Holden Beach Property Owners Association

The Town of Holden Beach Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday, October 20  for their regular monthly meeting.  Highlights include the annual Beach Monitoring Report, leasing out the house at 796 OBW, and discussions about the Town Attorney.  The agenda is below.  Click here for the meeting packet.

FEMA has announced that Brunswick County has been declared a major disaster area and eligible for federal funding in the wake of Hurricane Isaias.  This allows our beach to apply for funding to cover the damage to the beach strand and other expenses.  The storm hit our beach on August 3 during a full-moon high tide causing massive flooding of the canals and marshes and beach erosion.  The Town is already working on replacing lost sand fencing, rope and poles, and vegetation. The preliminary estimate of sand loss to the beach strand for Isaias was 60,000 cubic yards (cy) at an estimated cost of $5,375,950.

The declaration was important because it means FEMA will reimburse the Town for 75% of the cost of repairs and the State has traditionally covered the remaining 25%.  While these are reimbursement programs and take time and effort to shepherd through the bureaucracy and paperwork, it does provide the Town with 100% of the cost of repairs.

The Isaias declaration adds another storm to the Town’s list of FEMA reimbursement projects.  The Town is currently working on a project to cover damages from Florence and Michael.  The “Flo-Mike” project will replace the 1,160,298cy of sand lost along the engineered portion of the beach.  The cost is estimated at $24,408,726.  The project has been approved by FEMA, the sand has been sourced, and depending on how the bids come in will occur in the winter of 2021-22 or 2022-23.  In addition, damages from Hurricane Dorian are pending approval and if approved in time will be added to the Flo-Mike project.  Sand loss from Dorian was 555,927cy at a cost of $14,914,698.

You can read more about the declaration here:

FEMA Disaster Declaration:  https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4568

From WECT: https://www.wect.com/2020/10/14/major-disaster-declaration-granted-nc-counties-hit-hard-by-hurricane-isaias/

Isaias-Hit Counties Eligible For Federal Aid

Meeting Canceled

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis the Labor Day HBPOA meeting, scheduled for Saturday, September 5 is canceled.

We hope you and your family are safe and well during these unusual times!

TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING

HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2020 – 7:00 P.M.

1. Invocation

2. Call to Order/ Welcome

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Agenda Approval Added item 7A to amend debris removal contract. Motion to add 14A to move meeting time to earlier.  Approved as amended.

5. Approval of Minutes

1. 1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 21, 2020 Approved

6. Public Comments on Agenda/General Items No comments

7. Engineer’s Report on Potential Paving Costs for Sea Gull Street, Deal Street and Canal Street –  Shane Lippard, Right Angle Engineering (Town Manager Hewett) Unanimously agreed Town will take the lead to start the process of property owner petition to pave roads.

7a. Added item to amend Debris Removal Contract  The Contractor wants to increase the contracted fees due to the landfill being full.  Debris would need to be hauled further.  Agreed to ask the Town Attorney to look at the original contract to see if there is a provision allowing price changes.

8. Update on Current Recovery Operations – Mayor Holden All streets are cleared and open.  No ponding of water.  Debris contract operations are ongoing.  Owners have quickly cleaned up.  Some of the lost trash cans have been found, but owners missing cans should call Waste Industries directly.  Docks and sea walls are being replaced, but repairs are running four weeks out.  Rentals for summer thru fall are extremely strong.  More people are renting.  Upset people are still unhappy with the evacuation, some are grateful.  Stickers are available now, contact the Town.  Have a storm plan!  Free dump weeks ends Saturday.  Special thanks to Fire Department and others.

9. Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 20-04, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 157: Zoning Code – Inspections Director Evans Maximum home size does not apply to heated square feet, but gross floor area, which is already in the ordinance book. If the Coastal Resource Commission extends the Inlet Hazard Area house size in the ordinance will be a moot point.  The ordinance will be clarified and a Public Hearing will be scheduled prior to the September BOC meeting.

10. Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 20-11, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinance Title XV: Land Usage (Ordinance cannot be adopted until after 24 hours from the time of the public hearing) – Inspections Director Evans Housekeeping, text amendment changes to meet current building standards. Cannot be voted on until 24 hours after meeting, will vote on it at next Special Meeting.

