Membership Appreciation Breakfast

Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Follow Up October 2023

Click here to listen to the meeting

Click here for the meeting packet

Click here for the written Public Comments

TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING

HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2023 – 5:00 P.M.

1.    Invocation

2.    Call to Order/ Welcome

3.    Pledge of Allegiance

4.    Agenda Approval Items number 13 and 14 removed from agenda.  Approved as amended.

5.    Approval of Minutes
a.     Minutes of the Public Hearing/Regular Meeting of August 15, 2023 Approved as written

6.    Public Comments on Agenda Items

Rick Paarfus – Suggested to review the budget to find any available funds rather than take from fund balance.  He suggested looking at Block Q Bathrooms, debris removal, work at the park, with the goal to reduce other spending.
Maria Surprise – Concerned about another withdrawal from savings.
Tom Myers – Budget amendment will result in spending 15% of the BPART Fund Balance. This should have been included in the budget.  Consider reducing or deferring other expenses.
Jim Bauer – All comments have already been covered.

7.    Annual Beach Monitoring Report – Fran Way, ATM CLICK HERE FOR THE PRESENTATION SLIDES He has been working with the Town for over 20 years and the beach strand looks great.  He has been doing the Annual Monitoring since 2001.  The nourishment planning and FEMA eligibility has really paid off and the beach strand has improved drastically since he started doing the monitoring.  FEMA has really helped us out.  Homes were removed in the 90s yet now we have a wide strand.  This monitoring report covers what damage Hurricane Ian did last fall.  It hit at high tide and had 4’ of surge.  The beach held up very well.  Beach system is where expected after the nourishment of 2022. He also assisted with the emergency dredging of Lockwood Folly Inlet last spring and another inlet project is planned for this spring to put sand on the beach.  He has been working on getting another offshore borrow area permitted in case of a storm. 

8.    Police Report – Chief Dixon Nothing is happening crime wise.  Run HB caused traffic issues and he is appreciative of people’s patience.
 
9.    Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans Still busy with new home construction and renovations.

10.          Discussion and Possible Action on ADA Related Items – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson and Inspections Director Evans The Town staff has been working on the Keybridge mediated agreement to comply with the DOJ mandated ADA improvements. CLICK HERE FOR PLANS
a.     Avenue E Site Plan Ave. E is east of the home Amazing Grace on the far east end of the Island.  It will have a concrete parking area, accessway, and bathroom(s).  Golf Cart parking spots will become handicap parking spots.  Undetermined if this will be one bathroom or two.  These are the same planned bathrooms that will be at 114 OBE. They will apply later to extend the matting further out.
b.     801 Ocean Boulevard West Site Plan This walkway will be pervious concrete and include a Hatteras ramp.
c.     Conceptual Approval of Bathrooms These bathrooms will be elevated and have breakaway walls.  There was a lot of comment on the design from the audience. 
d.     Ordinance 23-13, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 23-11, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance or Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 (Amendment No. 1) The concept for the site plan and the design was approved unanimously.  The budget amendment for $261,753 was approved unanimously. 

11. Discussion and Possible Amendment to the Contract Between the Town and Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC – Public Works Director Clemmons Amends the agreement to add the removal of some trees.  Approved unanimously.

12. Discussion and Possible Action on Regulations for Removing Sand from the Beach – Mayor Holden  Asking staff to consider prohibiting removal of sand from the island.  Approved by consensus. 

13. Discussion and Possible Action on Extending the Paid Parking Program Year-round – Mayor Pro Tem Smith  Removed from agenda.

14. Discussion and Possible Action on 796 Ocean Boulevard West – Mayor Pro Tem Smith  Removed from agenda.

15. Discussion and Possible Action on Proposed Revision to the Personnel Policy – Town Clerk Finnell Approved unanimously.

