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  After the discussion, the motion for the proposal was withdrawn. 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