Our postponed Labor Day meeting will be this Saturday, September 20 at 10:00 am at Town Hall.  If you can’t make it in person, log in with Zoom by clicking this link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2513296660?omn=88296743997

We hope you will join us to get caught up on what is happening with the Town and the organization!

Questions?  Feel free to reach out via email to  HBPOA@hotmail.com

Due to mold remediation at the Town Hall Public Assembly Room, the HBPOA Labor Day Meeting is postponed until further notice. We are working to reschedule the Labor Day meeting as soon as the meeting room is available, with a target date of Saturday, September 20.

Join us for the Memorial Day Meeting

May 24 at 10:00AM at Town Hall

Can’t make the meeting?  Watch live via this Zoom link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2513296660?omn=85051901194

Our speaker for the meeting is Tri-Beach Fire Department Assistant Chief David Ward who will talk about the Beach Rescue Safety Stations soon to be installed along the beach strand.  He will also take questions.

Click here for more meeting information:

Meeting Agenda Easter Meeting Minutes

Click below for the minutes from the Thanksgiving 2024 meeting, which were presented at the Easter 2025 meeting.

HBPOA Member Meeting 11-23-24

Watch your mailbox for the latest HBPOA Newsletter.  We will be mailing it via USPS.  You can view it now by clicking here:  2024 Fall Newsletter.

As a reminder:

Saturday, May 25 at 1:00 p.m. (New Time!)

Holden Beach Town Hall

Can’t be here? No problem!  Join the meeting online via Zoom by clicking here.

PIER INFORMATION SESSION 

Come hear from groups promoting their differing visions for the Pier Property.  Each speaker will discuss how they think the Town should move forward and what the implications are for property owners.

• Will Carter will speak on behalf of the H.B. Concerned Taxpayers Group.  This group is advocating building a new concrete pier. NewHoldenBeachPier.com
• John Pearce will speak on behalf of the Holden Beach Community Alliance.  This group supports restoring the pier.

Each group will speak and answer questions.  This informational forum will be moderated by the HBPOA Meeting Chairman.  This is an informational meeting only and no HBPOA positions with respect to the Pier will be voted on at this meeting.

You can review the Town’s recently adopted plan for the Pier here.

The Town of Holden Beach Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, May 21 for their regular monthly meeting.  The audio of the meeting is available here on the Town’s website.   Click here for the meeting packet.  Written Public Comments are available here.

TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING

HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024 – 5:00 P.M.

1. Invocation
2. Call to Order/ Welcome
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Agenda Approval  Removed item #12, Lighting Ordinance changes. Approved as amended.
5. Conflict-of-Interest Check No conflicts.
6. Approval of Minutes All approved as written.
   • Minutes of the Special Meeting of April 12, 2024
   • Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 30, 2024
7. Public Comments on Agenda Items

·      Sylvia Pate, 111 Charlotte St., wanted to get clarification on what the PARTF Grant requirements are.  Also wants the Town to roll over the Pier Funds into a capital project fund.
·      Will Carter 108 Starfish stated property owners don’t want the pier, just as they didn’t want a park, and claimed that the Beautification Club wanted to plant sticker bushes at the Playground.
·      Maria Finchwalter, supports proposed changes to the dune ordinances.