16. Public Comments on General Items

Maria Surprise – recommends doing a cost-benefit analysis on the decision regarding paid parking in the offseason. 
Ron Bristol – requested a status report on the bike lanes, was told it would discussed in Town Manager’s Report (see below)

17. Town Manager’s Report
·      Bid opening was today for Pier renovation.  There were no bids.  It will be re-bid.
·      Block Q Parking (Phase 1) is out for bid.  Phase 2 of the project is pending a CAMA access grant.
·      Sewer Lift Station – there has been no news from the EPA and it is unclear how the project would be impacted by a federal budget shutdown.  He has also not received any information from the state on the funds from the state budget.  Expect no progress until more information is available and the audit has been reviewed by the Local Government Commission.
·      Bike Lanes and Ocean Blvd. Resurfacing – The survey work has been completed, and work on stormwater is expected to occur in November.  The road shoulders will be torn up beginning in December, 3’ on the north side of the road and 7’ on the south side.  Any rock or other material owners want to salvage needs to be moved back from the road by owners.  After construction, aggregate base coarse (ABC) will be placed along the road.  The contractor will take down mailboxes and reinstall them.  He expects the shoulder work to happen December – February with paving in March – April, with completion by Memorial Day.  Work will begin from the west.
·      Harbor Acres will be having a small dredge project to hit some high spots in selected areas.  They are hoping to apply for a grant to cover 75% of the expense.
·      The Lockwood Folly Inlet will be dredged this winter with 140,000 cubic yards of material placed on our beach.   

18. Mayor’s Comments Considers hurricane season over for the year.  Encouraged everyone to attend Candidates Night this Friday at the Chapel at 5:30PM.  For those wondering about the access at Greensboro Street the Town has extended the prior agreement to allow access as before.  The Causeway project is still moving forward with the County and DOT, but has a ways to go.  Voting is November 7^th.

19. Board of Commissioners’ Comments

·      Commissioner Smith thanked people for coming and listening online.  He reads all the email he receives.  It is nice to see the activity on the beach slow down for the season.  He encouraged everyone to vote.
·      Commissioner Murdock thanked everyone for coming and missed some meetings due to health issues.  He encouraged everyone to make it a good day.  Go vote.
·      Commissioner Dyer hopes for better turnout for voting than in the past.  The Festival is coming, be safe and kind.  Barktoberfest is Friday, October 27.  Registration has been extended until this Friday.  Register with Christy HERE.
·      Commissioner Arnold is concerned about the lift station and “kicking the can down the road”.  It is critical for 700 homes.

20. Adjournment

Mark your calendar for:

Candidates Night

Friday, October 20, 5:30 PM 

Holden Beach Chapel

Sponsored by HBPOA and organized by the League of Women Voters – Lower Cape Fear Chapter

All candidates for Mayor, four-year terms for Commissioner, and the two-year term for Commissioner (12 candidates) have indicated that they will participate.  Refreshments will be served.  Candidates will meet with the public at 5:30 with a moderated forum beginning at 6:00.   The forum can be viewed live at this link courtesy of the LWV (advance registration required, use this link to register): https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckcuGurzotH9W1H0qD3Hj8YtvARgL-dOCA   After the forum, HBPOA will post a link to the recording on our website holdenbeachpoa.com.

Historically, HBPOA has organized and hosted Candidates Night.  However, this year there are several HBPOA Board Members running for office.  To avoid any perception of bias or favoritism the decision was made to ask the League of Women Voters (LWV) to handle this year’s Candidates Night.  LWV presents candidate forums for other nearby towns such as Southport and Oak Island.

Wondering what the status of the Pier renovation is?  The Town is going out for bid on the Pier structure.  This will include some modifications to the Pier building including building a hallway from the parking lot out to the pier.  The landward part of the pier will be removed and rebuilt and a ramp will be added for ADA compliance.

You can see the plans by clicking here and here.  For more information see the Town’s website homepage.

Public Hearing and Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Agenda

September 2023

The Town of Holden Beach Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday, September 19 at 5:00 PM for a Public Hearing regarding a $5,000,000 loan for Sewer Lift Station #2 and for their regular monthly meeting.  Highlights include awarding a contract for the lift station.  The agenda is below.  Click here for the meeting packet.

Mark your calendar!  HBPOA and the League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear will be hosting Candidates Night on Friday, October 20 at 5:30 at the Holden Beach Chapel. The League of Women Voters will be conducting this year’s event to avoid any potential conflicts of interest given that several HBPOA Board Members are running in this year’s election.  HBPOA is only hosting the event.  Questions will not be taken from the floor this year, but you can submit questions for the candidates to the League of Women Voters at this email:  HoldenBeachForum@lwvlcf.org

Board of Commissioners’ Public Hearing and

Regular Meeting Follow Up

August 2023

Click here for the Meeting Packet    Click here for the audio

TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ PUBLIC HEARING/REGULAR MEETING

HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2023 – 5:00 P.M.

