Lou’s Views
“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments
The BOC’s May Regular Meeting is scheduled on May 20th
Normally our newsletter is posted on the following Sunday, which is May 25th
I am unable to attend the meeting
We are still publishing the newsletter, albeit a week later than usual
Our May newsletter will be posted on Sunday, June 1st
BOC’s Special Meeting 04/08/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Discussion and Possible Action on Street Paving Bids (Sand Dollar Drive and Heron Drive) – Public Works Director Clemmons (Mayor Pro Tem Myers)
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action on street paving bids
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Right Angle Engineering held a bid solicitation for street paving, which this year is Sand Dollar and Heron Drive. The most responsive bid is from Highland Paving in the amount of $149,500. The recommendation of Right Angle is to award to Highland Paving.
Previously reported – November 2015
Streets Condition Survey Report is a planning document. We have a total of 12.8 paved asphalt roadways with @40% of the roads in need of maintenance. Subject streets are Class A (low volume) roads the cost estimate is for pavement repair only, with the costs being variable. The total estimated costs are a whopping $1,200,000. Surface evaluation was done rating each street and prioritizing the work that needs to be done. Recommended we address it with a ten-year game plan, budgeting accordingly, tackling it on a yearly basis. Understandably we can expect our streets to continue to degrade while costs will continue to go up.
Previously reported – November 2024
Maintenance Needs
Of the 12.8 miles of streets inspected, approximately 25% are in need of maintenance. The survey indicated a total estimated maintenance need for plant mix resurfacing of $1,021,874. This represents an average of $72,350 per mile for the entire town street system. It should be noted that this cost estimate is for pavement repair only. Additional costs can be incurred for drainage improvements, administration, utility adjustments, work zone traffic control, and other items. Please note that these costs are variable and can increase the total project cost significantly.
Pavement Condition Rating / PCR Listing
The type and amount of distress that was observed on each street was used to obtain a Pavement Condition Rating (PCR). A 66 – 80 rating indicates a general condition of just fair.
The following streets had the lowest PCR:
Sand Dollar/ 73Heron/ 75- Swordfish / 75
- Tuna / 75
- Lois / 77
- Lumberton / 77
- Charlotte / 78
- Heron Landing / 80
Update –
In 2015 the Board implemented a tax increase of $.010 specifically for street paving and maintenance. The penny worth of tax revenue earmarked for paving is money that is already in the budget. For the last few years, Right Angle Engineering reviewed the bids and has recommended Highland Paving, who has done satisfactory work for the Town before. Once again Right Angle Engineering recommends the Town award the contract to Highland Paving. A motion was made to award the contract to Highland Paving for street paving of Sand Dollar and Heron Drive in the amount of $149,500. Although it was not discussed they normally try to have paving work completed before Memorial Day.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Editor’s note –
2025 / Sand Dollar and Heron Drive at a cost of $149,500
2024 / High Point Street at a cost of $115,250
2023 / Tide Ridge Drive, Pointe West Drive and Ranger Street at a cost of $126,000
2022 / Seagull Drive at a cost of $208,150
. • The cost was split between the Town and the properties on Seagull
2021 / BAE from Rothschild to Ferry at a cost of $123,000
2020 / BAW from High Point to Rothschild at a cost of $111,250
Ad Valorem Tax
Estimated 2024 tax base is $2,402,018,650 with tax rate of $.14 per $100 of assessed value
. a) $2,402,018,650 X $.14 = $3,362,827
. b) $3,362,827 X 99.20 = $3,335,924
. • Tax collection rate of 99.20%
A penny generates approximately $240,202 of tax revenue which is earmarked specifically for street paving and maintenance and is already in the budget. If we have tax revenue in excess of $200K why are we only spending $100K a year?
2. Budget Workshop – Mayor Pro Tem Myers
. a) Expenditures
County Courthouse 04/14/25
Superior Court Case # 25CV001201-090
Notice is hereby given that a quorum of the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners may be present at the Brunswick County Courthouse, Courtroom 007 on Monday, April 14, 2025.
Previously reported – March 2025
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to approve a budget amendment moving funds from fund balance to professional services.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
A fund balance appropriation will allow coverage for additional anticipated legal fees through the end of the current fiscal year.
Moved funds of $50,000
From Revenue account #10.0399.0200 to Expense account#10.0410.0400
The Ordinance is for a fund balance appropriation that will allow coverage for additional anticipated legal fees through the end of the current fiscal year.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Although not stated, this is an unnecessary cost to hire attorneys to represent us for the frivolous lawsuit filed by Lisa Ragland. She filed a civil suit against the Town alleging the Board violated state law by holding a meeting without a quorum. Even if she is right (she’s not) the outcome would have been the same, the lawsuit is a waste of time and money. Therefore, we should go after her for all costs associated with our legal defense.
THB Code of Ordinances – Quorum
§30.15 VOTING AND QUORUMS.
(A) Quorum. The Mayor and three Commissioners, or three Commissioners without the Mayor shall constitute a quorum (simple majority) of the Town BOC
Coates’ Canons NC Local Government Law
It is not unusual for a charter to specify the method for determining the quorum for a city council. Accordingly, city elected officials, as well as city attorneys and clerks, should examine their respective charters for quorum provisions. Ordinarily, if the charter differs from G.S. 160A-74, the council should follow its charter.
See G.S. 160A-82.
For more information » click here
A Parliamentary Procedure Primer: Part 3 – Quorum Misconceptions
Misconception 4: Cities must always follow the quorum statute, G.S. 160A-74, even if their charter seems to conflict.
In addition to G.S. 160A-74, city charters commonly provide a method for calculating quorum. What if there is a conflict between the quorum statute and a city’s charter? While Section 160A-82 provides that the statutes in its part (including the quorum statute) do not invalidate conflicting city charter provisions, it does not describe how to deal with the conflicts. For that, we look to Section 160A-3. That section provides three different avenues for resolving charter-statute conflicts. First, if both the charter and the statute seem to describe everything required for performing a particular duty or function, the city can choose to follow either its charter or the General Statutes. G.S. 160A-3(a). Second, if a charter fails to provide all the details necessary to carry out a particular power, duty, privilege, immunity, or function, cities should supplement the charter with the procedures described in statute. In case of a conflict, however, the charter provisions control. G.S. 160A-3(b). Finally, if statute provides for a certain power, duty, immunity, privilege, or function that an earlier enacted charter expressly denies, then the statute supersedes the charter. G.S. 160A-3(c). Using the structure in G.S. 160A-3, cities would need to look closely at their charter’s quorum language. Does the charter provide all the information necessary for calculating quorum? If so, the city can likely choose to follow either the charter or G.S. 160A-74 under G.S. 160A-3(a). If not, the city might supplement its charter procedures with those in G.S. 160A-74, but the charter would still control in the case of any conflict. While quorum seems simple, it can prompt a variety of questions, and misunderstanding its requirements can lead to tricky situations. Understanding what is required for quorum will keep local governments on the right track both legally and procedurally.
For more information » click here
THB MOTION TO DISMISS
Plaintiff’s claim for a declaratory judgment of the validity of the quorum provision in the Town’s charter is not justiciable.
- Plaintiff has not met her burden to show she has standing to seek a declaratory judgment regarding the validity of the quorum provision in the Town’s charter.
- Plaintiff’s claim for declaratory judgment regarding the validity of the quorum provision in the Town’s charter fails to state a claim for which relief can be granted.
Plaintiff’s Claim for Declaratory Judgment regarding action taken during the January 28, 2025, Meeting fails to state a claim for which relief can be granted.
- Plaintiff’s request for a declaratory judgment regarding the January 28, 2025, special meeting also fails to state a claim for which relief can be granted.
Plaintiff’s Cause of Action for an Injunction requiring Defendant to amend its Rules and Procedures fails to state a claim for which relief can be granted.
- Plaintiff does not have standing to seek injunctive relief on behalf of the mayor.
- Plaintiff has failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted because she is not entitled to an injunction.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Town of Holden Beach respectfully prays unto the Court for the following relief:
. 1) That Plaintiff’s Complaint and First Amended Complaint against the Town be dismissed with prejudice, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1A-1, R. 12(b)(6) and N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1A-1, R. 12(b)(1), and that the Court rule that:
. a) Each of Plaintiff’s claims for Declaratory Judgment against the Town fail as a matter of law and should be dismissed with prejudice; and
. b) Plaintiff’s claim for Injunctive Relief against the Town fails as a matter of law and should be dismissed with prejudice; and
Update –
Lisa Ragland, a Holden Beach property owner, filed a lawsuit against the town over concerns about how the town government conducts business. She alleges that the town board has violated state law by holding meetings and making decisions without a proper quorum. The brouhaha has resulted in a lot of bad press for the town. The plaintiff, Lisa, on Friday May 11th submitted a voluntary notice to the court that this action is hereby dismissed without prejudice.
Legal action against a Brunswick beach town is on hold. Here’s why.
A lawsuit between a Brunswick beach town and third generation property owner is left in suspense after a scheduled court hearing was cancelled. The town of Holden Beach and resident Lisa Ragland were scheduled for a preliminary injunction hearing on April 14, 2025. Both parties requested dismissal before the hearing. However, Ragland requested to dismiss the lawsuit with the option it could be refiled.
