The meeting is canceled. 

The Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) website for the Town of Holden Beach is live. For more information and to take the RCCP survey click here. Your input is valued, please let your voices be heard.

If you have questions about the RCCP and the Community Action Team (CAT) send questions to Maria Surprise at msurprise@icloud.com

Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Follow Up – May 2026

TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ PUBLIC HEARING/REGULAR MEETING HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026 – 5:00 P.M.

Listen to the meeting here

Click here for the meeting packet

Click here for the public comments

PUBLIC HEARING: Ordinance, 26-02, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 30.15 Voting and Quorums  John Hunter, 3107 Fall St. Concerned that the change is related to AI data centers.

REGULAR MEETING:

1.    Invocation

2.    Call to Order/ Welcome

3.    Pledge of Allegiance

4.    Agenda Approval Approved as presented.

5.    Public Comments on Agenda Items No public comments.

6.    Consent Agenda Items Approved Unanimously.

a.     Approval of Minutes

i.         Minutes of the Special Meeting of April 10, 2026
ii.        Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 21, 2026 iii. Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 1, 2026

b.     Police Report

c.     Inspections Department Report

d.     Finance Department Report

e.     Public Works Department Report

7.    Discussion and Possible Action on Ward and Smith Contract for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2026 – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson Approved unanimously.

8.    Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance, 26-02, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 30.15 Voting and Quorums – Town Clerk Finnell Passed 3-1 with Myers voting NO.

9.    Discussion and Possible Action on the Board of Commissioners’ Vacancy – Town Clerk Finnell Robert Brown was selected to fill the vacancy and sworn in.

10. Discussion and Possible Action on Agreement Between the Town and McGill Associates for Professional Services (Comprehensive Design Plan for Block Q, Jordan Boulevard and Bridge Area) – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson Contract approved unanimously.

11. Proposal to Initiate Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals Process for Economic and Business Planning Services Related to the Pier Property Located at 441 Ocean Boulevard West – Commissioner Smith  Amended the agenda unanimously to allow action to be taken.  It was determined it would need to be an RFQ process.  After the discussion, the motion for the proposal was withdrawn. 

12. Updates and Discussion on Proposed Budget for Next Fiscal Year – Town Manager Chadwick gave budget updates:
a. Water fee increase would need to be $3.50 in the base rate monthly.  There would also be changes to the Sewer Capital Fee to generate funds for capital improvements.

b. The Police Department would like to add four part-time PD positions.  These would help offset overtime expenses.  They would use the surplus police vehicles, as there are three spare vehicles.  There would be no extra cost.  After discussion, they will start working on it and make it official June 4 with the hope to have the new staff available this summer.

c. Next year will be the last payment for the Central Reach Project.  We are due back $1.2M from the County.  Instead of reimbursing the Town at the end of the year, the County may give it back sooner.

13. Town Manager’s Report – Town Manager Chadwick

• Ocean Blvd Stormwater Project: scheduling a meeting is in process
• Restrooms at Block Q are open
• Block Q stage flooring is being installed this week
• Halstead Park is open, work on the dock is complete
• Bend widener dredging of Lockwood Folly Inlet is complete
• Survey for RCCP Resilience project is on the website
• Canal dredging is still planned for next winter
• RFQ for pier pilings study should be released soon
• They are following the Inlet Hazard Area issue as was discussed at the last CRC meeting
• Paving is completed
• Maintenance on the Sailfish area dredge spoils area continues
• Cleaning for restrooms is an ongoing issue.  There was more damage to property on the East End this past weekend.
• They are monitoring the Beach access trash cans that are now at the street and the beach strand for excess garbage
• They are monitoring the proposed tax law changes at the state level.  Staff has composed a letter to be sent to the delegation.
• The RFQ for a new Attorney had one response. It was sent to the League of Municipalities, and they also solicited attorneys. The only response was from the current Oak Island attorney, but there could be a conflict on issues.

14. Public Comments on General Items

a.Will Carter, 108 Starfish Dr., Wants to charge each property an annual fee for 15 years to cover the cost of the pier.

b.Rick McInturf, 122 Frigate,  On July 5, the HB Community Alliance will have free hot dogs at the concert.

c. Rick Massey, 606 OBW, will be having a hot dog stand at the pier from 10-2 this weekend. 

15. Mayor’s Comments Sunday is the first concert of the season, Special Occasion Band will perform at 6:30 PM at Bridgeview Park.  May 20 begins no dogs on the beach from 9-5.  Chapel services will change to 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM.  Brunswick Community College will host an open house at the Public Safety Services Building June 11.  House numbers need to be on all houses.  Canal and ocean front homes need them on both sides. 

