Lou’s Views
“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments
BOC’s Regular Meeting 09/16/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Conflict of Interest Check
2024 Rules of Procedure for the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners
(e) Conflict Check. Immediately after the approval of the agenda, the Presiding Officer shall poll each member to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. In the event that a potential conflict is disclosed, the members will vote on a motion to allow or excuse that member with respect to the agenda item. If excused, the member may not participate in any discussion, debate, or vote with respect to the agenda item.
The Board was polled by Heather our Town Clerk. All of them declared that there was no conflict of interest with any agenda item at this meeting.
2. Discussion and Possible Action on Additional Areas of Concern – Michael Norton & Cameron Long, McGill Associates (Interim Town Manager Ferguson)
Agenda Packet – page 18, plus separate packet
Supplemental Stormwater Master Plan Report » click hereÂ
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
At the December BOC meeting, the board voted to hire McGill to investigate additional areas of concern for the stormwater masterplan, specifically the East end and the canal streets. The report of finding’s, including alternatives and associated costs, will be presented at the meeting.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The BOC expressed a desire to expand on the work in the original stormwater master plan. The additional areas of concern will be presented to the board for review and possible adoption as part of the overall plan.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report and consider adopting as an addendum to the original plan.
The Town of Holden Beach (Town) retained McGill Associates (McGill) to prepare this Supplemental Stormwater Master Plan (SWMP) following completion of the Town’s initial Stormwater Master Plan in June 2024. The primary purposes of this project were to expand the stormwater system inventory, analyze flooding conditions within four additional areas of concern, evaluate alternatives to improve flooding conditions during the 10-year storm event, and provide recommendations for capital improvements.
The additional areas of concern are as follows:
-
- Area 7 – East End: McCray Street, Avenue B, and Dunescape Drive
- Area 8 – Canal Streets: Greensboro Street, Charlotte Street, Durham Street, Burlington Street, Salisbury Street, Sanford Street, Raleigh Street, Fayetteville Street, Lumberton Street, and High Point Street
- Area 9 – Canal Streets: Sand Dollar Street, Starfish Drive, Lions Paw Street, and ScotchBonnet Drive
- Area 10 – Canal Streets: Sailfish Street, Tarpon Drive, Marlin Drive, Tuna Drive, Dolphin Street and Swordfish Drive
Previously reported – December 2024
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action on the requested proposal from McGill regarding additional areas of concern for stormwater.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
McGill completed a proposal for the board’s consideration after the BOC expressed interest in adding areas of concern to the approved stormwater master plan. If the board chooses to move forward a budget amendment would be needed.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive proposal and consider award should BOC want to add additional areas of study to the plan.
The BOC asked that McGill be contacted regarding additional areas of concern for the stormwater master plan. The attached proposal involves survey work and analysis to add three streets at the east end of the island and canal streets. It projects a six-month deliverable following a notice to proceed at a price of $76,100. Michael Norton will be available by phone to answer any questions the board may have during this agenda item .
Update –
McGill representatives made a presentation as a follow-up of the request made for the additional stormwater problem areas. The report evaluated two (2) alternative solutions to address flooding for each area of concern and the associated costs. The question becomes: should we proceed? The motion was made to receive the report, to include it as addendum to the original town stormwater plan, with the Board having the ability to prioritize areas before any actions are taken.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
3. Discussion and Possible Action on the Stormwater Project Partnership Agreement with the Corps – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 37 – 51
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Follow up from the June BOC meeting regarding the stormwater PPA now that it’s back from Division. Acknowledge changes made by Division and direct execution.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
At the June BOC meeting, the board voted to move forward with the stormwater PPA if it came back identical to the document they reviewed. The Corps’ Division Office made two changes to the original: one to update the accounting section and the other to add a BABA waiver.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive PPA and consider action to move forward.
Previously reported – June 2025
Discussion and Possible Action on Pursuing $2.2 Million in Environmental InfrastructureFunding through the Corps – Interim Town Manager Ferguson & Bob Kiestler, Corps
Project Partnership Agreement » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on pursuing $2.2 million in Environmental Infrastructure funding through the Army Corps of Engineers.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Following Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, the Town was awarded environmental infrastructure disaster relief funding through Congress. These funds flow directly to the Corps and through this program they would reimburse stormwater project costs up to 75%. Bob Keistler will be here to give some background on the program and discuss the Project Partnership Agreement (PPA). This funding is projected to fall over two fiscal years.
USACE Environmental Infrastructure Project
Following Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, the Town was awarded $2.2 million in environmental infrastructure funding for phasing projects from our approved stormwater master plan. The projects involve the 300 Block of Ocean Boulevard and the East End of Ave A and Mullet. When these appropriations are made through Congress, the money flows directly to the Corps and then they reimburse the Town up to 75% of the project costs. The Corps will be at the meeting to explain the program and what would be needed as far as the Project Partnership Agreement. The partnership is expected to operate over two fiscal years, with next fiscal year’s estimate being $300,000.
North Carolina Environmental Infrastructure Program
Section 5113 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007
Authorization allows the Corps of Engineers to conduct a program of environmental infrastructure improvements that provide design and construction assistance for the following range of activities:
. a. wastewater treatment and related facilities
. b. combined sewer overflow, water supply, storage, treatment, and related facilities
. c. drinking water infrastructure including treatment and related facilities
. d. environmental restoration
. e. stormwater infrastructure
. f. surface water resource protection and development
Design and construction assistance can only be provided for publicly owned facilities. A partnership agreement for the conduct of design and construction assistance must be executed for each project initiated under this program. Federal cost sharing of the project costs is set at 75%, which could be provided in the form of grants or reimbursements of project costs to the non-Federal interests. Also, the Federal Government could provide the non-Federal interests partial credit for work performed before the partnership agreement was executed, and provide credit for lands, easements and rights-of way. The non-Federal interests must provide for all operation and maintenance costs of the project.
For more information » click here
Project Descriptions
Area 1 – 300 Block of Ocean Boulevard West
Several hundred feet of public ROW along Ocean Boulevard West (OBW), in an area referred to as the 300 Block, and Brunswick Avenue to the north, experience significant floodwaterretention following storm events.
A dedicated right-of-way (ROW) at 317 Brunswick Avenue West, which connects OBW and Brunswick Avenue, is currently used as an unofficial vehicle and pedestrian access. This project would convert the ROW to a 2.5-foot-deep storage depression to hold runoff from both OBW and Brunswick Avenue.
Catch basins will be installed along the north side of OBW, including at the low point of the road, and at the intersection of High Point Street and Brunswick Avenue. As the catch basin at the low point of the road will be located within the ROW of OBW and not on the road itself, its rim elevation will sit above the lowest elevation of the road. The road would be elevated to encourage positive flow to the inlet and to avoid further road ponding.