Here’s what to know.
What’s the case?
Ragland has voiced concerns about the town’s government by filing a civil suit against the town of Holden Beach through the Brunswick County Superior Court Division on Jan. 30, 2025. Her case argues the board acted without a quorum during the Jan. 28, 2025, special meeting because only three out of six board members, Commissioners Tracey Thomas, Rick Paarfus and Tom Myers, were in attendance and took action. Ragland believes the three commissioners violated state law, despite the town maintaining they did not act unlawfully, and requests the board’s actions on Jan. 28 be “invalidated.” The civil case also requests the quorum section of the town of Holden Beach Charter be amended to reflect the North Carolina General Statute, which states that a quorum is when a majority of the board and the mayor are present. On April 4, the town filed a motion to dismiss Ragland’s complaint and first amended complaint requesting a hearing to follow or precede the preliminary injunction hearing that was scheduled. Ragland on April 11 requested to voluntarily dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice. This allows her to refile the action within a year if she chooses.
Why dismiss the lawsuit?
The town filed voluntary dismissal of the case “for lack of standing and for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted,” as stated in the town’s motion to dismiss. A memo in support of the town’s motion to dismiss was submitted on April 10 in the afternoon, Town Attorney Sydnee Moore said. On April 11, Ragland filed a notice of voluntary dismissal. She said her dismissal stems from a new finding. After further research, Ragland discovered the town does not have to change its charter, just an ordinance. The charter looks to an ordinance, amended in 2007, to decide how many board members make a quorum. Ragland said the ordinance is invalid and that her discovery was too late and could not be added to the civil complaint. Ragland said repealing the ordinance to the North Carolina General Assembly will be more cost efficient and quicker than going through the court process. However, the town board must take action to repeal the ordinance through the general assembly. “I wanted the opportunity to resolve this at a lower cost option for the taxpayers,” Ragland said. On March 18, the town board approved a budget amendment. The amendment moved $50,000 from the fund balance to the professional services fund to pay for professional services through the end of the fiscal year. “To my knowledge, it was not earmarked for a specific purpose,” Moore said. Though Ragland wanted to save the town money, Moore said funds are still being spent to cover lawsuit fees. “At the time the notice of voluntary dismissal was filed, the town was already legally obligated to pay the funds for hours expended for the preparation of subpoenaed materials, motion to dismiss, memo in support thereof, and in preparation for the preliminary injunction hearing previously scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2025,” Moore said.
What’s next?
Local state representatives, including Rep. Charlie Miller and Sen. Bill Rabon, have been contacted about her concerns and the invalid ordinance, Ragland said. “If the town does not repeal the ordinance, the general assembly will make them repeal the ordinance,” she said. If the town does not take steps to voluntarily repeal the ordinance within 60 days, Ragland said she will go to the general assembly for help and refile the action. “I’m not backing down,” she said.
Read more » click here
Resident’s lawsuit against Holden Beach dismissed
A resident’s lawsuit against the Town of Holden Beach has been dismissed, the town’s attorney confirmed Monday. Lisa Ragland sued the town on Jan. 30, alleging Holden Beach was violating state statute by only requiring three board members to be present at meetings for a legal quorum. She said decisions made by some town commissioners were hurting the town, its businesses and its visitors. Ragland didn’t respond to multiple requests for comment on Monday. Ragland filed to voluntarily dismiss the lawsuit on Friday, April 11. Because the lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice, she can refile within a year if she wants to. A preliminary injunction hearing had been scheduled for Monday. Holden Beach had also filed a motion to dismiss on April 4, Town Attorney Sydnee Moore said. The suit lacked standing and the town had “statutory backup,” Moore said. The lawsuit alleged the board didn’t have a legal quorum to approve contracts and agenda resolutions during a Jan. 28 special meeting. Only three of the town’s six commissioners were at the meeting, which Ragland claimed violated state statute, requiring either four commissioners – or three, plus the mayor – to be present. Holden Beach’s town charter, though, allows a quorum with only three board members present. Mayor Alan Holden declined to comment on the lawsuit’s dismissal when reached on Monday. Holden Beach had previously passed a budget amendment on March 18, moving $50,000 to a professional services fund through the end of the fiscal year. These funds helped cover the cost of the litigation, though Moore said it wasn’t earmarked for specific purposes. While the town had to pay attorneys for hours spent preparing subpoenaed materials, Holden Beach didn’t spend close to $50,000 defending the suit, the attorney said.
Read more » click here
BOC’s Special Meeting 04/17/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Budget Workshop
. a) Revenues & Expenditures
BOC’s Regular Meeting 04/15/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Conflict of Interest Check
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. HDR Items – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
. a) Consideration and Possible Action on Revised Scope
. b) Discussion on Pier Construction Structural Specifics
Agenda Packet – page 17 – 34, plus separate packet
HDR Condition Assessment » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action on HDR’s scope of work and structural questions regarding pier construction.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
At the March meeting, HOR presented a preliminary structural report that indicated a feasible path forward for the pier was a rebuild option. At this meeting, they will be presenting the final report, a revised scope of work/timeline for completion, and questions for the board’s consideration regarding future construction
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive information and consider making structural recommendations
At the March meeting, the BOC voted to move to remove the repair option and only consider a rebuild option for the pier, which would result in a scope change for the HDR agreement. The firm will be at the meeting to present the final structural analysis, outline the scope/time line change, and to ask the BOC for guidance regarding several construction questions. Questions are concentrated in the following areas:
- Topside structural functionality requirements such as covered structures at the end of the pier, any dedicated vendor spaces along or at end of pier,
- UTV, emergency (or other) vehicle, or top-down construction equipment access (currently only a standard pedestrian rating is assumed)
- Timber versus concrete or a timber /concrete hybrid (currently an all-timber design is assumed)
Besides these main considerations the firm would also like to understand what the BOC sees as expected operations the pier must support and preferred construction windows to adequately account for the economic cost analysis. Specifically, would the board want to avoid summer construction, which may indicate that two mobilizations might be needed.
Previously reported – March 2025
Discussion and Possible Action to Accept Recommendations from HDR Regarding the Condition Assessment of the Pier – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
HDR Executive Summary » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to accept recommendations from HDR regarding the condition assessment of the pier.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
HDR was hired to engage in engineering analysis of the pier. The condition assessment of the pier structure has been initiated by their structural lead. HDR will present the findings.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report and provide direction to HDR for continued work.
On March 3, 2025, HDR conducted a site investigation and condition assessment as defined in the “Waterfront Facilities Inspection and Assessment – Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice No. 130” published by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
In summary, the overall condition of the existing fishing pier was assessed to be in POOR condition and HDR recommends replacing the timber superstructure in its entirety. The pier approach (superstructure and substructure) will also be required to be replaced in its entirety to satisfy federal ADA requirements. The existing substructure has many structural deficiencies which would require extensive repairs and is currently at the end of its useful service life. This coupled with the fact that the recommended construction methods would be similar for both repair and replacement options supports the conclusion that repairing the existing pier would not be structurally cost effective, nor would it provide the longevity or service life that results from replacing the timber fishing pier. Therefore, it is HDR’s recommendation that the Town of Holden Beach consider a pier replacement option only.
HDR is the engineering firm we hired to evaluate the pier structure. The presentation was on the pier condition assessment and their recommendations. The pier superstructure and substructure are currently at the end of their useful service life. Their report indicates that repairing the existing pier would not be cost effective. Commissioner Smith seemed to refuse to accept the report created by a licensed marine structural engineer that repair is doable but not practical. Commissioner Smith had an antagonistic exchange with the vendor. His behavior was completely inappropriate, the relationship between the Board and the engineering firm should not be adversarial. It’s the firm’s recommendation that the Town consider the pier replacement option only. Now that they are able to make an informed decision they have decided to cut our losses, to save both time and money, by not considering the repair option. HDR will begin to develop an engineering design with cost estimates for both the building and maintaining a new pier. The motion was made to accept their preliminary report and their recommendation to move forward on preliminary planning to build a new pier. So, we are back to the drawing board.
A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion
Consideration and Possible Action to Award Bids for the Demolition of the Pier Building – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to award bids for the demolition of the pier building
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The bids for the demolition of the pier building were received on February 21st. There were four companies that responded. Planning and Inspections Director Evans followed up on some bid specifics. Based on his review and follow up. his recommendation is for Jessie & Myers Construction Company based on price.
We received four bids for the demolition of the pier building as follows:
RHI $36,000
Cohen Construction $42,875
Jessie & Myers $46,500
Pinnacle Southeast $54,000
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
If the board is choosing to move forward with this action item at this time, then award bids to most responsive bidder.
