home Phase 2 for three more weeks,” said Governor Cooper. “Our re-opening priority is the school building doors, and in order for that to happen we have to work to stabilize our virus trends.”

School Groups on Today’s Public School Announcement
“While all school re-entry plans have their challenges during this pandemic, our superintendents, principals, and other school leaders will continue to prioritize student and staff safety in reopening schools under the cautious parameters outlined today by the Governor,” said North Carolina Association of School Administrators Executive Director Katherine Joyce. “We look forward to continuing work with the Governor, the General Assembly, and other state leaders to ensure our schools have the support needed to get student learning back on track in the safest manner possible in each local district.”

“I recognize Governor Cooper faced a very difficult decision. The good news is that local school boards can now begin to officially put their school reopening plans in motion,” said Brenda Stephens, President of the North Carolina School Board Association. “While the current situation may not be ideal for all, I’m confident North Carolina’s educators will continue to provide students with the best education possible.

Request for Proposals – Classification and Compensation Study and Benefits Survey

Pender County requests proposals for a Classification and Compensation Study and Benefits Survey.  Proposals are due Thursday, July 30th at 2:00 pm EST.  See complete RFP for all requirements.

As of June 16, 2020, Pender County Government had a total of 535 employees, (421 full-time and 114 regular part-time employees) under approximately 263 job classifications.  The County has one salary schedule consisting of 28 pay grades, each containing 20 steps within the grade.  A copy of the current salary schedule is included as Attachment A.  Attachment B is the Pay & Classification Plan and Attachment C is relevant policies related to the County’s classification plan, pay plan.

A thorough classification and compensation study and analysis of the County and those organizations that draw on a shared labor market will indicate the County’s current position and its ability now and in the future to recruit and retain talented employees to provide quality services to Pender County.  It is expected that the study will determine what actions should be taken, if any, to avoid loss of qualified staff and difficulties in recruiting new employees for County employment, while competitively compensating current employees.  In addition, it is expected that the study will recommend adjustments to the County’s current pay plan and salary structure, incluRFP Salary Study 2020ding variable/incentive pay options, to allow appropriate compensation, to account for individual employee’s service/special achievements, or to rectify compression/equity issues and a total compensation comparison.

UPDATE:  Salary Study with Addendum 1 & 2 & 3

Pender Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees Endorse Recommendation to Partner with Novant Health, UNC Health, and UNC School of Medicine

BURGAW, NC – The Pender Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees has endorsed a recommendation for New Hanover Regional Medical Center to form a partnership with Novant Health, an agreement that would also lead to an expanded relationship with UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine.

At their meeting on July 10, 2020, the PMH Board of Trustees voted to endorse the recommendation from the NHRMC Partnership Advisory Group, which also earned the support of the NHRMC Board of Trustees on July 7, 2020.

“Our community went through similar discussions 21 years ago when we asked how we could best provide healthcare to our residents. We wisely decided to partner with NHRMC, which has strengthened our hospital and improved the healthcare in our county,” said Sonny Davis, chair of the PMH Board of Trustees. “We trust NHRMC to make the right decisions to benefit Pender County, and we are excited about all a partnership with Novant Health and an expanded relationship with UNC could bring to our region.”

Two PMH Trustees, David Williams and Barb Biehner, served on the 21-member Partnership Advisory Group, which made a unanimous recommendation after nine months of evaluation.

“I am proud to support this partnership with Novant Health and UNC because it will transform healthcare throughout the region while ensuring we can continue to offer care that’s needed locally as our population grows,” said David Williams, who is also a Pender County Commissioner and represents PMH on the NHRMC Board of Trustees.

“As physicians, we always want the best for our patients – the best care and the best outcomes,” said Dr. Heather Davis, who serves as chief of PMH’s medical staff. “I am recommending this partnership because I want the best for Pender Memorial and all our patients.”

The Partnership Advisory Group’s recommendation, with the endorsement of the NHRMC Board of Trustees, will go to the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners at its meeting on July 13. If the Commissioners approve the recommendation, NHRMC and New Hanover County will execute a letter of intent with Novant Health and move toward a definitive agreement, which would be made public for further review and comment before any final decision is made.

Proposals and meeting information are available online at www.nhrmcfuture.org.