Commissioner Murdock was not in attendance due to illness.

PUBLIC HEARING: Final Application for the Block Q Restroom Facility as Part of the 2023 – 2024 Public Beach and Waterfront Access Grant No public comments.

REGULAR MEETING:

1.    Invocation

2.    Call to Order/ Welcome

3.    Pledge of Allegiance

4.    Agenda Approval Moved item #11 to #8.A, deleted item #12.  Approved as amended.

5.    Approval of Minutes All approved.

a.     Minutes of the Special Meeting of July 18, 2023
b.     Minutes of the Public Hearing/Regular Meeting of July 18, 2023

6.    Public Comments on Agenda Items Click here for written comments.
·      Clayton Robinson speaking for cabana companies.  Wants to change the hours canopies may be placed/removed on the strand due to heat.
·      Tracey Thomas – Wants to understand how the proposed loan for the sewer station went from $2M last month to $5M this month.
·      Tom Myers – concerned about the Town’s borrowing for the lift station and the large budget variance.
·      Brent Shaver – does not want the Town to spend money on Sailfish Park, use it for other needs.

7.    Police Report – Chief Dixon July was a busy month.  Crime increased.  Traffic citations also increased.

8.    Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans Busy as expected.  Sees trend of increased remodels.

8A.  Alan addressed that the public is concerned about the money being spent.  He compared taking out a $5M loan to getting a new credit card with a high maximum.  You don’t plan to spend to the maximum amount but you could if needed.  The Town has done a lot of communication with the State and Federal representatives and friends.  He thinks that in 6-8 weeks we will possibly have good news on some funding.

9.    Discussion and Possible Action on the Final Application for the Block Q Restroom Facility as Part of 2023 – 2024 Public Beach and Waterfront Access Grant (Block Q) – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson This is an application for the grant.  The deed restrictions are for 25 years on the three parcels where the bathrooms and parking will be.   Motion by Rick Smith, second by Commissioner Arnold.  Passed unanimously.

10. Discussion and Possible Action on Resolution 23-11, Resolution Authorizing the Negotiation of an Installment Financing Contract and Providing for Certain other Related Matters Thereto – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson The Public Hearing will now be at the September 19 Regular Meeting.  The $5M amount is the maximum amount estimated to be required.  The $2.7M EPA Grant may still come through, but the Town is going to the LGC for the $5M on October 3rd and hoping for the grant but asking for the full amount in case.   Motion by Commissioner Arnold, second by Commissioner Dyer.  Passed 2-1 with Commissioner Smith voting No.

11. Discussion and Possible Action on Identifying Additional Sources of Funding for Sewer Lift Station – Mayor Holden  Moved to Item 8A.

12. Discussion and Possible Action on Town of Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 94.06: Placing Obstructions on the Beach – Commissioner Murdock    Item removed from agenda.

13. Public Comments on General Items
·      Bev Compton addressed Candidates Night which has historically been sponsored by HBPOA.  Because HBPOA has several Board Members running for the BOC, the League of Women Voters (LWV) will do Candidates Night this year to avoid the perception of bias or favoritism.  The scheduled date is October 20.  Candidates need to reply to the LWV email with their available dates.
·      Tracey Thomas remarked on the Mayor’s comments and does not think the Town finances should be compared to a credit card maximum.

14. Town Manager’s Report  The Canal Dredging in Harbor Acres will occur this winter.  It is a small project for some hot spots.  Lockwood Folly Inlet dredging will occur this winter. The Corps will pay for 80,000 cubic yards (cy) and there is another in 60,000cy in the bend widener for 140,000cy total to be placed on East End from Amazing Grace to the Winding River Clubhouse. The State will pay for 75% of the additional sand with the County and Town covering the remainder.  The funds have already been transferred.  Ocean Blvd. resurfacing – he is “sketchy” with the details, but DOT survey work is starting 9-11-23 with construction beginning in November.  The Grand Strand Area Transportation (GSATs) meets Friday and should have more details.

15. Mayor’s Comments He is on GSATs and has no other info.  Be ready for Hurricane season.  Be careful with the heat.  School starts soon and buses will be on the island.