The most responsive bid received after review of bid specifics by Planning and Inspection Director Evans is $46,500 submitted by Jessie & Myers Construction Company, Inc. Ranking in order after follow- up discussion was as follows:
Jessie & Myers Construction
Pinnacle Southeast Contracting Group
Cohen Construction
Robbins Home Improvement
Suggested Motion:
If the board is choosing to move forward with this action item at this time, then staff recommends approving the bid for Jessie & Myers and authorizing the interim manager to execute the associated paperwork. The funds will be sourced from Available to Appropriate in BPART
The agenda packet specifically states that the selection of Jessie & Myers was based on price, which is obviously not the case. Christy explained that they needed additional info on environmental testing and reviewed the total scope of work. The staff determined that the most responsive bid was from Jessie & Myers and that is who they recommended. Commissioner Smith objected because protocol has been to award the bid to the vendor with the lowest bid. I find it ironic since this time the Board deferred to the towns staff recommendation, which is exactly what he has argued for in the past. The project will start within two weeks of receiving notice to proceed and be completed within two weeks. Commissioners also requested that Christy discuss with the contractor to work with the Holden Beach Community Alliance to retrieve items inside the building that the organization identified as historically significant. Motion was made to award the bid to Jessie and Myers Construction Company for $46,500. The Board approved the bid from Jessie & Myers to demolish the pier building and instructed Interim Town Manager Ferguson to execute the associated paperwork.
A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion
Holden Beach pier building demolished after more than 70 years
A Holden Beach landmark has been knocked down after being closed for several years. The Holden Beach pier building has been demolished after standing for more than 70 years. The building and pier had been closed to the public since 2022 due to concerns over a lack of repairs. Holden Beach commissioners voted 3-0 during a meeting on January 28th to demolish the building. Jackie and Richard Crabtree worked at the pier in the 1970s and early 80s. They say it’s tough seeing a symbol of Holden Beach gone. “These people that live here now don’t realize what this place was, what it meant to thousands of people that lived here before, Jackie said.” “We’re going to miss it, seeing it, you know, being able to walk in the pier (building), walk on the pier,” Richard said. “Something we’re missing.” A civil lawsuit was filed against Holden Beach’s Board of Commissioners relating to that January meeting, claiming the board did not have a majority of its members present. The suit claims that it violates state law. The town has not yet said where a replacement building or repairs to the pier will be done.
Read more » click here
Update –
HDR reviewed the information in their Condition Assessment Report. They discussed the benefits of concrete, hybrid, and timber and the different construction methods and costs.
The estimated ballpark pier replacement costs are as follows:
- Wooden approximately 5 million
- Hybrid approximately 12 million
- Concrete approximately 22 million
The estimated costs does not include the cost of the demolition of the existing pier. HDR recommended the hybrid design because of both the construction cost and maintenance costs. They also dissuaded the Board from revisiting the repair option. The Board indicated its primary concern is the cost because it could be prohibitive for the town, with some options probably costing more than we can afford. Then the Board by consensus decided to have HDR design a 1,000’ timber pier, built from the land out, with a T structure at the end. The Board also approved changes to the contract to reflect the decision made at the March meeting to remove the repair option and only consider a rebuild option for the pier. The motion made was to approve the revised contract.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Editor’s note –
The most likely scenario will be that after the Board has figured out what has to be done and the cost to do it then the community will have an opportunity to determine the piers fate. Personally, I believe that most of the public would like to have a pier but I don’t think that they will be willing to pay for it. That is pretty much what Mayor Holden said in the WECT news interview. Commissioner Thomas thanked the Mayor for putting a referendum on the table and stated that the public should decide whether to spend the money for a pier not just the five (5) Board members.
WECT TV6
Mayor Alan Holden said the Holden Beach pier may soon be gone as well. “I think eventually the cost of it is going to be put to the public for a potential referendum or some kind of a polling thing,” Holden said. “And at that point in time, the price will be so high, I’ll be surprised if the public would support it.”
3. Police Report – Chief Jeremy Dixon
Agenda Packet – pages 35 – 40
Police Report » click here
Jeremy reviewed the actions that were taken by them last month
..
Business as usual, normal amount and type of activity for this time of year.
Easter weekend please slow down and drive carefully
They are getting ready for Days at the Dock which is coming up at the end of the month
Public Service announcements
- Pets not allowed on the beach strand during the day starting on May 20th
- Golf carts are considered a motor vehicle and subject to all laws, rules and regulations that govern motor vehicles
Staffing –
Chris Thompson was moved from part-time status to full-time status
John B has been given a conditional offer of employment
Chief Dixon encourages everyone to download the app
NC Police Connect on the App Store
Personnel announcement
There are currently only five (5) officers working out of eleven (11) positions
We are down six (6) officers
. * three (3) vacant positions and three (3) officers are out on medical leave
To say that they are stretched pretty thin is an understatement
Jeremy is looking at mutual aid from other police departments
Having the full complement of eleven (11) police officers seems to be an elusive goal.
‘We need help’: Holden Beach Police Department facing officer shortage
The Holden Beach Police Department is facing a significant staffing shortage ahead of the busy beach season. “We’re prioritizing the police department,” Mayor Alan Holden said Tuesday. “We need help.” Police Chief Jeremy Dixon says currently, they only have four officers out of 11 total positions, with three out on medical leave and four job openings. The four remaining officers are working daily 12-hour shifts to fill the gaps while neighboring agencies like the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and numerous other police departments in neighboring communities are stepping in to assist, too, Dixon said. “We’re doing everything we can to try to get them some more support and some more help and get more officers here on the street to keep our community safe,” said Dixon. To address the recruiting and retention woes — which are part of a nationwide law enforcement shortage that has been exacerbated since 2020 — Dixon has proposed a new, four-part approach that he recently pitched to the town’s board of commissioners. The proposal includes adding a ranking system, cadet program, health and wellness program, and issuing more awards to officers. The ranking system would include structuring positions — for example, creating a “senior police officer position.” Right now, all officers within the department hold the same rank. The system could incentivize both candidates and current officers, Dixon said. The cadet program, meanwhile, would train candidates lacking significant law enforcement experience, paying for them to get through Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET). The goal, Dixon said, isn’t to just bring people to Holden Beach, but to keep them long-term and maintain a family-like environment within the town and the department. “With Holden Beach being the family beach, we take that same approach with our employees. We are a family here,” he said. Dixon said it can be difficult to compete with nearby agencies in larger cities with better pay — like Wilmington and Leland — but said his department offers a different environment. Holden said the town can be attractive to experienced candidates looking for a quieter community with less crime and fewer calls, while also having the chance to live on the beach. At the same time, Dixon and Holden emphasized the importance of adding more officers soon, with visitors expected to fill the town over the coming months. “It is imperative that we get ahead of this and get our staffing levels back up,” said Dixon. Dixon credited town commissioners with supporting his proposal so far. The police chief is now working with town staff to finalize specifics before he presents them to the Board of Commissioners for approval.
Read more » click here
What he did not say –
NA
If you know something, hear something, or see something –
call 911 and let the police deal with it.
4. Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans
Agenda Packet – pages 41 – 43
Inspections Report » click here
ACTIVE NEW HOME PERMITS = 23
OTHER ACTIVE PERMITS = 485
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $30,000 = 91
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $100,000 = 6
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS = 1
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED WAITING PICK UP = 31
TOTAL PERMITS = 559
PERMITS IN REVIEW = 10
CAMA ISSUED = 5
ZONING ISSUED = 13
PERMITS SERVICED FOR INSPECTIONS FROM 03/07 – 04/07 = 98
TOTAL INSPECTIONS MADE = 229
Update –
Timbo briefly reviewed department activity last month, the department is staying busy.
5. Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 44 – 46
Finance Report » click here
Update –
Daniel briefly reviewed the Finance Report
6. Town Manager Report – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – page 47 – 49
Town Manager Report » click here
Christy reviewed the Town Manager Report
Greensboro Street / Sewer Lift Station #2
Construction schedule anticipates completion in August
The contractor is having difficulty finding the Buy America, Build America required materials for the grant
Buy America Build America waivers granted by EPA
Items completed to date:
- Saw-cut opening for floor door #203 in top slab of existing station
- Placed structural steel columns to support the lower-level ceiling of the station
- Constructed concrete columns and second floor slab and beams, including electrical conduit placement in slab
Block Q Restrooms & Parking
Pre-construction meeting held with the contractor on April 3, 2025
Staff doing pre-construction utility locates
Accomplishing as much as can be done this fiscal year
Extension applied for with the state
Employee Updates
Receptionist Penny King was hired for Fiscal Operations Specialist position
We filled the position by promoting from within
In the process of interviewing for the receptionist position
Ryleigh Gleason was hired for the receptionist position
Chris Thompson was moved from part-time status to full-time status with PD
John B has been given a conditional offer of employment with PD
Ocean Boulevard Stormwater
Staff met with the USACE 3/31/25 regarding understanding timeline/scope of project funding – 300 block Ocean Blvd. and East End of Mullet/Ave A
USACE plans to attend May meeting to brief board
Discussions with McGill to understand permitting and design requirements for next fiscal year
Previously reported – March 2025
Our lobbyist Ward and Smith met with the State regarding Federal funding for Ocean Blvd. stormwater issues.
Previously reported – February 2025
More to come on a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) and the required Board Action to engage in the $2.2 million in federal funding.
Pier Site
Building was removed per last month’s bid award
THB Newsletter (04/15/25)
Work has been completed and the pier parking lot and walkways are now open.
