06 – Town Meting

Lou’s Views

“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments

BOC’s Special Meeting 06/03/24

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here

Audio Recording » click here

1.   Budget Workshop
.      a) Review and Possible Action on Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget

The BOC’s recessed their June 3^rd meeting to Friday, June 7^th at 3:00 p.m.

Holden Beach maintaining current property tax rate
The Town of Holden Beach is proposing a smaller budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year with no change to its current tax rate of 14 cents per $100 value. The proposed FY 24-25 budget includes big-ticket projects, needed infrastructure upgrades and improvements, a coastal storm reduction study and a new detective position for the Holden Beach Police Department. If adopted, the budget includes a 3.2% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for town staff, who will also be eligible for a 5% merit pay program. The proposed budget is composed of seven overall funds, four main governmental funds and three capital reserve funds. Each fund contains detailed calculations in the budget message and can be viewed on the town’s website. The town is expected to kick off the year with a general fund surplus. “The estimated fund balance available at [June 30, 2024,] is $4,917,229 which represents an estimated available fund balance ratio of 104%,” the budget message states. The town will divide the extra $312,023 by identifying $236,812 as “available to appropriate” and transferring $75,311 to the beach and inlet capital reserve fund. Overall general fund expenditures and expected revenues have decreased from $5,169,737 in FY 23-24 to $4,736,246 in FY 24-25. The town’s general fund revenues for FY 2024-25 are projected to match expenditures at $4,736,246, down from $5,169,737 from the fiscal year 2023-24 budget. Money that makes up general fund revenues comes from property tax collections, state-collected revenues, town-collected revenues and interfund transfers. The town is projected to collect $3,335,924 in property taxes next fiscal year, compared to $3,300,074 in property tax revenue projected for FY 2023-2024. Two of the largest funds are the Water and Sewer fund with $7,665,209 and the Beach, Parks, Access and Recreational Tourism (BPART) fund with $6,239,679. The general fund is the third highest fund. The town projects BPART fund revenues to come from the 441 Ocean Boulevard West pier properties and island-wide paid parking. The upcoming fiscal year is the first year the town will enforce paid parking all year. Staff expects the town to collect $895,000 in parking revenue this year. Debt services are also included in the proposed budget message. It is noted that total debt services appropriations of $1.88 million are made for annual payments on the Central Reach Project, Block Q and the pier properties.

Departmental budget
Holden Beach commissioners have held multiple special meetings since February to thoroughly review budgetary funds and hear out what departments need and want. Some departments will see an increase in expenditures from FY 23-24 while others will see a decrease. Holden Beach’s planning and inspections department expenditures have decreased from its projected $525,968 in FY 2023-24 to $469,533 in the upcoming FY. The budget message states that the planning and inspections department paid for a vehicle replacement last year and will not need to this year. The Streets Building and Grounds (SBG) Department and Public Works Department are seeing a huge decrease in their budget this year. Together, the departments total $532,285 in expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year; last year, their proposed expenditures were $1,010,018. In the SBG department calculations, $200,000 is marked for street projects in anticipation of the update to the town’s street condition survey. Some SGB expenditures cover costs for motor grader rentals, street end bulkhead replacements, sidewalk repairs, facilities and equipment maintenance.

Sewer rate change
Holden Beach residents will also see a change in their sewer rates. “Effective 1 July 2024 Brunswick County is increasing the wholesale sewer rate by $1 per thousand gallons which is proposed to be passed on in the retail rate charged to town customers,” the message notes.

Detective
The police department has proposed an increase in their expenditures from FY 23-24 budget $1,220,546 to $1,650,671 in FY 24-25. If the budget is adopted, the police department will be funded to add a detective position and associated vehicle. Expenses for emergency services vehicle modifications and an upgrade of radios are also included in the police department’s expenditures.

Other projects
Some of the town’s capital projects include implementing year-round paid parking, upfitting lift station 2, improving the Block Q site, conducting a coastal storm damage reduction study, resurfacing streets and appropriating money for pier professional services for site-specific evaluations. Block Q improvements include the construction of bathrooms and associated stormwater infrastructure, as well as parking and Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible facilities. “A $45,000 appropriation is made in ‘Block Q Professional Services’ for further design and development at that location,” the budget message states. Town staff has also appropriated $83,096 in the proposed budget to support a United States Army Corp of Engineers sidecast dredging project for the Lockwood Folly Inlet. The town is also proposing the board include $50,000 in the budget for a new camera system for meetings at Holden Beach Town Hall. The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners will vote on adopting the proposed budget after a public hearing at their June 18 meeting at 5 p.m. in the Holden Beach Town Hall Public Assembly, 110 Rothschild Street. The town’s budget must be adopted by July 1. “Oral and written comments will be received at the hearing from any interested person,” the public notice notes. To access the budget message and more, visit the Town of Holden Beach website at https://hbtownhall.com/.
Brunswick Beacon

Quorum Notice (06/03/24)
Notice is hereby given that a quorum of the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners may be present at the Municipal Finance: Comprehensive Fiscal Training for Local Governments to be held in the Goldsboro Event Center on June 4, 2024, starting at 9:00 a.m.

Turns out that the quorum notice was unnecessary since only two (2) members Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Rick Paarfus of the Board of Commissioners went for the training.

BOC’s Special Meeting 06/07/24

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here

Audio Recording » click here

1. Budget Workshop
.      a) Review and Possible Action on Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget

Holden Beach commissioners question need for detective position
The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners is considering omitting the town’s police department’s request for a detective position from the town’s fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. The discussion will continue during the Friday, June 7, budget meeting. After five years of waiting, Holden Beach’s Police Chief Jeremy Dixon is pleading his case for the board to approve and fund a police detective position in the town’s FY 24-25 budget, but several commissioners have said they believe the need is not there. Dixon was promoted to chief on April 1, 2019, and served as the last town detective. The position has not been funded since Dixon’s promotion. The board was presented with a balanced budget during its June 3 special meeting. The budget included funding for a detective position for the police department. “I just don’t feel like the amount of crime that we’re seeing on this island and the type of crime can justify the expense for the island at this point,” Commissioner Tracey Thomas said during the June 3 meeting. During the commissioner’s budget meeting on March 18, Dixon said the town needs a detective and that not having one is a “bad look.” “Our department has not been allotted a detective position,” he told The Brunswick Beacon in October 2023. “Therefore, we have no dedicated investigator to follow-up on incident reports. This, in itself, is a disservice to the town.” Asked in June if the crime on the island that warrants a detective is increasing, Dixon said it does. He told the board that the need is there, regardless of if commissioners see it firsthand. “I say this respectfully, you may not see the need for it because you’re not the victim of it,” Dixon said. “I can guarantee you that the people who are reporting do see the need for it.” In response, three of five board members admitted to being a victim of breaking and entering or theft, Mayor Alan Holden being one. “I’m a victim,” Holden said. “I had my door kicked in while I was at work. My guns were stolen, and a bunch of other stuff stolen at my house. I didn’t make a whole big deal out of it because I’m the mayor and I don’t want Alan Holden having any special attention.” Holden said the department looks to the board for help and pleaded with the board to keep the position funded in the upcoming budget. “I just plead with this board to please give some kind of consideration for detectives on this island. We’ve got to have something … Everybody’s happy when there’s no crime but when there is crime, in my opinion, [we’re] supposed to take actions to reduce it,” the mayor said. Commissioner Rick Smith and Mayor Pro Tem Tom Myers said they, too, have been victims of similar crimes. Smith said he has spoken with Holden Beach police officers, who have told him they feel like their hands are tied when it comes to helping victims who need investigations performed. “We need to be able to have somebody on our force to go get our stuff back,” he said. Dixon told commissioners in March that the department has identified criminal suspects, but it has had no one to interview the suspects. Though officers are taking reports, there is no follow up to the reports and potentially solvable cases are being left untouched, he explained. The chief in March also said that a detective could have investigated 90 cases in just the past two years. A detective, if approved, could help and perform other officer duties like patrolling, Dixon noted. It would be easy for a detective to go on patrol but, he noted, it is “unrealistic” for a regular officer to conduct interviews with suspects and complete detective work. Though sharing similar experiences, Myers expressed different views than Smith and Holden on the need for a town detective. He questions if there is enough crime to “justify a new full-time resource.” Myers said he sees a lot of small crimes but no reports large enough that require a new position. He said he wants Dixon to “make the case” by showing commissioners relevant crime reports that require a detective’s work, noting that one or two reports needing investigation each year will not cut it. Commissioner Rick Paarfus said he does not want to take the position “off the table” but instead would like to reconsider the position mid-budget year, around January. “I would like to have one, but I just can’t – you haven’t sold me that we have that full-time workload so I would like to understand that more … I’d like to get to ‘yes’ but I’m just not there yet,” he told Dixon. Commissioner Page Dyer argued that a police detective is “essential,” adding that Dixon has requested the position for over five years. Commissioner Tracey Thomas in March asked Dixon if highly intense investigative crimes, such murders, are handled by the county or state. “Things that happen inside this jurisdiction are the responsibility of the Holden Beach Police Department,” Dixon said in response. Dyer in June said that crime, including cyber scams, is increasing and a detective should be included in the budget before a serious crime occurs. “The one murder on the island was solved by a detective, I don’t think we need to wait for a second murder to prove that we need a detective,” she said. Thomas maintained that the position is not needed and asked to take the position and associated funding out of the budget while Paarfus and Myers asked for time to look at Dixon’s data. The board decided to hold off on taking action on the position until after the June 7, meeting when Dixon will present to the board his data and justifications for the position. Recent meeting packets can be found on the Town of Holden Beach’s website at https://hbtownhall.com/agendas. Video recordings of meetings can be found on the town’s website at https://www.facebook.com/holdenbeachtownhall or YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@townofholdenbeach.
Brunswick Beacon