Catch basins will be connected by 15″ High Performance Polypropylene pipes (HPPP), producing two different directions of flow: one, from the low point of the road, through the storage depression, and discharging at the outlet of the Brunswick Avenue channel, and the other from the low point of the road, down OBW and High Point Street. and discharging into the channel near the intersection of High Point Street and Brunswick Avenue.
In order to maintain a positive outfall within the proposed stormwater network, the Brunswick Avenue channel will be dropped approximately 1.5 feet between its outset and the inlet of the existing outlet pipe. The channel will be re-graded as needed while maintaining minimum side slopes of 3:1.
The existing culvert under Marker Fifty-Five Drive and the existing outlet pipe running along the east side of High Point St. will both be upsized to 18″ Reinforced Concrete Pipes (RCPs). The tide gate on the existing outlet pipe will be replaced.
Additional measures will include a second 1.5-foot-deep storage depression at 339 Brunswick Avenue, along with another dedicated ROW. This storage depression will be connected to the proposed stormwater network on OBW and discharge north into the Brunswick Avenue channel just before the Marker Fifty-Five Drive culvert.
Area 2 – East End of Mullet Street Area & East End of Avenue A
Public ROW along Ocean Boulevard East (QBE) on the east end of Holden Beach, between Ferry Road and Dunescape Drive, experiences frequent periods of standing water following rain events as runoff is transported through the existing stormwater network or infiltrates into the soil.
The proposed project involves upsizing the existing stormwater system such that a 2-year storm level of service is achieved in the section of OBE east of Mullet St. and the entire area sees a reduction in flood depths due to both 2-year and 10-year storms. Further reduction in flooding from the 10-year storm is to be realized by eliminating roadway flooding along OBE between Avenue A and Dunescape Drive.
The existing stormwater network along Ocean Boulevard East (OBE) west of Mullet Street will remain with individual pipe inverts dropped as needed to create positive drainage within the system. Existing pipes along OBE east of Mullet St. will be upsized to 24″ RCPs with the final of these pipes upsized to a 30″ RCP. In order to accommodate the burial of the new 24″ RCP, the existing channel at the upstream end of this pipe system will be dropped by -0.5 feet and re-graded as needed while maintaining a minimum side slope of 3:1.
Similarly, the existing pipe under Blockade Runner Drive will be upsized to an 18″ RCP with its downstream pipe that runs under QBE upsized to a 24″ RCP. All pipes along Mullet St. will be upsized to 30″ RCPs and a tide gate will be installed on the final outlet pipe. These appear to be the largest pipe sizes that can reasonably fit underneath the road while maintaining necessary clearance.
Additionally, three (3) 1-footdeep swales with 4:1 side slopes will be installed along the northern ROW of OBE between McCray Street and Dunescape Drive. 12″ HPPP culverts will be installed under roadways to connect the swales and tie them to the existing system.
Due to the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), improvement options in this area are limited.
The Town was awarded $2.2M in Environmental Infrastructure Disaster Relief Funding for stormwater projects. To get started USACE requires the execution of the project partnership agreement. The Town portion of the 2.2 million dollar project is 25%, which would cost us $550,000. The motion was made to approve the project partnership agreement with the USACE and have the town staff execute the paperwork.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Update –
Bob Keistler a representative from USACE was at the meeting to explain the two (2) changes made the Stormwater Project Partnership Agreement. We will have to pay everything up front and then get reimbursed up to 75% of the project costs. The motion was made to execute the agreement.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
4. Police Report – Chief Jeremy Dixon
Agenda Packet – pages 19 – 24
Police Report » click here
Jeremy reviewed the actions that were taken by them last month
They experienced a normal decline of activity after the Labor Day weekend
Car “break-ins†are happening on multiple islands including ours
Crime Prevention 101 – Don’t make it easy for them
Don’t leave vehicles unlocked
Don’t leave valuables in your vehicles
Low Speed Vehicle Safety » click here
Low-speed vehicles (Golf Carts) are required to follow the same traffic laws as every other motor vehicle, including travel lane regulations. They are required to be registered with the DMV and all operators must possess a valid driver’s license.All occupants MUST wear a seat belt, including children who must be secured in an age/weight appropriate child safety restraint.
Download our free app for important updates and notifications.
Staffing –
Having the full complement of eleven (11) police officers seems to be an elusive goal.
What he did not say –
We are in the most active hurricane period which is from August to October –
be prepared, have a plan!
If you know something, hear something, or see something –
call 911 and let the police deal with it.
5. Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans
Agenda Packet – pages 25 – 27
Inspections Report » click here
ACTIVE NEW HOME PERMITSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 32
OTHER ACTIVE PERMITSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 523
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $30,000Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 73
.  * AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $100,000Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 4
.  * AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 4
.  * AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED WAITING PICK UPÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 40
TOTAL PERMITSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 595
PERMITS IN REVIEWÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 5
CAMA ISSUEDÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 2
ZONING ISSUEDÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 5
NOTICE OF VIOLATIONSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 2
DELINEATIONSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 5
CAMA SITE INSPECTIONSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 11
PERMITS SERVICED FOR INSPECTIONS FROM 08/01 – 08/31Â Â Â Â Â = 96
TOTAL INSPECTIONS MADEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 208
Update –
Timbo briefly reviewed department activity last month, the department is staying busy. He explained why it is always a good idea to check with them to see if you need a permit for any work on your property that you are planning to do.
6. Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 28 – 33
Finance Report » click hereÂ
Update –
Daniel briefly reviewed the Finance Report
7. Town Manager Report – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 34 – 35
Town Manager Report » click here
Christy reviewed the Town Manager Report
Greensboro Street / Sewer Lift Station #2
91% complete, scheduled completion date of October 1st
Ready for final payment request date of October 30th
Previously reported – August 2025
Sixth application for payment was submitted to funding agencies
82% complete based on the time line
Previously reported – July 2025
Progress meeting between engineer, contractor, and town staff was held on June 26th Fourth application for payment submitted to EPA
State still lags in sending payments and now they are doing a computer system changeover
Previously reported – June 2025
Contractor given an additional seventy-two (72) days to complete the project
Construction schedule completion will now be around October
Previously reported – April 2025
Construction schedule anticipates completion in August
Buy America Build America waivers granted by EPA
Block Q Restrooms & Parking
Apparently vendor still having issues
Contractor had to have structural engineer back out to reevaluate some work performed
Optimistic that they will still meet the grant deadline
Previously reported – August 2025
They have had numerous construction issues
Contractor had to have structural engineer back out to reevaluate some work performed.
