Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Follow-Up

December 2023

Click here for the Meeting Packet

Click here to listen to the meeting audio when posted

Click here for Public Comments

Commissioner Murdock was not in attendance.

TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING

HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 – 5:00 P.M.

1.    Invocation

2.    Call to Order/ Welcome

3.    Pledge of Allegiance

4.    Agenda Approval Approved

5.    Approval of Minutes Approved
.     Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 21, 20236.

6.  Public Comments on Agenda Items
·      A speaker discussed how he has recently come to the area.
·      Maria Surprise read her comments and congratulated the new commissioners.
·      Mike Felmly spoke on item #16 the pier bids and encouraged the Board not to act on it.
·      A speaker discussed how the pier is important to the greater community.
·      Mr. Pearce spoke in favor of accepting the pier bids and discussed a new organization with a goal of putting a heritage museum at the pier.
·      Jim Bauer spoke on the lack of information and clarity on the pier plans.
·      Mr. Kimbrough spoke on the lack of a vision for the end-state of the pier and that it needs to be determined prior to moving ahead.

7.    Presentation of Plaque to the Outgoing Board of Commissioners by Town Manager Hewett

8.    Presentation of Plaques to Commissioners Murdock and Arnold of the Outgoing Board of Commissioners by Mayor Holden   A plaque was presented to Commissioner Arnold.

9.    Board of Commissioners’ Comments Commissioner Smith thanked Commissioners Arnold and Murdock for their service and remembered Commissioner Brown.  Commissioner Dyer also thanked Commissioners Arnold and Murdock for their service and remembered Commissioner Brown.  Commissioner Arnold said he appreciated the kind words and the plaque and thanked everyone.  

10. Judge Gerald Arnold will Present the Oath of Office to the Incoming Board of Commissioners
a.     Mayor                             J. Alan Holden
b.     Commissioners             Tom Myers, Tracey Thomas, Page Dyer and Rick Paarfus

11. Election of Mayor Pro Tempore – Town Clerk Finnell Commissioner Tom Myers was elected Mayor Pro Tem.

12. Discussion and Possible Approval of 2024 Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Schedule – Town Clerk Finnell Commissioner Dyer asked that the January meeting be moved to January 23, with that exception the schedule was approved for the third Tuesday of each month at 5:00pm.

13. Discussion and Possible Direction on Rules of Procedure for the Board of Commissioners – Town Clerk Finnell Commissioner Thomas asked for a special meeting to approve the Rules of Procedures.  Clerk Finnell will check with the other Commissioners for a date and Commissioner Thomas will send her the agenda items.

14. Police Report – Chief Dixon  It is a slow time for the department.  Commissioner Myers asked about the armed robbery and a robbery in progress.  Chief Dixon explained it was probably coded wrong.  He later stated it was actually at the Food Lion, dispatched by the County.

15. Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans Department continues to be busy with construction and remodels.

16. Discussion and Possible Action on Bids Received for the Holden Beach Pier Project – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson After copious discussion, motion passed 3-2 to develop a master plan for the property before re-bidding, with Myers, Paarfus and Thomas voting yea.

17. Discussion and Possible Action on Fourth Amendment to Solid Waste & Recyclables Collection, Transportation and Disposal Agreement between the Town and GFL Environmental – Public Works Director Clemmons  Passed unanimously.

18. Public Comments on General Items

·      A speaker commented on how the island is part of the greater community, and the community members should be considered.
·      Jim Bauer encouraged better audio video for meetings.
·      Mike Felmly spoke on the PARTF grant the Town accepted for the pier and the requirement to put recreational facilities in within five years.
·      Ann Paarfus asked that the plan for the pier be publicized.
·      Rebecca Thompson discussed the tires on the beach strand and welcomed the new members.
·      Brent Shaver encouraged the Commissioners to stop using “old Board” and “new Board” but view themselves as The Board.
·      Regina Martin encouraged the Commissioners to get bids for the pier and the three new members to resign from HBPOA.

19.   Town Manager’s Report   The Block Q contract has not been signed yet.  NC Wildlife will meet with the Town on Wednesday to discuss the Boat Ramp.  Representative Rouzer reported that we were still awarded the $2.7M for the sewer project and he is following up with the State about the remaining $2M.  The Department of Marine Fisheries removed all the tires from the beach.  If additional tires wash up, call Town Hall to have them removed.  The modular restroom at the pier will be winterized soon and porta-potties will be available.

20.  Mayor’s Comments Encouraged everyone to enjoy the refreshments and commented on the storm impact on water levels at the Halstead Park pier.

21.  Board of Commissioners’ Comments Commissioner Smith thanked the staff and is worried about the Team.  Commissioner Thomas thanked the outgoing commissioners for their service and wished everyone happy holidays.  Commissioner Myers stated he is honored to serve and intends to do his best and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holidays. Commissioner Paarfus commented that this is your Board and they need to hear from you.  He hopes the Board can work together.  Commissioner Dyer thanked the staff and wished everyone happy holidays.