Please be mindful not to stand or sit under the pier structure.
THB Newsletter (04/17/25)
The portable restrooms at the pier are not available until further notice due to a sewer issue.
Washington, D.C. Trip-Federal Priorities
Productive trip -American Shore and Beach Preservation Association Conference and Capitol Hill
Meetings were as follows:
- USACE Headquarters
- House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure/Subcommittee on WRE
- Representative David Rouzer
- Senate EPW
- Senators Thom Tillis/Tedd Budd’s Aides and Legislative Assistants
Appropriations request submitted to Senator Tillis-April 3rd
One will also be submitted to the House
Sand Matters
UNCW held a workshop to explore stakeholder thoughts on Regional Sediment Management.
More to come on how the process unfolds in the future
Canal Dredging Survey
Currently underway
Beach Annual Maintenance Survey
Will begin in the next few weeks
Tracking Tool
The BOC’s are looking for a status report on a monthly basis in order to track the progress of projects that they have prioritized.
- #2 ADA Self-Assessment
- #6 ADA bathroom (at block Q)
- #7 Fire station Upgrades
- #8 Improve Audio/Video for Town Meetings
- #14 Block Q Site Plan
- #18 Update Town Website
- #19 Pier Repair/Replacement
- #26 Investigate vacuum bypass system
The current status of each of the eight (8) items listed is in the Town Manager Report
What she did not say –
Key Bridge Mediation Agreement
Our new facilities on the east end located at 339 Ocean Boulevard East are now open! Site improvements include an ADA compliant walkway, a restroom facility and parking.
Paid Parking
Annual parking passes are now available for purchase
Hurricane Vehicle Decals
Property owners were provided with four (4) decals that were included in their water bills
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) Crossing
Alerted by the Corps that we should be receiving funds back from Crossing Project
In Case You Missed It –
THB Newsletter (02/22/25)
Dog Reminders
Please remember that any time your dog is off your premise, they must be on a leash, cord or chain at all times. Also, dog owners must remove dog waste immediately after it is deposited by the dog when on public property or any private property, including vacant lots, without the permission of the private property owner. Dog waste stations are conveniently located throughout the island.
Emergency Operations Center
The EOC building is being used by Tri-Beach Fire Department while they renovate their fire station on Sabbath Home
National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On March 14, 2025, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2025.
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 –
Days at the Docks Festival
April 26th & 27th
Holden Beach
Concerts on the Coast Series
The Town’s summer concert series calendar has been released!
Summer Concert Schedule * Lou’s Views
7. Consideration and Possible Action on Beach Safety Warning Stations – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 50 – 60
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action on beach safety warning stations.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Last month, the fire department presented some options of how they could partner with the Town on a beach water safety program. They will be at the meeting to further outline the program for potential implementation.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive information, and based on attorney comments, consider partnering with the Fire Department
Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department / Water Rescue Safety Stations
This document details the proposed plan for a partnership between the Town of Holden Beach and Tri•Beach Volunteer Fire Department to install and maintain Water Rescue Safety Stations along the oceanfront of the entire island. Below, you will find the details of how the project will be funded and maintained.
- The fire department will provide the funds for the initial installation of the stations through donations. The department will also provide $2000 annually through our special projects to purchase replacement equipment in the event of damage or theft. In the event the fire department can no longer provide this funding, the department will provide a written notice to the town at least 60 days before the start of the town’s fiscal
- The fire department will install the stations, and they will be installed to meet all applicable town and/or CAMA The stations will be installed every 600′ along the ocean side of the dunes. The proposed locations are attached. (Exhibit 1)
- The signage will be at least 18″ x 24″, made with the town seal and fire department logo, similar to the attached (Exhibit 2)
- The sign will contain a QR code that will direct the user to the current National Weather Service Rip Current Status for that current time/date. This information will be hosted through qr.io, which is a service that hosts QR codes. This service will allow us to monitor the number of times the QR code has been scanned and change the URL destination if the National Weather Service changes the host web page. This service costs $350 /yr. In the short term, the fire department plans on paying for this service through the $2000 per (Exhibit 3)
- The sign will also have a telephone number where a citizen can report a damaged station or a missing rescue tube so that fire department staff can promptly replace the missing rescue This number will be the fire department’s primary phone number.
- The stations will be mounted on a 4″ x 4″ post with the address number to the closest house over the information sign and the rescue tube under the sign attached by two Velcro straps for easy
- Each station will have an address sign, an information sign, and a rescue
- An example of a rescue tube is (Exhibit 4)
- The tubes will be placed on the station’s, May 1st and removed on September 30th each These dates may be modified based on the number of people observed in the water outside of the designated dates.
- The rescue tubes may be removed by fire department personnel in the event of a coastal storm, such as a tropical system, to prevent the loss of the tubes from waves or
- The stations will be inspected daily by fire department personnel anytime the tubes are in A log or digital form will be kept on file by the fire department.
- The fire department would like to partner with the Beach Patrol as an extra layer of safety to keep the stations We would only ask that the Beach Patrol observe the stations when traversing the beach and watch out for people removing the tubes from the stations for their personal/leisure use.
Previously reported – March 2025
Fire Department Update – Fire Chief Doug Todd
We request that the town partner with us to provide water safety stations along the beach to aid in water rescues. Rip current information would be available via a QR code on the sign, which would display the status of rip currents through the National Weather Service.
Assistant Chief David Ward of the Tri-Beach Fire Department made the presentation. Their goal is to enhance their relationship with the Town. He explained each of the items listed and would like to continue conversations with their asks.
They are requesting that the town partner with them to provide water safety stations along the beach to aid in water rescues. Rip current information would be available via a QR code on the sign, which would display the status of rip currents through the National Weather Service. The surrounding communities already have them. Proposing seventy-two (72) stations at their cost, which they will maintain too. By consensus they requested the staff work with the Fire Department to bring a proposal back to the Board.
Update –
Assistant Fire Chief David Ward reviewed the proposed plan which he said focuses on prevention. The plan that the commissioners approved was for adding 72 beach safety stations throughout the entire island. That would mean a station would be added for every 600 feet on the beach strand. In addition, they will also have signs at all public beach accesses. The stations would include a QR code for the National Weather Service rip current status, an address sign, an information sign and a rescue tube. The Tri-Beach Fire Department will maintain and replace damaged stations for now. The stations will be added as soon as possible, hopefully before Memorial Day. The motion was to proceed with the partnership with the fire department to install and maintain Water Rescue Safety Stations along the oceanfront of the entire island.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Growing pains: Local fire departments face growing challenges as county explores funding solutions
Fire departments in unincorporated Brunswick County are dealing with a slate of challenges — from rising costs to unprecedented local growth — that are stretching department budgets. As a means to address some of these funding issues, the county is exploring switching from its fire fee structure for funding fire departments in the county jurisdiction to a fire tax structure to better meet departments’ needs. In September, the Brunswick County Commissioners tasked county staff with gathering data and presenting options for solutions to help the county get a better grip on residential development in its jurisdiction following destruction from Potential Tropical Cyclone #8 (PTC8) on Sept. 16, 2024. County Manager Steve Stone in October presented county staff’s findings and a bevy of recommendations on actions county commissioners could take to address impacts from rapid residential development. Among those was a recommendation for Brunswick County to move away from the existing fire fee funding mechanism and replace it with a fire tax. Stone during the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners’ Oct. 21 meeting said the county’s fire fee system, enacted in 1999, has “reached a point of diminishing returns” and is “an inadequate source of funding” for many local fire departments. Brunswick County is the only county in North Carolina still under the fire fee system. Local fire departments are facing a variety of challenges such as increased call volume due, growth and its impacts, staffing issues and increasing costs for fire apparatus and other necessary equipment, with many chiefs who spoke to The Brunswick Beacon stating additional funding is needed to maintain existing service levels and plan for the future. This multi-part story will explore some of those challenges and local fire chiefs’ responses to the proposed move to fire taxes.