Commissioner Dyer argued that a police detective is “essential,” adding that Dixon has requested the position for over five years. Both Commissioners Smith and Dyer have both served on the Board during that time period. I’m confused, if the detective position is “essential” why didn’t they, while serving on the previous Board approve the position? Nothing has changed, we simply can’t justify filling the position based on the work load. Outcry from the public to fill the detective was from a small vocal minority. The priority should be to fill the existing open position for a patrol officer. 

Editor’s note –
Commissioner Dyer responded that she has supported the detective position since she was voted into office but was in the minority.

BOC’s Special Meeting 06/12/24

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here

Audio Recording » click here

1. Budget Workshop
.      a) Review and Possible Action on Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget

Draft Budget Ordinance revisions:

– Reduce tax rate 1 cent
– Reduce merit raise from 5% to 1.8%
– Reduce Block Q stormwater funding $150k
– Show specific line items for BPART and Canal Dredging Subdivisions

Reduce tax rate 1 cent

.
What are they mashugana? They have been telling us that we do not have enough revenue to do everything we want without raising our taxes. Basically, our proposed expenses exceed our expected revenue. The proposed budget has a revenue surplus because they are not moving forward with a number of proposed projects. We still are going to incur costs for all of those projects, but we just don’t know when or how much they will cost. We already have a laundry list of unfunded proposed projects like the stormwater plan, the fire department building, the sewer vacuum bypass system, the pavilion project, the pier project, the Block Q project, to name just a few projects in the queue. One thing is also certain, we can expect to incur a number of unexpected expenses as we do every year. The Mayor cautioned us that rentals are off so the revenue from occupancy tax could come in lower than projected. What if we have overestimated the expected revenue? Why would we propose to lower the tax rate knowing that we will probably need to raise it again in the foreseeable future. I’d venture to say that most property owners would be happy if we are even able to keep the tax rate the same as it is now. It’s not like a ninety (90) dollar reduction of your property tax bill is going to affect anyone’s socioeconomic position. In my opinion, reducing the tax rate by a penny is just absurd.

What does this mean to you?
The tax rate change varies based on individual property assessment
Typical home value on Holden Beach in 2024 is $896,280

                                                 BEFORE        AFTER
Property assessed value      $900,000       $900,000
Rate per $100 value              $.140             $.130
Taxes                                       $1,260           $1,170
Difference                                                    -$90.00

Editor’s note –

Reduce merit raise from 5% to 1.8%
Although the statement of reduce the merit raise from 5% to 1.8% is technically true it is a bit misleading. They approved a combination of merit and cost of living for a total increase of 5%. In my opinion, a more accurate statement regarding the proposed changes would be reduce compensation from 8.2% to 5%.   

Compensation

• • • Personnel Pay Plan
    • Merit Pay Performance Pool
    • Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)

 June 2020
In January, the Personnel Pay Plan was adjusted at an annual total cost in excess of $100,000.

In the past they usually budgeted 3% a year but it was reduced to just 2% this year
The rationale for the lower percentage increase was a combination of things
Most significantly:
.     1)     the economic uncertainty because of the pandemic
.     2)     the recent Pay Plan adjustment based on MAPS

 June 2021
Approved funding a 3% merit pay performance pool

June 2022

• • • A one dollar an hour raise for all full-time regular employees effective 1 July
      *  for many of our employees that translates to almost an additional 5%

• • • Merit pool of 5% – performance based as recommended by Department Director; approved by Town Manager
      
    • $750 bonus awarded to all full-time regular employees on payroll 1 Sept 2022

 June 2023
In January, Personnel Pay Plan was adjusted at an annual total cost of $238,400.

The Board approved funding for a  4% merit pay performance pool plus a 3.5% COLA for a  total increase of 7.5%

 June 2024
In the June Budget Message David proposed a 5% merit increase plus a 3.2% COLA for a  total increase of 8.2%

The Board proposed funding for a 1.8% merit pay performance pool plus a 3.2% COLA for a total increase of 5%

The Board approved funding for a 2.5% merit pay performance pool plus a 3.2% COLA for a total increase of  5.7%

Both the public and private sectors have faced workforce difficulties, with pay adjustments becoming a critical issue in discussions surrounding local government recruitment and retention. To help local governments with their FY 2024-25 budget development, the NC League of Municipalities (NCLM) and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) partnered in March 2024 to survey local governments about their anticipated pay adjustments for the FY 2024-25 budget. Nearly 50% of local governments anticipate providing employees both a COLA and merit increases in the FY 2024-25 budget. The combinations of adjustments vary, but statewide, the average combined COLA and merit increase is 4.3%.

For more information » click here

BOC’s Public Hearing / Regular Meeting 06/18/24

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet click here

Audio Recording » click here

BOC’s Public Hearing

#1

Public Hearing THB Newsletter (05/29/24)
Take notice that there will be a public hearing on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, beginning at 5:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter, in the Holden Beach Town Hall Public Assembly, 110 Rothschild Street, Holden Beach, NC 28462 to hear public comments on proposed Ordinance 24-08, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 154: Flood Damage Prevention.

PUBLIC HEARING:
Ordinance 24-08, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 154: Flood Damage Prevention

Ordinance 24-08 » click here

Zoning policy
State statutes require that the governing board hold a public hearing prior to the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any ordinance regulating development

Update –
Planning & Inspections Director Tim Evans briefly explained that this is simply a housekeeping item. We are  adopting the guidelines set by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The public was given an opportunity to comment.

#2

Public Hearing THB Newsletter (05/29/24)
Take notice that there will be a public hearing on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, beginning at 5:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter, in the Holden Beach Town Hall Public Assembly, 110 Rothschild Street, Holden Beach, NC 28462 to hear public comments on proposed 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.

PUBLIC HEARING:
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

 Ordinance 24-10 » click here

Zoning policy
State statutes require that the governing board hold a public hearing prior to the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any ordinance regulating development

Update –
Planning & Inspections Director Tim Evans briefly explained the justifications for the amended Ordinance. The public was given an opportunity to comment. Fundamentally  they are requesting to move the Ordinance into the Zoning code from the Regulatory code which will  allow property owners to make appeals to the Board of Adjustment.  The ordinance will also allow owners to build  walkways out to the CAMA dune line.

#3

Public Hearing THB Newsletter (05/29/24)
A public hearing on the proposed Budget will be held by the Board of Commissioners at 5:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 in the Holden Beach Town Hall Public Assembly, 110 Rothschild Street. Oral and written comments will be received at the hearing from any interested person.

Notice is hereby given that the Budget proposed for the Fiscal Year, beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, has been submitted to the Board of Commissioners and is available for public inspection online.

PUBLIC HEARING:
Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 – 2025

Budget Message » click here

Budget Ordinance » click here

Funds Overview

• • Pays all debt services @ $3,587,130
  • Provides all services at current levels
  • Provides 3.2% COLA and 1.8% Merit raise

Highlights General Fund

• • 13 cent tax rate
  • Funds ADA assessment
  • Funds meeting technology improvements
  • Funds street paving at $200k
  • Funds two replacement Police vehicles
  • Transfers $223,095 to Beach/Inlet Capital Reserve Fund

Highlights Water & Sewer

• • Sets Sewer Capital Fee $474
  • Provides for Greensboro Lift Station upfit
  • Capital outlays for valve pits & water meters

Highlights BPART

• • Funds Key Bridge ADA Projects @ $334k
  • Funds reconnaissance level pier assessment
  • Funds CAMA restroom facility @ Block Q
  • Funds 1 LWF sidecast dredging event
  • Funds town portion of the USACE CSDR study
  • Funds engineering and permitting required for future shovel ready beach projects
  • Transfers $94,500 to Beach/Inlet Capital Reserve Fund

Highlights Canal Dredging

• • Sets forth capability to execute canal dredging in the three canal districts
  • Funds disposal site policy development and permit update requirements

Highlights Capital Reserve Funds

• • Water and Sewer Capital Reserve Funds established by act of the General Assembly
       – Home for System Development Fees- to be used for W&S capital expansion
    – Estimated accruals @ $244,674 (W) & $579,461 (S)
  • Beach & Inlet Capital Reserve Fund
       – Accrues to $2,375,766

The Board is required to hold a Public Hearing prior to adopting  the budget.  In fiscal year 24/25 Holden Beach will have five main governmental funds, three capital reserve funds, and a capital project fund. The five governmental funds are: 1- General, 2- American Rescue Fund, 3- Water & Sewer, 4- Beach, Parks, Access and Recreation Tourism (BPART) and 5- Canal Dredging. The three capital reserve funds are: 1 -Water, 2 – Sewer, and 3 – Beach & Inlet. The capital project fund is for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) storm damage repairs.

