08 - Town Meeting * Lou's Views

Lou’s Views

“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments

BOC’s Regular Meeting 08/18/26

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here

Audio Recording » click here

1. Consent Agenda Items

a) Police Report – Chief Barger
Agenda Packet – pages 13 – 21

Police Report » click here

b) Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans
Agenda Packet – pages 22 – 25

Inspections Report » click here

c) Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 26 – 28

Finance Report » click here

d) Public Works Department Report – Public Works Director Benton
Agenda Packet – pages 29 – 30

Public Works Report » click here

The Board approved the consent agenda items

2. Discussion and Possible Action on Amended Fund Balance Policy – Town Manager Chadwick
. a. Resolution 26-09, Resolution Amending the Fund Balance Policy

Agenda Packet – pages 31 – 35

Fund Balance Policy/Resolution 26-09 » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action approving an update to the Fund Balance Policy.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The current general fund balance policy states the fund balance will be maintained with a balance of 40 to 70 percent. If the audited fund balance is more than 70 percent and the BOC chooses to continue this policy, the funds over 70 percent will be transferred to the Beach & Inlet Capital Reserve Fund.

At the last meeting, I recommended a transfer and explained in the cover sheet that I would be recommending updates to the current fund balance policy.

With an increase in capital needs being discussed, funding trends making it more difficult for federal and state funding to be obtained and some longer wait times to receive reimbursement, there is a definite need to increase fund balance if those needs arise.

I am recommending the following updates to the current policy:

- Increase the amount to be maintained in the General Fund Balance at a minimum of 50 percent and a maximum of 100 percent fund balance. Anything over 100 percent will continue to be transferred to the Beach & Inlet Capital Reserve Fund with Board approval.
- Remove section “c” in the policy. This has been discussed with the commissioners and you will be deciding once it is refunded. Either way it will be sunset and doesn’t need to remain in the policy.
  c. Annually, beginning with the adoption and implementation of the 1 July 2019 budget, the refunded PNC surety monies remitted to the Town of Holden Beach from Brunswick County shall be escrowed in the Beach Renourishment and Inlet Management Fund.
- Remove “Administrative Authorization” Any authorizations should come from the Board of Commissioners.
- Change highlighted portions to maintain consistency throughout the document.

Previously reported – July 2026

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action approving a transfer from the General Fund fund balance to the Beach and Inlet Reserve Fund.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The current general fund balance policy states the fund balance will be maintained with a balance of 40 to 70 percent. If the audited fund balance is more than 70 percent and the BOC chooses to continue this policy, the funds will be transferred to the Beach and Inlet Reserve Fund.

The last audited fund balance amount of the general fund was $3,410,317 which was 82% fund balance. To reduce the fund balance to the 70 percent threshold, the amount to be transferred is $499,070.

Please note I will be recommending a change to the fund balance policy in the future. To account for federal and state funding trends, I will recommend the balance be maintained at 50 to 100 percent. Anything over 100 percent will be transferred to the Beach and Inlet Fund.

Editor’s note –
It shall be the Fund Balance Policy of the Town of Holden Beach to maintain a minimum of 40% and a maximum of 70% of unassigned fund balance in the General Fund.

The Fund Balance Policy has been in place for eight years and directs how excess General Fund dollars, including unspent property tax revenue, are to be used. The original policy set aside excess funds for future beach nourishment projects. The current Board requested further discussion with the Town Manager before transferring any funds. A motion was made for Town staff to review the policy and present recommended changes to the Board at the next regular meeting.

Update –
The current Fund Balance Policy requires the General Fund to maintain an unassigned fund balance of at least 40% and no more than 70%. The Board agreed to revise the policy to establish a minimum of 50% and a maximum of 100%. Any funds exceeding 100% will be transferred to the Beach & Inlet Capital Reserve Fund.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

3. Discussion and Possible Approval of Amended Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Schedule – Town Clerk Finnell

Agenda Packet – pages 36 – 37

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Approval of Amended Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Schedule

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Due to scheduling conflicts with the October regular meeting date, it is recommended that the Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Schedule be updated . The proposed new date for the regular meeting is October 27^th.

The suggested motion is to approve the amended Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Schedule.