16. Board of Commissioners’ Comments
·      Rick Smith – ADA work is coming along.  Lots to do and under a time limit.  Thankful for the rescue of the local divers.
·      Commissioner Dyer – Heat index is high.  Watch the temp of the sand or asphalt for pets.
·      Commissioner Arnold – Thankful for the diver rescue.  Thanked the staff.

17. Adjournment

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ PUBLIC HEARING/REGULAR MEETING HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2023 – 5:00 P.M.
Click here to listen to the meeting.

Click here for the meeting packet.

Click here for public comments.

Commissioner Arnold was not in attendance.

PUBLIC HEARING: Ordinance 23-12, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 157: Zoning Code (Lot Coverage) Building inspector Evans gave a presentation on the issue.  Click here for his presentation.

REGULAR MEETING:

1.    Invocation

2.    Call to Order/ Welcome

3.    Pledge of Allegiance

4.    Agenda Approval Passed unanimously.

5.    Approval of Minutes Passed unanimously.

a.     Minutes of the Public Hearing/Special Meeting of June 15, 2023
b.     Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 20, 20236.

6.    Public Comments on Agenda Items
Jim Bauer – concerned about the water runoff from the bike lanes.
Rick Paarfus – concerned about the definition of impermeable insulation and ASTM standards for impermeable insulation also asked that prior to the public hearing for the Waterfront Access Grant for Block Q that the encumbrances and restrictions be made public.

7.    Police Report – Chief Dixon Discussed the traffic citations.  Of the warnings, some of those were immediately addressed to become compliant.  Trying to educate and get people into compliance.

8.    Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans Department is very busy.  Is starting to use automated portal, should be effective in October.  The Town’s plans for restrooms and an ADA walkway beside Amazing Grace is on hold for now pending CAMA approval.  The CAMA permit at the handicap lot at 114 OBE is posted.  Work continues on the access at 801 OBW.  The Town is planning an ADA walkway and emergency vehicle access. Work is ongoing on Jordan Blvd. ADA parking. Work at Halstead Park is almost complete.  Construction of the ADA walkway at 915 OBW should start this week.  Permits for the rebuilt portion of the Pier structure are eminent – expected by the end of the week.  Work on the portion of the existing pier that will remain is ready to be started.  He has been working on the annual CRS re-evaluation which gives us a reduction in insurance rates.  He has sent in the information for recertification.  If not done by Aug 1 we lose the 15% reduction in insurance rates. 

9.    Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 23-12, An Ordinance Amending Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 157: Zoning Code (Lot Coverage) – Inspections Director Evans Statement of Consistency Ordinance change and P&Z’s Statement of Consistency approved unanimously.

10. Update on Proposed Changes to Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 157.025 Bulkheads on Lots – Inspections Director Evans P&Z created a committee to look at issue.  The issue will need to go back to P&Z as they cannot form committees.  The Commissioners decided by consensus not to send back to P&Z, the issue has been resolved.  The identified dock that caused the issue is being remediated.  Other docks were identified as not in compliance and will be addressed.

11. Discussion and Possible Action on Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 157: Zoning Code (Accessory Uses) – Mayor Holden Docks (an accessory structure) are not allowed until the house is built.  Recent changes in the state law made piers and docks as accessory structure.  By consensus, the Commissioners asked Inspector Evans to bring an ordinance revision back to them.

12. Discussion and Possible Scheduling of a Date to Hold a Public Hearing for the 2023 – 2024 Public Beach and Waterfront Access Grant (Block Q) – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson Set the Public Hearing for 5:00 PM at the next Regular Meeting, August 15.

13. Sewer Lift Station 2/EPA Grant Update – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson Click here for presentation slides.  Waiting on a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) determination/review.  It must be decided tonight whether to forgo the $2.7M grant or wait another year for the lift station reconstruction to start.  The Town’s budget was based on getting the $2.7M earmarked federal grant funds.  The borrowing calendar will not mesh with the Legislative Government Committee (LGC) loan approval schedule.  After discussion and input from the staff and public Commissioner Murdock made a motion to self-fund the system now with Option 2 (borrow $2M and use $$1.34M cash).   The $2.7M federal funds would be forfeited.  Construction could start this October.  Passed unanimously.  The Town Manager made clear that this schedule is very compressed and there are numerous chances for it not to work out. 