Proposed Budget by Fund

                                                          2021                 2022                  2023                 2024
General                                            $4,331,174      $4,326,093       $5,169,737       $4,736,246
Water & Sewer                               $5,434,420      $7,483,258       $8,007,682       $7,665,209
Water & Sewer Capital Charge   NA                    NA                     NA                    $1,482,145  
BPART                                              $4,465,043       $4,935,100       $6,274,144       $6,239,679
Canal Dredging                              $3,006,670       $3,289,057       $3,370,912       $3,553,603
American Recovery Plan             $194,000          $211,616          NA                    NA
FEMA Capital Projects Fund       $45,745,632     $73,644,019     $73,644,019    NA     
Water Capital Reserve Fund       $113,276          $151,051          $212,571          $244,674
Sewer Capital Reserve Fund       $106,623          $301,543          $358,063          $579,461
Beach & Inlet Reserve Fund        $2,694,372       $2,247,002       $1,375,110       $1,744,053
Total All Funds                               $66,091,210     $96,588,739     $98,412,238    $26,245,070
.                                                          $20,345,578    $22,924,720    $24,768,219    $26,245,070

2021 / $66,091,210 – $45,745,632 = $20,345,578
2022 / $96,588,739 – $73,664,019 = $22,924,720
2023 / $98,412,238 – $73,664,019 = $24,768,219

The General Fund budget serves to fund daily and long-term operations and infrastructure of the town. This includes administration, police department, building and inspections as well as sanitation and streets.

The Water and Sewer Fund is an Enterprise (business type) fund that finances the daily administration and operations of the water and sewer department.

The Beach, Parks, Access and Recreation Tourism Fund (BPART) is a special revenue fund enabled by local legislation for the purpose of providing for beach nourishment and tourism related expenses.

The Canal Dredging Fund is also a special revenue fund authorized by local legislation. Its purpose is to maintain navigability of the islands’ twenty-five thousand linear feet of canals

The American Rescue Plan Fund accounts for federal appropriations associated with the Holden Beach portion of President Biden’s Coronavirus Relief package and are designated for storm water projects.

The FEMA Capital Projects Fund serves to provide pass through federal grant reimbursements for debt service on storm damage repairs performed during the winter of 2021/2022 along the central portion of the island’s beach

The Water Capital Reserve and the Sewer Capital Reserve Funds were established in accordance with the Water and Sewer System Development Fee Act of2017 as amended and will be used to fund capital improvements to the Town’s water /sewer infrastructure in the coming years.

The Beach Re-nourishment and Inlet Management Capital Reserve Fund provides funding for future year beach and inlet maintenance projects.

Executive Summary
The proposed FY 25 budget provides the Town’s spending plan for the upcoming budget year beginning 1 July 2024 and ending 30 June 2025. This introduction is meant to provide the reader with the main points and a means to understand the process, development and adoption of the Town’s annual budget.

Main Points:
The proposed FY25 budget includes funding provisions for the following major capital initiatives:

• • • Proposed Tax rate is fourteen cents; no change from prior year.
    • Pass through of County sewer treatment rate increase of $1 per thousand gallons to Holden Beach retail customers
    • Implementation of year round paid parking
    • Greensboro Lift Station #2 upfit
    • Pier Professional Services appropriation for site specific evaluations
    • Block Q site improvements to include bathrooms and stormwater
    • ADA compliance initiatives and assessment
    • Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Study
    • Streets Resurfacing

Update –
Town Manager Hewitt briefly explained the Town’s spending plan for fiscal year 24 -25. David did a slide presentation which was not included in the agenda packet but is available with the link below. The budget as presented reflects budget meeting dialogues, is balanced IAW Fiscal Control Act, and is scheduled to be considered by the BOC later on tonight’s agenda. The public was given an opportunity to comment.

Budget Presentation » click here

BOC’s Regular Meeting

We haven’t received the BOC’s Meeting Recap Newsletter yet. Therefore separate links are currently not available. Please accept my humble apology for any inconvenience this may cause. If you want more information you will need to go the pages in the agenda packet.
Agenda Packet » click here

1.   Conflict of Interest Check

2024 Rules of Procedure for the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners
(e) Conflict Check. Immediately after the approval of the agenda, the Presiding Officer shall poll each member to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. In the event that a potential conflict is disclosed, the members will vote on a motion to allow or excuse that member with respect to the agenda item. If excused, the member may not participate in any discussion, debate, or vote with respect to the agenda item.

The Board was polled by Heather our Town Clerk. All of them declared that there was no conflict of interest with any agenda item at this meeting. 

2.   Public Comments on Agenda Items

There were comments made by twenty (20) members of the public at the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting and three (3) additional comments were posted on the Town’s website. Most of the comments were regarding the tax rate, the detective position and employee compensation.
For more information » click here

3.   Discussion and Possible Action on Stormwater Master Plan Report – McGill Associates (Public Works Director Clemmons)

Agenda Packet – page 16, plus separate packet

Stormwater Master Plan Report » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action on Stormwater Master Plan Report

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
McGill completed the Stormwater Master Plan Report and is here to present the results

Areas of Concern Analysis
○ Analyze the existing stormwater system and drainage conditions at each area of concern for the 2-year and 10-year rainfall events.
○ Identify deficiencies in the network at these locations and evaluate available alternatives to remedy flooding.
○ Develop probable estimates of construction cost
○ Provide supporting documentation to Town for US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Federal 5113 Environmental Infrastructure Assistance grant

Update –
Representatives from McGill Associates did a slide presentation which was not included in the agenda packet but is available with the link below. They reviewed their analysis for the six (6) areas of concern. They provided a probable construction range of cost estimate based on current construction costs with the overall cost total will be in excess of two (2) million dollars. Scenario A assumes 100% of the projected capital investment needs are funded by user fees generated by the stormwater utility. Based on the project cost of capital stormwater projects and on-going and planned maintenance for the stormwater system they recommend proceeding with implementation of Scenario A with an initial flat rate of $7.20/month for each parcel on the island. The plan is current and incorporated the additional asphalt from the Ocean Boulevard resurfacing and bike lane project in their analysis, so they don’t think it had a significant impact.

Stormwater Presentation » click here

No decision was made – No action taken

The Ocean Boulevard resurfacing and bike lane project has eliminated some of the areas of concern and has created some new ones.

4.  Discussion and Possible Selection of Town Attorney – Town Clerk Finnell

Agenda Packet – page 73

ISSUE/ ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Selection of Town Attorney

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Three firms applied to provide legal services to the Town. All the firms have been interviewed

Previously reported – May 2024

Attorney Proposals » click here  

They have begun the process of hiring a permanent Town Attorney.  They discussed scheduling interviews including doing some remotely to avoid unnecessary travel. Town Clerk Finnell will contact the candidates to determine their availability for interviews.

Update –
They interviewed three (3) law firms and chose to select the Town  Attorney by ballot. They selected Moore Law firm so Sydnee Moore our interim Town Attorney will remain as the Town Attorney.

5.   Police Report – Chief Jeremy Dixon

Agenda Packet – pages 17 -26

Police Report » click here

Low Speed Vehicle Safety » click here
Public Service Announcement from Chief Dixon regarding low speed vehicle safety.

.
It’s the busy season on Holden Beach and they are in full summertime mode. Business as usual, normal amount and type of activity for this time of year.

.

Jeremy stated they have a focused approach on the following:

• • • Low Speed Vehicles
    • Bike Lane
    • Parking

Public service announcement for the 4^th July holiday –
THB does not put on firework display and we ask you not to put one on for us

You light ‘em, we write ‘em.

Fireworks are illegal on the island; possession of fireworks is a Class 2 misdemeanor which carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The police department currently has only nine (9) officers of the ten (10) they are budgeted to have. 

• • • Justin Hewett is our new Officer in the Police Department
    • Recruiting to fill Police Officer vacancy
      

Having the full complement of ten (10) police officers seems to be an elusive goal.

