Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Follow Up
March 14, 2023
Click here to listen to the meeting
TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING/PUBLIC HEARING
HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023 – 5:00 P.M.
PUBLIC HEARING: Preliminary Assessment Roll for the Improvement of Seagull Drive Penny Nobles, 1100 OBW spoke. She owns a lot along OBW and Seagull meaning she will pay for 100’ of frontage, which she deems excessive. Katy Lippard, 118 Sea Gull was disappointed that the price had increased significantly from the estimate they had been given.
REGULAR MEETING:
1. Invocation
2. Call to Order/ Welcome
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Agenda Approval Moved #8 to 19A. Approved as amended.
5. Approval of Minutes All approved unanimously.
a. Minutes of the Special Meeting of February 16, 2023
b. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 21, 2023
6. Public Comments on Agenda Items No comments.
7. American Flood Coalition – Tony McEwen, Carolinas Director (Mayor Holden) Gave a presentation on his organization.
a. Resolution 23-02, A Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Holden Beach Providing for the Town of Holden Beach to Become a Member of the American Flood Coalition Passed unanimously.
8. Police Report – Chief Dixon Moved to 19A.
a. Presentation of Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Certificate to Officer Alyse Wade
9. Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans Work is picking up again.
a. Report on Coastal Resources Commission Meeting Discussed the CRC meeting. The Inlet Hazard Areas (IHAs) will be discussed again at upcoming CRC meetings. The changes being discussed now allow 2000sf total area instead of 1000sf footprint. The CRC now requires two growing seasons before vegetation can be considered stable. Beach mats were discussed; mats can go out to the vegetation line, to go further out other agencies must be consulted.
10. Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 23-04, Resolution Confirming Assessment Roll and Levying Assessments on Seagull Drive Property Owners – Town Clerk Finnell Referred to the comment posted online asking for six months to pay. The actual assessment sent to residents increased significantly from the estimate. The Commissioners are unable to change the law which does not allow people to pay over time. Motion passed unanimously. The Town paid half, $111,314.
11. Discussion and Possible Action on Proposal from Bowman Murray Hemingway Architects for Next Phase of the Holden Beach Pier Project – Town Manager Hewett Representative did not appear and Commissioners and Town had just received the proposal and had not had time to review. This item will be moved to the next meeting. Click here to review the design proposal.
12. Discussion and Possible Action on Proposal from Pinnacle Architecture for Next Phase of the Block Q Project – Town Manager Hewett Approved unanimously. Contract is for $55,000.
13. Discussion and Possible Approval of Contract Between the Town and Martin Starnes and Associates for Audit Services for Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023 – Finance Officer McRainey Passed 4-1 with Commissioner Kwiatkowski voting NO. Cost for the audit will be $35,475.
14. Discussion and Possible Action on Proposal from McGill Associates for Sailfish Park Site-Specific Master Plan – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson Passed unanimously. Contract for the plan is $34,680.
15. Discussion and Possible Action on Contract for Improvements at the Town-Owned Property Located at 796 Ocean Boulevard West – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson
a. Ordinance 23-05, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 22-14, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023 (Amendment No. 12) The contract for $48,000 for cosmetic repairs was approved 4-1 with Commissioner Dyer voting NO. The vendor will be able to start 45 days after contracting and the work will take six weeks. It has not been decided whether to rent the home or not.
16. Discussion and Possible Action on North Carolina Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Pre-Application Block Q– Assistant Town Manager Ferguson Approved unanimously applying for pre-application for a $560,000 grant, our portion would be $140,000 for new restrooms and restroom parking. There was a question on whether the whole parcel must be restricted for 25 years or if only the restroom portion can be obligated.
17. Discussion and Possible Action on Amending the Holden Beach Fee Schedule
a. Resolution 23-05, Resolution Amending the Holden Beach Fee Schedule – Public Works Director Clemmons Motion carried unanimously.
b. Resolution 23-06, Resolution Amending the Holden Beach Fee Schedule – Inspection Director Evans Motion carried unanimously with an amendment to increase sidewalk fee to $2000 and the cost of a temporary CO.
18. Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 23-06, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 22-14, The Revenue and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023 (Amendment No. 13, Parking Revenues) – Town Manager Hewett Motion carried unanimously.
19. Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 23-07, Ordinance Amending Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 93: Junked Vehicles and Equipment – Inspections Director Evans Motion carried unanimously.
19A. Police report – (moved from #8 on the agenda) Large increase in the number of parking violations due to shelling in 800 block. Paid Parking will go into effect April 1. Officer Wade was recognized for earning a Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Certificate.
20. Public Comments on General Items No comments.
21. Town Manager’s Report Budget season is underway. Next workshop is April 20 at 5:30PM. The Town has asked for funding from the state and the federal government, as well as asked for legislative assistance for banning shark tournaments and implementing the IHAs. Remaining $600K in FEMA reimbursements should be received soon. The nighttime egg hunt is April 7, registration is required and ends this Friday.
22. Mayor’s Comments Next few weeks will be busy. The first band will be Memorial Day Weekend. Rentals are looking good this year. He can’t understand why the west end is being penalized so severely with the IHAs.
23. Board of Commissioners’ Comments
Commissioner Smith – Congrats to Officer Elise for her training, looking forward to warmer weather, be mindful of the golf carts. Sorry the pier had to be put off a month.
Commissioner Murdock attended the Lockwood Folly Inlet meeting. Hopes to have dredging before boating season. Happy Easter.
Commissioner Dyer thanked the staff, also concerned about Lockwood Folly Inlet. Voted against 796 OBW because she thinks we need to move forward with bathrooms and more permanent solutions.
Commissioner Kwiatkowski announced her resignation from the Board effective immediately. Listen to her remarks starting at 1:56:28 on the meeting audio or Click here to read a transcript.
24. Closed Session Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3), Consult with the Attorney
25. Adjournment