Meeting with contractor, Pinnacle, and structural engineer occurred on August 7th
Contractor was at the meeting to address the BOC’s concerns
Timbo is monitoring the situation very closely and is confident we are back on track
The estimated completion date is now not till the end of September
The BOC’s are concerned about the work being completed as required
If the project is not done by the deadline it could jeopardize the grant funding
Previously reported – July 2025
Breaking News – now the vendor is saying completion will be sometime late in October, which may create some problems for the Town
Contractor struggled early to meet expectations but staff has engaged in several meetings and things appear to be improving
Deliverable for completion remains optimistic for end of August but money will need to be reallocated for contract at July meeting
Pouring concrete, the week of July 1st
Previously reported – June 2025
They have some serious concerns about the work that is being done there
New project superintendent taking over
Previously reported – May 2025
The bathroom on Block Q is scheduled to be completed by August 20th
There will be a Ground Breaking ceremony on June 4th at 10:00am
Previously reported – April 2025
Extension applied for with the state
Ocean Boulevard Stormwater
Corps developed PPA
McGill presenting on additional areas of concern as part of September agenda
Previously reported – August 2025
Awaiting Project Partnership Agreement from Wilmington District
Previously reported – July 2025
The Letter Report that Bob Keistler mentioned had the financial certification completed by finance officer
Wilmington District was submitting the Draft Letter Report for review
Previously reported – June 2025
The Town was awarded $2.2M in Environmental Infrastructure Disaster Relief Funding for stormwater projects. To get started USACE requires the execution of the Project Partnership Agreement. The Town portion of the 2.2 million dollar project is 25%, which would cost us $550,000. The motion was made to approve the project partnership agreement with the USACE and have the town staff execute the paperwork.
Pier Site
On hold awaiting the bond referendum results
Previously reported – August 2025
Draft report ready and on agenda for consideration
Future Scope of Work Discussion
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.
NC Resilient Coastal Communities Program
The Town participated in an orientation session regarding Phase I of the program on September 9th
Previously reported – August 2025
The Town was selected to receive a technical assistance award through the program
ESP Associates has been assigned as our engineer firm and will receive $70,000
Staff will have an orientation session regarding our phase of the program on 09/09Â
Previously reported – April 2025
N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program » click here
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.
Congressional Interaction
Met with Congressman Rouzer’s aid, Jack Best, on August 25th during his regional visits
Expressed concerns over the Coastal Storm Risk Management Trust Fund Language being proposed in Congress and FEMA Beach Nourishment
They discussed making sure to continue federal support for engineered beaches like ours are not excluded
Employee Updates
We filled the vacant Public Works Supervisor position by promoting from within
Mark Thomas Senior Public Service Tech was promoted to Supervisor
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.
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-
- #6Â Â ADA bathroom (at block Q)
- #7Â Â Fire station Upgrades
- #14Â Block Q Site Plan
- #18Â Update Town Website
- #19Â Pier Repair/Replacement
- #26Â Investigate vacuum bypass system
- #Â Â Â Repair and maintenance Water & Sewer
-
The current status of each of the seven (7) items listed is in the Town Manager Report
In Case You Missed It –
THB Newsletter (09/09/25)
PUBLIC NOTICE
Every year, Brunswick County Public Utilities and the towns, cities, and other utilities that purchase water from Brunswick County implement an annual flushing program. Public Utilities employees flush the water mains by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period of time. The flushing cleans out sediment and allows routine maintenance of the more than 1,440 miles of water lines and over 7,789 fire hydrants in the Brunswick County service area. Flushing may result in discoloration and presence of sediment in your water. These conditions are not harmful and are temporary. During the annual flushing program, a slight change is made in the water treatment process to facilitate an effective flushing program. Throughout the year, Brunswick County Public Utilities adds combined chlorine (in the form of chloramines), to the water as the primary disinfectant. During the annual flushing program, chlorine is added in an uncombined state, commonly referred to as free chlorine. Free chlorine is more effective than combined chlorine at reacting with sediments suspended during flushing. This common practice is also used as preventive maintenance to kill bacteria that, though harmless when consumed by humans, can introduce unwanted taste and odor, and create issues with maintaining a disinfectant residual. Brunswick County will use free chlorine as the primary disinfectant from October 7, 2025, through November 2025. Depending on your location within the distribution system and usage patterns, it could take 7 to 10 days for your drinking water to transition from combined chlorine to free chlorine at the beginning of the flushing program. The annual change from chloramines to free chlorine for this brief period is required by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to promote optimal disinfection throughout the water distribution system. You may experience a change in the taste or smell of your drinking water while free chlorine is being used as the primary disinfection agent. If you are especially sensitive to the taste and odor of chlorine, try keeping an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator. This will enable the chlorine to dissipate and reduce the taste of chlorine in your water. Remember – drinking water has a shelf life. Change out the water in your refrigerated container weekly.
Note: If you have an aquarium or pond, always test the water that you add to your aquatic environment to be sure it is free of any chlorine before adding fish or other animals. Chemical additives with directions for removing either free chlorine or chloramines from water for use in fish tanks or ponds are available at pet/fish supply stores. Kidney dialysis clinics and customers on home kidney dialysis equipment should also be aware of this change.
If you have any questions regarding this process, contact Brunswick County Public Utilities at 910.253.2657, 910.371.3490, 910.454.0512, or via email, or contact your water service provider directly at pworks@hbtownhall.com.
THB Newsletter (08/26/25)
Free Cleanup Week
The next Free Cleanup Week at the Brunswick County Landfill will take place September 22 through 27, 2025. Brunswick County property owners and residents can dispose of all materials, except for regular household trash and hazardous waste, free of charge during Free Cleanup Week. Individuals can dispose of metal, tires, electronics, latex paint, clothing, shoes, used oil, oil filters, antifreeze, gasoline, fluorescent bulbs, used cooking oil, smoke detectors, household batteries and yard debris in their designated area at the Landfill during this week. Participants must show proof of Brunswick County property ownership or residency. Businesses and commercial vehicles will be charged normal tipping fees. Brunswick County accepts various items at the Brunswick County Landfill year-round at no charge to Brunswick County property owners and residents. See a full list of accepted items on the Accepted Items and Tipping Fees webpage.
For questions, contact Brunswick County Operation Services at 910.253.2520 or via email.
Location
Brunswick County Landfill
172 Landfill Road NE
Bolivia, NC 28422
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
THB Newsletter (08/26/25)
International Coastal Cleanup
The Town of Holden Beach will partner with the Turtle Patrol for International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 20th. Individuals interested in helping to pick up trash from the beach should report to the picnic shelter at Bridgeview Park at 7:30 a.m. You will be assigned an area of the beach to cover and should return back to the picnic shelter by 9:00 a.m. to dispose of the trash. Suggested supplies to bring with you include gloves, a bucket or trash bag, reach grabbers, sunscreen, bug spray, and water. Your participation makes a huge difference in protecting our precious marine life and maintaining the pristine condition of our beaches. If you cannot participate this day but have another day the week prior to the 20th that you could help, please plan to visit one of the town parks to clear it of any trash that may be on the ground.