What he did not say –

Defensive Driving – Be mindful on the road, tourists are out there and frankly many of them are not paying attention. Defensive driving is driving characterized by prudence, diligence, and reasonable cautiousness. Its aim is to reduce the risk of collision by anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or the actions of others.

Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office begins distracted driving campaign
In response to recent wrecks, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a campaign to curb distracted driving from Tuesday to Thursday, June 4-6. The sheriff’s office will be actively looking for distracted driving, which includes talking or texting on the phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your car, messing with the stereo, putting on makeup and other distractions. “Please… avoid distracted driving. Put down the phone. Keep those eyes on the road. Pay attention. Slow down and buckle up! If we issue no citations – that would be an awesome day!” a BCSO announcement states.
For more information » click here

Scam Alerts from the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office

THB Newsletter (05/23/24)

Reminders from Chief Dixon
As we kick off the summer season this weekend, let’s do so in a safe and responsible way. To get everyone started on the right foot, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• • Remember that parking ordinances are strictly enforced, including pay-to-park requirements. Do not block the emergency beach accesses located on the far east end, at the pier, the 500 block or the 800 block. These accesses are for emergency response access, not temporary parking to unload passengers or beach equipment. Blocking accesses creates a life threatening time delay to emergency response.
  • Ocean Boulevard has been recently paved and widened with bike lanes. Enjoy the smooth pavement but watch your speed. The new bike lines are for bikes, not Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) and not for parking. Bicyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet.
  • LSVs are still required to follow the same traffic laws as every other motor vehicle, including travel lane regulations and very importantly seatbelt and child restraint regulations.
  • Pets are required to be on a leash at all times when off of your property, and no pets are allowed on the beach strand from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Beach equipment must be removed daily and cannot be left overnight. Storage of beach equipment on the frontal dunes is also restricted. Items left unattended will be removed and discarded as trash.
  • Fireworks and pyrotechnics create a safety risk to the operator and bystanders as well as a fire hazard to the dune vegetation and houses. Possession is a class 2 misdemeanor. If you light it, we write it.
  • The summer concert series kicks off this weekend at Bridgeview Park. Vehicle access will be restricted beginning Sunday mornings including access to Davis Street. The multi-purpose courts will close at 3:00 p.m. each Sunday. The Town has a good concert lineup for us this summer, and we look forward to seeing you there.

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Expect heavy traffic and do not get in a hurry. Watch for pedestrians, and do not drink and drive.

If you know something, hear something, or see something –
call 911 and let the police deal with it. 

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

6.   Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans

Agenda Packet – pages 27 – 31

Inspections Report » click here 

ADA Report » click here

ACTIVE NEW HOME PERMITS                                                                = 42
OTHER ACTIVE PERMITS                                                                         = 366
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $30,000                                                             = 35
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $100,000                                                           = 11
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS                            = 3
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED WAITING PICK UP                                                     = 23
TOTAL PERMITS                                                                                         = 431

PERMITS IN REVIEW                                                                                 = 7
CAMA ISSUED                                                                                             = 4
ZONING ISSUED                                                                                         = 7

PERMITS SERVICED FOR INSPECTIONS FROM 05/10 – 06/07            = 181
TOTAL INSPECTIONS MADE                                                                 = 362

Previously reported – May 2024
Timbo reported the status of the projects agreed to in the Americans with Disabilities Act/Key Bridge Mediation Agreement. They are confident that all of the ADA projects will be completed long before the agreed upon date in 2025.

Update –
Timbo briefly reviewed department activity last month, the department still remains extremely busy.

7.   Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey

Agenda Packet – pages 32 – 34

Finance Report » click here

Three graphs were presented, with monthly comparisons of the following funds:
.     1) General Fund
.     2) Water/Sewer Fund
.     3) BPART Fund

BPART Fund – Beach Preservation / Access & Recreation / Tourism
BPART is a Special Revenue Fund authorized by act of the General Assembly which allows the Town to collect six cents of an Accommodations Tax for the purposes of funding beach preservation and tourism related expenses.

Update –
Daniel briefly reviewed the status of each of the three (3)  funds.

8.  Town Manager Report – Town Manager Hewett

Agenda Packet – page 35

Town Manager Report » click here

Sewer Lift Station #2 / Greensboro Street

Previously reported – March 2024
Preliminary paperwork has been submitted to NC Department of Environmental Quality
Waiting to receive offer “Notice to Fund” which will require BOC’s action to accept

EPA Grant Component –        $2,669.867
State Funding –                       $1,940,000
Cumulative Funding –           $4,609.867

Remaining Financing – forecast a possible need for short-term borrowing

Previously reported – May 2024
Town has received  offer “Notice to Fund” which will require BOC’s action to accept. Discussion and Possible Approval of DEQ Offer to Fund Greensboro Street Lift Station is agenda item #10.

Resolution# 24-05
Funding Offer / DEQ Project No. SRP-W-134-0021
Greensboro Street Lift Station #2 Hazard Mitigation Upgrade
Total Financial Assistance Offer: $1,900,000
Total Project Cost: $4,884,357

Update –
EPA
Conducting Advance Monitoring on Project
One desk top review has been already on current status
Expect on scene EPA officials during construction
Fed program manager expects plan feedback within a week

State feedback
Requested clarification on genset use and funding streams Project Engineer of record has responded

Breaking News –
We have finally received the go ahead in hand and are now able to bid the project. He is meeting with the project development team to move this project forward.

Canal Dredging / Harbor Acres

Previously reported – January 2024
$343,800 Department Wildlife Resources grant awarded for Harbor Acres dredging. $257,850 state and $85,950 local which is from the Harbor Acres Canal Special Revenue Fund. Waiting for NC Department Water Quality  certification for USACE permit approval. Current Request for Proposal (RFP) is out for a 2,700 cyds bucket to barge project in Harbor Acres. Bids are due back by February 6^th. Staff is preparing for BOC consideration of grant acceptance and dredger award in Special Meetings that are scheduled in February.

Previously reported – March 2024
Maintenance dredging bid from T.D Eure was the low bidder at $189,000
Dredge boat on site and has been dredging the entrance canals
So far, so good …

Previously reported – April 2024
Project has been completed, engineer is certifying

Previously reported –May 2024
Reimbursement has been applied for, which can take up to thirty (30) days.

Update –
Department Wildlife Resources Harbor Acres canal dredging grant reimbursement for $146k has been received

Lockwood Folly (LWF) Inlet Dredging

Previously reported – April 2024
Town is working on dredging the inlet using the dredge boat Miss Katie
Grant funding was applied for
Coastal consulting engineer is coordinating with permitting agencies

Previously reported –May 2024
The Miss Katie dredging project for Lockwood Folly Inlet has been scrubbed, this plan of action was just too little too late. Currently the dredge boat Merritt is working in the inlet and will be here for the next three (3) weeks. Hopefully  it substantially improves the navigation there. They plan on attempting to modify the Town’s SDI-5 permit allowing us more flexibility with the dredging environmental window restrictions.

Update –
USACE has completed the quarterly Lockwood Folly Inlet sidecast dredging operations

Pier Beach Access / 441 OBW

Previously reported – April 2024
The walkway, emergency access ramp, and blue matting placement was completed by the Public Works Department. They are still working on refining the handicap parking spaces layout.

Previously reported –May 2024
We are in the home stretch; they still have some minor issues to address.
Staff  has already submitted for $41k grant reimbursement.

Update –
The walkway and emergency access ramp are complete.

329.5 OBW walkway renovation
The walkway renovation at 329.5 OBW is underway
Completion is expected by end of the month

Water System Asset Inventory
They have received the report, and it is being reviewed by the Town staff

Streets Assessment
They have received the report, and it is being reviewed by the Town staff

What he did not say –

Quinton Street Beach Access / 114 OBE

Previously reported – April 2024
Town staff is still working on having bathrooms there
Most responsive bid received at $70,000 and contract has been awarded
This is part of the Key Bridge Mediation Agreement
They are making every effort to complete construction before prime tourist season

Work should be completed by June 28^th

Stormwater Project Partnership Agreement (PPA)

Previously reported – March 2024
Town staff met with USACE Program Manager in February to develop a draft PPA. Awaiting draft PPA for about a half dozen projects for  an estimated cost of two (2) million dollars. The intent is to position the Town to receive federal stormwater funding for these projects.

In Case You Missed It –

THB Newsletter (06/03/24)
Hurricane Season
June 1st is the official start to the hurricane season in the Atlantic. Would your family be prepared in the event of a hurricane? Click here to visit the Emergency Information section of our website. You will find helpful tips to implement now, before the threat of a storm. Please make sure you have your vehicle decals in place now. Do not wait! These decals are necessary for re-entry to the island in the event of an emergency situation that restricts access to the island. Click here for more information on decals.