11. Discussion and Possible Selection of a Firm to Perform a System Development Fee Study – Town Manager Hewett Unanimously selected Raftelis to do the study. They will now request a contract from Raftelis.

12. Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 20-06, Resolution Regarding the GFWC of Holden Beach’s Recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Passage of the 19th Amendment Providing Women the Right to Vote – Town Manager Hewett Unanimously adopted resolution.

13. Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 20-07, Resolution Approving BB&T Signature Card – Town Manager Hewett  Approved unanimously.

14. Clarification of Storm Debris Pickup for Gated Neighborhoods – Commissioner Kwiatkowski Unless it is a public safety issue, FEMA will not reimburse for pick up in a gated committee. The Town will pay for the debris pick up.

14a.  Added item to move meeting time.  Voted unanimously to move BOC meetings to 5:00pm contingent on staff availability.

15. Town Manager’s Report Town is spraying for mosquitos. Isaias damages to the beach strand were not as bad as expected.  Debris pick up will end on August 25.  Pick up from the beach strand has been completed.  The removal of the sand fence and post-and-rope has begun.  Occupancy taxes appear to be in good shape.  The fieldwork for the audit is complete.  The sand search is complete with no archeological findings and permits will be submitted for by the end of the month.  A Letter of Intent was submitted to the Corps based on the approved project and the 701 process will be initiated after determining if the Work Plan process was not successful.  Officials toured the island to view Isaias damage.  State officials said FEMA will not be recognizing strand losses in determining a disaster declaration.  Only one firm responded for the Beach Engineering requirements for the “FloMike” project.  The concerts have been canceled.

16. Mayor’s Comments Thanks to property owners, the police, and Town employees the island is in good shape compared to our neighbors. Thanks to property owners for approving the beach nourishment that protected us. (Central Reach Project)

17. Board of Commissioners’ Comments Commissioner Brown thanked the staff and mayor and encouraged everyone to maintain social distancing and wear a mask. Stay safe! Commissioner Tyner agreed with Commissioner Brown’s comments and also thanked the staff’s families.  Commissioner Murdock echoed the previous comments and pointed out that there is no road map in a storm to follow.  Commissioner Sullivan is proud of the work the Town did and we are fortunate as a result of hard work done before the storm.  Commissioner Kwiatkowski recognized the staffs’ efforts and commented on the productivity of the meeting.  She encouraged everyone to complete the census and highlighted the importance of the census.

18. Executive Session Pursuant to C.G.S. 143-318.11(A)(6) to Discuss Qualifications, Competence, Performance of a Public Officer or Employee – Commissioners Sullivan No action taken.

19.Adjournment

* Due to the Town of Holden Beach’s State of Emergency Restrictions and Governor Cooper’s Safer at Home Order, in person public attendance is prohibited. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Town’s Facebook page. Visit https://www.facebook.com/holdenbeachtownhall/ to watch the livestream. Public comments can be submitted to heather@hbtownhall.com or deposited in the Town’s drop box at Town Hall prior to 5:00 p.m. on August 18, 2020.

As Hurricane Isaias nears our area we wanted to share the link from the local National Weather Service office specifically focused on Isaias.  You can follow this link for more information on the storm’s impacts on Holden Beach.

The Board of Commissioners met June 16 for their regular monthly meeting and a Public Hearing regarding the 20-21 Town Budget.  Below is a brief summary of the meeting.  The meeting packet is available here.   You can listen to the meeting here.

COMMISSIONERS’ PUBLIC HEARING/REGULAR MEETING HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020 – 7:00 P.M.

PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2020 – 2021

REGULAR MEETING:

1.  Invocation

2.  Call to Order/ Welcome

3.  Pledge of Allegiance

4.  Agenda Approval Approved.

5.  Approval of Minutes  All approved.

a.  Minutes of the Emergency Meeting of April 30, 2020

b.  Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 19, 2020

c.   Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 28, 2020

6.  Public Comments on Agenda/General Items  None

7.  Discussion and Possible Consideration of Ordinance 20-10, Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2020 – 2021 (Final Approval No Earlier than 24 Hours After Public Hearing) – Town Manager Hewett  The BOC will meet Thursday, June 18 to discuss and possibly approve the budget.  They voted 3-2 to add a total of two additional police officers and voted 4-1 to fund a 3% bonus pool.