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 –
Meet the Candidates Night / October 17th
Barktoberfest / October 24th
Monster Mash Trunk-or-Treat / October 31st
SBI Three Bridge Tour / November 8th
Veterans Appreciation Luncheon /Â November 10th
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon /Â November 14th
Tentative Schedule – dates are still to be determined
Contractors Information Seminar
Turkey Trot
Tree Lighting
8. Discussion and Possible Approval of Addition of a Public Works Department Report to the Monthly Regular Meeting Agenda – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – page 36
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Mayor Pro Tern Myers expressed that he would like to have the Public Works Director give a report monthly like the other department heads. The BOC will need to vote on this action item.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Explore whether the collective board would like a report from the Public Works Director each month.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss and vote on the preparation and presentation of a report
Update –
There was a brief discussion as to what they were trying to accomplish by asking for this report. The motion was made to add the Public Works Department Report to the Monthly Regular Meeting Agenda.
A decision was made – Approved (4-1)
Commissioners Smith opposed the motion
9. Discussion and Possible Action on AIWW Crossing/Bend Widener Project – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
.  a. Ordinance 25-14, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 25-11, The Revenues        and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2025 – 2026 (Amendment No. 3)
Agenda Packet – pages 52 – 56
Ordinance 25-14 » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
During budget discussions, the board was apprised that the award of the AIWW crossing/bend widener project would require a budget amendment. The consensus of the board was to wait until the bids were opened to execute an amendment.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The AIWW crossing/bend widener project is instrumental in keeping our East End whole. Discussions with our engineer indicate we need to opt for the full 150,000 cy of sand as outlined in the attached documents. This request is to execute a budget amendment to facilitate funds flowing to the state.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Execute amendment and understand that the interim town manager has already started discussions with the County to recoup a percentage of the local share.
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW)Â Maintenance Dredging
Funding Request for Lockwoods Folly Inlet Crossing Wideners Option
Wilmington District (SAW) opened bids for the FY26 AIWW Maintenance Dredging Solicitation on August 22, 2025. This contract is scoped to address shoaling areas in the Atlantic lntracoastal Waterway, NC Project. As requested, we have incorporated optional bid items for maintenance dredging of the Lockwoods Folly Inlet Crossing Wideners, Tangent 11. This work is divided into two contract options, both with an estimated dredge quantity of 75,000 cubic yards. If both options are executed in this contract, an estimated total of 150,000 cubic yards will be dredged. This material, along with what is dredged from the main Federal Navigation Channel crossing is scheduled to be placed on the east end of Holden Beach, NC. Per the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) executed between SAW and the State of North Carolina, we request $1,050,000 for the first option or a total of $2,100,000 for both options for maintenance dredging at the Lockwoods Folly Inlet Crossing Wideners. As summarized in the tables below, the estimated cost for this maintenance dredging includes Contractor Earnings, Contingencies, Engineering During Construction, Supervision & Administration, and Contract Surveys.
The Wilmington District will need this non-Federal funding to award these contract options. Please provide funds by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) by October 31, 2025, in the amount of $1,050,000 for one option, or a total of $2,100,000 if you choose to execute both options. Please contact Mr. Colton Robbins at (910) 251-4104, with any questions concerning the EFT process. Please contact our Project Manager, Mr. Adam Faircloth at (910) 251-4476, for all other project questions.
Update –
The motion was made to approve Ordinance 25-14 to provide funds for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW)Â Crossing/Bend Widener Project which is for the Lockwood Folly Inlet dredging. Christy is working with the county to recoup a percentage of the 25% local share.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Moved funds of $275,000
From Revenue account #50.0399.0000 to Expense account#50.0710.0720
10. Discussion and Possible Acceptance of Revised Capital Improvement Plan – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 57 – 58
Capital Improvement Plan » click hereÂ
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Update the CIP with a placeholder for a new fire station.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Per the direction of the BOC at the last meeting, the CIP has been updated by finance to show a fire station in FY 27/28.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Consider adopting change to CIP
Update –
The motion was to approve an updated Capital Improvement Plan that includes a new island fire station.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
11. Discussion and Possible Scheduling of a Date to Set a Public Hearing for Proposed Revisions to Town of Holden Beach Code of Ordinances Section 157.087, Building Numbers – Inspections Director Evans (Interim Town Manager Ferguson)
Agenda Packet – pages 59 – 62
Section 157.087 » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Request a date to be set for a public hearing for revisions to Town Ordinance 157.087
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve revisions to Town Ordinance 157.087
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Follow staff and Planning Board recommendations
Zoning policy
All proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance must go through Planning & Zoning Board for review, comments, and a consistency statement. State statutes require that the governing board hold a public hearing prior to the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any ordinance regulating development.
§157.087 BUILDING NUMBERS.
   (A)   The correct street number shall be clearly visible from the street on all buildings. Numbers shall be block letters, not script, and of a color clearly in contrast with that of the building and shall be a minimum of six inches in height. Numbers shall be provided on each unit in a duplex or multiple unit building and shall consist of the building number with a suffix letter (A, B, C, and the like). Numbers existing on the effective date of this chapter and at least four inches high and clearly visible from the street shall be allowed to remain. Replacement numbers shall comply with this section.
   (B)   Beach front buildings will also have clearly visible house numbers from the strand side meeting the above criteria on size, contrast, etc. Placement shall be on vertical column supporting deck(s) or deck roof on the primary structure. If no such condition exists for the building, or if a clearer line of sight position exists on the building, the numbers shall also be affixed to the primary structure. For buildings with a setback of over 300 feet from the first dune line, a vertical post shall be erected aside the walkway with house numbers affixed. The post shall not exceed eight feet in height above the base of the walkway. The post will be placed on the highest elevation of the walkway within 300 feet of the first dune line. In all cases the numbers must be clearly visible from the strand. Other placements may be acceptable with approval of the Building Inspector.
 (C)   Structures abutting the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway, canals, and any public trust waters shall have house number affixed to the back of the structure or on the end of the dock/pier visible so as in case an emergency and per the North Carolina Residential Code Section R319.1        Â
Update –
Timbo explained that this is a safety issue. Any changes made to the Zoning Code Section 157 requires a Public Hearing. The motion was made to schedule a Public Hearing for Zoning Ordinance change before the next BOC’s Regular Meeting on October 21st.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
12. Direction and Possible Action to Direct Staff to Develop a Request for Qualifications for Technical Services to Develop a Comprehensive Plan for Jordan Boulevard, Block Q, Bridge Area and Former Pavilion Properties – Commissioners Thomas and Paarfus
Agenda Packet – pages 63 – 65
 ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action to direct staff to develop a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for technical services to develop a comprehensive plan for the Jordan Blvd, Block Q, bridge area and former pavilion properties.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
There have been several proposals for the development of Block Q with amenities such as a band stand/pavilion, pickle ball courts, boat parking and vehicle parking. However, a comprehensive plan to develop not only block Q but the surrounding parcels (Jordan Blvd, former pavilion site, bridge area) is needed to make the most efficient use of the available properties to provide these amenities. Subsequent construction of these amenities could then be accomplished in phases according to priorities and budget availability. The intent is to allow a professional design firm to bring their expertise and creativity to bear in developing the master plan, considering all the property available. The BOC should provide some initial guide lines for the RFQ but shall not constrain the firm to those guidelines in developing the master plans.