Update –
The Board rescheduled the BOC’s Regular meeting from October 20^th to October 27^th.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

4. Discussion and Possible Action on Audit Committee Vacancies – Town Clerk Finnell

Agenda Packet – pages 38 – 40

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action on Audit Committee Vacancies

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Section 30.27 of the Code of Ordinance requires the Audit Committee to be comprised of a minimum of three full members. The applicant selected at the July meeting did not accept the appointment so currently there are only two members serving on the committee . There are no remaining applicants from the last round of interviews the Board conducted . If the Board agrees, staff can solicit interest from the community and schedule a special meeting for September 15^th at 4:45 p.m. to interview applicants.

§ 30.27 AUDIT COMMITTEE.

(A) Creation, name and number of members. There is hereby established an Audit Committee which shall be comprised of not less than three or more than four residents or property owners of the town as full members , plus one alternate.

Update –
There are two vacancies on the Audit Committee: one regular member seat and one alternate member seat. The consensus of the Board was to proceed with filling the vacancies. Interviews will be scheduled at a Special Meeting on September 15^th prior to the BOC’s Regular Meeting.

THB Newsletter (08/21/26)
Volunteers Needed
The Town’s Audit Committee has vacancies and is looking for volunteers. Click here to view information on the committee. Interviews for the committee will be held on Tuesday, September 15th at 4:45 p.m. Click here to access an application if you are interested in applying to serve. Completed applications can be emailed to heather@hbtownhall.com or dropped off at Town Hall prior to September 4th.

5. Town Manager Report – Town Manager Chadwick

Town Manager Report » click here

Bryan reviewed the Town Manager Report

Ocean Boulevard Stormwater
The stormwater project is underway in coordination with NCDOT
Project drawings are not yet available

Previously reported – July 2026
Environmental evaluations and design level activities for both project areas continue
Field assessments heading toward regulatory confirmation
Survey team will pick up environmental flag locations to add to base map
Internal construction sheet reviews will begin over the next several days
Coordination with NCDOT

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.

Block Q Master Plan
Block Q stakeholder meetings have been completed. The BOC’s work session and Parks and Recreation Board input meetings have been scheduled.

Block Q Stage Area
The Block Q Stage dedication and ribbon cutting will be held September 4^th at 11:00 a.m.

Previously reported – July 2026
Building is completed and in full use
They hosted the first concert there on Sunday, July 5^th
Town staff worked diligently with the contractor to get this completed.

Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP)
Meetings have been held with the engineer, grant administrator, and CAT team
They are still identifying possible projects that qualify

Previously reported – July 2026
Survey is on Town website to help identify potential projects

Previously reported – June 2026
We are in Phase 2 which includes the following: Planning, Project Identification, and Prioritization

Previously reported – May 2026
The Town is currently participating in the 2025 – 2026 cycle of the North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP). The RCCP is a community-based initiative that greatly benefits from involvement, engagement and feedback among local stakeholders. Click here to view details on the program.

Previously reported – April 2025

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

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 25^th, if it is at all possible.

Canal Dredging
Plans are being made to dredge canals this coming winter
Staff is working on alternative disposal site
Staff is actively working with the Corps on the cost of dredge spoils disposal

Pier Property Site
Mid-Atlantic is supposed to start the pier underwater survey next week

Inlet Hazard Area
Staff will be attending the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) meeting on August 26^thand proposed changes to the Inlet Hazard Areas is on the agenda

Hot Button Items / Inlet Hazard Areas
For more information » click here

Dredging Area Maintenance
USACE is still conducting maintenance work at dredge spoil area DA293 which is off Sailfish

Fire Station
The Town is preparing an Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering and design services for the new fire station

Editor’s note –
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 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.

Previously reported – July 2025
The Planning Department is working on plans for a new fire station. Director Tim Evans talked to the State Fire Marshal and confirmed that the proposed fire station is the appropriate size, is in the appropriate location, and has the right staffing for a community of our size.

Previously reported – August 2025
Timbo gave a slide presentation that reviewed the justifications and requirements for a new fire station on the island at an estimated total cost of $3,375,000. He recommended that we should put the fire station project into the Capital Improvement Plan which will improve our Community Rating System. The improved Community Rating System ratings could get us additional savings on our insurance premium rates. The motion was made to put the fire station project into the Capital Improvement Plan as an unfunded requirement.