14. Discussion and Possible Selection of Members to Serve on Town Boards – Town Clerk Finnell Eligible members of the Parks and Rec Board and the Board of Adjustment were approved to serve again.  For Planning and Zoning Aldo Rovito was moved to a regular member and Ashley Royal and Mark Francis will serve as alternates.  Click here to view the applications and resumes.  

15. Promotional Video for Dogs on the Beach – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson The video was debuted about pet safety on the beach and will be posted to the Town’s social media channels.  Click here to view the video.  

16. Public Comments on General Items

Rick McInturff – suggested we contact our lobbyists about why we are turning down the earmarks. 

17. Town Manager’s Report Budget to actual –  Gave a presentation on the Town’s finances for last quarter, end of year.  Click for presentation slides. 

18. Mayor’s Comments Commissioner Arnold is not here, is at a funeral.  Sign ups until Friday for elections.  Appreciates all who volunteered for Boards.  Summer is going well.  

19. Board of Commissioners’ Comments

Commissioner Smith – Being a Commissioner is a hard job, golf cart safety is improving, he is happy with the results regarding the pier heads, staff is doing a great job on the ADA work, 796 OBW is looking good and he wants to rent it.

Commissioner Murdock – thanks to staff and citizens, being a commissioner is hard.

Commissioner Dyer – We had an emergency we needed to deal with, so some projects may need to be pushed back. 

20. Adjournment

Are you interested in the appearance and functionality of the Holden Beach Causeway?  Take the survey here:  https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/survey-holden-beach-causeway-corridor/

The survey closes on Friday, June 23 and takes 10-15 minutes to complete.  

In addition, there will be two come-and-go public engagement sessions.

Public Engagement Workshop 1 – Thursday, June 22, 5–7 p.m. (Open House)

Public Engagement Workshop 2 – Thursday, July 27, 5–7 p.m. (Open House)

Both workshops will be at Sabbath Home Baptist Church Recreation Building – 990 Sabbath Home Road, Supply, 28462

As a reminder, the Causeway is not part of the Town of Holden Beach, and the Town has no control or input over this area.  The Causeway is unincorporated and governed by Brunswick County.

TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING
HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY
TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2023 – 5:00 P.M.

Click here for the Meeting Packet

Click here for the audio of the meeting

Click here for Public Comment via email

Commissioner Arnold was absent.

1.    Invocation

2.  Call to Order/ Welcome

3.    Pledge of Allegiance

4.    Agenda Approval Item #9 was removed from the agenda (already approved)

5.    Approval of Minutes All approved as written.

a.     Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 16, 2023
b.     Minutes of the Special Meeting of June 1, 2023

6.   Public Comments on Agenda Items

Sylvia Pate – Bulkheads Item #10.  She is a member of the P&Z Board and voted against sending this item forward.  She doesn’t know that this is actually a problem and recommends that P&Z look further into it.
Rick Shaver  – Bulkheads Item #10.  Canal property owner.  Feels the 20’ clearance is a major problem for Harbor Acres canals. 
Will Carter – Bulkheads Item #10.  Saw some of the new docks that cause problems.  Says that the CAMA rules make the proposed ordinance illegal.  He says docks should be limited to 25% the width of the canal.  Problems should go to Board of Adjustment. 

7.    Police Report – Chief Dixon  Busy with the summer season.  Commissioner Smith discussed the LSV issues and lack of enforcement.  Commissioner Dyer said the rental companies require the renters to sign off on the rules.

8.    Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans   Island is still very busy.  34 new homes under construction and many remodels.  He is seeing an increase in renovations over new builds.  Permits for the Pier will be delivered by the end of the week.

9.    Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 23-11, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 – Town Manager Hewett (Removed from Agenda)

10. Discussion and Possible Scheduling of a Date to Hold a Public Hearing on Proposed Changes to Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 157.023 Bulkheads on Lots – Inspections Director Evans  The proposed ordinance is based on Ocean Isle Beach’s ordinance.  This has to go back to the Planning Board for a Consistency Statement and he recommends that P&Z look at it further.  Sent back to P&Z by consensus.

11. Discussion and Possible Scheduling of a Date to Hold a Public Hearing on Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 157 Zoning Code (Lot Coverage)  – Inspections Director Evans   There is an error in the memo, it should be 30% coverage going to 40%.  Director Evans explained the issues and reasons for approval.  The public hearing was set for the July Regular Meeting.