Possible motion:
Instruct staff to develop an RFQ for a comprehensive design for Block Q, Jordan Blvd, bridge area, and the site of the former pavilion to be reviewed by the BOC.
Editor’s note –
A request for qualifications is a document that asks potential suppliers or vendors to detail their background and experience providing a specific good or service. In this case, the buyer is only concerned about the vendor’s skills and experience. Professionals responding will be selected solely based on their qualifications and not on price. Once a firm is selected the Town will negotiate a contract for the desired services. Therefore, the response is not a bid.
Update –
They want to develop a comprehensive plan not only for block Q but also the surrounding parcels. The Board is trying to approach the development by keeping the end in mind. The plan is to only provide the vendor with guidelines of what they would like to see there. The motion was made to instruct staff to develop an RFQ for a comprehensive design for Block Q, Jordan Blvd, bridge area, and the site of the former pavilion to be reviewed by the BOC.
A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion
Know the difference between wants and needs?
One of the most basic concepts of economics is want vs. need.
A need is something you have to have.
It’s something you can’t do without.
A want is something you would like to have.
It’s not absolutely necessary, but it would be a good thing to have
13. Discussion and Possible Action to Issue a List of Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Pier Bond Referendum – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas
Agenda Packet – pages 66 – 69
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discuss and possible action on developing a list of FAQ about the Pier Bond Referendum for the town to send out to its distribution list
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
There will be a referendum on the November 4 election ballot about whether to raise taxes to remove the old pier and build a new one.
The town of HB has held 2 public hearings about the pier referendum (on 8/16/25 and 8/19/25). Both hearings were well attended, and many people spoke. In addition, the town received dozens of emails related to the pier referendum. At the hearings, many people asked questions, but because of the rules, there was no interaction with the BOC and none of the questions were answered.
Since there are still so many unanswered questions, we propose that the HB town send out a list of FAQs to the ‘Sunshine’ email list.
Attached is a proposed list of questions and answers for discussion.
Possible motion:
Instruct staff to send out the pier referendum FAQs to the ‘Sunshine’ email list
General Obligation Bond Referendum –
Resolution 25-03 » click here
Resolution 25-04 » click here
Resolution 25-06 » click here
Bond Order » click here
Resolution 25-07 » click here
Pier Bond – FAQ’s
What is the referendum for?
It is only for the demolition and removal of the existing pier and construction of a new pier. Â It does not cover the debt on the initial purchase, building a pier building, maintenance, or any operating costs.
Can the bond money be used to construct a new pier building?
No, the bond money can only be used to remove the existing pier and construct a new one. Additional new debt may be needed to construct a building. (Source: Bond Counsel)
Can the bond money be used to pay for the pier property?
No, the land was purchased in March 2022 at a cost of $3.2M financed at 3.18% over 15 years with an annual debt service cost of $260k. (Source: Audit Reports)
Why do we need to vote on a referendum?
Since the land was used as collateral for financing the purchase of the pier property, we will need to issue General Obligation (GO) bonds. Issuing General Obligation (GO) bonds (which use taxing authority as collateral) is the best way to fund the construction of a new pier, and General Obligation bonds require a voter referendum. (Source: State Statute § 159-61 (a))
When will we vote on the referendum?
The referendum will be forwarded to the Brunswick County Board of Elections and appear on the November 4th ballot for voter consideration.
What will the referendum ballot say?
It will have a YES or NO vote on approving the bonds. The final wording will be set on September 5th, but it is required to state: 1) total amount of the bonds; 2) the amount of the principal and interest payments to pay off the debt; and 3) the amount property taxes would need to be increased to cover the payments. (Source: State Statute § 159‑61 (d))
Will property owners get to vote?
No, only voters who are registered to vote at Holden Beach, NC can vote on the referendum. (Source: State Statute§ 159-61 (a))
Will all registered voters in Brunswick County get to vote on the referendum?
No, only registered voters who live on the island. (Source: Board of Elections)
How much will it cost to build a new pier?
The engineer’s Not-To-Exceed estimated construction cost is $7.3M. The estimated interest cost of the bond is $4.3M, making the total cost $11.6M. (Sources: HDR report and Town of Holden Beach and bond financial advisor)
Are grants available to pay for the pier?
Not at this time. Our lobbyist has been working with town staff to search for grant opportunities but they have not identified any. A PARTF grant of $500k was obtained for the purchase of the land in 2022. (Source: Budget Meeting Minutes)
How will this affect my property taxes?
The estimated amount of property tax liability increase for each one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of property tax value to service the cumulative cost over the life of the bond provided above would be $31.60 per year.
Taxes will increase 22.6%
Our current tax rate is 14 cents per $100
The new tax rate would be 17.16 cents per $100
The estimated amount of property tax liability increase for each one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of property tax value to service the cumulative cost over the life of the bond provided above would be $31.60 per year.
Property tax increase of $0.0316 per $100.00 of assessed valuation
A home on the island with a value of $1,000,000 estimated cost will be:
($1,000,000 % $100,000) x $31.60 = $316.00 per year
$316.00 x 20 years = $6,320
Our current tax rate is 14 cents per $100
The new tax rate would be 17.16 cents per $100
This would be a 22.6% tax increase
If the referendum fails, can we still build the pier?
Probably not, since it is unlikely, at least in the short-term, that the Local Government Commission would approve an alternate form of financing for a project that did not pass at a General Obligation Bond referendum. (Source: Bond Counsel)
Could we use our fund balances to pay for it in cash?
Possibly, but depleting our funds would impact other planned investments like the fire station and beach nourishment. (Source: Holden Beach Town Budget)
Could the BOC levy an assessment to pay for it?
Yes, but the BOC would need to go against the will of the voters. (Source: Town Ordinances)
 If the referendum passes, are we required to build the pier?
No. It is unlikely that the Local Government Commission would not approve debt passed at a referendum. The Board of Commissioners would then have to take action to actually issue the bonds in the future and they have discretion as to whether to issue some or all of the bonds or none at all. (Source: Bond Counsel)
If the referendum passes, how long can we wait before issuing the bonds?
Seven (7) years.Â
How long is the term of the bonds?
The expected term of the bonds is twenty (20) years.Â
Can we insure the pier against storms?