Public comment accepted through Aug. 10 regarding Chemours permit to keep PFAS from the Cape Fear River

Community response accepted regarding Chemours permit to keep PFAS out of Cape Fear River

RALEIGH – The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on a draft discharge permit for a water treatment system at the Chemours Fayetteville Works site to remove PFAS contamination. Chemours is required under the terms of paragraph 12(e) of the Consent Order to reduce by at least 99% PFAS in the groundwater flowing from the site through Old Outfall 002 into the Cape Fear River and downstream intakes.

The treatment system must be operational by September 30, 2020, according to the Consent Order. The system will treat groundwater that currently discharges without treatment into the river, and it is not designed for process wastewater from the facility. Since 2017, Chemours has been prohibited from discharging process wastewater into the Cape Fear River.

DEQ will accept public comment through August 10, 2020. Comment may be submitted via email to publiccomments@ncdenr.gov (please include “Chemours” in the subject line), or by mail to:

Wastewater Permitting
Attn: Chemours Permit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N.C., 27699-1617

The draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and factsheet are available online.

The February 2019 Consent Order and related documents are available online at: https://deq.nc.gov/ChemoursConsentOrder.

Warm weather, recent rains bring mosquitoes and potential for diseases

Pender County Health Department Urges Residents to Take Precautions

The Pender County Health Department is encouraging residents to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites because recent weather conditions have created an environment for mosquitoes to thrive. Mosquitoes carry diseases such as the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV).

To prevent mosquito bites, it’s important to remember to Tip, Toss and Cover.

Once a week:
TIP CONTAINERS– drain standing water from garbage cans, pet bowls, birdbaths, flower pots, gutters, pool covers or any other container that has collected standing water. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water.
TOSS– old tires, drums, bottles and other outdoor items that are outside and are not being used.
EMPTY AND SCRUB-birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.
Once a month:
MAINTAIN– apply a larvicide to standing water that cannot be emptied or drained. Larvicides can be found at home improvement and hardware stores.
Cover yourself with:
CLOTHING: Wear long, loose, and light- colored clothing and shoes and socks.
REPELLENT: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label.

“We have been educating the public to help stop mosquitoes from living and multiplying around their homes and business” says Benjamin Kane, who heads up the mosquito control program for Pender

Contact Pender County Health Department’s Mosquito and Vector Control Hotline at 910-259-1326 for more information or visit their website.

Virtual meeting open houses with the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

Important notice from our planning department

To complete the final review of the draft metropolitan transportation plan, Cape Fear Moving Forward 2045, the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization will host three virtual public open houses on the evenings of July 6, 7, and July 8.

The plan includes an evaluation of potential aviation, bicycle and pedestrian, ferry and water transportation, freight and freight rail, public transportation, and roadway projects to meet the needs of the region over the next 25 years.

The plan area includes Hampstead, Rocky Point, and other areas of southern Pender County along with New Hanover County and portions of Brunswick County.

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/99307333187…

Meeting ID: 993 0733 3187
Password: MTP2045
Or by phone, dial:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) or
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 993 0733 3187
Password: 056526

Zoom in for any one of the three virtual meetings:
Monday, July 6, 2020
5:00pm – 7:00pm

Tuesday, July 7, 2020
5:00pm – 7:00pm

Wednesday, July 8, 2020
5:00pm – 7:00pm

Phase2-PressRelease-VirtualOpenHouses

NC pauses in Safer At Home Phase 2, adds statewide requirement for face coverings.

As trends move in the wrong direction, state will not yet move into Phase 3

RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina will remain in Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks. Cooper also announced that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places as officials seek to stabilize concerning trends of increasing viral spread.

Cooper and Cohen were joined by Dennis Taylor, President of the North Carolina Nurses Association and Eugene A. Woods, President and CEO of Atrium Health.

“North Carolina is relying on the data and the science to lift restrictions responsibly, and right now our increasing numbers show we need to hit the pause button while we work to stabilize our trends,” said Governor Cooper. “We need to all work together so we can protect our families and neighbors, restore our economy, and get people back to work and our children back to school.”

“I know North Carolinians are strong, resilient and care deeply about our communities. We pride ourselves on helping our neighbors. The best way we can do that now is by taking the simple action of wearing a face covering that covers your nose and mouth. If we each do our part, we can get back to the people and places we love,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, NCDHHS Secretary.