12. Discussion and Possible Setting of Date to Hold Interviews for Vacancies on Town Boards – Town Clerk Finnell There was a consensus to set interviews for 4:45 prior to the July Meeting.
 
13. Discussion and Possible Action on Second Season of Parking – Commissioner Dyer  –  She has heard of issues with parking in the 700 block, as well as where houses have been removed, and heard the comments on social media encouraging people to park under private homes.  The LSV signs have been updated to explain what an LSV is.  Jim Varner, of our Paid Parking vendor at Otto Connect spoke.  They have issued 400 citations, 10,000 people have parked.  75 citations were for things that the Town can also ticket for.   There has been a 4% violation rate, which he considers high.  More signs are not needed.  He thinks June was an exceptional month due to the high number of people visiting.  Chief Jeremy encourages people to call 911 if you see a parking problem because they dispatch all the calls for the County.  You can also call the number on the signs to reach Otto.  
a.     Parking on Private Property
b.     Parking in LSV Spots with Cars/Trucks
c.     Parking in Unmarked Areas

14. Public Comments on General Items
Rick Paarfus discussed the canal issues.  He discussed that the design of the canal depth could make a 25% rule ineffective.
Jim Bauer discussed the proposed increase in lot coverage and how that would impact runoff.  Also, he wanted to know if the water mains running west could be increased in size instead of building a new water tower.  It would be less expensive and more effectively increase head pressure at the West End.  Also, he has never seen a parking attendant.  He suggests uniforms and marked vehicles.
Keith Smith has concerns about the no-wake zones and the lack of signage on the ICW.  He also thinks it is confusing to get a CAMA permit. 
Will Carter would like the Board to approve a process for homeowners to put a notice on their dash to let them park in the Right of Way.  He also has talked to CAMA about the canal docks and agreed there is more work to be done.

15. Town Manager’s Report The dredge Miss Katie has finished dredging the Lockwood Folly Inlet.  She spent 3.5 weeks here dredging the inlet to 150’ wide and a minimum of 8’ deep.  He has requested the Coast Guard restore the marker buoys.  The 50,000 cubic yards of sand dredged was added in the nearshore near the Winding River area.  Regarding the sewer lift station project at Greensboro St., he met with the EPA and the hope to avoid the NEPA process has passed its first level of review.  He is hoping to bypass the NEPA review process and go to borrowing in a few months with construction to occur this winter.  He met with the Corps on the CRS Project.  The modeling is underway and the next meeting is March 24 when alternatives will be identified.  Tide Ridge paving is complete.

16. Mayor’s Comments Regarding why the Town doesn’t host fireworks on the Pier, liability and expense.  The Embers will play on Sunday night.  The Chapel is doing well; services are at 10:00am.

17. Board of Commissioners’ Comments
Commissioner Smith – LSV enforcement is so important.  Issue citations.  Let County or State come in if they don’t want to be bad guy.  Thanks to staff on budget issues.  There are a lot of dogs on the beach during the day.  Guests are digging holes.  He asks that the Rangers talk to those digging holes.  He encouraged everyone to be mindful of the weather.  The Island is full.  Please be careful and mindful of guests.  Has watched the boats the last few days on the waterway and people are not following the no-wake rules.  Miss Katie did a great job, looking forward to getting the buoys back.
Commissioner Murdock – On the canals, he is familiar with the issue and CAMA lets builders know what can go there.  Canals need a clear passage to get through.  The beach is full.
Commissioner Dyer – Support your local businesses.  Be respectful of private property and the beach. 

18. Adjournment

The Town of Holden Beach Board of Commissioners will meet Thursday, June 15 at 5:30PM for the Public Hearing on the 2023 – 2024 budget proposal and hold a Special Meeting to hear from the Pier architect.

At the budget workshop on June 1st, the Commissioners reduced the pier expenses by $1M and reduced the salary increase to 7.5%.  As a result of these changes, expenses now exceed revenues by $2.3M and are covered by using our fund balance savings.  To spread some of the Pier improvement expenses over more than one year, they discussed dividing the improvements into phases and wanted to talk to the Pier architect to discuss the possibility.   Click here for the meeting packet.