Lou’s Views
“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments
BOC’s Regular Meeting 05/16/23
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Police Report – Chief Jeremy Dixon
Agenda Packet – pages 14 – 20
Police Report » click here
They have had a significant increase in the number of parking citations issued
Jeremy reminded everyone that Paid Parking became effective on April 1st
The police department currently has only nine (9) officers of the ten (10) they are budgeted to have.
- They are down officer Preston Conley who is out on long-term medical disability
- John our new officer hire has been sworn in
- So, we still only have eight (8) officers out there
What he did not say –
It’s the beginning of the busy season on Holden Beach
Memorial Day is the official kickoff for the 100 fun days of summer
Review applicable seasonal ordinances
That they will implement the no left turn coming off the bridge on Saturdays
Reminded everyone that its Hurricane Season – be prepared, have a plan!
Golf carts is being addressed as a priority in order to keep people safe
If you know something, hear something, or see something –
call 911 and let the police deal with it.
Crime Prevention 101 – Don’t make it easy for them
Don’t leave vehicles unlocked
Don’t leave valuables in your vehicles
A reminder of the Town’s beach strand ordinances:
…..1) Chapter 90 / Animals / § 90.20 / Responsibilities of owners
…….a) pets are not allowed on the beach strand except between 5p.m. and 9a.m. daily
…….b) dog’s must be on a leash at all times
…….c) owner’s need to clean up after their animals
…..2) Chapter 94 / Beach regulations / § 94.05 / Digging of holes on beach strand
…….a) digging holes greater than 12 inches deep without responsible person there
…….b) holes shall be filled in prior to leaving
…..3) Chapter 94 / Beach regulations / § 94.06 / Placing obstructions on the beach strand
…….a) all unattended beach equipment must be removed daily by 6:00pm
Pets on the beach strand
Pets – Chapter 90 / Animals / §90.20
Pets must be on a leash at all times on the island.
From May 20th through September 10th
It is unlawful to have any pet on the beach strand
. * During the hours of 9:00am through 5:00pm
Unattended Gear
Ordinance §94.06 was passed on September 14, 2010. All unattended beach equipment must be removed from the beach by its owner or permitted user daily. All unattended personal equipment remaining on the beach between the hours of 6PM and 7AM will be classified as abandoned property and will be disposed of by the Town.
Golf carts are treated the same as any other automotive vehicle.
In the State of North Carolina, if a golf cart is to be operated on the streets, highways, or public vehicular areas, it is considered a motor vehicle and subject to all laws, rules and regulations that govern motor vehicles. In short, the golf cart must have all of the following: The driver MUST have a current, valid Driver’s License
- Child Restraint Laws must be followed
- Headlights
- Tail lights
- Turn signals
- Rear view mirrors
- State Inspection Sticker
- License Plate Issued by NCDMV
- Liability Insurance
All of the streets in the Town (including the side streets) are considered streets or public vehicular areas according to the State Law. This means that to operate a golf cart anywhere on the island, you must meet the standards above.
2. Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans
Agenda Packet – pages 21 – 23
Inspections Report » click here
Update –
Timbo briefly reviewed department activity last month, the department still remains very busy. 191 OBW was condemned, and has been removed.
3. Discussion and Possible Action on Coastal Race Productions Request for Run HB – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 24 – 26
Coastal Race Productions is requesting a banner, vendors, and a beer garden as part of the October 7, 2023 race. These items have been allowed as part of the race for several years, but currently require board action each year. The only change is that they are requesting to serve two beers for each participant over age 21 instead of one at all the races the company manages. I have spoken with the police chief and no issues were reported with the proposed items at last year’s event.
We would like to ask for special permission for the following items for Run Holden Beach this October 7th, 2023.
Special Requests
- Placing a banner 2 weeks prior to the event in front of Holden Beach Vacations & Realty.
- Hosting a beer garden and providing 2 beers per participant that is 21 and
- Permission for our sponsors/vendors to set up at our Finish Line Area on Race morning.