Growing evidence shows that cloth face coverings, when worn consistently, can decrease the spread of COVID-19, especially among people who are not yet showing symptoms of the virus. Until now, face coverings had been strongly recommended. Under today’s executive order, people must wear face coverings when in public places where physical distancing is not possible.

In addition, certain businesses must have employees and customers wear face coverings, including retail businesses, restaurants, personal care and grooming; employees of child care centers and camps; state government agencies under the Governor’s Cabinet; workers and riders of transportation; and workers in construction/trades, manufacturing, agriculture, meat processing and healthcare and long-term care settings.

“Wearing a face covering is an easy thing to do that can make a huge impact for all of us. A major spike in cases would be catastrophic to the system, and without your cooperation, nurses and our fellow healthcare providers will have a harder time caring for sick patients for weeks and months to come,” said Dennis Taylor, a nurse, and President of the North Carolina Nurses Association.

“As the leader of the state’s largest health system, I am pro-health and also 100 percent pro-business. In fact, the two are inextricably connected and I’m very proud of the way business leaders and health experts are working together to keep our economy strong,” said Eugene A. Woods, President and CEO of Atrium Health. “Medical science says to reduce the spread of COVID-19 masking works, and my sincere hope is that all the people of North Carolina can join forces to make wearing a mask not something we feel we have to do – but something that we want to do to keep each other, our neighbors, our children and our loved ones healthy and safe”

Based on the metrics laid out in April by Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen, North Carolina is evaluating a combination of the data from the following categories that shows the indicators moving in the wrong direction, causing officials to implement today’s pause in Phase 2.

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
• North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is increasing.

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days
• North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases starting to level, but is still increasing.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days
• North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive remains elevated.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days
• North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations are increasing, though we have capacity in our healthcare system.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:

Laboratory Testing
• North Carolina is averaging more than 17,000 tests a day for the past week and there are more than 500 sites listed on online plus additional pop-up sites.
• North Carolina labs and labs around the country are seeing supply shortages for laboratory chemicals needed to process tests.

Tracing Capability
• There are over 1,500 full-time and part-time staff supporting contact tracing efforts at the local health department level, including the 309 Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative contact tracers. These new hires reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, and 44% are bilingual.

Personal Protective Equipment
• Our personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.

Businesses can download templates for signs on face coverings here. Downloadable social media graphics are also available for use.

Read Executive Order No. 147 that implements the June 24 announcement.

Read Frequently Asked Questions about today’s executive Order and mandatory face coverings.

Read NCDHHS guidance on face coverings.

View the slide presentation from the June 24 briefing.

Hurricane preparedness in a pandemic

PENDER COUNTY – The 2020 Hurricane Season is predicted to have an above-average number of storms. This is difficult news for anyone who is suffering from “COVID-19 Fatigue.”

“Pender County residents have the opportunity now to prepare for a hurricane and the pandemic,” said Carson Smith, Pender County Emergency Manager. “We encourage residents to prepare for Before, During, and After a Storm.”

Before the storm is the time to think about shelter and supplies.

The first step is: Make A Plan. As we continue social distancing and taking necessary safety measures, decide: Where will you go?

“In the event of evacuation, know your zone,” said Smith. “Preplan your route by selecting a destination.”

Identify the home of a family member or friend where you can stay. Or locate an affordable hotel where you can stay.

Public shelters set up by the local health department and Red Cross should be a refuge of last resort. Due to social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the state health department, local shelters will require a sparse configuration of distancing. Officials will check the body temperatures of evacuees signing into a shelter.

Secondly, build your emergency kit.

“Now is the time to stock your essentials and have an emergency kit,” Smith said.

Supplies such as non-perishable foods, water, flashlights, batteries, a transistor radio, a manual can opener, medications, pet supplies, cash, and important documents secured in a watertight bag are essentials for an emergency kit. However, during a pandemic, you must include face coverings, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.

Every family member should have a seven-day supply of medications and toiletries, food, and water as well as a supply of hand sanitizers and face coverings. While preparing, remember to have a seven-day supply of pet supplies and pet medications, if applicable.

