TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ PUBLIC HEARING/REGULAR MEETING

HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 – 5:00 P.M.

Click here for the meeting packet.

Click here to listen to the audio of the meeting.

                                                                                                            

PUBLIC HEARING: Board of Commissioners’ Intent to Permanently Close a Portion of Carolina Avenue from its Intersection with Jordan Boulevard to its Intersection with Quinton Street

Public Comments:

Member of the public: Didn’t see the need to take away a road to make more parking.
Jim Bauer: Closing the street could make it more difficult for emergency services.
Mike Felmly: Opposed to closing the street because it may devalue neighboring property values and increase difficulties for emergency services.  Should be part of a capital improvement program.

REGULAR MEETING:

1.    Invocation

2.    Call to Order/ Welcome

3.    Pledge of Allegiance

4.    Agenda Approval Approved unanimously.

5.    Approval of Minutes Approved unanimously.

a. Minutes of the Public Hearing/Regular Meeting of August 16, 2022

6.    Public Comments on Agenda Items
Jim Bauer, 329 OBW: Wanted to discuss the Pier Grant, which was not on the agenda.
Martha Myers, Bolivia, NC:  Support for beach mats for the handicapped.
Mike Felmley:  Opposed to paid parking and closing street to add more parking.
 
7.    Status Update and Additional Work Needed for Corps’ Coastal Storm Risk Management Study – Colonel Bennett (Assistant Town Manager Ferguson)   Heard a report on the Corps project.  Additional $1,250,000 needed for expanded scope and additional 11 months.  Town Manager will draft a letter of Intent for the Corps to be discussed at the Special Meeting.

8.    Police Report – Chief Dixon  Typical summer month (August).  Number of incidents declined.  Otto Connect is handling parking issues, freeing them up for other duties.  It is Child Passenger Safety week.  Children under two years should be in rear facing car seat – including in Low Speed Vehicle.  October 1st is Run HB.  Highpoint St. to Dunescape to LouLou’s Restaurant will be down to a single lane, including the bridge.   October 8 is Cycle NC and the bridge won’t be closed.  Oct. 29-30 is Festival by the Sea.  The Department is still down two employees.  He has created a video on Low Speed Vehicles and safety.

9.    Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans There are 51 active permits for new construction, 418 other permits, 30 waiting to be picked up.  One structure, 191 OBW, has been condemned and will be demolished.

10. Discussion and Possible Action on Statements of Qualifications Received for Block Q and the Pier Properties – Town Manager Hewett Town Manager prepared a score sheet for the bids.  They will add this topic to the agenda for the Special Meeting, September 28.

11. Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 22-20, An Order Closing Carolina Avenue from its Intersection with Jordan Boulevard to its Intersection with Quinton Street – Town Clerk Finnell No action taken at this time.  Commissioners concerned about closing the street without any pending development on the property.   

12. Discussion and Possible Scheduling of a Date to Hold a Special Meeting to Interview Potential Candidates to Fill the Vacancy on the Board of Commissioners and to Select a New Member to Fill the Vacancy – Town Clerk Finnell  Meeting set for September 28 at 5:30PM.

13. Discussion and Possible Action on Potential Funding Options Presented by Brunswick County for Biosolids Disposal – Public Works Director Clemmons The County is upgrading the sewer disposal facility.  Option 2B was selected unanimously as the best option for us, an increase of $36,399/yr for 20 years.  However, the County can pick whichever option they want.

14. Discussion and Possible Direction on Establishing a Stormwater Management Program – Public Works Director Clemmons Motion to create an RFQ for an engineering firm to create a master plan for stormwater management for the Commissioners to review.  Approved unanimously.

15. Discussion and Possible Action on Encroachment Agreement between the Town and Jerry Fairchild (222 Ocean Boulevard East) – Inspections Director Evans Approved unanimously.

16. Discussion and Possible Action on Jordan Boulevard Restrooms – Commissioner Kwiatkowski No action taken.

17. Inlet Hazard Area Situation Update from Town Staff – Commissioner Kwiatkowski Inspector Evans gave an update on the new Inlet Hazard Areas.  The CRC has approved the new boundaries. 

18. Discussion and Possible Action on Planning for Dry Sand Placement of Mats and Discussion of Potential Residential Use for Walkways – Commissioner Kwiatkowski CRC is reviewing allowing beach mats on the dry sand with agreements from wildlife agencies. Motion to have staff begin planning for dry sand placement of mats and placement of mats parallel to the water for handicapped individuals.  Approved unanimously.

19. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 22-21, An Ordinance Enacting and Adopting a Supplement to the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina (Supplement 17) – Town Clerk Finnell Approved unanimously.

20. Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 22-08, Resolution Approving Truist Signature Card – Town Clerk Finnell Approved unanimously.

21. Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 22-22, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2214, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023 (Amendment No. 1) – Budget & Fiscal Analyst McRainey Approved unanimously.

22. Public Comments on General Items Martha Myers, Bolivia, Why is there a handicap mat at the access stairs at Ave D.?  Answer:  It was not placed for wheelchairs, but for others, as a demonstration project.

23. Town Manager’s Report Paid Parking has brought in $417,577, incurred $50,863 in expenses for a net income of $366,714 since starting in May.  The FEMA beach nourishment project is pending close out.  The interest on the bonds will be covered.  Sand compatibility was not as expected and will be monitored for two years.  Grants for the Pier and for the access parcel adjacent to the pier are pending.  Expect to accept the grants at the October meeting.

24. Mayor’s Comments It’s hurricane season, have a plan.  The beach is in excellent condition.  Traffic on the island has slowed down considerably in the last month.

25. Board of Commissioners’ Comments

• Commissioner Smith:  Thanks to all who came out and those that applied for the vacancy.  Thanks to the Police Department for the LSV safety video.  Be prepared for hurricanes!
• Commissioner Dyer:  Asked about the shark tournament.  She emphasized that there is no plan for the pier or Block Q yet – everything is in the planning stages.
• Commissioner Murdock:  Thanks to all who came out and listened online.  The island is growing.  The plans for Block Q and the Pier are not solidified.  Block Q may not be for parking, could also be green space, still working on a plan.
• Commissioner Kwiatkowski: Encouraged people to hang around until the end of the meeting and bring up questions, concerns and comments during the second public comment period of each meeting.  She thanked Mr. Clemmons for his work on the Stormwater Master Plan.

 
26. Closed Session Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6), Personnel (Commissioner Murdock), North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3), Consult with the Attorney (Town Manager Hewett) and North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(1), To Prevent the Disclosure of Privileged Information (Town Clerk Finnell)

27. Adjournment