THB Newsletter (05/31/24)
Fishing Pier at Jordan Boulevard Closed
The fishing pier at Jordan Boulevard will be closed while the demolition of the HB Pavilion is underway.

THB Newsletter (05/24/24)
2023 Consumer Confidence Report
The 2023 Consumer Confidence Report is now available. Click here to view the water quality results.

THB Newsletter (05/20/24)
Reminders

As we approach the warmer months please remember the following information.

Pets are not allowed on the beach from May 20th to September 10th, except between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. daily. Pets must be on a leash at all times on the island.

It is unlawful to dig into the sand on any part of the beach strand greater than 12 inches deep, without having a responsible person attending the area. Prior to leaving the area, any hole greater than 12 inches deep shall be filled to be level with the surrounding area, leaving the area in the same general condition in which it was found.

All unattended beach equipment must be removed from the beach by its owner or permitted user on a daily basis between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. 

For a full list of beach regulations visit  https://hbtownhall.com/visitors.

Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwZx9S92OJc to view Chief Dixon’s public service announcement on low speed vehicles.

Click here  for information on paid parking.

THB Newsletter (05/08/24)
National Hurricane Preparedness Week

National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 5th – May 11th.

Would your family be prepared in the event of a hurricane? Click here to visit the Emergency Information section of our website. You will find helpful tips to put in place now, before the threat of a storm.

Please make sure you have your vehicle decals in place now. Do not wait! These decals are necessary for re-entry to the island in the event of an emergency situation that restricts access to the island. Click here for more information on decals. 

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 20^th through September 10^th
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 25^th) twice a week

Recycling –
starting after Memorial Day (June 4^th) weekly pick-up

Paid Parking
Annual parking passes are now available for purchase
Paid parking begins and will be enforced starting April 1^st

 THB Newsletter (02/09/24)
Annual Parking Passes Now Available
Annual parking passes are now available for purchase. The Town uses SurfCast by Otto Connect Mobile Solution. This is a mobile app downloadable for Apple and Android devices. You can also visit https://surfcast.ottoconnect.us/pay to purchase a pass. Paid parking is enforced April 1^st – October 31^st, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Click here for more information on the paid parking program.

Hurricane Vehicle Decals
Property owners will be provided with four (4) decals were included in their April water bills. It is important that you place your decals in your vehicle or in a safe place. A $10 fee will be assessed to anyone who needs to obtain either additional or replacement decals. Decals will not be issued in the 24-hour period before an anticipated order of evacuation.

 The decals are your passes to get back onto the island to check your property in the event that an emergency would necessitate restricting access to the island. Decals must be displayed in the driver side lower left-hand corner of the windshield, where they are not obstructed by any other items. Officials must be able to clearly read the decal from outside the vehicle. 

 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. https://hbtownhall.com/evacuation-decals

National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On March 22, 2024, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2024. 

News from Town of Holden Beach
The town sends out emails of events, news, agendas, notifications and emergency information. If you would like to be added to their mailing list, please go to their web site to complete your subscription to the Holden Beach E-Newsletter.
For more information » click here

Upcoming Events –

Concerts on the Coast Series
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 park will be blocked from vehicular access beginning Saturday evening. The splash pad will be closed on Sundays and the multipurpose court will close at 3:00 p.m. each Sunday. No seating will be provided so everyone should bring their own chair for the event.
For more information » click here 

9.   Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 24-08, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 154: Flood Damage Prevention – Inspections Director Evans

Agenda Packet – pages 36 – 41

Ordinance 24-08 » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 24-08, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 154: Flood Damage Prevention

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The public hearing for the proposed ordinance is set for the beginning of the June meeting. After hearing comments, if the Board would like to adopt the proposed changes, a motion to approve the ordinance would need to be made. The consistency statement was approved at the April Meeting.

ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION:
P&Z approved a consistency statement and voted to send the proposed changes to the Board for consideration.

Previously reported – April 2024
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Text Amendments to NFIP Section 154 of the Town’s Ordinance as recommended by FEMA. A Public Hearing needs to be scheduled.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Recommendations by FEMA and NC Department of Public Safety

After review, the Board of Commissioners has found that the recommended amendments are consistent with the adopted CAMA (Coastal Area Management Act) Land Use Plan and are considered reasonable and in the public interest for the following reasons.

Use of Property: The amendment as recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety to align better with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) goals.

At the last annual evaluation, FEMA made several recommendations to the town that are simply text amendments to our Ordinance. The critical five (5)  year evaluation is this fall which could impact our Community Rating System (CRS) that impacts our insurance premium rates discount. The motion made was to move forward,  accept the submitted consistency statement, and schedule a Public Hearing before our June Regular Meeting.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

Community Rating System (CRS)
The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.

As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS:

• • • Reduce flood damage to insurable property;
    • Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and
    • Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.

For CRS participating communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted in increments of 5% (i.e., a Class 1 community would receive a 45% premium discount, while a Class 9 community would receive a 5% discount (a Class 10 is not participating in the CRS and receives no discount)). The CRS classes for local communities are based on 18 creditable activities, organized under four categories:

1. 1. • Public Information,
      • Mapping and Regulations,
      • Flood Damage Reduction, and
      • Flood Preparedness.

National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System
For more information » click here

Update –
The motion made was to accept both the Ordinance as submitted and the consistency statement.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

10.   Discussion and Possible Action 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

Agenda Packet – pages 42 – 47

 Ordinance 24-10 » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Approval of 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

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Board set a public hearing as required for the proposed ordinance. After hearing comments, if the Board would like to adopt the proposed changes, a motion to approve the ordinance and the consistency statement would need to be made.

ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION:
P&Z approved a consistency statement and voted to send the proposed changes to the Board for consideration.

Previously reported – May 2024
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Change the frontal dune ordinance from the regulatory section to the land use section and schedule a Public Hearing

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
To allow citizens a pathway for variances for walkways and sections wider than four feet

Basically, they plan on making some minor changes to clean up the ordinance and then they propose to move it over to Land Use section. Timbo stated that it simplifies things, and it is a good fix to allow property owners to put in walkways. Approval  of the Ordinance will need to wait till after the Public Hearing. The motion made was to move forward, approve the language changes as submitted, and schedule a Public Hearing before our June Regular Meeting.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

In June of 2022, Planning & Zoning  evaluated our walkway policies. In November 2022, Timbo said that it seems that the general consensus including CAMA on protecting the beach strand is that they believe that it is better not to have these structures going out to the frontal dunes. He thinks that the original concern was that people were cutting pathways through the dunes. He asked the question: Which is better to have people walk through the dunes or walkways that go all the way out. Apparently the staff and the Planning & Zoning Board feel not having walkways is better. So, what changed?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Whatevah

Update –
The motion made was to accept both the Ordinance as submitted and the consistency statement.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

11.  Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 24-11, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2024 – 2025 – Town Manager Hewett

Agenda Packet – pages 48 – 72

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 24-11, The Revenues & Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2024 – 2025

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The proposed budget is balanced in accordance with the Fiscal Control Act and is a result of numerous budget workshops. The required public hearing is set for the start of the meeting.

Ordinance 24-11 » click here

Update –
Town Manager Hewitt stated again that the budget as presented reflects budget meeting dialogues and is balanced as required by the IAW Fiscal Control Act.

Commissioner Paarfus made a motion to amend the proposed budget ordinance with the following three (3) changes:

• • Have the tax rate changed back to the current rate of fourteen (14) cents per hundred (100) dollars of valuation
  • Provide funds for the detective position
  • Increase the merit pool to 2.5%

A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Mayor Pro Tem Myers  and Commissioner Thomas opposed the motion

State law defines an annual budget as “a proposed plan for raising and spending money for specified programs, functions, activities or objectives during a fiscal year.” Local governments must balance their budget. Ensuring that government commitments are in line with available resources is an essential element of good governance. The proposed budget balanced with revenues equaling expenses. Commissioners must adopt the budget no later than July 1^st for the next fiscal year. Adopting the annual budget is a primary responsibility of the Board. BOC’s approved the amended town’s budget ordinance for the upcoming fiscal year.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

Unfortunately, Commissioners Smith and Dyer did not attend the budget meetings when these issues were discussed, and action taken. I am disappointed that they voted on the changes without any discussion at this meeting. I would have liked to have heard them articulate their position on these issues. They were elected to office to make decisions for their constituents, and they get to vote as they see fit, that’s their prerogative. That said, this is not the first Board that is letting a small vocal minority dictate what they want over what’s best for the community. If they really want to know what the public wants, they need to make more of an effort to solicit input.