Fire Station Presentation » click here

Crosswalks
The Town is working on crosswalk enhancements and the addition of new crosswalks at other locations. Funding is now available at no cost to the Town.

Editor’s note –

- Town has been working with the NCDOT evaluating the situation
- Several years ago five crosswalks were approved at four locations with two at Jordan Boulevard
- The locations were determined by working with NCDOT on meeting their nine criteria
- The Town, based on community feedback, would like substantially more
- We currently have twenty-four public beach access points that should have crosswalks
- NCDOT indicated that any painting of crosswalks by the Town is considered unauthorized and illegal

Beach Access Points
Staff are working on identifying emergency access points on the west end of the island
Currently the farthest west emergency access is at the 800 block

Strategic Planning
The Strategic Planning session is expected to be held at the end of October or the beginning of November

National Beach Sweep
The Town will be participating in the National Beach Sweep on September 18^th and 19^th

Shag Lessons
The Town is accepting names for an interest list for shag lessons beginning October 9^th and running for six weeks

Bake-Off
Residents are invited to prepare a dessert for the Bake-Off on September 16^th

Stuff the Patrol Truck
The Police Department will collect school supplies at Sunday’s concert

No Wake Zone
The Town had requested a No Wake Zone in the Intracoastal Waterway from Blockade Runner Drive to Roger Street. Wildlife officials indicated they would approve the area from Rothschild Street to Conch Street, which is smaller than requested. Approval from USACE is still needed.

National Day of Service
The 25^th anniversary of 9/11 is approaching. In remembrance, Town of Holden Beach departments will hold a stair-climbing competition with the Town of Shallotte

In Case You Missed It

Father and son die after ocean rescue at Holden Beach
On Sunday morning (August 2, 2026), a father and his son drowned in a swimming incident while vacationing at Holden Beach. The victims were identified as Daniel Jason Roberts, 46, and his son, Dylan Daniel Roberts, 20. Reports indicate the son entered the water to try and save his father who appeared to be in distress. Emergency crews responded to the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard West after Brunswick County Communications received reports of two people struggling in the water. Both men received advanced life support but were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not confirmed whether a rip current caused the deaths, though weather reports showed moderate to high rip current risk that weekend.

National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On February 3, 2026, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2026.

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

What He Did Not Say

Remind everyone it’s Hurricane Season – be prepared, have a plan!

Public Service Announcements

- Remember that parking ordinances are strictly enforced, including pay-to-park requirements. Do not block the emergency beach accesses located on the far east end, at the pier, the 500 block or the 800 block. These accesses are for emergency response access, not temporary parking to unload passengers or beach equipment. Blocking accesses creates a life threatening time delay to emergency response.
- The bike lines are for bikes, not Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) and not for parking. Bicyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet.
- LSVs are still required to follow the same traffic laws as every other motor vehicle, including travel lane regulations and very importantly seat belt and child restraint regulations.
- Pets are required to be on a leash at all times when off of your property, and no pets are allowed on the beach strand from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Beach equipment must be removed daily and cannot be left overnight. Storage of beach equipment on the frontal dunes is also restricted. Items left unattended will be removed and discarded as trash.
- Fireworks and pyrotechnics create a safety risk to the operator and bystanders as well as a fire hazard to the dune vegetation and houses. Fireworks are illegal on the island; possession of fireworks is a Class 2 misdemeanor which carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If you light it, we write it.

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

A reminder of the Town’s beach strand ordinances:
…..1) Chapter 90 / Animals / §90.20 / Responsibilities of owners
…….a) pets are not allowed on the beach strand except between 5p.m. and 9a.m. daily
…….b) dog’s must be on a leash at all times
…….c) owner’s need to clean up after their animals
…..2) Chapter 94 / Beach regulations / §94.05 / Digging of holes on beach strand
…….a) digging holes greater than 12 inches deep without responsible person there
…….b) holes shall be filled in prior to leaving
…..3) Chapter 94 / Beach regulations / §94.06 / Placing obstructions on the beach strand
…….a) all unattended beach equipment must be removed daily by 6:00pm

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

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

Police Chief encourages everyone to download the app

NC Police Connect on the AppStore

Upcoming Events

2026 Concert Schedule
The 2026 concert schedule is now available. Enjoy the sounds of summer at our FREE concert series. Concerts are held on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. throughout the summer.