Previously reported – November 2021
Coastal Race Productions is requesting a banner, vendors. and a beer garden as part of the January 29, 2022, race. These items have been allowed as part of the race for several years but currently require board action each year. I have spoken with the police chief and no issues were reported with the proposed items at last year’s event.
Coastal Race Productions would like to request special considerations for our January 29th, 2022, Run Holden Beach event:
- Permission to place an 8×4 ft banner at the island side base of the bridge on Holden Beach Vacations property with their consent and permission one week prior to the event itself.
- Permission to host a fully contained beer garden requiring us to get a One-time Special ABC Permit in the gravel lot near the pavilion under the bridge.
- Permission to have up to ten vendors or less contained to the Start/Finish line area near the Pavilion and under the bridge during the event times. We will be cleaned up and out of the area by 11:30am.
The requests have been allowed before but requires approval each year. This is the eighth annual fun family race day on Holden Beach. They expect over @1,500 participants this year. All the other towns where the race is held allow both activities. They don’t sell beer, they give one (1) free beer to runners over twenty-one (21) years old at the end of the race. In addition, donations are made to a local non-profit which in our case is to the Turtle Patrol. Police Chief also gave his consent., they have no problem with it either.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Update –
The ninth annual Holden Beach event is scheduled on Saturday, October 7th. These requests have been allowed before but requires approval each year. The only change this year is that they plan to give two (2) free beer to runners over twenty-one (21) years old at the end of the race. The Board approved all three (3) of the Coastal Race Productions’ requests for Run Holden Beach.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
The ninth annual Holden Beach event is scheduled on Saturday, October 7th.
For more information » click here
4. Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 23-09, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 22-14, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023 (ARP Funds, Amendment No. 15) – Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 27 – 28
This amendment is necessary to be able to move the American Rescue Plan money from Fund 11 to the General Fund so the money can be used as revenue replacement and expended.
Ordinance 23-09 » click here
Update –
Housekeeping item to move money from American Rescue Plan funds of $211,616 to another account in the General Fund to be used next year. The Board approved the transfer of funds as requested.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
5. Discussion and Possible Approval of Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town and the Holden Beach and EJE Dredge Service – Town Manager Hewett
Agenda Packet – Item was added to the agenda, separate packet
Supplement » click here
Navigation in the Lockwood Folly Inlet has reached emergency status due to severe shoaling of the inlet which has prohibited use of the federal dredges normally used for this purpose. The inlet is so shoaled in that the US Coast Guard has pulled the navigation buoys. Staff has coordinated with Dare County, Brunswick County, the Oregon Inlet Task Force, EJE Dredge Service and required regulatory agencies to obtain permissions and capability required to attempt an emergency dredging of the LWF Inlet. Final dredge corridor approval is pending and will be required before commencement of emergency maintenance dredging. The total cost of the project is scoped at a not to exceed amount of $850,000 with NCDWR providing 75% grant funding and Brunswick County/Holden Beach splitting the other 25% match. Emergency dredging could begin by week’s end with Board approval.
Recommendation is to approve EJE MOA and associated budget amendment for emergency dredging of LWF Inlet.