No, a new pier will be uninsurable for wind or water, and we will still need to pay off the bonds even if the pier is damaged in a storm and is no longer usable. (Sources: LGC, Town of Holden Beach)
What is the design of the new pier?
It is a wooden, pedestrian-grade, 996-foot-long pier with a covered “T†at the end – very similar to the design of the original pier, but taller and stronger for better protection from waves. (Source: HDR report)
How deep will the water be at the end of the pier?
Between 10 to 20 feet, depending upon the tide, according to beach profile elevation survey conducted by the engineer. (Source: HDR report)
How much will it cost to maintain the pier?
The engineer’s estimated funding needs for maintenance, preservation, rehabilitation, and major capital replacement projects to extend its life to 50 years is $3.6M, which equates to $72,560 per year on an annualized basis. (Source: HDR report).
How much will it cost to operate the pier?
The engineer did not estimate operating costs, but they are anticipated to include water, electricity, insurance (liability, vandalism & fire) and personnel costs for staffing it.  (Source: HDR presentation to the BOC)
How will the pier generate revenue for the town?
Operating revenues have not been estimated, but are anticipated to include admission and fishing fees, increased parking revenues, and increased occupancy tax revenues. Any increase in sales tax revenue would be insignificant due to the way it is allocated within the county. (Source: Town Budget)
Will the pier generate a profit?
Most likely no, since it is very doubtful if pier revenues will exceed operating and maintenance costs, let alone cover debt service costs. Â (Source: HDR report on lifecycle costs)
Can parking revenue pay for the pier?
Partially, but all parking revenues are currently being used to pay other expenses, including the debt service cost of the pier property purchase. These expenses would need to be reduced, and/or parking fees increased, before parking revenues could be used to cover a meaningful portion of the debt service cost of the bonds. (Source: Town Budget)
Can we save the existing pier?
Possibly, but according to our engineering studies, it would cost more than to replace it, and the old pier does not comply with current building codes and would not be as strong as a new one. (Source: HDR report)
How much will it cost to remove the existing pier?
The $7.3M Not-To-Exceed estimate includes removal of the existing pier. There is no cost estimate for removing the existing pier without replacing it. (Source: HDR report)
Will there be a new pier building?
Most likely, but there are no viable plans or cost estimates at this time, and the building design is dependent on the fate of the pier. Â There are significant PARTF grant restrictions on what functions the building can support (i.e., it must be dedicated as a recreation site for the use and benefit of the public for a minimum of 25 years). (Source: PARTF Grant Contract)
Is a Public-Private Partnership a viable approach to pay for the pier or the building?
Possibly, but it would be a very complex arrangement that must meet the requirements of the PARTF grant and would require Local Government Commission approval. (Source: NC Session Law 2013-401; House Bill 857)
Update –
The Board spent a significant amount of time spent revising the list of frequently asked questions regarding the pier bond referendum. They went through each one of these questions and modified the wording on many of them. There were too many changes made for this list to be updated by us at this time. The Board needs to review the revised list of FAQ’s prior to release to the public. They agreed by consensus that the updated version pier referendum FAQ’s will be posted on the towns website and they will send it out to the Towns e-mail news distribution list.
This Board has outlined the necessary steps and costs for constructing a new pier and is presenting the decision to the community through a public referendum. The referendum allows for the public to decide whether to spend the money for a pier not just the five (5) Board members. Personally, I believe that most of the public would like to have a pier but the high cost may lead to limited public support. I just don’t think that the island property owners are willing to pay for it.
Editor’s note –
Received the following anonymous email from HBVoter
Do not know who sent it or who else they sent it to
That said, we are including it, as submitted, so that you get another point of view
 Let’s talk about the Pier Bond Referendum
 Dear Holden Beach Voters,
The Holden Beach Commissioners have voted to put the Pier Bond referendum on the 2025 November ballot. They are asking the voters if they want to pay to rebuild the Pier instead of unilaterally deciding like the previous board (that included Page Dyer and Rick Smith) did with the Pier property purchase; here’s your chance to make your voice heard.
Here are some critical facts about the new Pier:
★    The Pier Cannot be insured! If it gets destroyed the taxpayers will continue to pay the debt with nothing to show for it
â—‹Â Â Â Â Â Would you build a $7.3M home and not insure it? So why would/should the taxpayers build a $7.3M structure that is in the direct path of hurricanes?
★    Taxes will go up 22.6% based on the total cost of $11.6M ($7.3M + interest)
â—‹Â Â Â Â Â $31.6 per $100k property value per year
â– Â Â Â Â Â That means a $1M home would pay $316/year or $6,320 over 20 years
○     Is this the best use of our money? Wouldn’t this money be better spent on critical infrastructure such as:
â– Â Â Â Â Â Sand Renourishment – FEMA and the CORE will likely not help us when we have our next hurricane
â– Â Â Â Â Â New Fire Station – Holden Beach needs a year-round fire station on the island, not just 7am-7pm during tourist season
â– Â Â Â Â Â Stormwater mitigation – We need to be able to drive down Ocean Blvd after a storm
â– Â Â Â Â Â Sewer Sub-Stations – Replacement pumps are expensive!
★    A BOC could still build a Pier if the referendum does not pass
â—‹Â Â Â Â Â If the referendum does not pass in November, a BOC could still build a new pier similar to how the previous board (that included Page Dyer and Rick Smith) did when they BOUGHT the Pier property against the wishes of the homeowners BUT:
â– Â Â Â Â Â The LGC would not let the town borrow the money if the voters voted against a tax increase via the referendum
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- A new BOC could still use savings to build the pier without a loan – but this savings should be going toward critical infrastructure (Sand Renourishment, Fire Station, Stormwater Mitigations, Sewer Sub-Stations, etc.) not an amenity like the Pier (which cannot be insured!)
- A new BOC could impose a tax assessment to pay for the Pier regardless of the Voters’ wishes (A tax assessment is a fixed dollar amount added to every property tax)
- This is why it’s important to elect new commissioners that will respect the referendum vote (Chad Hock and Maria Surprise)
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â—‹Â Â Â Â Â The Commissioners would be proceeding against the voters’ express wishes if they proceeded to build a new Pier. Going against the voters who voted them into office to represent them is not a smart idea. Wait, that’s exactly what the previous board (which included Page Dyer and Rick Smith) did when they bought the Pier for $3.3M. But remember the ‘3’ replaced that board, and it is VERY unlikely they would vote to go against the voters choice – isn’t that why they voted to have the referendum? To let the voters decide if they wanted a new Pier – so let’s vote to keep like-minded people in the majority like Chad Hock and Maria Surprise (BTW, Page Dyer and Rick Smith voted against the referendum initially)
 ★    The Pier will NEVER be self-sustaining or financially viable.
○     This cost does NOT include the loan repayment cost for the $7.3M loan to BUILD the Pier
○     Do the math. The projected Maintenance cost alone is projected to be an average of $72k/year for 20 years.