8. Police Report – Chief Dixon Discussed the police report.  Activity is increasing as the weather warms up.  Bike Lanes are for bikes; no pedestrians are allowed; no LSVs (golf carts); not a parking area.  If you are seeing issues let him know.  Summer concerts will be at Bridgeview Park, will be a trial-and-error experience.
9. Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans Very busy with permits.  There were a record number of permits and inspections.  This is the most activity the department has ever seen.  Regarding the ADA Agreement 114 OBE bathroom bid was awarded, should be complete June 28, this will finish up that location.  Ave. E walkway and bathroom, the dune has grown too much for current design.  Working with CAMA to modify permit.  Should be out for bid in the fall.  March 2025 is the target date for completion for all projects and the Town should make it.  The emergency ramp and walkway at 801 OBW is in process.  The 700 block is complete.  Jordan Blvd is complete.  Access at 329.5 (currently closed) will be an ADA ramp.  441 OBW (the Pier) is complete with an emergency ramp and a handicap walkway with matting extending out.  Halstead Park was brought into compliance with a little work left to do.  The access at 915 OBW has been completed.  Three projects will be covered in next year’s budget.
10. Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey Reviewed the Town’s finances.
11. Town Manager’s Report – Town Manager Hewett Lift Station will be discussed later.  The Harbor Acres canal dredging has been completed.  Also approved for emergency ramp at the pier.  The Miss Katie dredging project for Lockwood Folly has been scrubbed due to conflict with Corps dredging.  The dredge Merritt will be here for 3 weeks.  No responses for 796 OBW (Sewer House) sale; out for second round.  Beach rangers started yesterday.  Leash Law is effective now and pets not allowed on the strand 9-5.  Concerts start on Sunday at Bridgeview Park. 
12. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 24-07, An Ordinance Amending Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 92, Nuisances (Lighting) – Inspections Director Evans Item Removed.
13. Discussion and Possible Scheduling of a Date to Hold a Public Hearing on Ordinance 24-10, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 94.03 Frontal Dune Policies and Regulations and Chapter 157: Zoning Code – Inspections Director Evans Allows for an appeal process and cleans up the ordinance.  Motion to approve having a Public Hearing prior to the next regular meeting.  Passed unanimously.
14. Discussion and Possible Action on Demolition of the Pavilion at Jordan Boulevard – Town Manager Hewett Contract awarded for $25,000 to demolish Pavilion.  The cement will not be included. Passed unanimously.
15. Discussion and Possible Approval of DEQ Offer to Fund Greensboro Street Lift Station – Town Manager Hewett
    • Resolution 24-05, DEQ Project No. SRP-W-134-0021 Motion to approve the Resolution, passed unanimously.  A loan may be needed in addition to the grants to construct the lift station.
16. Discussion and Possible Action to Direct Staff to Develop a Request for Proposals to Accomplish Tasks in the Adopted Pier Property Development Plan – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Paarfus The RFP will be brought back to the Board for approval before being distributed.  Approved unanimously.
17. Discussion and Possible Action on Instructing the Town Attorney to Investigate the Town of Holden Beach’s Legal Requirements from the Pier Grants – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas  Some members are unsure what features can be included in a new pier property and what are required to be included.  For example, a sit-down restaurant is not allowed; must be concessions.  Motion passed 3-2 with Dyer and Smith voting No.
18. Discussion and Possible Commitment from the Town’s Leadership on Working Together for the Betterment of the Town – Mayor Holden and Commissioner Dyer Mayor Holden apologized for missing the Beautification Club and Women’s Club events he had RSVP’d to attend.  He read an agreement the Town and Chapel have to share facilities in emergencies.  There was a motion to have the Board attend a training session with the League of Municipalities on working together civilly.  After discussion there was agreement by consensus to participate in the program with dates to be determined.
19. Public Comments on General Items

·      Rick McInturf discussed separation of Church and State.
·      Will Carter feels that $30,000,000 is not too much for the cost of the pier and the Town should ask the legislature for the funds.

20. Mayor’s Comments Wished everyone a safe and happy holiday.
21. Board of Commissioners’ Comments

·      Commissioner Myers: Thanks for attending and have a good holiday weekend.
·      Commissioner Smith thinks it was a good meeting.  Golf carts are showing up and bike lanes can be problematic.  There are people not using seatbelts on golf carts.  He encouraged the police to help save a life!
·      Commissioner Thomas: thanks for attending and Happy Memorial Day.
·      Commissioner Dyer: thanks to staff and have a good Memorial Day.
·      Commissioner Paarfus: thanks for coming out, have a happy holiday.

22. Adjournment

Meeting Reminder and

Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Follow Up – March 2024

Reminder:   HBPOA Easter Meeting

HBPOA Easter Membership Meeting 

Saturday, March 30, 2024 at

10:00 AM at Town Hall

Hope to see you there!

TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING

HOLDEN BEACH TOWN HALL – PUBLIC ASSEMBLY TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024 – 5:00 P.M.

 Click here for the Meeting Packet.

Click here for the written Public Comments.

Click here to listen to the audio of the meeting.

1.    Invocation

2.    Call to Order/ Welcome

3.    Pledge of Allegiance

4.    Agenda Approval Amended agenda to add item 5A.

5.    Conflict of Interest Check Rick Smith and Page Dyer proposed Tom Myers and Tracey Thomas have a conflict of interest by serving as both HB Commissioners and as Directors of HBPOA.  Town Attorney Moore reported that this situation is not a conflict of interest.

5A.  Motion to move April 16^th Meeting to April 30.  Passed 3-2 with Smith and Dyer voting no.  The Budget meeting scheduled for that day is canceled and budget items will be discussed at the previously scheduled budget meeting May 2.    

6.    Approval of Minutes All approved.

a.     Minutes of the Special Meeting of February 7, 2024
b.     Minutes of the Special Meeting of February 9, 2024 (Recessed from February 7^th)
c.     Minutes of the Special Meeting of February 14, 2024
d.     Minutes of the Public Hearing/Regular Meeting of February 20, 20247.

7.     Public Comments on Agenda Items

• Tracy Burger, 781 OBW, representing “Neighbors of 796”.  Supports selling 796 OBW.  Also submitting letters from others.
• Sylvia Pate, 111 Charlotte St., read the engineering report and agrees the pavilion needs to be demolished.
• Marti Arrowwood, 114 Shrimp St., does not support free passes for residents, doesn’t recommend selling 796.
• Cindy Ridenhour lost her business to fire and did not like comments at budget meeting.
• Jim Bauer, 329 OBW.  Thinks the remaining sewer lift station should be the top priority.  He is appreciative that there is no money for the pier being proposed in the draft budget. Would like to see 796 OBW sold.  Likes the Owl system for broadcasting meetings.
• Lisa Raglan – sent comments.  Wants the concerts to continue.  Not in favor of giving a free parking pass for residents.  Wants to have the pier bid. 
• Will Carter, 108 Starfish, wants a concrete pier.  He said Brian Murdock called him and said he had Greg Shue draw up a plan.  He wants the commissioners to develop a plan for a new pier.
• Commissioner Rick Paarfus apologized for a comment he made about the Trolley Stop at the budget meeting.

8.    Discussion and Possible Award of Contract for Roadway Work (High Point Street) – Public Works Director Clemmons See the information here.  Approved unanimously.

9.    Discussion and Possible Action on Evaluation of Holden Beach Pavilion – Town Manager Hewett, Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas Motion to solicit bids to remove the pavilion;  passed unanimously.

10. Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 24-02, An Ordinance Amending Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 72: Parking Regulations – Town Manager Hewett Parking spots along McCray have been made unusable due to the bike lanes.  Approved unanimously.

11. Discussion and Possible Action on Holden Beach Paid Parking Fees and Schedule – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas Commissioner Thomas handled these individually.

·      Motion to extend the season to charge for parking year-round.  Passed 3-2 with Smith and Dyer voting no.
·      Amend Otto Contract to charge $5/hr and the day and weekly rates to stay the same.  A season pass to would go to $175 starting April 1.  Passed 3-2 with Smith and Dyer voting no.
·      Parking during Festivals – motion to not enforce parking in the area of the festival.  Motion failed with Myers and Thomas voting yes.
·      Motion to amend the contract to allow one $20 parking permit per household if vehicle is registered at Holden Beach.  Motion withdrawn.

12. Police Report – Chief Dixon  Typical for February.  There was confusion about people parking in front of their residence in off-season which has been corrected.
 
13. Discussion and Possible Action on Resolution 24-03, Resolution Declaring Law Enforcement Participation in the Federal 1033 Program – Chief Dixon Passed unanimously.

14. Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans This was the busiest month the department has ever had.  Would like Ordinance 94.03, the dune ordinance to be sent to P&Z for review.  He would also like P&Z to review the lighting ordinance.  Approved by consensus to send 94.03 and the lighting ordinance to P&Z. 

15. Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey Discussed new graphics in the Meeting Packet requested by Commissioners.

16. Discussion and Possible Acceptance of a Grant from the NC Department of Environmental Quality for Bathrooms, Associated Parking, Site Prep and Landscaping on Block Q – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson  Motion to find out when the final answer needs to be given to state.  Failed.  Motion to accept the grant and budget amendment.  Passed unanimous.

            a.     Ordinance 24-03, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 23-11, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 (Amendment No. 3)

17. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 24-04, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2311, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 (Amendment No. 4) – Finance Officer McRainey  Approved unanimously.

18. Discussion and Possible Approval of Contract Between the Town and Martin Starnes and Associates for Audit Services for Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 – Mayor Pro Tem Myers, Finance Officer McRainey  Approved unanimously.

19. Discussion and Possible Action to Direct Staff to Develop and Issue a Request for Proposals to Upfit the Pier and Pier House – Commissioners Smith and Dyer Motion failed 3-2.

20. Discussion and Possible Action on 796 Ocean Boulevard West – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas Motion to sell 796 OBW passed 3-2 with Dyer and Smith voting no.

21. Discussion and Possible Action on Audio/Video Broadcasting of Town Meetings – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas Motion to direct Staff to investigate improved methods of broadcasting meetings – passed 4-1.

22. Public Comments on General Items

·      Brent Shaw 911 OBW, discussed ordinance 94.03 and his beach walkway.  There is no appeal process.
·      Lisa Ragland, Salisbury Street, thinks there is a conflict of interest for Commissioner Myers and Thomas regarding HBPOA. 
·      Keith Smith – the sound system needs improvement.  He thinks that the parking fee increase could be viewed as a money grab.  He also had comments about the grants.
·      Marti Arrowood, Shrimp Street, had complaints about the emails she had read.
·      Gina Martin, 1032 OBW, wants an RFP to run the pier.

23.          Town Manager’s Report: They are still recruiting to fill a PD vacancy and have a new officer, Justin Hewett.  The front desk vacancy was filled. The Corps study matching funds are in place but will still need to be watched by the lobbyist.  He is waiting for a draft of the storm water PPA (Project Partnership Agreement) with the Corps.  He expects 5-6 projects at ~$2M.  Lockwood Folly Inlet Crossing dredging is finishing up.  Over 100,000 cubic yards of sand were placed on the east end.  Rock raking from the last nourishment violation appears to be completed.  Sand Fence repairs underway and vegetation planting will be underway soon.  He is wrapping up the congressionally directed funding requests. They are funding for the Corps’ portion of the CSDR study, stormwater project funding and Lockwood Folly dredging.  Lift Station 2 will be coming back to BOC soon pending clearing the backlog at the state.  The canal dredging underway.  April 1st starts this year’s paid parking.  April’s water bill will contain the 2024 hurricane stickers.  Public Works will be placing blue mats at the Pier access ramp.  He is ready to do a bid solicitation for bathrooms at Quinton St. and OBE Beach Access.  The bike lanes are on schedule for a Memorial Day completion.  The Easter Egg hunt on April 5 requires preregistration.

24. Mayor’s Comments The Chapel will sponsor Sunrise Service plus three other services at the Chapel on Easter Sunday.
 
25. Board of Commissioners’ Comments

·      Myers – Hopefully he made his positions clear on a very long agenda.
·      Smith – Sad about loss of Trolley Stop.  He is disappointed in the increase in paid parking. 
·      Thomas – Thanked everyone for coming out.
·      Dyer – Extended sympathy to the Trolley Stop family.  Thanks to first responders.
·      Paarfus – Thanked all for attending and thanked Town Staff. 

26. Adjournment