Fire fees vs. fire tax
Fire protection fees, or fire fees, are fees imposed by the county on real property owners to fund the furnishing [of] fire services protect persons in the district from injury or death, S.L. 2017-60 notes. Fire fees for improved properties are calculated based on the heated square footage of a building, while fire fees for vacant land are calculated based on the acreage of the property. The fees are not based on tax value. These fees, in addition to grants and fundraising, fund fire departments in county jurisdiction, whereas departments in local municipalities are funded by fire fees and the towns they serve. To meet “immediate funding needs,” Brunswick County in 2017 requested the North Carolina General Assembly double the potential upper limit for fire fees allowed to be charged to each property so the county could “make future adjustments, if needed, without having to request permission from the state.” The General Assembly granted that request. However, Stone noted the county’s state legislative delegation has discouraged the county requesting to raise the maximum limit any further. Fire taxes, unlike fire fees, are be based on property values, just as property taxes, Stone told The Brunswick Beacon. “With fire taxes in North Carolina, you can have a fire tax of up to 10 cents in a fire district per $100 of property value,” Stone noted. “And if you have a referendum in a district, you could have a fire tax of up to 15 cents — again, only with voter approval. I believe that well within that 10-cent cap or less, we could come a lot closer to providing more adequate funding for the fire service.” Primary fire service in Brunswick County jurisdiction is typically provided by nonprofit volunteer fire departments — most of which now are largely staffed with paid firefighters — with nearby municipal fire departments, and other nonprofit departments, often providing secondary response. Asked by county commissioners if the county has an estimate on how much a fire tax would cost taxpayers compared to fire fees, Stone in October said, “We will certainly consider cost implications and compare what property owners pay in fire fees versus a potential fire tax when developing the plan. We will also be communicating with our municipal fire partners to negotiate and develop a potential funding mechanism that meets their needs as well.” Stone in March said county staff is working to recommend plans to present to the county commissioners, local fire chiefs and local municipalities. “The plans could go anywhere from a single fire district county-wide which, if it was truly county-wide, municipalities would have an ability to opt in like they did fire fees,” Stone said. “Or it could be only unincorporated county or it could be a collection of every fire district having its own tax.” The county manager noted, “I think the less districts we had, the more transparent it would be and really the more equitable it would be.” Stressing that the county is not proposing a single fire tax district at this time, Stone, as an example, said if a county-wide fire tax district was established, “a little over six cents would generate the same amount of revenue that the fire fees are currently generating.” County projections indicate total fire fees collected in the upcoming fiscal year will equal roughly $32 million, Stone said. That is up nearly $3 million from roughly $29.4 million in fiscal year 2024-2025.
Increased call volume and other impacts of residential growth
From 2015 to February 2025 in unincorporated Brunswick County alone, 51,975 housing units have been approved and 3,324 units have been proposed, per the county’s major development dashboard. This number does not include approved and pending developments in municipalities. This residential growth has shown little sign of stopping, leaving fire departments to navigate sustaining current levels of service as new homes continue to be added to their districts. Chief Tal Grissett of Grissettown-Longwood Fire and Rescue Department said from 2019 to 2021 his department responded to roughly 800 calls per year. From 2022 to 2024, that number rose to between 1,100 and 1,400 calls per year, he said. When Civietown Volunteer Fire Department Mark Hewett first joined the department years ago, it was running 15 to 30 calls a year. “Now we’re running close to 1,000,” Hewett noted. “This year we’re looking at 1,200 or 1,300 we’re expecting to run.” The types of calls fire departments are responding to has also changed as the county grows, as department are increasingly dispatched to respond to medical calls with many of those for lift assists. “We got some information together a couple of weeks ago as to the calls that were just for lift assist,” Stone said. “In calendar year 2024, there were just under 2,700 [calls] where fire departments went just to help somebody get out of a bed, get out of their house, out of a vehicle or something, but really didn’t provide another medical service.” Stone explained medical calls are an allowable expense against departments’ fire fees but “it’s really up to the departments whether or not they want to provide any of those medical services.” One local department recently stopped responding to non-emergency medical calls at the request of Brunswick County EMS and saw its yearly call volume drop precipitously as a result. Calabash Fire Chief Keith McGee said his department, which is experiencing tremendous growth in its fire district, responded to 2,689 calls for service in 2022. But after turning over non-emergency medical calls, the department’s call volume in 2023 and 2024 dropped to 1,881 and 1,820 calls, respectively. However, the Calabash Fire Department still responds to a significant number of lift assistance calls, McGee said, as well as other non-emergency calls. Several other fire departments whose chiefs spoke with The Brunswick Beacon also continue to provide lift assist response. “If somebody calls for help, we’re going to go help them,” Chief Rob Johnson of Sunset Harbor Zion Hill Volunteer Fire Department said. But that does not mean the growing number of medical calls is not impacting these local fire departments. Chief Hewett said from Jan. 1, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2025, Civietown Volunteer Fire Department ran over 1,000 calls and 71% of those calls were medical, lift assist or something other than fire calls. “We assist medics, we run all delta level calls, we run all cardiac stuff, we run lift assist when people fall,” Chief Hewett said. “We provide fire protection for our fire district … anything other than fires, technically, we’re not contracted to do it, but we do it for our community.” “It’s a lot,” he added, “and the more people that move here, the more call volume’s going up.”
Read more » click here
8. Discussion and Possible Action on Master Planning for the Jordan Boulevard and Block Q Area Beginning with Block Q in the Initial Phase – Commissioners Thomas and Paarfus
Agenda Packet – page 61
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on master planning for the Jordan Boulevard and Block Q area beginning with Block Q in the initial phase.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Since the BOC has a combined goal of trying to migrate to a master plan of the area, we should consider starting the process in this fiscal year to better prepare us for some construction components next fiscal year. There have been several proposals for additional amenities to be added to Block Q such as a bandstand and (4) pickleball courts. Therefore, amenities to consider for Block Q include (but are not limited to) a new bandstand/dance floor/lawn seating area for concerts and (4) Pickleball courts. As we move toward phasing in a larger master plan of the area to include Jordan Boulevard and the old pavilion site in the future, amenities to investigate include (but are not limited to) boat parking and optimal car parking. Changing traffic patterns for maximum efficiency should also be considered.
Previously reported – March 2025
Consideration and Possible Action to Award Contract for the Construction of the Restroom Facility and Associated Parking/Sidewalks at Block Q – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to award contract for the construction of the restroom facility and associated parking/sidewalks at Block Q.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The bids for the project were due back on January 14th. A second bid opening was held January 28th due to an insufficient number on January 14th. This project will include modular stormwater, sitework prep, and construction for the bathrooms and associated parking/sidewalks. Recommendation for award of contract.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Award contract to responsive bidder. Direct interim town manager to sign contract and complete all associated paperwork.
The most responsive bid after two rounds of advertising for the Block Q restroom and parking facility is $543,200. It falls within the budget for the project. The bid proposal outlines one hundred calendar days to completion.
Suggested Motion:
Approve the contract for Kowen Construction and authorize the interim manager to execute the associated paperwork.
The Board approved the contract with Kowen Construction for the Block Q restroom and parking facility in the amount of $543,200. Work is expected to be completed within one hundred (100) calendar days from the commencement of the work. Motion was made to award the contract for the construction of the restroom facility on Block Q authorize Town Manager to execute the associated paperwork.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Update –
They discussed planning for the Jordan Boulevard and Block Q area beginning with Block Q in the initial phase. They want to at least start the process in this fiscal year. Commissioner Paarfus again said we need an integrated plan and that we should put this on pause in order to have the entire area looked at by a design firm to see what they can do. It was quite apparent that they are all not on the same page. The motion is to have the staff work with the current architecture to develop a plan to work on a Block Q design to include a new bandstand, dance floor, lawn seating area for concerts, and four (4) Pickleball courts to be done in phases.
A decision was made – Approved (4-1)
Commissioners Paarfus opposed the motion
9. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Application to the N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program for Phases 1 and 2 – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Paarfus
Agenda Packet – pages 62 – 75
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action regarding an application to the N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program for Phases 1 and 2.
Possible Action:
Direct town staff to complete and submit an application for Phases 1 and 2.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) is a component of the North Carolina Resilient Communities Program, developed through the 2020 North Carolina Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience Plan. The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (DCM) administers the RCCP with funding from the NC State Legislature and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).
DCM is accepting applications from eligible communities for no-cost technical assistance to complete Phases I and 2 of the RCCP.
- Phase 1: Community Engagement and Risk & Vulnerability Assessment
- Phase 2: Planning, Project Identification, and Prioritization
There is no cash or in-kind match requirement from community applicants. DCM will contract directly with third-party contractors to assist communities in completing Phases 1 and 2.
The application involves responses to 14 questions. Applications are due at 5PM on April 25th,
N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program » click here
The RCCP is a four-phase program designed to:
- Address local barriers to coastal resilience, including limited capacity, economic constraints, and social inequities .
- Assist communities in conducting risk and vulnerability assessments to create a prioritized portfolio of resilience
- Advance coastal resilience projects through engineering and design to achieve shovel ready
- Link communities with funding sources for project
The four phases are :
- Phase 1: Community Engagement and Risk & Vulnerability Assessment
- Phase 2: Planning, Project Identification, and Prioritization
- Phase 3: Engineering and Design
- Phase 4: Project Implementation
Update –
North Carolina Division of Coastal Management is accepting applications from eligible communities for no-cost technical assistance to complete Phases I and 2 of the Resilient Coastal Communities Program. The motion was made to complete an application to Resilient Coastal Communities Program by the deadline of April 25th, if it is at all possible.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
10. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 25-04, An Ordinance Amending Holden Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 154, Flood Damage Protection – Inspections Director Evans
. a) Statement of Consistency
Agenda Packet – pages 76 – 85
Ordinance 25-04 » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Text amendment to Section 154 to the Town of Holden Beach Ordinance book
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Text amendment as recommended by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and FEMA
Update –
Timbo stated this is a text amendment that does not require a Public Hearing. The only change is to go from 150 square feet to 100 square feet for all accessory structures. It was simply an oversight that it was not included the last time the ordinance was revised. Really has no impact since we don’t allow accessory structures on the island. The motion was made to accept the revised text amendment.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
11. Discussion and Possible Action to Set a Date for a Public Hearing for Revisions to Holden Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 157, Zoning Code – Inspections Director Evans
. a) Section 157.006 Definitions
. b) Section 157.060 Residential District (R-1)
. c) Section 157.085 Relocation of Buildings
Agenda Packet – pages 86 – 101
11a)
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Request a date to be set for a public hearing for revisions to Town Ordinance 157.006
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve revisions to Town Ordinance 157.006
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve revisions to Town Ordinance 157.006
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Accept recommendation of P&Z Board
PARKING SPACE, PRIVATE PROPERTY.