 Politics makes strange bedfellows

12.  Discussion and Possible Action on Initial Offer to Purchase 796 Ocean Boulevard West – Town Manager Hewett
.   a) Resolution 24-06, Resolution Authorizing Upset Bid Process

Agenda Packet – pages 74 – 81

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action on Initial Offer to Purchase 796 Ocean Boulevard West

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Town solicited offers to purchase town­ owned property at 796 OBW. One bid was received in  the amount  of $345,000. The  next step in the upset bid process would be to adopt  a resolution  initiating the procedure or to  reject  the offer. A sample resolution is included in the case the Board desires to move forward with the process.

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
If the Board desires to move forward with the upset bid process, the resolution needs to be adopted.

Resolution 24-06 » click here 

Previously reported – April 2024
The Town owned home there has been advertised with initial offers in the upset bid process due on Friday

Previously reported – May 2024
The Town did not receive any responses to the initial advertisement of the upset bid offering. The plan is to advertise, and they will  reassess their approach if needed when the second round is over.

Tax assessment is $669,540
Second row properties have been selling on average for 145% of tax assessment

Update –
The Town Manager explained how the upset bid process works. Basically, they need to accept this bid to set a baseline for offers and start the upset bid process. Resolution 24-06 is the document authorizing the upset bid process. The motion was made to accept the bid and the resolution so they can move ahead with the upset bid process. The Town Attorney advised the Board that they have the right to reject any and all bids at any time.

 A decision was made – Approved unanimously

13.  Discussion and Possible Action on Emergency Beach Access – Police Chief Dixon and Fire Chief Todd

Agenda Packet – pages 82 – 83

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
No Action – Discussion on emergency beach access

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Chief Todd (Tri-Beach Fire) & Chief Dixon have observed emergency access issues

Over the last couple of summers, emergency responders have noticed an increase in people using the areas around the emergency accesses for their beach equipment. More and more often we are seeing canopies, tents, towels, volleyball nets, surfboards, and other beach related equipment directly surrounding the emergency access points. This causes significant emergency response delays. During certain situations, it is not uncommon for some beach equipment to be run over by emergency vehicles as moving the equipment takes too long and no alternate routes are available. This not only increases emergency response times, but it also threatens damage to personal beach equipment and threatens damage to emergency vehicles. We are asking that the Board of Commissioners consider discussing the possibility of enacting ordinances that either prevent beach equipment within a certain distance of emergency access points, and/or ordinances which create emergency vehicle lanes on the beach strand.

Update –
They were here tonight presenting an issue that needs to be addressed by the Board. They would like to prohibit blocking emergency access points by not allowing any obstructions there. In addition, they would like to have a travel lane for emergency vehicles on the beach strand. They discussed the issue and decided to benchmark off the surrounding islands policies and have the staff bring back a  proposal at the next scheduled Regular Meeting. 

We already have verbiage in Ordinance §94.06  that you can’t place items within ten (10) feet of the dunes. That ten (10) feet gives emergency responders a clear path along the dune line for them to go up and down the beach strand. We would just need to modify the Ordinance to prohibit blocking emergency access points.

§94.06 PLACING OBSTRUCTIONS ON THE BEACH.

   (A)   All beach equipment must be removed from the beach by its owner or permitted user on a daily basis. All personal items and beach equipment unattended and remaining on the beach between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. will be classified as abandoned property and shall be removed and disposed of by the town.

   (B)   All beach equipment shall be set at least ten feet from any sea turtle nest or dune vegetation.

14.  Discussion and Possible Scheduling of a Date to Hold Interviews for Vacancies on Town Boards – Town Clerk Finnell

Agenda Packet – pages 84 – 88

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Scheduling of a Date to Hold Interviews for Vacancies on Town Boards.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
There are terms expiring  on  Town boards  in  July. I  recommend  the Board hold interviews  on Tuesday,  July  16th at  4: 45 p.m. for people interested in filling the vacant terms. Attached are the lists with current members and their terms

Volunteers neededAre you interested in serving on a Town board? The Town has vacancies on the Board of Adjustment, Planning & Zoning Board and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. Click here to view information on these boards. Interviews for vacancies will be held on Tuesday, July 16th at 4:45 p.m. Click here to access an application if you are interested in applying to serve. Completed applications can be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at Town Hall prior to July 8th.

Update –
Heather indicated that some Boards would have vacancies  and they will need to hold interviews. The Board agreed to hold interviews to fill the vacancies before the next BOC’s Regular July meeting.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

15.  Mayor’s Comment

From the Mayor’s Desk (06/14/24)
Summer is here!

• • It is Flag Day! Be proud of America!
  • Bike paths are for bikes only!
  • When going into the Atlantic Ocean through the Lockwood Folly Inlet, the channel is now to the southeast and not the southwest like last year.
  • Many speeding watercraft violations between LouLou’s restaurant and the Holden Beach water tower on the waterway are taking place. Law enforcement is increasing coverage due to recent events. Be careful when boating in this area especially!
  • Remember no dogs are allowed on the beach strand between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Keep them on a leash.
  • The free Sunday concerts are held beside the Holden Beach water tower from 6:30 p.m. through 8:00 p.m. Bring a chair! This week (June 16, 2024) it is Cat 5.
  • Hurricane season is upon us! As the Holden Beach Emergency Management Director, I continue attending training updates. Be sure to update your emergency plan.
  • The Holden Beach town budget public hearing is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on June 18, 2024 at the Town Hall just prior to the regular monthly meeting.
  • Please make sure your golf cart satisfies all North Carolina laws and regulations before driving on the highways and streets. Be sure to use the seatbelts for safety to avoid ticketing.

From the Mayor’s Desk (06/08/24)
Congratulations
Congratulations to Holden Beach resident Dr. Gene Smith and the Brunswick Community College Baseball Dolphins on their runner up finish in the National Junior College Athletic Association College World Series held recently in Enid, Oklahoma. Way To Go Fins!

From the Mayor’s Desk (06/06/24)
Please keep former mayor Norman Meares’ family in your thoughts and heart as they celebrate his life on June 15th at 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Weddington Methodist Church, 13901 Providence Road, Weddington, North Carolina. The Town appreciates Norman’s service during his tenure at Holden Beach.

Editor’s note –
Norman preceded Alan and was mayor from December 2003 – November 2007.

General Comments –

BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, July 16^th 

Budget Calendar –
Local governments must balance their budget
The Town Manager’s proposed budget is due by June 1^st
Commissioners must adopt budget no later than June 30^th for the next fiscal year
Adopting the annual budget is a primary responsibility of the Board

Budget Meeting Schedule

• • • May 2 / Budget Meeting – Expense Summary
    • May 7 / Budget Meeting – Budget Revisions (cancelled)
    • May 14 / Budget Meeting – Draft Budget (cancelled)
    • May 22 / Budget Meeting – Input on Draft Budget (cancelled)
    • May 29 / Budget Meeting – Draft Budget (cancelled)
    • May 31 / Budget Message Released (No Later Than June 1st)
      
    • June 3 / Budget Meeting – Revisions
    • June 7 / Budget Meeting – Revisions
    • June 12 / Budget Meeting – Revisions
    • June 18 / Budget Public Hearing
    • June 20 / Budget Meeting – Final Changes (cancelled)
      
    • June 25 / Budget Meeting – Final Changes (cancelled)
      
    • June 30 / Must adopt Budget (No Later Than June 30th)

Brunswick County staff suggest no property tax rate increase in proposed budget
Brunswick County commissioners will once again review the county’s budget for the 24-25 fiscal year on Monday, May 20. The recommended budget will be in place starting July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. According to the county, it includes the recommended budget ordinance, capital improvement plan, and schedule of fees for FY25. In a bright spot for county residents, county staff are proposing the property tax rate to stay the same for FY25 at 34.20 cents. Chairman Randy Thompson said the reason behind the rate staying the same comes down to controlled measurable growth, allowing for the opportunity to fund needed services within the county. On May 6, County Manager Steven Stone and his team presented a proposed budget detailing the General Fund Draft Recommended Budget and Capital Improvement Plan, Brunswick County Schools Capital Plan, Enterprise Fund Draft Recommended Budget and Capital Improvement Plan, and Rate and Fee Recommendations. A spokesperson for the county highlighted the notable budget items, which pertain to water and wastewater rates for the county. On the proposed budget, there are currently no changes to residential water and wastewater rates. However, county staff has included changes based on the county’s water and wastewater system development fees, which accounts for more developments being built in the county down the road. The county said these are one-time fees for new developments joining either or both of the county’s utilities systems and it will not impact existing Brunswick County Public Utilities water and/or sewer customers. Commissioners are expected to approve the final budget on June 17.
Read more » click here

 It’s not like they don’t have anything to work on …

The following twenty (20) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:

• • • • 796 OBW Project
      • Accommodation/Occupancy Tax Compliance
      • ADA Mediation Agreement
        
      • Beach Mat Plan
      • Block Q Project
      • Carolina Avenue
        
      • Dog Park
      • Fire Station Project
      • Harbor Acres
        
      • ICW/No Wake Zone Enforcement
      • Inlet Hazard Areas
      • Parking – 800 Block
      • Pavilion Replacement
      • Pier Properties Project
      • Rights-of-Way
      • Sewer System/Lift station #2
      • Stormwater Management Project
      • USACE/Coastal Storm Risk Management Study
      • Water System Assessment/Water Tower
      • Waste Ordinance Enforcement Policy
      • Wetland Delineation/Bulkheading
        

The definition of loose ends is a fragment of unfinished business or a detail that is not yet settled or explained, which is the current status of these items. All of these items were started and then put on hold, and they were never put back in the queue. This Board needs to continue working on them and move these items to closure.