22. Adjournment

At the November BOC meeting, the Commissioners voted to select Wells Brothers Construction Co. for the Block Q paving project and instructed the Town Manager to complete the associated contract documents, including a Letter of Intent notifying Wells of the Town’s intent to enter into a contract.  Wells’ bid was $325,831.91.

Block Q is the vacant block of land near the bridge bordered by Jordan Blvd., South Shore Dr., Quinton St., and Brunswick Ave. East. The Town purchased it for $2,000,000.

The Commissioners also approved the Order to Close Carolina Avenue between Jordan Blvd. and Quinton St.  In addition, the Commissioners approved the appropriation of funds to cover the construction costs.

The approved plans for Block Q include paving for 15 boat parking spaces and 70 car parking spaces.  The plans also include infiltration basins due to the amount of impervious surface involved.  The plans do not include relocating the pavilion to the Block Q green space or the construction of planned bathrooms.

Click here for a copy of the plans: Block Q Plans

Work has begun on resurfacing Ocean Boulevard and adding bike lanes to each side of the road.  Storm drainage work is being performed from now until mid-December, followed by sidewalk prep, followed by the widening of the roadway and shoulders.  This work is expected to start on the east end and work westward, finishing in February.  Intermittent daytime traffic disruptions will occur but will be resolved by the end of each workday.

Paving will be performed from March through May 20th, also working from east to west.  No work will be performed between May 21st and Labor Day.  Final work items will be completed after Labor Day, and everything will be finished by November 16, 2024.

If you want to save trash corrals, landscaping, driveway rock, or other items in the right-of-way, you will need to move them before the work reaches your property.  The road is being widened by seven feet on the ocean side and three feet on the ICW side.   Mailboxes will be moved by the NCDOT.

The bike lanes were added to the scope of the NCDOT repaving project.   In April of 2022, the Town’s portion for the bike lanes was $723,393.  After the initial bids came in outside the allowable overage amount, the project was rebid.  When these bids came in the Town’s portion was increased by $100,000 – making the Town’s total cost for adding the bike lanes $823,393.

While the repaving project has a stormwater component to it, the Town is also currently conducting a separate stormwater study.  The contract to perform this study was awarded to McGill Associates for $131,200.

Click here for Meeting Packet

Click here for Public Comments

Click here for meeting audio

TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING

HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 – 5:00 P.M.

1. Invocation

2. Call to Order/Welcome

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4.  Agenda Approval Approved

5.  Approval of Minutes Approved

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 17, 2023

6.    Public Comments on Agenda Items

• Marti Arrowood – good job on the audit.  Wants to accept the bid for Block Q.
• Jim Bauer has a petition from people who want to avoid the paving on Block Q.  He also wants to know what happened to the sewer lift station.
• Rick Paarfus – Asked that the work on Block Q be deferred until the incoming Board can review it.  He has concerns about impervious surface, lack of boat parking, and the need to add the Pavilion to the space.
• Tom Myers – Asked that the decision on Block Q be deferred until the public can be informed.  The public has not been informed about paving, boat parking, and the need to move the pavilion
• Cane Faircloth thanked the current board for their service.  Feels we are very lucky with the inlet.  Wants to preserve Block Q for boaters.
• Brian Williams as a commercial fisherman concerned about the rapid growth of the area and the lack of boat parking.
• Tracey Thomas read her letter to the BOC.
• Mike Felmly addressed pool fences, called for a strategy for the pier, Block Q, closing Carolina Ave, and pointed out contract issues with the lobbyist’s contract.
• Belcher Ragland wants to close Carolina Ave because no homes face it and it won’t have an impact.  She wants the Block Q project to move forward.
• Sylvia Pate thinks that the petition from Jim Bauer is not valid, and thinks the Block Q project should move forward.  She also is in favor of the lobbyist’s contract.
• Maria Surprise was in favor of purchasing Block Q however she is concerned about the environmental issues, especially the paving.

Several commenters read the comments they had submitted in writing which can be read here.

7.  Presentation of Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023 Audit Results – Elsa Swenson, Martin Starnes and Associates – (Finance Officer McRainey)Elsa Swenson presented the audit for the year ended June 30, 2023. Here are the presentation slides.  Here is the Audit.

8.  End of Season Parking Update – Jim Varner, Otto Connect (Town Manager Hewett)  He reviewed the presentation in the meeting packet.  The Town brought in $683K in the 2023 season.

9.      Police Report – Chief Dixon All officers have had their training. Everything is very slow. Be careful as scams are going around again.  Do not send money when contacted via phone calls.

10.  Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans The department is still busy with new homes and improvements.  They also are working on several Town projects.