○     $72,000/365 days/$10 (1 rod cost on Oak Island) = 20 people fishing on the pier every single day of the year to pay for the maintenance cost only
○     This cost does NOT include the loan repayment cost for the $3.3M loan to BUY the Pier property
â—‹Â Â Â Â Â This cost does NOT include operating cost – liability insurance, electricity, water, cleaning, trash, employee costs, etc.
â—‹Â Â Â Â Â So, if you’re expecting a new Pier to pay for itself with fishing fees it will never happen. It’s a recreational amenity like the parks or the basketball/pickleball court – it is not a business, which is why a Public-Private Partnership) PPP was never a viable option for building the pier (even though Page Dyer brings a PPP up at every BOC meeting)
★    The Pier will not bring in significant additional economic benefits to Holden beach
○     There has not been a decrease in Occupancy tax during the last three years that the Pier has been closed, proving that tourists are coming to Holden Beach for the BEACH not the Pier.
â—‹Â Â Â Â Â Paying $11.6M for an uninsurable Pier is an extremely high risk venture for the taxpayers who would be funding it
So please get out and VOTE NO for the Pier Referendum in the November 4th election!! You need to make your voice heard to the commissioners. It will be much harder for the BOC to build a Pier if the referendum does not pass
And while you’re there voting I highly encourage you to vote for Maria Surprise and Chad  Hock – let’s keep the momentum going on making fact based fiscally sound decisions and letting the voters weigh in on important decisions like the Pier.
Municipal Elections –
2025 Municipal Elections
The following candidates have officially filed for Holden Beach municipal electionsÂ
Holden Beach Mayor
Mike Felmly      137 Carolina Avenue   Holden Beach
Alan Holden     128 OBW             Holden Beach (incumbent)
Holden Beach Commissioner
Robert Brown    109 Crab Street        Holden Beach
Sylvia Pate       11 Charlotte Street    Holden Beach
Keith Smith      105 Durham          Holden Beach
Maria Surprise   159 OBE              Holden Beach
Chad Hock       1222 OBW            Holden Beach
Board of Commissioners Duties and Responsibilities include:
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- adopting the annual budget
- establishing the annual tax rate
- enacting local ordinances and Town policies
- formulating policies for the conduct of Town operations
- making appointments to advisory boards and committees
- oversee long range plans for the community
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2025 Municipal Election Guide Brochure (PDF)
Women voters league to host Brunswick County municipal candidate forums
With Election Day two months away on Nov. 4, area candidate forums are heating up. In October, the League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear is asking for Brunswick County residents who live and vote in Leland, Oak Island, Southport and Holden Beach to join them for four forums. All will be non-partisan, representing candidates in the municipal elections. Voters are welcome to submit questions to LWVLCF.org. Deadlines for Leland and Oak Island are Sept. 20 and Sept. 27 for Southport and Holden Beach.
The schedule is below and all forums are held 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Oct. 6 — Leland Candidate Forum:
Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way
Oct. 9 — Oak Island Candidate Forum:
Oak Island Town Offices, 4601 E. Oak Island Dr.
Oct. 14 — Southport Candidate Forum:
Southport Community Building, 223 E. Bay St.
Oct. 17 —  Holden Beach Candidate Forum:
Holden Beach Town Hall, 110 Rothschild St.
Additional information about voting and registering to vote can be found here.
LWV 2025 Brunswick Municipal Election Forums
Submit up to five (5) questions for the candidates
Deadline to submit questions is no later than September 27th
Submit Questions » click here
General Comments –
BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, October 21stÂ
Bryan Chadwick our new Town Manager will start at the end of the month
Town of Holden Beach hires new town manager
The Town of Holden Beach has a new town manager. In a Facebook post, the town announced that Bryan Chadwick has been selected to fill the role. “Mr. Chadwick, an ICMA Credentialed Manager, most recently served as the town administrator for the Town of Archer Lodge,†the town stated. “He has over 25 years of local government experience, with a background in law enforcement and key leadership roles throughout this time.†Chadwick has worked for the towns of Newport, North Topsail Beach, Indian Beach, and Pine Knoll Shores. The town states Chadwick will begin his employment within the next 45 days. The Board of Commissioners approved his contract at their meeting on Tuesday night. The previous town manager, David Hewett, was fired in Nov. 2024 in a vote of 3-2 by the board of commissioners. Mayor J. Alan Holden said at the time that he and the two commissioners who voted against terminating Hewett were surprised by the motion. The commissioners voted to appoint Assistant Town Manager Christy Ferguson as the interim town manager until a more permanent replacement could be found. “We are very excited to have Mr. Chadwick join us in Holden Beach and look forward to working together,†the town stated.
Read more » click here
It’s not like they don’t have anything to work on …
The following seven (7) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:
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- Accommodation/Occupancy Tax Compliance – 2018
- Block Q Project/Carolina Avenue – 2021
- Dog Park – 2019
- Fire Station Project – 2023
- Pavilion Replacement – 2024
- Pier Properties Project – 2021
- Rights-of-Way – 2021
- Accommodation/Occupancy Tax Compliance – 2018
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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.
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Lost in the Sauce –
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From 2024
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Hurricane Season
For more information » click here.
Be prepared – have a plan!
No matter what a storm outlook is for a given year,
vigilance and preparedness is urged.
Hurricane season’s peak has arrived, but the Atlantic has gone silent
Atlantic hurricane season has hit a September speed bump. The season’s peak will pass this week with no active storms for the first time in nearly a decade. June is when the six-month-long season begins, but the true bulk of hurricane activity occurs from mid-August through September and into the first half of October. Right in the middle is September 10, the statistical high point of the season. An active tropical storm or hurricane has roamed somewhere in the Atlantic on that date in roughly three-fourths of the 76 years tracked by NOAA. The Atlantic is pitching a shut out on its official peak this year – a feat that last happened in 2016. The season’s last storm was Tropical Storm Fernand, which fizzled out far from land on August 28. The National Hurricane Center expects the Atlantic to remain quiet for at least the next week. If that happens, it would be the farthest into September the Atlantic has gone without a named storm forming since 1992, according to the National Weather Service in New Orleans. Bonnie was the first September storm that year, forming on September 18.