During a storm stay informed. Know your reliable sources of information. Don’t trust chat boards and rumors on social media. Pender County Emergency Management will post announcements on their website, Facebook page, and to local news media. Do not venture out during a storm.

After a storm flooding and down power lines may occur. Do not drive through water moving over roadways. Be aware of fire ants, bees, and use caution when operating a chainsaw. If you use a generator, do not operate it indoors.

For more information, watch our Pender County Emergency Management website or Facebook. If you have not signed up for the CodeRed alert system, register for free at https://pendercountync.gov/em/special-disaster-information/emergency-notification-system/ or call 910-259-1210 for details.

Register of Deeds urges residents to apply now for passports for late fall travel

BURGAW – Sharon Willoughby, Pender County Register of Deeds, urged residents requiring a passport or passport renewal to apply now.

“Due to the pandemic, we are receiving notice of processing delays from the US State Department,” said Willoughby. “We urge our residents to apply early if they have fall and winter travel plans.”

According to Congressman David Rouzer’s office, the State Department recently deemed its employees who process passports as “mission critical” employees who will return to work.

The State Department stopped processing passports on March 19 except for life and death emergencies, Rouzer reported. There is a backlog of approximately 1.7 million passports. They will start processing passports on a first in, first out basis.

“As a Passport Acceptance Facility, we will accept your completed application for a new passport and forward it to the Passport Services section of the U.S. Department of State,” said Willoughby.

Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, call 910-259-1225. Hours of Passport Acceptance are Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., with the exceptions of holidays.

The Register of Deeds Passport Acceptance office said all applicants submitting passport application Form DS 11 must: appear in person; submit proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, expired passport, naturalization certificate); and submit proof of identity (driver’s license, military ID, other government issued ID).

Passport photos are available at the Register of Deeds for a $10 free per applicant.

To follow-up the status of a passport application, Rouzer’s office recommends calling the National Passport Information Center after June 17, at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793.

The Register of Deeds office is located at 300 E. Fremont St. in Burgaw. For more information call 910-259-1225.

Pender County Emergency Management is pleased to join NC Know Your Zone campaign

Twenty Coastal Counties Establish Predetermined Evacuation Zones

RALEIGH – North Carolina Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks and Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry today announced the implementation of the Know Your Zone initiative for North Carolina’s coastal communities. The state has worked with 20 coastal counties to create predetermined evacuation zones to help coastal residents stay safe from the impacts of hurricanes, tropical storms and other hazards, while allowing for simple and orderly evacuations.

“The goal of Know Your Zone is to educate coastal residents and visitors about their evacuation zones so that everyone knows the zone they live in and knows to look and listen for that zone when evacuations are ordered,” said Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks. “Knowing your zone and when to evacuate can save lives.”

Development of the zones by county officials began with storm surge modeling from North Carolina’s Hurricane Evacuation Study. County officials were able to use the study maps to determine potential for inundation, and combine that with population data, as well as previous local experience with coastal evacuations to draft the evacuation zones needed for their county.

Some counties only need one zone where others have up to five zones in order to evacuate as efficiently as possible without over evacuating. Some inland counties that are not as susceptible to storm surge developed evacuation zones based on river flooding.

In the past, some evacuation orders have included descriptions based on local geography and elevations. Examples include:
• All unincorporated areas of a county
• Low lying areas in a town or county
• All areas within a certain distance of a particular river or stream

“Most visitors and some residents will not know if they are in a low-lying area, or how far they are from a river or stream,” said Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. “Having predetermined zones simplifies the evacuation process for local officials, residents and visitors.”

There is an online address lookup tool at KnowYourZone.nc.gov for residents in coastal counties to find their zone. The website also contains, county-by-county zone maps, educational materials, frequently asked questions and the North Carolina Hurricane Guide. The hurricane guide, which is available in both print and digital form, provides information for storm preparedness, response and recovery, and has been published in English and Spanish.
The Know Your Zone website is also available in Spanish at Conozca Su Zona.

The ReadyNC website continues to be the source for disaster preparedness information for North Carolina residents, with instructions on creating a family emergency plan and assembling an emergency kit. It also features live information on power outages and open shelters. ReadyNC.org is mobile friendly for phones, tablets and desktop computers and is available in English and Spanish. The ReadyNC app was retired after the 2019 hurricane season and is no longer available.

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