One (1) 10’x20′ parking space per bedroom is required to remain for the life of the structure and shall not be impeded by permanent or removeable barriers or partitions.
11b)
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Request a date to be set for a public hearing for revisions to Town Ordinance 157.060
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve revisions to Town Ordinance 157.060
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve revisions to Town Ordinance 157.060
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Accept approved revisions
Cargo lifts and platform lifts that meet the requirements of ASME A18.1. of the North Carolina Residential Building Code may encroach into the front or rear setbacks but not both.
11c)
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Request a date to be set for a public hearing for revisions to Town Ordinance 157.085
§157.085 RELOCATION OF BUILDINGS
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve revisions to Town Ordinance 157.085
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve revisions to Town Ordinance 157.085
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Accept approved revisions
Update –
Any changes made to the Zoning Code Section 157 requires a Public Hearing. By consensus they scheduled a Public Hearing for the three (3) Ordinance changes before the next BOC’s Regular Meeting on May 20th.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
12. Discussion of Forming a Subcommittee to Discuss Possible Resolutions for Gravel in Pedestrian Pathways – Inspections Director Evans
Agenda Packet – pages 102 – 104
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion of possibly forming a sub-committee to discuss possible resolutions for gravel in pedestrian pathways
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Planning & Zoning Board requested a sub committee to be formed consisting of members of the Planning & Zoning Board and possibly engineers to address gravel in pedestrian pathways
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning & Zoning Board requested a sub-committee to be formed consisting of members of the Planning & Zoning Board and possibly engineers to address gravel in pedestrian pathways
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Follow town policy on subcommittee establishment and note any cost with engineers that may require fiscal action
Update –
Commissioner Thomas questioned why the Planning & Zoning Board can’t address this and why they would need a subcommittee. After a brief discussion, the board seemed confused by the request. The motion was made to form a subcommittee, if they need one, following town policy but any engineering costs will require separate action from the Board.
A decision was made – Approved (4-1)
Commissioners Thomas opposed the motion
13. Mayor’s Comments
From the Mayor’s Desk (04/14/25)
Easter week at Holden Beach is expected to be a good time for the family to be here. The Town staff and officials are doing everything possible to have the island ready for your enjoyment. There are also new facilities available for use including the recent opening of Avenue E (339 OBE), which has a bathroom, walkway and additional handicapped parking. You might consider the following activities listed below during your Easter week.
- As a reminder, dogs are allowed on the beach this Easter week but must be on a leash. That policy changes soon, so take note that between May 20th and September 10th, they may not be on the beach between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Additionally, please note that the pier has been posted and beach patrons should not be standing underneath the pier structure per the posted notices.
- Due to recent rough seas, the condition of the Lockwood Folly Inlet may be uncertain. Please use care when navigating the inlet and be sure to check navigation advisories.
- We continue to monitor the condition of the beach strand. Some shoreline reorientation is taking place in portions of the island. It is being monitored by our engineer but these scarping events during the winter are typically episodic and there should be recovery this spring/summer.
- We continue to monitor the condition of the beach strand. Some shoreline reorientation is taking place in portions of the island. It is being monitored by our engineer but these scarping events during the winter are typically episodic and there should be recovery this spring/summer.
- Please make sure that you are complying with Town and State rules regarding use of Low Speed Vehicles
Enjoy this special time with family!
14. Executive Session Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3), Litigation and To Consult with the Town Attorney and 143-318.11(a)(6), Personnel
No decision was made – No action taken
General Comments –
Meeting Agenda
Yet another marathon session, the meeting ran for over three (3) hours
BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, May 20th
It’s not like they don’t have anything to work on …
The following eight (8) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:
- Accommodation/Occupancy Tax Compliance
- Audio/Video Broadcast
- Block Q Project/Carolina Avenue
- Dog Park
- Fire Station Project
- Pavilion Replacement
- Pier Properties Project
- Rights-of-Way
- Accommodation/Occupancy Tax Compliance
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.
.
Lost in the Sauce –
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From 2024
Light Ordinance
Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 24-07, An Ordinance Amending Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 92.32, Unlawful Lights – Inspections Director Evans
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Text Amendments to Light Ordinance 92.32
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Revision of the light ordinance to remove conflicting portion of the ordinances.
Update –
Last month Timbo requested that the Board charge the Planning & Zoning Board to review our lighting ordinance. The Board tasked P&Z to address the issues Timbo has with that ordinance. Timbo informed them that what he presented is not a finished product. The Board has the opportunity to make any changes they want before the Public Hearing. We have modified this ordinance several times already without obtaining the desired effect. The primary change that was made this time is that P&Z clarified the difference between holiday lights as opposed to decorative lighting so that ordinance is enforceable. The Board requested that Timbo work on the verbiage of a few items for additional clarity and bring the revised ordinance back to them at the next scheduled Regular Meeting.
Paid Parking
No exception for parking during the festival
The third motion made was to charge for parking during festivals. Currently just do not enforce paid parking regulations anywhere on the island when there are festivals. The motion made is to not enforce regulations in the festival area only.
No decision was made – No action taken
Days at the Docks Festival 2025 / April 29th & 30th
Editor’s Note –
It is my understanding that since they did not approve any motion regarding festivals they will need to charge for parking island wide and they cannot just decide to not enforce the regulations. In order not to enforce the regulations they would need to execute an amendment to the contract which is what they have done in the past.
The fourth motion made was to provide full-time residents an annual pass for $20 that is restricted to one per household only for vehicles that are registered on the island. The Town Attorney Moore requested that the motion be tabled until she could do some research regarding the legality of the proposed resident permit.
No decision was made – No action taken
Last year we ended paid parking early to allow free parking island wide for festival weekend. The thinking was that in order to promote the festival it would be advantageous to suspend paid parking. The Board agreed to suspend the paid parking early. Frankly, I did not agree with that decision. It’s a zoo out there during the festival weekend. With all the parking problems that happen during the festivals you would think we would want to continue enforcing parking in designated areas only. By suspending enforcement, people can and will park anywhere they want. Paid parking should be enforced during festivals.
As for any other ordinance considerations, it is important that any definitions and conditions are clear to help the public avoid inadvertent errors and enable enforcement. In other words, it needs to be standardized and easily understood. Parking should only be in designated parking spaces whether its paid parking or not, plain and simple. I personally object to parking in the rights-of-way, but I understand why some property owners want to be able to park there on their property. A potential accommodation would be to issue a day specific one-time permit for any homeowners that have an activity at their property that requires them to occasionally park in the rights-of-way.
KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid!
From 2023
Bulkheads
Discussion and Possible Action on PAR Course Fitness Trail Area – Commissioner Murdock
PAR Course / Fitness Trail
Par Course is a fitness trail which consists of a course equipped with a series of stations distributed along the way where one is to stop and perform a specific exercise. The course is designed for exercising the human body to promote good health. March of 2011 the BOC’s approved a contract between the Town and Holden Beach Enterprises for the purchase of eighteen properties for $76,000 that had a tax assessment value of $1,976,020. The properties were zoned conservation and are located on the second row, between Greensboro and Scotch Bonnet. The Holden Beach course is located on that quarter mile stretch on the north side of OBW. The course consists of twenty (20) exercise stations with multiple stations clustered together. The plan was approved in August 2011 and installation of the equipment was completed in September of 2011.
Previously reported – October 2022
Delineation study was completed, now we need to act on it. Brian stated he was looking for the Board’s thoughts on protecting those properties. This is a necessary step if we want to make use of these Town owned parcels. Timbo recommended proceeding by applying for CAMA permits for bulkheads there. David suggested Right Angle Engineering could give us the probable cost of construction. The motion was made to have the Town’s engineer, Right Angle Engineering, pursue getting CAMA permits and also to determine height of bulkheads that are needed with the estimated cost.
Previously reported – January 2023
The discussion was on whether we want to bulkhead the town properties in the 700 and 800 blocks of OBW. If we do it will require bulkheads on approximately 700 linear feet at a cost of $350 per linear foot. The preliminary cost estimate is $298,925 just for a continuous bulkhead with tiebacks. Pat suggested that we still need to know how many parking spaces could be put there. Brian stated that we have no plans to put parking there now. He also made the point that the area was delineated in order to preserve property, bulkheading is a way to do that. In addition, they pointed out that USACE may require parking in that area, so it is important to minimize erosion and maintain the land there in case it is needed. David said that we will need to submit design in order to get a CAMA permit. Shane was asked to report back additional information regarding the permit process.
