TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021 – 5:00 P.M.
Please note that the results of the Executive Session at the end of the meeting were to spend $850,000 for additional property and to RECESS the meeting until Friday, November 19 at 2:00PM. See item #24.
1. Invocation
2. Call to Order/ Welcome
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Agenda Approval Approved
5. Approval of Minutes Approved
a. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 19, 2021
6. Public Comments on Agenda Items Five people spoke at the meeting and additional comments are on the website.
7. Presentation of Fiscal Year 2020 – 2021 Audit Results – Elsa Watts, Martin Starnes and Associates (Town Manager Hewett) Town received a clean audit.
8. Discussion/Question and Answer on the Audit Committee Message on the External Audit Report to the Board of Commissioners – Commissioner Kwiatkowski Audit Committee reviewed the audit.
9. Annual Monitoring Report – Fran Way, ATM (Assistant Town Manager Ferguson) Beach gained sand overall. Great year with no storms. Renourishment of Central Reach area and Eastern Reach to happen this winter.
10. Discussion and Possible Action on Audit Committee Proposed Revised Ordinance 30.26, Audit Committee (Ordinance 21-32) – Commissioner Kwiatkowski Changed ordinance establishing Audit Committee. Approved 3-2 with Commissioners Brown and Smith voting No.
11. Discussion and Possible Action on Request for Beer Garden and Signage for Run HB – Johnna Terragna (Assistant Town Manager Ferguson). Approved unanimously.
12. Police Report – Chief Dixon Not a lot of crime discussed. Hunting season underway which is usually an issue on Western part of island (hunting not allowed on Island). Scams such as gift cards and grandchildren bail are proliferating – Be aware!
13. Parking Committee’s Summary in Response to the Board of Commissioners’ Tasker – Commissioners Murdock & Smith. Otto Connect, the selected parking vendor/consultant, gave a presentation at the Parking Committee Meeting. Read it here. Town owns 221 spots and is actively looking at purchasing more property. Proposed rate is $4/Hr, $20/day and would run March through October. Golf carts would pay same, vehicles with trailers would pay $30/day. Annual permits would be available. Commissioner Murdock would like to eliminate Right of Way parking after the Town has enough spots and eliminate Post and Rope for some areas. They do not envision having the 1092 parking spots outlined in the report.
14. Update on Revision of Oceanfront Lighting Ordinance – Attorney Madon (Commissioner Smith). Turtle Patrol supports further lighting restrictions. Information was forwarded to Town Attorney to revise the ordinance.
15. Discussion and Possible Action on Updated Water Fee Schedule – Public Works Director Clemmons. Beginning January 1, 2022 rates will increase (82%) to cover increase from County. Approved unanimously.
16. Discussion and Possible Action on Staff Compensation (Resolution 21-16, Providing COVID-19 Performance Bonuses to Town Staff) – Board of Commissioners. $750 per employee Covid Bonus for staff. Passed unanimously.
17. Discussion and Possible Action on a Request for Parks & Recreation Committee Suggestions for the Town-Owned 796 Ocean Boulevard West Property – Commissioner Kwiatkowski. Sent tasker to Parks And Rec. Committee to suggest what to do with town-owned house at 796 OBW. Passed unanimously.
18. Property Purchase Update & Request for Public Opinion – Commissioners Sullivan & Kwiatkowski. No response from seller regarding $500K price reduction for repairs, another month needed. The requested deliverables have not been received. Motion to extend the Due Diligence period until December 17 to allow response from seller with a response needed by this Friday or the Town would withdraw offer. Failed 3-2 with Commissioners Sullivan and Kwiatkowski voting in favor. New motion to not include the withdrawal of offer passed.
19. Public Comments on General Items Five people spoke regarding parking and the Pier purchase.
20. Town Manager’s Report Paving of Seagull St. is moving ahead for this spring. The sand source for this winter’s renourishment has been accepted by DCM as compatible. The plan at the completion of the beach nourishment this winter would be one continuous project from 262 OBE to 871 OBW, to cover an area 5.1 miles long, 8’ tall and 100’ wide. He doesn’t know exactly when the work will begin but be prepared for loud work 24-7. The Turkey Trot will be Thanksgiving Day and the Tree Lighting will be December 3.
21. Mayor’s Comments. The Mayor met with our state representative. The state is participating in removal of the abandoned shrimp boats across the waterway. The Veteran’s Appreciation Luncheon was successful.
22. Board of Commissioners’ Comments. Commissioner Brown said he would not raise taxes to cover the pier purchase. Commissioner Smith thanked the Police for their work on the successful Festival. Commissioner Murdock discussed the Parking Report and feels like 500-600 spots are needed. He also said he would not raise taxes for the Pier. Commissioner Sullivan noted that this was his last meeting as he did not run again. He thanked his colleagues, the staff and the residents for the opportunity to serve. Commissioner Kwiatkowski emphasized that the BOC needs to get more information in writing and into the meeting packet. The County is having an open house on the Land Use Plan/Parks and Rec Plan and invited all to attend.
23. Executive Session Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(A)(5), To Instruct the Staff or Agent Concerning the Negotiation of the Price and Terms of Contracts Concerning the Acquisition of Real Properties – Commissioners Murdock & Smith. Voted to spend $850K for additional property. The location has not been disclosed.
24.Adjournment. The meeting was NOT adjourned, but recessed until 2:00pm Friday, November 19, 2021