Click here to view the schedule.

Beginning May 24^thand continuing through September 6^th

HBPOA Labor Day Meeting
HBPOA meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5^th at Town Hall

6. Public Comments on General Items

The new public restrooms do not have any clear signage identifying the building or directing people to the facilities. While the parking sign indicates that short-term free parking is available for restroom users, there does not appear to be any other indication of what the building is for. Without signage, it is unclear how the public would know if the restrooms are available. Anecdotally, this seems to be the case, as most activity still appears to be centered around the old bathrooms. At a minimum, I would recommend placing a sign on each side of the building. It may also be prudent to add signs along Jordan Boulevard directing visitors toward the restrooms. Given the significant investment in these facilities, I do not think they should remain underutilized simply because the public is unaware they are there.

General Comments

HBPOA Labor Day Meeting
HBPOA meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5^th at Town Hall.

BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, September 15^th

THB Newsletter (08/17/26)

Brunswick County Moves from Stage 3 to Stage 2 Water Restrictions

Due to encouraging trends in drought conditions, water usage and system demands, Brunswick County has moved from a Stage 3 Water Shortage Warning to a Stage 2 Mandatory Water Conservation Alert. Under Stage 2, some water restrictions are reduced or removed and the automatic irrigation schedule is expanded.

Stage 2 – Key Reminders & Main Restrictions

This is a select list of some of the main differences under a Stage 2 Mandatory Water Conservation Alert. See the full list on the website at BrunswickCountyNC.gov/WaterWise.

Automated outdoor irrigation days are increased

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

The following five (5) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:
- - - - 2019 – Dog Park
      - 2021 – Pier Properties Project
      - 2021 – Rights-of-Way
      - 2021 – Block Q Project/Carolina Avenue
      - 2023 – Fire Station Project
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.

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.
Beach Nourishment Need
Fire Station Need
Water Tank Need/Want
Pier Want
Captain Pete’s Property Want
.
We do not have sufficient resources to fund all of these projects. If we use the available funds for wants rather than needs, we will be unable to address our essential priorities. If additional funding is needed, a property tax increase will be required—plain and simple.

.

Lost in the Sauce

.

From 2024 / Blocking Emergency Beach Accesses

Previously reported – June 2024
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
No Action – Discussion on emergency beach access

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

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

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

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

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

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

Previously reported – August 2024
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on amending Town Ordinance§ 94.06 Placing Obstructions on the Beach. Possible action to add clause (C) prohibiting beach equipment from blocking emergency accessways.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
At our last BOC meeting, Chief Dixon and Chief Todd discussed issues they are having getting onto the beach and travelling down the beach due to people setting up their beach equipment. Town Ordinance § 94.06 already establishes a travel lane by the dune, but an additional clause is needed to address emergency vehicle accessways.

Proposed new clause: (C) All beach equipment shall be set at least ten feet from any emergency vehicle accessway. Existing ordinance:

Chief Todd (Tri-Beach Fire) & Chief Dixon previously requested the Board address emergency access issues regarding getting on to the beach strand. Mayor Pro Tem Myers proposed adding a clause prohibiting beach equipment from blocking emergency accessways. Both the fire chief and the police chief do not feel that this will do any good. Commissioner Smith wants input from both the fire chief and the police chief as to their recommendations. The Board wants them to tell us what needs to be done.

Commissioners Dyer said previously they had put on the agenda discussing adjusting the prohibited hours and that still needs to be addressed. David stated that more importantly we need additional beach strand access points and that has to be considered a priority for the Board.

Well, I am disappointed that neither chief offered any viable alternatives nor did they benchmark what the other beach communities are doing to address this issue.
From 2025 / Permanently Close a Portion of Carolina Avenue

Previously reported – May 2022
North Carolina Statute §160A-299, lays out the process to permanently close a street/alley. Attached is a summary of the process (Attachment 1).

A draft resolution of intent is included for your review (Attachment 2). In order for the Board to adopt the resolution of intent to close Carolina Avenue from its intersection with Jordan Boulevard to its intersection with Quinton Street, it would require a property survey of the specific road area proposed to be closed to obtain a metes and bounds description.