8.  Discussion and Possible Action on the Suggested Rules of Procedure for the Town of Holden Beach Board of Commissioners – Commissioner Kwiatkowski/Town Clerk Finnell  Approved unanimously.

9.  Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 20-07, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 30.11: Terms of Office; Filling of Vacancies – Town Clerk Finnell  Approved unanimously.

10. Discussion and Possible Action on Membership of Town Boards and Committees – Town Clerk Finnell  Agreed to reseat members who were allowed to serve another term if they have expressed an interest in continuing to serve.  They will fill vacancies at a later date.   

11. Discussion Related to Hiring a Firm to Conduct an Evaluation to Determine System Development Fees – Commissioner Sullivan  Voted unanimously to ask Town Manager to seek bids for a firm to conduct an analysis on the System Development Fees.

12. Discussion Related to Increased Police Resources – Commissioner Sullivan Voted to form a committee comprised of two members of the BOC, the Town Manager and the Police Chief to investigate seasonal officers for next season. 

13. Discussion and Possible Action on Potential Issues – Commissioner Tyner  Agreed to revisit the list at the July meeting.

14. Town Manager’s Report  Sewer Lift Station #3 is on schedule.  Brunswick County is reviewing the Sewer Service Agreement, more will be known in mid-July.  The wholesale water contract is also expiring.  The county will be distributing COVID money based on census-determined population to the municipalities.   The Lockwood Folly maintenance dredging is complete and the most recent survey looks good.  He has an upcoming meeting with the Corps.  The sand from the Lockwood Folly will go to Oak Island next year.  The sand search for the “Flo-Mike” project is ongoing.  He now expects to apply for permits in August.  Modified yoga is beginning in the Pavilion and Tide Dye is DIY this year.  To date, they have pushed the concerts to later in the summer.

15. Mayor’s Comments  The rental business is booming and may exceed last year’s numbers for the summer and fall.  Real estate is also very hot.  He thinks the island looks good.

16. Board of Commissioners’ Comments  Commissioner Brown:  No remarks.  Commissioner Murdock:  Encouraged everyone to stay safe and thanked the staff.  Commissioner Sullivan asked about opening the playground.  (He was told it is not allowed yet by the State.)  He asked the Town to send a blast and put it in the water bill about the Census.  Commissioner Kwiatkowski also urged people to stay safe and commented that things are looking better.  Mayor Holden added that the Chapel is holding services. 

It was agreed that Commissioners Kwiatkowski and Sullivan will serve on the committee to review Police resources.

17. Executive Session Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(A)(6) to Discuss Qualifications, Competence, Performance of a Public Officer or Employee – Commissioner Tyner  Approved unanimously.

18. Adjournment  Recessed until Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 3:30pm.

* Due to the Town of Holden Beach’s State of Emergency Restrictions and Governor Cooper’s Safer at Home Order, in person public attendance is prohibited. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Town’s Facebook page. Visit https://www.facebook.com/holdenbeachtownhall/ to watch the livestream. Public comments can be submitted to heather@hbtownhall.com or deposited in the Town’s drop box at Town Hall prior to 6:00 p.m. on June 16, 2020. Comments on the budget will be accepted until June 17, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. If you would like the comments to be heard at the public hearing, they must be submitted by June 16, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

Proposed Inlet Hazard Area on West End.

The Coastal Resources Commission’s (CRC) plans to make changes to the Inlet Hazard Area rules and boundaries are “temporarily on hold” until the Commission can meet in-person.  Their meetings are currently being conducted via Webex due to Covid-19.  According to an email from Ken Richardson, a staff member from the Division of Coastal Management, the topic won’t be addressed until “September or December – or maybe even later”.