Previously reported – April 2023
Discussion and Possible Approval of Water Resources Development Grant / Resolution 23-09, Resolution to Sponsor the Lockwood Inlet Navigation Maintenance Project – Town Manager Hewett
Item was added to the agenda – background information was not provided
Resolution 23-09 » click here
The inlet is one of five federally authorized shallow draft inlets in North Carolina. The inlet is in a dangerous condition due to shoaling. It is at a point where the USACE fleet cannot work to alleviate the matter because it’s too shallow. The inlet is nearly impassable, the Coast Guard has removed navigational buoys, boats can no longer safely navigate there. The Town has a Shallow Draft Permit it can use, the project would allow the Town to use their SDI-5 permit to accomplish the task with the Miss Katie dredge on loan from Dare County. The anticipated total project cost is $850,500. A state grant can be applied for that would cover 75% of the cost which equals $637,875. The THB would then be responsible for the remaining 25% which equals $212,500. Brunswick County could possibly help with a 25% local share. The motion was made to approve the resolution to apply for grant funding for the dredging of the Lockwood Folly Inlet.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Update –
Navigation in the Lockwood Folly Inlet has reached emergency status due to severe shoaling. Maintenance of the State’s shallow draft navigation channels in a manner that keeps those channels navigable and safe is required at this time. The Memorandum of Agreement is for emergency dredging of the Lockwood Folly Inlet. The Town has made arrangements with Dare County to use the Miss Katie dredge their shallow draft, split hull hopper dredge to provide dredging services for the inlet. The total cost of the project is scoped at a not to exceed amount of $850,000. Dredging could begin by the end of the week. The dredged material will be disposed of in the shallow active nearshore area of our beach strand. The Board approved a Memorandum of Agreement with EJE Dredging Service for emergency maintenance dredging in the Lockwood Folly Inlet.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Miss Katie
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Katie_(2022_ship)
6. Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 23-10, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 22-14, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023 (ARP Funds, Amendment No. 16) – Town Manager Hewett
Agenda Packet – Item was added to the agenda, separate packet
Supplement » click here
To provide funding for emergency navigational maintenance dredging of the Lockwood Folly Inlet. The Finance Officer is authorized to transfer an amount up to $106,250 from the Beach & Inlet CRF to the Beach, Parks, Access, Recreation & Tourism Fund (BPART) in accordance with Section II above.
Ordinance 23-10 » click here
Update –
We have applied for a state grant that would cover 75% of the cost which equals $637,875. The THB would then be responsible for the remaining 25% which equals $212,500. We will take $106,250 from both the Beach And Inlet Management Capital Reserve Fund and the Beach, Parks, Access, Recreation & Tourism Fund (BPART). The Board approved the associated budget amendment Ordinance 23-10, to provide funding for emergency navigational maintenance dredging of the Lockwood Folly Inlet.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
7. Town Manager’s Report
Assistant Town Manager
Christy Ferguson has recently graduated from UNC Pembroke obtaining a master’s degree in public administration with a 4.0 grade point average. KUDOS!
Inlet Hazard Areas
The proposed expansion has now been postponed for at least another year. Our position against the expansion has not changed. THB is glad they chose not to take action on it.
Greensboro Street Lift Station #2
This is one of the Congressional earmarks for $2,669,867 for the Greensboro Street Lift Station #2 Hazard Mitigation Project. Despite the federal budget appropriation and that that the grant was Congressional directed we still have to apply for the money.
Mobile Restrooms Trailer
A mobile restroom trailer was delivered to the pier property last week. Public Works crew is prepping hookups, building ram, and working on the layout. Restrooms should be open sometime this week.
Food Trucks
Last year THB solicited proposals from food truck vendors to provide services at the pier property from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Guidance from the Board was to see what we can do to maximize in terms of presence, calendar, and space. He indicated that he noticed that there was an increase in inquiries to provide this service.
Beach Rangers
They are ready to roll starting next week
Previously reported – 2017
Target Ordinances –
- Fill holes
- Remove gear
- Stay off dunes
- No glass
- Control pets – leash / waste
Purpose –
- Put a friendly face out there to interact with guests
- Educate guests about targeted ordinances to get compliance
- Explain the purpose of the ordinance and consequences for non-compliance
Goals – keep beach protected, clean and safe
Beach Rangers are out there from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Rangers are on the beach strand during the busiest time frame from roughly 8:30am till 7:30pm. They are out there to educate, provide information and assist folks.
Beach strand ordinance compliance is a real quality-of-life issue. They need to be on the beach strand to enforce ordinances and to ensure public safety. Regardless of who or how many patrols the beach strand we need high visibility for them to be effective.
Concerts on the Coast
Live performances featuring local musical groups are held at the pavilion on Sunday evenings from late May to early September. The concerts are free of charge. The first concert is scheduled for May 28th.
796 OBW
Making progress, repairs are already underway
The noise buffer:
What’s happening at this rundown beach house owned by a Brunswick town?