Staff seeks direction on if the Board would like to move forward with the process to close a portion of Carolina Avenue and on related Block Q site development actions.

The intent is to close Carolina Avenue from its intersection with Jordan Boulevard to its intersection with Quinton Street. David provided a draft of a proposed Resolution that will have to be adopted by the Board in order to proceed. A Public Hearing will also be required to move forward. He outlined the steps necessary to make this happen. Motion was made to move forward with the process as outlined.

Previously reported – July 2022
At the May 17^th meeting, the Board instructed staff to move forward with the process to close a portion of Carolina Avenue between Quinton Street and Jordan Boulevard. A survey for the area has been completed. The metes and bounds description has been added to the draft resolution of intent presented at the May meeting (Attachment 1).

Staff is proposing that the required public hearing be held at the September 20, 2022 meeting. This will allow staff time to advertise the public hearing for four successive weeks, post the property and mail any required notices required per North Carolina Statute §160A-299. Attached is the summary of the process that was presented at the May meeting (Attachment 2).

If the Board would like to move forward with the closure of Carolina Avenue between Quinton Street and Jordan Boulevard, the suggested motion is to approve Resolution 22-07, Resolution of Intent to Permanently Close a Portion of Carolina Avenue and schedule the public hearing for September 20, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

§ 160A-299. Procedure for permanently closing streets and alleys.
(a) When a city proposes to permanently close any street or public alley, the council shall first adopt a resolution declaring its intent to close the street or alley and calling a public hearing on the question. The resolution shall be published once a week for four successive weeks prior to the hearing, a copy thereof shall be sent by registered or certified mail to all owners of property adjoining the street or alley as shown on the county tax records, and a notice of the closing and public hearing shall be prominently posted in at least two places along the street or alley. At the hearing, any person may be heard on the question of whether or not the closing would be detrimental to the public interest, or the property rights of any individual. If it appears to the satisfaction of the council after the hearing that closing the street or alley is not contrary to the public interest, and that no individual owning property in the vicinity of the street or alley or in the subdivision in which it is located would thereby be deprived of reasonable means of ingress and egress to his property, the council may adopt an order closing the street or alley. A certified copy of the order (or judgment of the court) shall be filed in the office of the register of deeds of the county in which the street, or any portion thereof, is located. Upon the closing of a street or alley in accordance with this section, subject to the provisions of subsection (f) of this section, all right, title, and interest in the right-of-way shall be conclusively presumed to be vested in those persons owning lots or parcels of land adjacent to the street or alley, and the title of such adjoining landowners, for the width of the abutting land owned by them, shall extend to the centerline of the street or alley.

NCGS 160A-299 state the Protocols for Permanently Closing Streets. The Resolution adopted by the Board is necessary in order to proceed. A Public Hearing is required to move forward and was scheduled.

Previously reported – September 2022
PUBLIC HEARING: Board of Commissioners’ Intent to Permanently Close a Portion of Carolina Avenue from its Intersection with Jordan Boulevard to its Intersection with Quinton Street

Public Hearing was held on their intent to close a portion of Carolina Avenue from its intersection with Jordan Boulevard to its intersection with Quinton Street.

If it is found to the satisfaction of the Board that closure is not contrary to public interest and no individual owning property in the vicinity of the street would be deprived of reasonable ingress or egress to the property, the Board could adopt Ordinance 22-20 (Attachment 1). The ordinance orders that the portion of Carolina Avenue from its intersection with Jordan Boulevard to its intersection with Quinton Street be closed effective immediately and directs that the order be filed in the office of the Register of Deeds.

Commissioner Murdock questioned whether it was necessary for a portion of the street to be closed immediately since we currently do not have a plan in place to utilize the property. Decision was to hold in abeyance until they have a plan in place.

Editor’s note –
Ordinance 22-20, which closed Carolina Avenue, was passed in 2022. We currently block Carolina Avenue on both Saturday and Sunday, the two busiest paid parking days of the week. The question is: why have we not closed the street yet?

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.