The CRC met June 10-11 and the proposed changes to the Inlet Hazard Areas status were discussed.  Comments and feedback received are being compiled and analyzed.  Technical comments are being sent to the Science Panel.  The Science Panel has been instructed to provide feedback and potential changes for the CRC’s September 9-10, 2020 meeting.

More information on the proposed changes to the Inlet Hazard Areas can be found here.

Our Memorial Day Membership Meeting is canceled due to COVID-19.  We will continue to provide summaries of the Town Board of Commissioners’ meetings based on the audio recordings.  We hope you are all well and being safe.

The Town of Holden Beach Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday, May 19, 2020 for their regular monthly meeting.  Highlights include possible action on a new generator for Town Hall.  Click here for the agenda and meeting packet.

HBPOA Members,

The audio of the meeting is posted to the Town’s YouTube page.

TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY TUESDAY, APRIL 21 – 7:00 P.M.

1.  Invocation

2.  Call to Order/ Welcome

3.  Pledge of Allegiance

4.  Agenda Approval  Agenda approved.

5.  Approval of Minutes All approved.

a.  Minutes of the Special Meeting of March 11, 2020 b.  Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 17, 2020

6.  Public Comments on Agenda/General Items  Three comments were submitted and all will be posted to Town’s website.  Pat Crews asked to open the beach up.  Dean and Tracey Thomas thanked the Town for opening the strand.  Irv Woods discussed the importance of allowing rentals.

7.  Quarterly Financial Update – Town Manager Hewett  The Town is in good financial shape at this time. 

8.  Report on Town Hall Generator Directive – Town Manager Hewett  Building Inspector Tim Evans deemed Town Hall a critical facility but after talking to other engineers determined the generator recommended was overkill.  The cost should be about half.  The Town Manager will bring the bids back to the Board.  Read the memo from Inspector Evans here.

9.  Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 20-09, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 19-10, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2019 – 2020 (Amendment No. 12) – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson  Approved unanimously.

10. Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 20-03, Designation of Applicant’s Agent (4487-DR- NC, COVID-19) – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson  Approved unanimously.

11. Discussion and Possible Ratification of Decisions Made by Staff Concerning Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Town Clerk Finnell  Approved unanimously.

12. Town Manager’s Report  The state has tabled the Inlet Hazard Area issue, for now, the next meeting will be in June.  The Town has re-hired PD officer Brandon Dosher to fill John Duncan’s spot.  Daniel McRainey has been hired as a financial analyst.  The audit is underway.  Staff is working on the budget.  The work on the sewer lift station is ongoing.  Paving of Brunswick Ave. is still on schedule to start April 27.  The Lockwood Folly Inlet Crossing project has been completed and fence and vegetation were starting today.  The annual beach monitoring survey is in process.  The FEMA projects are ongoing and we have added a new FEMA project, COVID-19.

13. Mayor’s Comments  Mayor Holden thanked the citizens, residents, and staff for their patience.  The hotspots in NC are expected to peak in a few weeks.  He is listening to guidance from Raleigh.

14. Board of Commissioners’ Comments:  Commissioner Brown understands the needs of opening up but is focused on safety and feels they are here to serve the good of the people.  Commissioner Tyner thanked the staff and has received a lot of input.  Commissioner Murdock has also received a lot of input on the issues.  He thanked the Mayor and the staff.  Commissioner Sullivan also thanked the staff and pointed out that people having financial difficulties will not have the water turned off if they can’t pay the bill.   Commissioner Kwiatkowski echoed earlier speakers and appreciates everyone’s patience.

15. Executive  Session  Pursuant  to  N.C.G.S.  143-318.11(A)(6)  to  Discuss a  Personnel  Matter  –

Commissioner Kwiatkowski  No action taken.

16. Adjournment

* Due to the Town of Holden Beach’s State of Emergency Restrictions and Governor Cooper’s Stay at Home Order, in person public attendance is prohibited. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Town’s Facebook page. Visit https://www.facebook.com/holdenbeachtownhall/ to watch the livestream. Public comments can be submitted to heather@hbtownhall.com or deposited in the Town’s drop box at Town Hall prior to 6:00 p.m. on April 21, 2020.