16. Board of Commissioners’ Comments Commissioner Commissioner Dyer – Thanked those who interviewed for the Commissioner position and wished everyone a safe Memorial Day.  Commissioner Pate – Concerned about the Pier.  She is behind having a pier but we need a plan.  Glad to see the new fire station on Sabbath Home.  She is excited about summer concerts and the new stage.  She discussed the option to have a groin or jetty with our state legislators.  Commissioner Smith – Surprised by number of people who don’t live here but are interested in Holden Beach, he is listening.  He encouraged everyone to use the 911 system for needs.  Commissioner Myers – wished everyone a wonderful weekend. Commissioner Brown – thanks for the support and he is excited to serve.

17. Adjournment

The  Town of Holden Beach is currently participating in the 2025-2026 cycle of the  North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program  (RCCP).

Take the survey for Holden Beach here:  https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7480c6f494b64c0b85b771d3742788bf

Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Agenda – May 2026

The Town of Holden Beach Board of Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, May 19, for their regular monthly meeting.  Highlights include:

• Filling the Commissioner vacancy
• Contract for the Block Q design
• RFQ for an economic study on the Pier property
• Renewing the lobbyist’s contract
• Public hearing and adoption of change to the Town Charter regarding meeting quorum

The agenda is below.  Click here for the meeting packet.

In addition, prior to the meeting, there is a Meet-n-Greet with the new Police Chief, Steve Barger, from 4:00 – 5:00 PM.

The 2026 sticker is blue.

Have you received your 2026 Hurricane Stickers yet?  They have been mailed and if you did not receive them in your April water bill contact Town Hall at 910-842-6488.

In case of a storm requiring an evacuation, these stickers are what allow you back on the island when it is declared safe.  The bridge will be closed and they will check each vehicle for the proper sticker.  They do not allow a utility bill, a drivers licence, or any other document in place of the stickers.  This is for our benefit, to help keep our property protected until the owner can secure it.

Don’t wait until a storm is bearing down on the island to realize you never received your stickers, lost them, or need more.  Let’s hope we don’t need stickers this year, but if we do, make sure you are ready and know where yours are!

Listen to the meeting here.

Click Here for the Meeting Packet.

TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH 

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING

HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026 – 5:00 P.M.

1.    Invocation

2.    Call to Order/ Welcome

3.    Pledge of Allegiance

4.    Agenda Approval Agenda approved as presented.

5.    Public Comments on Agenda Items No Comments

6.    Consent Agenda Items Approved unanimously.

a.     Approval of Minutes

i.      Minutes of the Special Meeting of March 11, 2026
ii.   Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 17, 2026

b.     Police Report

c.     Inspections Department Report

d.     Finance Department Report

e.     Public Works Department Report

7.    Interviews for Vacancy on the Board of Commissioners – Town Clerk Finnell Click Here for Applications Interviewed candidates Robert Brown, 109 Shrimp St.; Regina Martin, 1032 OBW; Rick McInturf, 122 Frigate; Chad Hock, 1222 OBW; and Maria Surprise, 159 OBE.  Each candidate was given a chance to give an opening and closing statement and answered questions.  Gerald Arnold and April Mae Branick did not participate.

8.    Discussion and Possible Action on Draft Agreement Between the Town and McGill Associates for Professional Services (Comprehensive Design Plan for Block W, Jordan Boulevard and Bridge Area) – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson Passed unanimously.

9.   Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 26-05, Resolution of Intent to Consider An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 30.15 Voting and Quorums and Setting the Date for a Public Hearing Thereon – Town Clerk Finnell Passed 3-1 with Myers voting NO.

10. Discussion and Possible Approval of Encroachment Agreement Between the Town and Michael McKee – Inspections Director Evans Approved unanimously.

11. Discussion and Possible Approval of Landscaping Services and Irrigation Maintenance Contracts – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson  Motion to hire Low Tide Landscaping.  Passed unanimously.

12. Public Comments on General Items

• Ashley Coumin concerned about overcrowding of rental units.  Wants enforceable safety rules.Will Carter, 108 Starfish Dr. feels the pier is an economic engine for the beach.  He wants a concrete pier.
• Jim Bauer, 329 OBW Pier is not repairable.  Wants no conflicts of interest on the Board.  Wants to know if the “fix” is in.  He thinks Chad should be appointed because he was the next vote-getter in the last election.
• Chad Hock, 1222 OBW, Says Will Carter has been consistently asking for a concrete pier for years and he should be appointed to the BOC.
• Regina Martin 1032 OBW, Days at the Dock is this weekend.
• Marti Arrowood, 114 Shrimp St.  Parking is free for the festival.  Thinks the election for a replacement BOC would be too expensive and the state says that appointment is fine.