A vacant beach house owned by the town of Holden Beach could soon see some much-anticipated changes if leaders can decide how to move forward. The quaint, blue beach home at 796 Ocean Boulevard West was purchased in 2019 by the town, looking to address potential problems regarding a nearby sewer pump station. The property later became an eyesore, neighbors said. The town has been working to identify potential future uses for the property, but not everyone is sold on the current plan.
796 Ocean Boulevard West
According to Brunswick County property records, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family house was purchased by the town in 2019. Located just one block from the Atlantic Ocean and nearby public beach accesses and a few parking spaces, the house had previously been used as a short-term residency and rental, according to Holden Beach Mayor Alan Holden. The home sits beside a town sewer pump station, which the town was upgrading to pull much of the sewer system out from underground and elevating the electrical and pump systems above base flood elevation. Concerned the changes would cause noise issues at the neighboring house, the town purchased the home largely to serve as a buffer so the noise would not affect neighbors farther west, Holden said. “They did not have any plan for it,” said Tom Myers, president of the Holden Beach Property Owners Association. “They just thought they had to buy it because of noise.” Holden said the town rented the home to a resident for some time, but the home has sat vacant for some time. While noise did not become an issue for neighboring property owners, Myers said, the appearance of the home did. Joel Ehle owns the home next door and brought his concerns about the appearance of the property to the town’s board of commissioners late last year. The town then began exploring options for the future use of the property. Myers said a couple options are on the table: Renovating the home for sale or short-term rental or taking advantage of the property’s proximity to public beach accesses by adding bathrooms and other public-use spaces. While the latter option seemed most appealing to town leaders who see the need for a public facility for beachgoers, it’s complicated. According to plans recently presented to the commissioners, turning a residential home into an ADA-compliant multi-use facility isn’t easily done. Parking is also a factor to consider. While some public spaces sit just east of the house and sewer property, a public-use space would require more access – and would bring more people. “I’d prefer that it be sold and used as a rental versus building bathrooms and bringing more parking spaces next to my house,” Ehle said.
What’s next?
Ehle said the town has already made some noticeable changes to the house – a fresh coat of paint and the removal of old air conditioner units. “We’re seeing movement,” Ehle said. Preliminary site plans drafted by Monroe-based David Wood Home Designs show how the home could be renovated to include office space, bathrooms, a reception hall and storage space for the town. Holden said discussions regarding the home’s future are ongoing. Holden said the town is currently working to draft and approve a budget for the next fiscal year, and allocating funds for a potential project with this home is on the list. A draft budget recently considered by the town’s board of commissioners sets aside $100,000 in the town’s capital improvement plan funds for improvements to the house.
Read more » click here
Paving
Tide Ridge paving project prep work is scheduled to start next week
Previously reported – April 2023
In 2015 the Board implemented a tax increase of $.010 specifically for street paving and maintenance. The penny worth of tax revenue earmarked for paving is money that is already in the budget. Last year, Right Angle Engineering reviewed the bids and recommended Highland Paving. Highland did the work on the Brunswick Avenue project the last two years and has done satisfactory work for the Town before. Once again Right Angle Engineering recommends the Town award the contract to Highland Paving. A motion was made to award the contract to Highland Paving in the amount of $126,000. Although it was not discussed they normally try to have paving work completed before Memorial Day.
Storm Water Assessment
This is one of the Congressional earmarks for $100,000 for the Ocean Boulevard Stormwater Mitigation Project. Public Works are using cameras in our pipes for their assessment. We are already getting data that they are finding to be very useful.
In Case You Missed It –
Pets on the beach strand
Pets – Chapter 90 / Animals / §90.20
Pets must be on a leash at all times on the island.