Hurricane Season
For more information » click here.

Be prepared – have a plan!

NOAA predicts above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season
La Nina and warmer-than-average ocean temperatures are major drivers of tropical activity
NOAA National Weather Service forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of a below-normal season. NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges. The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation. “With another active hurricane season approaching, NOAA’s commitment to keeping every American informed with life-saving information is unwavering,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “AI-enabled language translations and a new depiction of inland wind threats in the forecast cone are just two examples of the proactive steps our agency is taking to meet our mission of saving lives and protecting property.” “Severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today,” said FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks. “Already, we are seeing storms move across the country that can bring additional hazards like tornadoes, flooding and hail. Taking a proactive approach to our increasingly challenging climate landscape today can make a difference in how people can recover tomorrow.” As one of the strongest El Ninos ever observed nears its end, NOAA scientists predict a quick transition to La Nina conditions, which are conducive to Atlantic hurricane activity because La Nina tends to lessen wind shear in the tropics. At the same time, abundant oceanic heat content in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea creates more energy to fuel storm development. This hurricane season also features the potential for an above-normal west African monsoon, which can produce African easterly waves that seed some of the strongest and longer-lived Atlantic storms. Finally, light trade winds allow hurricanes to grow in strength without the disruption of strong wind shear, and also minimize ocean cooling. Human-caused climate change is warming our ocean globally and in the Atlantic basin, and melting ice on land, leading to sea level rise, which increases the risk of storm surge. Sea level rise represents a clear human influence on the damage potential from a given hurricane.

Enhanced communications in store for 2024 season
NOAA will implement improvements to its forecast communications, decision support and storm recovery efforts this season. These include:

• • • The National Hurricane Center (NHC) will expand its offering of Spanish language text products to include all Public Advisories, the Tropical Cyclone Discussion, the Tropical Cyclone Update and Key Messages in the Atlantic basin. 
    • Beginning on or around August 15, NHC will start to issue an experimental version of the forecast cone graphic that includes a depiction of inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings in effect for the continental U.S. Research indicates that the addition of inland watches and warnings to the cone graphic will help communicate inland hazards during tropical cyclone events without overcomplicating the current version of the graphic.
    • This season, the NHC will be able to issue U.S. tropical cyclone watches and warnings with regular or intermediate public advisories. This means that if updates to watches and warnings for storm surge or winds are needed, the NHC will be able to notify the public in an intermediate advisory instead of having to wait for the next full advisory issued every 6 hours.

 New tools for hurricane analysis and forecasting this year

• • • Two new forecast models developed by NOAA researchers will go into operation this season: The Modular Ocean Model or MOM6 will be added to the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System to improve the representation of the key role the ocean plays in driving hurricane intensity. Another model, SDCON, will predict the probability of tropical cyclone rapid intensification.
    • NOAA’s new generation of Flood Inundation Mapping, made possible through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide information to emergency and water managers to prepare and respond to potential flooding and help local officials better prepare to protect people and infrastructure.
    • NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, in partnership with the NHC, will issue an experimental rainfall graphic for the Caribbean and Central America during the 2024 hurricane season. This graphic provides forecast rainfall totals associated with a tropical cyclone or disturbance for a specified time period.

 System upgrades in operation
NOAA will upgrade its observing systems critical in understanding and forecasting hurricanes. These projects will provide more observations of the ocean and atmosphere in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, on the U.S. East Coast and in the tropical Atlantic.

• • • NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center recently upgraded many coastal weather buoys in the tropical western Atlantic and Caribbean to include time of occurrence and measurements of one-minute wind speed and direction, 5-second peak wind gust and direction and lowest 1-minute barometric pressure to support tropical cyclone forecasting. 
    • New this year, NOAA will gather additional observations using Directional Wave Spectra Drifters (DWSDs), deployed from the NOAA P-3 hurricane hunter aircraft and in the vicinity of Saildrones, uncrewed surface vehicles which will be deployed at the start of the hurricane season, providing one-minute data in real time. 11-12 Saildrones are planned for deployment in 2024. 

• • • Starting in June, dozens of observational underwater gliders are planned to deploy in waters off the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the eastern U.S. coast. Additionally, a new lightweight dropsonde called Streamsonde will be deployed into developing tropical storms, collecting multiple real-time observations to collect valuable wind data. 
    • The CHAOS (Coordinated Hurricane Atmosphere-Ocean Sampling) research experiment aims to improve the understanding of air-sea interactions, providing sustained monitoring of key ocean features. 

About NOAA seasonal outlooks
NOAA’s outlook is for overall seasonal activity and is not a landfall forecast. In addition to the Atlantic seasonal outlook, NOAA also issues seasonal hurricane outlooks for the eastern Pacific, central Pacific and western north Pacific hurricane basins. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center will update the 2024 Atlantic seasonal outlook in early August, prior to the historical peak of the season.
Read more » click here

Interactive map:
Enter address to see hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed nearby
As we mark the official start of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season and look forward with trepidation on what may happen, let’s stop a moment and look back. North Carolina surely is no stranger to hurricanes. From 1880 to 2020, more than 159 named storms have impacted the Tar Heel State. Colorado State University issued a report predicting North Carolina has an 85% chance of being affected by a named storm this year. Researchers looked at NOAA’s historical hurricane tracks to predict what the 2024 hurricane season could bring. But closer to home — literally — how do you know how close storms have come in the past to exactly where you live? Our interactive map answers that question for you.

 Interactive map: Has a named storm hit or passed near your home?

Enter a city or your address to find out how many hurricanes and tropical storms have passed nearby since 1851. The interactive tool shows the storm paths based on location points recorded every six hours. The lines connecting the points represent the general path of the storm, not its exact route.

The search radius varies depending on the storm’s category:

• • • • Category 5: 45 miles
      • Category 4: 40 miles
      • Category 3: 35 miles
      • Category 2: 30 miles
      • Category 1: 25 miles
      • Tropical Storm: 20 miles
      • Tropical Depression and Extratropical Cyclone: 10 miles

Will a hurricane or tropical cyclone hit North Carolina in 2024? What about landfall from a major hurricane?
Here are the chances of tropical cyclone impact probabilities, which CSU defined as one or more storms within 50 miles of each location.

 2024 forecast probability of named storm impact, top 5:

• • • • Florida: 96%
      • North Carolina: 85%
      • Louisiana: 84%
      • Georgia: 82%
      • Texas: 80%

 2024 forecast probability of hurricane impact, top 5:

• • • • Florida: 75%
      • North Carolina: 56%
      • Louisiana: 56%
      • Texas: 54%
      • Georgia: 46%

 2024 forecast probability of major hurricane impact, top 5:
A major hurricane is a Category 3 or higher, the maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph. North Carolina didn’t make the top 5.

 Storms from 1880 to 2020
North Carolina ranked number 2 with 159 named storms.

Sixty-eight was the number of hurricanes that hit North Carolina, ranking it 2 out of 5.

North Carolina tied with Alabama and South Carolina with 12 as the number of major hurricanes that hit.

 CSU predicts North Carolina counties most likely to feel impact of tropical storms, hurricanes in 2024

2024 forecast probability of named storm impact in your area:

• • • • New Hanover: 58%
      • Brunswick: 59%
      • Pender: 60%

 The bottom line is to expect a very, very busy season.

Read more » click here 

Hurricane season begins; officials advise detailed planning
In the weeks before this year’s hurricane season began, weather and safety officials worked to spread the same message: Because it only takes one storm to impact a community, prepare now. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Michael Brennan said Friday that “we’re on the precipice of what looks to be a very active 2024 hurricane season,” which began Saturday and ends Nov. 30. This is the most active seasonal forecast that NOAA has ever issued in May, with the forecast looking to be busy with 17 to 25 named storms and eight to 13 hurricanes, of which four to seven are expected to become major hurricanes, Brennan said during a press conference at the Miami, Florida-based center. There’s a “very high chance of a very active hurricane season,” but the main message “is preparation has to be the same every year, regardless of what any seasonal forecast says. It only takes one storm affecting you and your community to make it a busy hurricane season,” Brennan continued. Brian Haines with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety told Coastal Review that while the Climate Prediction Center calls for an 85% chance of an above normal season, “history has taught us that it only takes one storm to impact our state, which is why we encourage all North Carolinians to be resilient and prepare for any natural or manmade disaster.” National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Erik Heden with the Newport/Morehead City office shared a similar message. “It takes just one storm to make an impact on our life,” Heden said. Assistant State Climatologist Corey Davis, speaking during a recent webinar about this year’s hurricane season forecast, said much the same.   “An active hurricane season does not necessarily mean it’ll be an impactful one locally, but by the same token, it only takes one storm in your area to make it a very impactful and a very memorable season,” Davis said.