13. Town Manager’s Report – Town Manager Chadwick

• Ocean Blvd. stormwater plans are waiting on a meeting with McGill (the engineer), the Town, and the Corps.
• Block Q bathrooms certificate of compliance issued; a few things remaining to complete.  Hoping to be open for Days at the Dock Festival.  Block Q stage area work has started. 
• Halstead Pier work is underway and should be completed in 60 days. 
• Lockwood Folly dredging of the bend widener and sand placement on the oceanfront should be completed in coming days, almost complete. 
• Canal dredging is planned for winter.  They are working on dredge spoil disposal cost. 
• At the last meeting the Town was asked to review the HDR Engineering Pier contract for checking the condition of the pilings.  HDR can do it under their contract or the Town can do the contracting on the pile study.  He recommends the Town do it.

Motion made to send out an RFQ to have the pilings evaluated.  Passed 3-1 with Myers voting No.

• Inlet Hazard Area changes are still under review with the CRC; the public will have an opportunity to give input. 
• Paving will begin in early May on Swordfish and Tuna. 
• Disposal Area DA293 off Swordfish is having some work done by the Corps. 
• Restroom cleaning changes will be coming to mitigate damage and improve maintenance.  Expanding contract to allow additional trash pick up and cleaning.   
• Trash cans at public walkways will be moved to the street instead of being on the beach. 
• They are monitoring tax law changes on ad valorem limits at the state level. 
• Chris Benton and Archie Archibald received their pesticide certificates. 
• Steve Barger is the new police chief.  There will be a meet-n-greet with him soon. 
• Christy Ferguson received her credentialed manager certificate.

14. Mayor’s Comments Boating season is here.  Jet skis and boats need to slow down on the ICW.  Dogs have to be on a leash all year and after May 20 may not be on the strand from 9:00am – 5:00PM.  House numbers should be on homes.  On  June 11 at 1:00 there will be a ribbon cutting for the BCC emergency training building.  Days at the Docks is this weekend.  Rentals are strong for the coming season.

15. Board of Commissioners’ Comments

• Commissioner Dyer – when is the first Saturday trash pick up? (Saturday before Memorial Day) There is a burn ban in place.  That includes grills and fire pits.  The Playground is beautiful.  Glad to see progress at Block Q. 
• Commissioner Pate – come to Days at the Dock.  The General Statute says the Board should appoint someone to fill the Commissioner vacancy.  
• Commissioner Smith is thankful for where he lives. 
• Commissioner Myers – thanked the candidates for applying.

16. Adjournment

Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Agenda – April 2026

The Town of Holden Beach Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday, April 21 for their regular monthly meeting.  Highlights include:

• Interviewing applicants for the Commissioner vacancy,
• Agreeing on a contract for the Block Q/Jordan Blvd./Bridge Area Comprehensive Design,
• Next steps in changing the Town Charter, and
• Selecting a bid for landscaping.

The agenda is below.  Click here for the meeting packet.

Thank you to John Cifelli and Cheryle Syracuse of the Holden Beach Turtle Watch for their timely reminder that Holden Beach is a Turtle Sanctuary. We can help by sharing their 2026 Holden Beach Turtle Watch flyer. For additional information or questions, please contact communications@hbturtlewatch.org

UPDATE:

Item #3: The Board approved and made a budget adjustment to pave all of Swordfish.

Item #4: The Board approved A. W. Babson Construction to build the Block Q stage and dance floor.  Completion is expected June 30, 2026.

The Budget work will continue with Revenue discussions on May 1.  The Pier was discussed, but nothing was determined.

The Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Meeting Friday, April 10 to review the planned expenses for the upcoming budget year.  They will also discuss repaving Swordfish and Tuna, and review the bids for the new Pavilion on Block Q.  In addition, there is an agenda item to discuss plans for the Pier.  You can review the agenda and meeting packet here.

HBPOA was delighted to welcome Nathan Slaughter with ESP Associates to our Easter Membership meeting to discuss the NC Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) and the Community Action Team (CAT) integral to the process. The Town of Holden Beach has an ongoing project in partnership with ESP Associates to identify and create shovel-ready projects to make our island more resilient to storms and tidal flooding. Nathan is the Project Manager for the project, and he created a slide deck for our Membership.  You can review the slides here.