From May 20th through September 10th
It is unlawful to have any pet on the beach strand
. * During the hours of 9:00am through 5:00pm
Solid Waste Pick-up Schedule –
starting the Saturday before Memorial Day (May 27th) twice a week
Recycling –
starting after Memorial Day (May 23rd) weekly pick-up
Ocean Boulevard Bike Lane Project
The bike lane project is moving forward, they now have an acceptable bid. Unfortunately, costs have gone up increasing are portion by another one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). Work is still scheduled to begin after Labor Day this year and to be completed by Memorial Day in 2024
Bike lanes to be added to over six miles of Ocean Blvd in Holden Beach
Work is set to start later this year on improvements to over six miles of Ocean Boulevard in Holden Beach. The N.C. Department of Transportation awarded a $5.2 million contract to Fayetteville-based Highland Paving Co. last month for the improvements. The section between Shell Drive and Dunescape Drive will be resurfaced and widened to add marked bike lanes on both sides of the road, according to the NCDOT. That section includes most of the road, only missing about a mile at the less-populated west end. The NCDOT expects the work to be completed about a year after it begins this fall.
Read more » click here
Hurricane Vehicle Decals
Decals are your passes to get onto the island to check your property only in the case of a storm that would necessitate restricting access to the island. These are to be used only for your primary vehicles and should be placed on the interior of the lower driver side windshield.
If you own rental property with full-time tenants, two free decals may be obtained by the property owner to distribute to the tenants.
Please make sure to place your decals in your vehicle or in a safe place. Property owners without a valid decal will not be allowed on the island during restricted access. No other method of identification is accepted in an emergency situation. Click here to visit the Town website to find out more information regarding decals and emergency situations.
National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On December 23, 2022, the President signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2023.
Upcoming Events –
Concerts on the Coast Series
The Town’s summer concert series calendar has been released! Live performances featuring local musical groups are held at the pavilion on Sunday evenings from late May to early September. The concerts are free of charge.
For more information » click here
General Comments –
Commissioner Gerald Arnold – was not in attendance
BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, June 20th
.
Budget Calendar –
Local governments must balance their budget
The Town Manager’s proposed budget is due by June 1st
Commissioners must adopt budget no later than June 30th for the next fiscal year
Adopting the annual budget is a primary responsibility of the Board
Budget Meeting Schedule
Thursday, February 23rd Goals & Objectives Workshop (cancelled)
Thursday, March 13th Goals & Objectives Workshop / Budget Meeting #1
Thursday, March 16th Budget Meeting #1 / Quarterly Meeting (cancelled)
Thursday, April 20th Budget Meeting #2
Thursday, June 1st Budget Meeting #3
Thursday, June 15th Budget Public Hearing / Quarterly Meeting
Only two (2) actionable items on the agenda
. • Two (2) reports
. • One (1) housekeeping item
.
It’s not like they don’t have anything to work on …
The following thirty-one (31) items are what’s In the Works queue:
- 796 OBW Project
- ADA Mediation Agreement
- Beach Mat Plan
- Bike Lanes
- Block Q Project
- Budget
- Carolina Avenue
- Crosswalks OBW
- Dog Park
- Dredging/Lockwood Folly Inlet Navigation Maintenance
- Fire Station Project
- Floating Docks in the Canals
- Harbor Acres
- Hatteras Ramp/Coastal Waterfront Access Grant
- ICW/No Wake Zone Enforcement
- Inlet Hazard Areas
- Mobile Restroom Trailer
- Parking – 800 Block
- Pier Properties Project
- Revaluation – Taxes
- Rights-of-Way
- Roadway Work – Paving
- Sailfish Park Site Project
- Salary/COLA
- Sewer System/Lift station #2
- Stormwater Management Project
- USACE/Coastal Storm Risk Management Study
- Vacant Commissioner Position
- Water System Assessment/Water Tower
- Waste Ordinance Enforcement Policy
- Wetland Delineation/Bulkheading
Well, this is embarrassing …
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Hurricane Season
For more information » click here.
Be prepared – have a plan!
No matter what a storm outlook is for a given year,
vigilance and preparedness is urged.
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Lou’s Views . HBPOIN
. • Gather and disseminate information
. • Identify the issues and determine how they affect you
. • Act as a watchdog
. • Grass roots monthly newsletter since 2008