The December Board of Commissioners’ meeting featured a full agenda with several topics of great interest to HBPOA members.  A summary of what was discussed is below.  As always, feel free to email us at  [email protected] with questions and we will get back to you.

Town of Holden Beach Board of Commissioners’ 

Regular Meeting:  12/9/14

Agenda Item 7:  Discussion and possible approval of Boating Infrastructure Grant.  Cost to the Town would be $105,575.  Passed.  Kyser, Miller, Martin voted yes; Harrington and Young voted no.

Agenda Item 8:  Discussion and possible action on Restrooms Facilities for Bridgeview Park with an estimated cost of $100,000 to $150,000. Passed.  See below for design.  Kyser, Miller, Martin voted yes; Harrington and Young voted no.

Agenda Item 9:  Discussion and possible approval of PARTF Grant Application with an estimated cost to the Town of $183,373.50.  The new grant application would include shade structures, kayak launches and a splash pad.  Passed.  Kyser, Miller, Martin voted yes; Harrington and Young voted no.

Agenda Item 10:  Police Report by Police Chief Wally Lane.  Typical activity for this time of year, no unusual events.

 Agenda Item 11:  Discussion and possible approval of an ordinance amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 90:  concerning defining and prohibiting wild and exotic animals.  Passed unanimously.

 Agenda Item 12:  Discussion and possible approval of Ordinance 14-16, an ordinance enacting and adopting a supplement to the Code of Ordinances for the Town of Holden Beach  (basically a housekeeping/cataloging process for ordinances already passed by the board).  Passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 13:  Presentation on how to measure 35 Foot Height Limit by Planning and Inspections Director Tim Evans.  Click here for Tim’s presentation of background information on the issues.  Staff Recommendations are here.  Ad hoc group commended for the time spent working with Mr. Evans to establish the recommendations.  Bottom line is if we don’t implement freeboard everyone’s insurance rates will go up, and the way the height limit is currently measured reduces new property values.

Agenda Item 14:  Discussion of possible approval of Easement Agreement between Gil Bass and the Town (allows beach access for Town/EMC vehicles and walkway near the pier).  Passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 15:  Discussion and possible approval of Ordinance 14-17, an ordinance amending ordinance 14-6.  The Revenues and appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2014-­2015 (Amendment No. 5).  This amendment recognizes the donation for the Holden Beach Greater Women’s Club – Carol Ann Lohman, Chairman of Conservation, Community Service Program.  Passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 16:  Discussion and possible approval of 2015 Meeting Schedule, 2^nd Tuesday of each month.  Passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 17:  Policy Discussion of Conservation Area Maintenance.  Consideration of establishing an ordinance establishing how conservation property should be maintained.  Referred by consent of the Commissioners to Parks and Recreation Board to propose an ordinance and bring their recommendations back to the Commissioners at the next meeting.

Public Comments: 

Residents spoke about the numerous problems caused by wedding receptions being conducted at a 16 bedroom home on the west end.  Tom Myers, President of the Holden Beach Property Owners Association (HBPOA), presented a letter requesting that the Town take action to prevent this wedding venue business from continuing, and to prohibit future similar businesses from operating in areas that are zoned for residential use.  The issue was referred by consent of the Commissioners for the Planning & Zoning Board to investigate and present their results at the February meeting.