September’s special sauce
September is when the most real estate is open for hurricanes to form in the Atlantic thanks to a collision of weather ingredients. The most basic building block is that water temperatures reach their warmest levels after basking in summer’s heat. Right now, much of the Atlantic basin has plenty of warmer-than-average water for prospective storms to tap into. These temperatures aren’t at the record levels set in 2023 and 2024, but they’re still warmer than they should be, driven higher in a world warming due to fossil fuel pollution. Hurricane Erin took advantage of that warmth, becoming one of the fastest-strengthening Atlantic hurricanes on record when it hit Category 5 status in mid-August. However, warm water is only one piece of the puzzle, as September is showing us right now. The tropical Atlantic has been enveloped in dry, stable air so far this month, which is one of the main reasons it’s unusually quiet. Dry air can squash a storm’s ability to generate rainfall, and it’s typically less abundant at this time of year than earlier in the season. An area of stormy weather the hurricane center tracked for development between Africa and the Caribbean last week succumbed to this hostile factor. Wind shear – changes in wind speed and direction at different levels of the atmosphere – also tends to be lowest at this point. Shear can rip apart fully developed hurricanes and tropical storms, as well as systems still in formative stages, though it wasn’t a huge obstacle for last week’s failed system. September is also when areas of showers and thunderstorms from western Africa make the trek west toward the Caribbean. These seeds for development, known as tropical waves, can spin-up storms when ingredients in the atmosphere and ocean cooperate.
How the season stacks up so far and what lies ahead
This season seems to be running closer to empty at a time of year it should be firing on all cylinders: Six named storms have formed so far, which is two fewer than the average by September 9, according to 1991 to 2020 data. Most of those storms have been short-lived, with Hurricane Erin’s more than 10-day-long journey being the exception. Erin remains the only hurricane so far this season, behind the typical pace of three forming by early September. Of course, impacts matter more than any numbers and several storms this year have already had dangerous outcomes. The leftover moisture from what once was Tropical Storm Barry helped fuel the devastating July 4 Texas floods. Just two days later, Tropical Storm Chantal triggered destructive and deadly floods in a narrow strip of North Carolina. In August, Hurricane Erin brought heavy rain and strong winds to the northeast Caribbean before growing in size and churning up high surf and dangerous rip currents along the East Coast. Looking forward, just over 50% of the entire hurricane season’s activity occurs after the September 10 peak, according to one measure. And we’ve seen a number of hurricanes pack a huge punch in the back end of recent seasons. Last year, Hurricane Helene’s devastating impacts played out from Florida to Georgia, western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee in late September. That was followed by Hurricane Milton’s strike on the Florida Peninsula in early October. In late September 2022, Category 4 Hurricane Ian delivered a catastrophic storm surge to southwest Florida. Destructive winds and flooding rain also pummeled the state’s peninsula. The bottom line is there’s still a long way to go before the season ends. It’s important to stay prepared, especially for those living in hurricane-prone areas.
Read more » click hereÂ
It’s the typical peak of Atlantic hurricane season. Where are all the storms?
Subtropical ocean temperatures across the planet are at record-high levels. Here’s why that may be having a counterintuitive effect on hurricane season.
It’s Sept. 10, the typical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. Normally, there would be a tropical storm or hurricane swirling around — or at least the threat of one forming. But the Atlantic Ocean is currently devoid of tropical depressions, storms and hurricanes — and on their website, the National Hurricane Center prominently displays a map of an empty basin that says “Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days.â€Â This comes after a disturbance last week, which had high odds of developing near the Caribbean islands, disintegrated after choking on dry, dusty air from the Sahara and is no longer a threat. And it’s not just the Atlantic. The tropics across the Northern Hemisphere have experienced less than 60 percent of their normal activity so far this year. That’s according to accumulated cyclone energy, or ACE, an integrated metric of tropical cyclone winds and longevity. So, what’s going on? Does it mean that hurricane season, which surged to life with Category 5 Erin last month, is fizzling out unexpectedly early? Not so fast. But there is something unusual going on. Subtropical oceans across the planet, including regions of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, have surged to record levels of warmth, and that may be having the counterintuitive effect of contributing to fewer tropical storms. During August, subtropical oceans across the globe averaged 74.4 degrees, tying the record mark for August set just one year ago. On the other hand, tropical oceans, especially in the eastern and southern Atlantic, have cooled notably compared to last year’s record warmth — part of the reason 2024’s hurricane season was so busy. Because the subtropics have warmed significantly and the tropics have cooled, there’s less of a temperature difference, called a gradient, between the two regions. A weaker temperature gradient tends to lead to more stable, calmer atmospheric patterns in areas where storms typically form. Hurricanes play an important role in transferring heat from the tropics toward the poles. When the temperature difference between these regions decreases, that role somewhat diminishes and there may be a reduced tendency for storms to form. Also, a weather variable known as the atmospheric lapse rate — the rate at which air cools from the ground up through the atmosphere — has been weaker than normal across the Atlantic. A smaller lapse rate means rising air cools faster than its surroundings, so it can’t keep rising, making it harder for clouds and storms to form. Overall, this has meant that environmental conditions are less conducive to tropical storm development, with several meteorologists picking up on the trend. “I think what it shows is we have to look beyond just [rising] sea surface temperatures when we consider the implications of a warming climate,†said meteorologist Andy Hazelton. In a warming world, scientific research has found declining trends in the frequency of tropical storms in some ocean basins. However, storms that do form may become stronger and produce more rain. The subtropical ocean warming trend may also allow tropical storms to form or persist farther away from the tropics.
Dust from the Sahara
As seasonal winds strengthen across Africa, dust and sand from the Sahara get swept high into the atmosphere and carried thousands of miles, often across the Atlantic Ocean. When this hot, dry air mixes into the circulation of a developing tropical storm, it can stunt growth by cutting off the storm’s access to moisture. That’s what happened to a storm that had a high probability of developing last week. This season, dusty air probably influenced the behavior of a few storms, although there has been less dust than normal. Still, dust concentrations alone cannot fully explain the dearth of tropical disturbances.
Will there be a storm soon?
It’s important to remember that hurricane season is a marathon, not a sprint. Months still remain before the season ends after Nov. 30. Forecasters are closely watching a tropical cluster of clouds and thunderstorms that typically tracks around the planet every 30 to 60 days called the Madden-Julian Oscillation. It’s like an energy drink for storms, sparking conditions that are more conducive to their formation, such as rising air and towering thunderstorms, more moisture and spin in the lower levels of the atmosphere. This storm spark plug is currently located in the Pacific Ocean but is predicted to reach the Atlantic in late September into October — potentially providing some of the season’s most prime conditions for hurricane formation in a few weeks. Defense Department meteorologist Eric Webb said in a message that he thinks the period from late September through about early to mid-October is when hurricane-forming factors will intersect most comprehensively in the Atlantic, raising the risk of storms. From late September into October, fewer storms emerge from Africa as the monsoon season there begins to wane. Instead, hurricane tracks begin to favor the western part of the basin, such as the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, because it’s the focal point of ocean heat — which is currently above-average. In August, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a La Niña watch. Cool waters in the tropical Pacific Ocean — a hallmark of La Niña — can reduce the level of clouds and thunderstorms there while enhancing it over the Atlantic. This may mean that the bulk of this season’s hurricane activity may occur late and linger longer.
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