11. Discussion and Possible Selection of Lowest Apparent Bidder for Block Q and Associated Paperwork – Town Manager Hewett  Received two bids this round.  Motion to have the Town manager complete the contract, close Carolina Ave. and a budget amendment passed unanimously. Block Q Plans.

a.     Ordinance 23-14, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 23-11, The Revenues and appropriations Ordinance or Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 (Amendment No. 2)
b. Letter of Intent
c. Ordinance 23-15, Order to Close

12. Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 23-12, Water Resources Development Grant – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson   This is regarding a grant to help cover shoaling at the Harbor Acres entrance and a few hotspots.  The state would cover 75% and Harbor Acre homeowners would cover the additional 25%.  The resolution passed unanimously.

13. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ward and Smith, P.A. Engagement Letter – Mayor Holden This is the contract for the Town’s lobbyist, Mike McIntyre.  The contract runs through June 30, 2024, at $9725/month.  Passed unanimously.

14.  Discussion and Possible Amendment to Quarterly Meeting Dates – Commissioner Dyer Would like to cancel the planned December 21 Special meeting.  The motion carried unanimously.

15. Public Comments on General Items

• Brian Williams discussed parking with the direction of traffic when parking large boat trailers.
• Irv Woods discussed that the navigation dredging helped the East End beach front.
• Tom Myers talked about the need for information sessions to keep interested property owners up to date.

16. Town Manager’s Report

• Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project, CSDR, (Federal Corps Project): Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) allocated funds to cover part of the Corps’ expenses.  He thinks there might be additional funds as well.
• The grant for the Block Q bathroom was approved.
• EPA grant package commitment for the Sewer Lift Station: hopes to have it finalized before Christmas.  Has made a request to find out more from the Department of Water Resources, DWR, for more details.
• OBW Resurfacing and Bike Lanes – work is in progress.  The contractor is working on stormwater drains, the project should be complete by Memorial Day.
• Turkey Trot is Thanksgiving morning at 8:00 am.  300 people are expected.
• November 30 is the Annual Tree Lighting with entertainment at 5:00 and Lighting at 6:00.

17. Mayor’s Comments Happy Thanksgiving.  Glad to hear a good financial report and thanks to the staff for the grants.  Thinks the Town is in good condition.

18. Board of Commissioners’ Comments

• Commissioner Smith – thankful for the island, staff, police, and commissioners, and encouraged everyone to stay safe
• Commissioner Murdock – Hopes the new board will work together, have transparency, he has enjoyed serving on the BOC.
• Commissioner Dyer – Thanks to the staff for the grants.  Thanked the outgoing Commissioners.  Happy Thanksgiving.
• Commissioner Arnold – Hopes the incoming board and the outgoing one can work together.

The Town Pavilion, the site of the Summer Concerts, Christmas Tree Lighting, Tide Dye, and numerous Town functions, has structural issues.

The Town received an engineering report in February stating the pavilion requires significant repairs, and since the repairs will likely exceed the value of the structure the Town should consider full replacement – which means we have an opportunity to move the concerts away from the sewer station and conduct them on an attractive grass open space in Block Q. You can read the report here:  Pavilion Engineering Report.

The issue has not been addressed by the Town and there is nothing in the budget for repairs or replacement, but it is listed in the Capital Improvement Plan for FY 24/25.

Please note, the Pavilion was not included in the plan for Block Q which was passed at the Commissioners Meeting on November 21.

The final votes have been counted and here are the results:  

Mayor:  Incumbent Alan Holden will serve another two-year term.

Board of Commissioner Four-year terms: Tom Myers, Tracey Thomas, and incumbent Page Dyer.

Two-year Unexpired term: Rick Paarfus.

They will join sitting Commissioner Rick Smith on the Board.

The Mayor and Commissioners will be sworn into office on December 19 at the regular monthly Commissioners meeting.  Special thanks go out to our departing Commissioners Gerald Arnold and Brian Murdock for their dedication and service.  Recognition also goes to the other members of our community who have shown their love for our beach by stepping up to run for office.  Thank you!

You can view the election results here.

Did you receive your Fall 2023 Newsletter?  It was mailed via USPS to all property owners.  If you did not receive it click here to read it.  Sometimes mail gets lost, but if you did not receive a newsletter send us an email with your mailing address and your address at Holden Beach and we will make sure you are on the list for the next one!

HBPOA Thanksgiving Meeting Reminder

Please join us Saturday, November 18 at 10:00 am

Holden Beach Chapel

or by Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2513296660

Thanks to the League of Women Voters – Lower Cape Fear for helping organize and record Candidates Night this year.  There was a great turnout of voters.  Special thanks to the HBPOA Candidates Night Committee and chair Beverly Compton.  If you weren’t able to attend they have provided us with a Facebook link to the recording here.  Remember to vote November 7th!

Membership Appreciation Breakfast