No decision was made – No action taken
Update –
We have lost a significant number of the stations because of erosion. Brian proposed doing something to protect the remaining stations. We have already had the area delineated and are waiting for approval from CAMA of what we can do there. Timbo said we won’t need to bulkhead but can protect the area with a retaining wall. They agreed that we need a hardened structure to prevent further erosion and to protect our investment. David said the town will handle routine maintenance on the fitness trail without any additional input from the Board. A decision on protecting those properties will be made once the delineation is completed.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Hurricane Season
For more information » click here.
Be prepared – have a plan!
No matter what a storm outlook is for a given year,
vigilance and preparedness is urged.
What early signs suggest about the 2025 hurricane season ahead
A marine heat wave in the Caribbean Sea may fuel an impactful hurricane season in 2025, even though seas have cooled in some areas compared to last year.
Hurricane season is just two months away, and early indications suggest it might not be as hyperactive as last year’s. Still, several factors hint that it won’t be quiet, either. For one, forecasters are looking to the oceans for signs of what could be brewing. Seas in the part of the Atlantic where storms typically form are cooler than they were at this time in 2024 — with warmer waters allowing more fuel for strengthening. But seas are nonetheless about 0.7 degrees higher than the long-term average, the eighth-warmest on record since at least 1940. A marine heat wave remains active across the Caribbean Sea and parts of the Gulf of Mexico — blobs of unusual ocean heat that, should they linger, may tip the scales toward stronger storms close to land. However, La Niña, which tends to boost hurricane activity, is fading. Still, no matter how many (or how few) storms form, it takes only one landfall to make a hurricane season devastating. Last year, five hurricanes made landfall in the contiguous United States — just the ninth season since 1851 to have at least five storm centers hit land. There were 18 storms in total, and the season was considered hyperactive, according to a metric called accumulated cyclone energy. Ahead of further key forecasts, including one from Colorado State University expected later this week, here’s The Washington Post’s assessment for the coming season, and the four key factors that will shape it:
Key factors this hurricane season
Sea temperatures in the Main Development Region
From August to October, tropical storm and hurricane seedlings move from Africa into a vast region of warm seas in the tropical Atlantic Ocean known as the Main Development Region (MDR). The warmer it is, the more energy and moisture are available to fuel storms, allowing them to strengthen as they move through the area. Last year, the MDR was record warm, which is part of the reason forecasters expected such an active season. The MDR is cooler than it was at this time in 2024, especially near the coast of Africa, but it’s still unusually warm overall. In March, it’s been the eighth-warmest on record. Miami-based hurricane expert Michael Lowry is closely watching sea temperatures in this important region. “I certainly see some encouraging trends which suggest this upcoming season could be less active overall than recent hyperactive ones. The Atlantic remains plenty warm — much warmer than average — but after almost two years of unprecedented warmth, it’s nice to see water temperatures fall to more precedented levels,” said Lowry, a hurricane specialist with Local 10 News in Miami.
Sea temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean
The global climate patterns El Niño and La Niña play a critical role in determining how busy hurricane season may be. La Niña, which tends to boost hurricane activity by creating winds more conducive to their formation, has waned in recent months. The tropical Pacific Ocean is now a mix of warmer and cooler-than-average waters — moving toward what is known as a neutral phase. In other words, having neither La Niña nor El Niño. Odds are that neutral conditions will be in place for the start of hurricane season, but this time of year presents challenges for forecasting because of a phenomenon known as the spring predictability barrier. “So-called neutral years can also be quite active in the Atlantic, so unless we see a big warm-up toward El Niño over the next four or five months, the Pacific shouldn’t be a major deterrent this season,” Lowry said.
A marine heat wave in the Caribbean Sea
Ocean water across the Caribbean Sea and western Gulf of Mexico is well above average for the time of year — enough to qualify as a marine heat wave. These vast expanses of unusual ocean heat can affect coral reefs and the behavior of marine life but also provide more moisture and fuel for tropical weather systems. Last year, Hurricanes Helene and Milton derived their energy from a gulf affected by a marine heat wave. Both storms broke atmospheric moisture records, which contributed to extreme rainfall.
The West African monsoon
During June to September, heavy rains and thunderstorms bubble up over the West African Sahel. The strongest disturbances survive the long journey across Africa and emerge in the Atlantic — where they meet increasingly warm seas and strengthen further into tropical storms and hurricanes. How active the African monsoon season is helps determine how many storms may move into the Atlantic. The early indication is there will be a more active monsoon than normal. But not all monsoons are equal — last year’s episode sent storms swirling unusually far north into the Sahara, where it rains very little. Such oddities are not predictable months in advance. Other factors, such as dust from the Sahara, can reduce hurricane risk as the dry air suppresses rainfall and thunderstorm activity across the Atlantic — and can cool the ocean. But it’s not typically possible to predict dust outbreaks more than a week or so in advance. Last season, Hurricane Ernesto ingested wildfire smoke as it moved past Newfoundland, Canada. The intersection of hurricanes and wildfires will be something to watch this season, particularly as many parts of the United States continue to deal with drought impacts.
What is known — and what remains uncertain
It’s not possible to predict exactly when or where a tropical storm or hurricane will strike weeks or months in advance. But a broad-brush understanding of the theme of hurricane season can be developed by comparing current conditions to the past and forecast models. Forecasters analyze several key metrics and use a variety of techniques to help understand whether the season might be quiet or busy, relative to an average season, which has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). The key predictors currently suggest that a slightly above average Atlantic hurricane season in 2025 is possible, but the hyperactive characteristics present in 2024 are fading. Lowry called hurricane season “a marathon, not a sprint” — and referred to the 1992 season, when Andrew, a hurricane with deadly impacts in South Florida, was the first and only major Atlantic hurricane of the year. He urged early preparations for any scenario. “Emergency managers and disaster planners don’t alter their plans based on the seasonal outlooks, and neither should you or your family,” Lowry said. “Prepare this year as you would any other year. It only takes one bad hurricane to make it a bad season where you live.”
Read more » click here
As the NC coast gears up for hurricane season, a big change is coming to forecast maps
We’re still a couple of months out from the start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which is the perfect time to start preparing. Gearing up for hurricane season entails more than just making sure your hurricane supplies are topped off. Making sure you can receive the latest weather updates and staying on top of what’s new for the 2025 hurricane season is just as important. The National Hurricane Center has already announced more than a few changes it’s making for the upcoming hurricane season, like updating its “cone of uncertainty” and providing an earlier window to send alerts about potential tropical activity.
Here’s what to know about what’s news for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
The NHC is updating its Potential Tropical Cyclone system for 2025
Starting on May 15, the National Weather Service (NWS) will implement some significant changes to its Potential Tropical Cyclone advisory (PTC) system.
- Extended forecast window: The National Hurricane Center will be able to issue PTC advisories up to 72 hours before anticipated impacts, which is up from the previous 48-hour window.
- Relaxed warning criteria: The change eliminates the previous requirement that advisories could only be issued for PTCs that required land-based watches or warnings.
The experimental cone of uncertainty will be narrower
The NHC says it will continue using its experimental cone graphic, which is frequently referred to as the cone of uncertainty. The graphic is meant to track the probable path of a tropical cyclone’s center. The cone is frequently misunderstood, which is one reason the NHC consistently updates the product. Here are this year’s changes.
- New symbols: The cone of uncertainty legend will now contain symbology for areas where a hurricane watch and tropical storm are in effect at the same time, marked by diagonal pink and blue lines.
- Narrower cone of uncertainty: The size of the tropical cyclone track forecast error cone will be about 3-5% smaller compared to last year.
New rip current risk map will highlight dangerous conditions stemming from hurricanes
Due to an increase in surf and rip current fatalities in the United States, the NHC will provide current risk information from distant hurricanes and provide a national rip current risk map.
- Rip current risk map: To highlight the risk of dangerous conditions, NHC will provide rip current risk information from local National Weather Service and Weather Force Cast Offices in the form of a map.
Current day, next day and a composite showing the highest risk over both days will be available for areas along the East and Gulf coasts of the U.S in one page.
Read more » click here
Hurricane season is 3 months away. Will it be as active as last year?
What to know at this early stage.
One of the first things that tipped scientists off that 2024 would be an unusually active hurricane season: excessive ocean warmth in a key region of the Atlantic Ocean. But that’s just one of many factors different as this year begins. With the Atlantic hurricane season less than three months away, forecasters are making early efforts to understand how this year may differ from the last. And while specific forecasts for the number of hurricanes can’t be accurately made this far out, forecasters can look to planetary climate patterns for clues. At least two key differences suggest odds are lower for another extremely active season: For one, the tropical Atlantic isn’t as warm as it was last year. And a La Niña (known for cooling a vast swath of the Pacific Ocean) is not expected to form during the season. But it’s still early — and current conditions don’t entirely eliminate the odds of an overactive season. In the Atlantic Ocean, hurricane season runs from June through November, typically peaking in September. Last year, hurricane season was hyperactive, based on a metric called Accumulated Cyclone Energy. There were 18 named storms and five hurricane landfalls in the United States, including the devastating Hurricane Helene.