Tropical storms, hurricanes threats
Heden said Friday to “never, ever focus on just the category of the storm,” referring to the Saffir-Simpson Scale that measures only hurricane wind speeds, which determine a storm’s category, 1-5. “The category tells us only the strength of the storm based on wind alone. It says nothing about how much rain we will see, what the storm surge will be, how long the storm will sit over us, whether or not it is a large or slow-moving storm,” Heden said. Adding, that Irene in 2011 and Florence in 2018 were Category 1 storms. “The category of the storm is part of the puzzle, not the whole puzzle.” Brennan emphasized Friday during the press conference that it doesn’t take a major hurricane making landfall for there to be major impacts. “Rainfall flooding has been the deadliest hazard in tropical storms and hurricanes in the United States over the last 10 years. It’s been responsible for more than half of the fatalities. The rainfall flooding is almost entirely unrelated to the strength of a storm,” Brennan said. “It doesn’t matter what category it is, whether it’s a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane, all that matters is how long it rains and how hard it rains in a given location for a given amount of time, and again, that rainfall flooding has been the biggest killer,” Brennan added. It’s water hazards in general have officials most concerned. “The combination of rainfall flooding storm surge and surf and rip currents are responsible for about 85 to 90% of the fatalities we see in tropical storms and hurricanes across the United States,” Brennan said. He called surf and rip currents “an underappreciated hazard” in tropical storms and hurricanes. These have killed more people than storm surge over the last 10 years in the United States, especially along East Coast-facing beaches like Florida, North Carolina and New Jersey. “They’re susceptible to dangerous ocean conditions that are spawned by hurricanes that might be hundreds of miles away.” Post-storm safety is another increasing point of emphasis, Brennan said. “We’ve lost almost as many people after tropical storms and hurricanes in this country in the last 10 years as we’ve lost from the direct forces of the storm itself,” he said. Indirect fatalities are those occurring from accidents, power issues, cardiac arrest, improper generator use, heat exhaustion and lack of medical access that are connected to storms. To help communicate the hazards associated with hurricanes and storms, Brennan said that the National Hurricane Center is disseminating Spanish language products translated by artificial intelligence programs to reach those whose primary language is Spanish. “The other thing we’re doing is rolling out an experimental version of the cone graphic by mid-August that’s going to show the inland extent of the tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings,” Brennan said.

 How, why preparing is critical
Knowing your risk is the first step to prepare for a hurricane, Brennan said Friday. “Know if you live in a storm surge evacuation zone — that forms the foundation of your entire hurricane preparedness plan,” Brennan said. You may be asked to evacuate your home by emergency management or government officials and “you need to know where you’re going to go, how you’re going to get there, what you’re taking with you.” And remember that in many cases, you only need to evacuate tens of miles, not hundreds of miles, to get to a safe place. “Preparation is key. If you’re going to shelter in place for a storm, you want to have your emergency kit in place,” Brennan said, and you should start collecting now multiple days’ worth of nonperishable food, water, medicine, batteries — “anything you’re going to need to survive the aftermath of a major hurricane landfall” — taking into account that there may be power outages for days, with no access to medical or emergency services. Federal Emergency Management Agency Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks said Friday during the press conference that officials were “getting down to the wire” when it comes to making sure communities are prepared. “The time to make sure that you have a clear understanding of your unique risk is now,” said Hooks.

Things you should prepare for and take into account to be risk ready include the following:

• • • Do you have medication that requires refrigeration?
    • Do you have a medical device that runs off electricity?
    • Do you have mobility challenges that make it more difficult to evacuate in a time?
    • When was the last insurance checkup, including flood insurance?

“Now is the time to ask yourselves these questions, understand your particular risk for you and your community, and put a plan together so that you are prepared when disaster strikes,” Hooks said. “Start getting risk-ready now.” Heden said that while peak hurricane season isn’t until Sept. 10, eastern North Carolina has had storms in June and July. “You should prepare each and every year for hurricane season, and please don’t wait,” Heden said. Preparedness is a three-step process, he said. The first step is to know your risk, and “Vulnerability extends beyond weather risk,” Heden said. “Who lives in your home? Do you have young kids, elderly parents? Does somebody in your home rely on power for oxygen? Your vulnerability will help you determine the next two steps.” The second step is to have a hurricane kit with at least three to seven days’ worth of food, water and medicine. If you choose to stay during a storm, you may not be able to get out or first responders may not be able reach you. “Life won’t be normal right away,” and you may be without help for at least three days, or longer, Heden said, also suggesting purchasing  items here and there to buffer the financial strain of preparing. And the third step is to have an evacuation plan with at least two places to go, Heden explained. “I like to have a northern and southern option. You want to go away from the storm’s path. Don’t just plan to go to Goldsboro or Raleigh. Sometimes impacts occur well inland,” he said. “Make sure your plan includes your pets and anybody in your house. Your last resort is a shelter. Those are stressful and packed. You will be more comfortable in a hotel or a family or friend’s house.” Haines said to ensure multiple ways to receive information from reputable sources, such as area emergency management team and public safety agencies, local media outlets, or North Carolina Emergency Management. Everyone living or vacationing in North Carolina’s coastal counties should also Know Your Zone. That’s the name of an initiative that established evacuation zones to streamline the evacuation process in the event of an emergency, Haines said. From an insurance perspective, State Department of Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said Wednesday during a press conference in Kinston livestreamed by Neuse News that preparation should include steps to protect important documents like car titles and deeds. Causey also recommended speaking with an insurance agent in advance of a storm, “and if you don’t have flood insurance, look at getting a flood policy, because you have to have a separate flood insurance policy to have that covered.” Causey cautioned that companies won’t issue insurance when there’s a named storm heading in this direction. “You’re not going to be able to buy insurance, and when you do buy flood insurance, there’s a 30-day waiting period, so you’ve got to think at least more than 30 days ahead to get that flood insurance coverage,” he said. People really need to understand and know that homeowners policies do not cover floods, Causey explained. “We learned that lesson — hard lesson — during Hurricane Florence, when we had 23 southeastern counties underwater, and 88,000 people lost their homes and everything in it and found out they had no insurance because floods are not covered under a homeowner’s policy.” He said the department is there to help and residents can call to speak to a representative or email with questions, disputes or claims. Contact information is on the department’s website.

Why an above-normal forecast?
“Human-caused climate change is warming our ocean globally and in the Atlantic basin, and melting ice on land, leading to sea level rise, which increases the risk of storm surge. Sea level rise represents a clear human influence on the damage potential from a given hurricane,” NOAA officials said when it released the May outlook. NOAA Administrator Dr. Rick Spinrad, speaking during a press conference May 23, said that this season is looking to be extraordinary in a number of ways. Data and models show El Niño/La Niña weather patterns playing a significant role. El Niño is the flow of warm ocean surface waters from the Pacific toward and along the western coast of South America. La Niña is the opposite: an upwelling of cold Pacific Ocean water to the surface along the western coast of South America. “The key this year, as in any year, is to get prepared and stay prepared,” Spinrad said. “It’s the best way to reduce risk, especially the risk of potential loss of life.” The Climate Prediction Center in May forecast a 77% chance of La Niña forming during the August-October time frame and “We know the development of La Nina can lead to weaker easterly trade winds and below average vertical wind shear in the tropical Atlantic Ocean.” Such conditions can be more conducive for tropical cyclone development. Additionally, Spinrad said, NOAA’s National Center for Environmental Information has reported record warm water temperatures for much of the tropical Atlantic Ocean. “Forecast modeling indicates that above-average sea surface temperatures are predicted during the peak months of the Atlantic hurricane season from August to October,” Spinrad said. “We know warm sea surface temperatures are an important factor in rapid intensification of tropical cyclones to major hurricane status.” NOAA’s outlook is for overall seasonal activity and is not a landfall forecast. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center will update the 2024 Atlantic seasonal outlook in early August before mid-September, the historical peak of the season, officials said. Visit ReadyNC.gov for more information from the state on preparing for storms or knowyourzone.nc.gov to learn more about the coastal evacuation zones.
Read more » click here 

Do you enjoy this newsletter?
Then please forward it to a friend!

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

https://lousviews.com/