The Atlantic is cooler than last year
Among the many complex puzzle pieces that start to create a picture of hurricane season — including winds, air pressure patterns, Saharan Dust and monsoonal activity — sea temperatures are a key driver. Scientists look as an early signal to what’s called the Atlantic Main Development Region, or MDR, which extends from the Caribbean to the west, and to near Africa in the east. Sea surface temperatures in the MDR have a statistical relationship with hurricane activity. In 2024, there was excessive warmth in the MDR. But it’s not currently as warm as last year, nor is it forecast to be in a few months. When the MDR is cooler, it can contribute to atmospheric conditions that aren’t particularly conducive to lots of hurricanes. Forecasts for the MDR extend to July 2025, and they suggest that while seas in the region may be somewhat above-average, the Atlantic’s most unusual warmth will be located farther north. Comparing forecasts made for July of both years shows how much warmer the MDR was predicted to be in 2024 — a prediction that turned out to be correct. If the predictions hold true this year, that might reduce the odds for a season as active as 2024. Andy Hazelton, a physical scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Environmental Modeling Center, said the cooling of the MDR is the biggest factor that has stood out to him so far. “It’s still pretty warm, especially in the Caribbean, but the subtropics (north of the MDR) look warmer overall right now,” Hazelton said. If the pattern were to continue, he said, it could put a cap on how active the season may be.
La Niña may be fading
During hurricane season, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans are more than distant neighbors — they’re connected by the atmosphere. What happens in one doesn’t stay there; it sends ripples to the other, shaping storm activity on both sides. One pattern that causes a Pacific-Atlantic ripple effect is known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which has three phases: El Niño, La Niña and neutral. El Niño is marked by warmer-than-average seas in the eastern Pacific, while cool seas are prominent there during La Niña. Neutral periods often occur during transitions between El Niño and La Niña, as sea temperatures temporarily become less anomalous. Early this year, the tropical Pacific entered a La Niña phase — but it’s not expected to last for much longer. The cool waters associated with La Niña can suppress rainfall and thunderstorm activity in the tropical Pacific. But as the atmosphere balances itself, increased rainfall and thunderstorm activity, as well as winds that are more conducive to hurricane formation, can occur in the tropical Atlantic. This is why, in addition to the record-warm Atlantic seas, forecasters were so concerned about the level of hurricane activity last year. But a period of weaker winds in the eastern Pacific this month has caused a substantial warming of the ocean to the west of South America. Because the winds have been less robust, a process known as upwelling — which happens when strong winds churn cool, subsurface waters to the surface — has slowed down. If the warming continues, it will put the Pacific in a much different state than it was heading into the last hurricane season. This year, a developing tongue of warm water in the eastern Pacific could have the opposite effect as it did last year, promoting rising air and more rainfall there, while having a drying effect on the Atlantic. However, predictions of El Niño and La Niña are not made equal. A phenomenon known as the “spring predictability barrier” can lead to less-skillful forecasts during spring in the Northern Hemisphere. “ENSO still has the spring barrier to cross,” Hazelton said. “But cool subsurface conditions and persistent trade winds suggest we probably won’t be getting a rapid flip or setting up for El Niño in the summer.”
The bottom line: It’s still early, but 2025 looks different
One thing can be said confidently at this point: So far this year, the elements that drive the Atlantic hurricane season look markedly different from 2024. The Atlantic Ocean is shaping up to have a different sea-temperature configuration than last year, with the most unusually warm seas sitting outside of the MDR. A marine heat wave — expansive blobs of unusual oceanic heat that are becoming more common in a warming climate — no longer covers the MDR, but remains active in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, areas where hurricanes derive their energy from. In the Pacific, the door may be closing on La Niña as seas warm up in the east. But a full-fledged, hurricane-halting El Niño doesn’t look particularly likely, either. Hazelton said it’s possible there will be ENSO neutral conditions during peak hurricane season. These are some of the factors forecasters will be monitoring closely as hurricane season approaches. Seasonal outlooks of hurricane activity are typically released in April and May. And while the data may change, one thing is certain: It’s never too early to prepare, especially considering the United States experienced impactful landfalls from Hurricanes Beryl, Debby, Francine, Helene and Milton last year.
Read more » click here
Hurricane season is 3 months away. Will it be as active as last year?
What to know at this early stage.
One of the first things that tipped scientists off that 2024 would be an unusually active hurricane season: excessive ocean warmth in a key region of the Atlantic Ocean. But that’s just one of many factors different as this year begins. With the Atlantic hurricane season less than three months away, forecasters are making early efforts to understand how this year may differ from the last. And while specific forecasts for the number of hurricanes can’t be accurately made this far out, forecasters can look to planetary climate patterns for clues. At least two key differences suggest odds are lower for another extremely active season: For one, the tropical Atlantic isn’t as warm as it was last year. And a La Niña (known for cooling a vast swath of the Pacific Ocean) is not expected to form during the season. But it’s still early — and current conditions don’t entirely eliminate the odds of an overactive season. In the Atlantic Ocean, hurricane season runs from June through November, typically peaking in September. Last year, hurricane season was hyperactive, based on a metric called Accumulated Cyclone Energy. There were 18 named storms and five hurricane landfalls in the United States, including the devastating Hurricane Helene.
The Atlantic is cooler than last year
Among the many complex puzzle pieces that start to create a picture of hurricane season — including winds, air pressure patterns, Saharan Dust and monsoonal activity — sea temperatures are a key driver. Scientists look as an early signal to what’s called the Atlantic Main Development Region, or MDR, which extends from the Caribbean to the west, and to near Africa in the east. Sea surface temperatures in the MDR have a statistical relationship with hurricane activity. In 2024, there was excessive warmth in the MDR. But it’s not currently as warm as last year, nor is it forecast to be in a few months. When the MDR is cooler, it can contribute to atmospheric conditions that aren’t particularly conducive to lots of hurricanes. Forecasts for the MDR extend to July 2025, and they suggest that while seas in the region may be somewhat above-average, the Atlantic’s most unusual warmth will be located farther north. Comparing forecasts made for July of both years shows how much warmer the MDR was predicted to be in 2024 — a prediction that turned out to be correct. If the predictions hold true this year, that might reduce the odds for a season as active as 2024. Andy Hazelton, a physical scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Environmental Modeling Center, said the cooling of the MDR is the biggest factor that has stood out to him so far. “It’s still pretty warm, especially in the Caribbean, but the subtropics (north of the MDR) look warmer overall right now,” Hazelton said. If the pattern were to continue, he said, it could put a cap on how active the season may be.
La Niña may be fading
During hurricane season, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans are more than distant neighbors — they’re connected by the atmosphere. What happens in one doesn’t stay there; it sends ripples to the other, shaping storm activity on both sides. One pattern that causes a Pacific-Atlantic ripple effect is known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which has three phases: El Niño, La Niña and neutral. El Niño is marked by warmer-than-average seas in the eastern Pacific, while cool seas are prominent there during La Niña. Neutral periods often occur during transitions between El Niño and La Niña, as sea temperatures temporarily become less anomalous. Early this year, the tropical Pacific entered a La Niña phase — but it’s not expected to last for much longer. The cool waters associated with La Niña can suppress rainfall and thunderstorm activity in the tropical Pacific. But as the atmosphere balances itself, increased rainfall and thunderstorm activity, as well as winds that are more conducive to hurricane formation, can occur in the tropical Atlantic. This is why, in addition to the record-warm Atlantic seas, forecasters were so concerned about the level of hurricane activity last year. But a period of weaker winds in the eastern Pacific this month has caused a substantial warming of the ocean to the west of South America. Because the winds have been less robust, a process known as upwelling — which happens when strong winds churn cool, subsurface waters to the surface — has slowed down. If the warming continues, it will put the Pacific in a much different state than it was heading into the last hurricane season. This year, a developing tongue of warm water in the eastern Pacific could have the opposite effect as it did last year, promoting rising air and more rainfall there, while having a drying effect on the Atlantic. However, predictions of El Niño and La Niña are not made equal. A phenomenon known as the “spring predictability barrier” can lead to less-skillful forecasts during spring in the Northern Hemisphere. “ENSO still has the spring barrier to cross,” Hazelton said. “But cool subsurface conditions and persistent trade winds suggest we probably won’t be getting a rapid flip or setting up for El Niño in the summer.”
The bottom line: It’s still early, but 2025 looks different
One thing can be said confidently at this point: So far this year, the elements that drive the Atlantic hurricane season look markedly different from 2024. The Atlantic Ocean is shaping up to have a different sea-temperature configuration than last year, with the most unusually warm seas sitting outside of the MDR. A marine heat wave — expansive blobs of unusual oceanic heat that are becoming more common in a warming climate — no longer covers the MDR, but remains active in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, areas where hurricanes derive their energy from. In the Pacific, the door may be closing on La Niña as seas warm up in the east. But a full-fledged, hurricane-halting El Niño doesn’t look particularly likely, either. Hazelton said it’s possible there will be ENSO neutral conditions during peak hurricane season. These are some of the factors forecasters will be monitoring closely as hurricane season approaches. Seasonal outlooks of hurricane activity are typically released in April and May. And while the data may change, one thing is certain: It’s never too early to prepare, especially considering the United States experienced impactful landfalls from Hurricanes Beryl, Debby, Francine, Helene and Milton last year.
Read more » click here
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