NOAA maintains prediction for below-normal Atlantic hurricane season
Need for U.S. residents to prepare remains
With the climatological peak of hurricane season approaching in early September, NOAA’s prediction for below-normal activity in the Atlantic basin remains. Forecasters from NOAA’s National Weather Service updated today the number of expected named storms to 7-13 (with winds of 39 mph or greater), of which 2-6 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater), including 0-2 major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater). These ranges cover the entire season from June 1 through November 30 and are inclusive of the two tropical storms that have already formed. NOAA forecasters predict a 75% chance for below-normal activity, with a 20% chance of a near-normal season, and just a 5% chance of above-normal activity. This updated prediction is similar to the initial outlook issued in May. In the Atlantic basin, a typical hurricane season will yield 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

Only Gulf storms in the Atlantic Basin so far
To date, the 2026 season has produced two named tropical storms, Arthur and Bertha, and no hurricanes. Tropical Storm Arthur was the first named storm of the Atlantic season. Forming in mid-June in the warm Gulf of America waters off the Texas coast, Arthur brought record rainfall to portions of Louisiana and spawned tornadoes along the Gulf coast. Bertha also formed in the Gulf, originating south of the Florida panhandle before making landfall in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. “Inland rainfall is a major cause of damage from tropical storms and hurricanes, as Arthur demonstrated,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “That’s why it’s important to prepare for every storm that’s projected to impact your area, even if it never reaches hurricane strength.”

Factors influencing the Atlantic hurricane season outlook
For the remainder of the season, tropical storm activity in the Atlantic basin is expected to be tempered by El Nino conditions, which first emerged in the equatorial Pacific in June. El Nino increases wind shear, which tends to prevent tropical storms from forming or from getting stronger once formed. Other less influential factors include temperatures near average in the Atlantic Ocean and a neutral west African monsoon. “When El Nino emerges, it usually becomes the dominant factor in total hurricane season activity, and this El Nino continues to get stronger every month,” said Matt Rosencrans, lead hurricane season forecaster with NOAA’s National Weather Service.“Compared to a mature El Nino, other mechanisms play a smaller role in determining the number and intensity of tropical storms in the Atlantic basin.”

Hurricane outlooks in other ocean basins
Although El Nino tends to limit tropical activity in the Atlantic, it can enhance storm development in the Pacific. NOAA’s outlook for the Eastern Pacific hurricane season remains unchanged with 15-22 named storms, which is above average. So far there have been seven named storms, of which two became hurricanes, including one major hurricane. An above-normal season is also expected in the Central Pacific basin, with 5-13 named storms and tropical depressions.

About NOAA’s Hurricane Season Outlook
NOAA’s Hurricane Season Outlook is for overall seasonal activity and is not a landfall forecast. Landfalls are largely determined by short-term weather patterns, which are only predictable within about a week of a storm potentially reaching land. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) provides tropical weather outlooks out to seven days in advance, provides track and intensity forecasts for individual storms and issues watches and warnings for specific tropical storms, hurricanes and the associated storm surge.

Stay informed
Consult the NHC website, hurricanes.gov, for the latest about tropical storm and hurricane activity in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean basins. You can also follow regular updates from NHC on X at @NHC_Atlantic offsite link and on Facebook. You can also access additional tips and resources to stay safe this season.
Read more » click here

Why the 2026 hurricane season is so quiet; what it means for NC coast
So far the 2026 hurricane season, which started June 1, has been very slow. How slow? It’s the quietest start to a hurricane season this century. Why?
For most of this hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center’s online map of the Atlantic basin has been showing a surprising image and message. Nothing with this text superimposed on the map: “Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days.” So far the 2026 season, which started June 1, has been the quietest start to a hurricane season this century. There have only been three named storms so far, and they’ve lasted a combined four days. Tropical Storm Arthur brought significant rain to parts of the Gulf coast and Southeastern United States in mid-June, but only after it dissipated. Tropical Storm Bertha in mid-July also brought rain to parts of the Gulf but didn’t cause much of a ruckus. And Tropical Storm Cristobal in August hung around for about a day in the middle of the Atlantic before petering out. Even a pair of tropical disturbances that held the possibility of forming into something or even combining into a bigger system before hitting the Caribbean in mid-August fizzled out. So what’s going on, and how soon could we see Dolly and Edouard?

The 2026 season is both normal and unusual
According to the hurricane center, things aren’t actually that unusual this year. “The first named storm typically forms in mid- to late June, the first hurricane tends to form in early to mid-August, and the first major hurricane forms in late August or early September,” the agency states on its website. The busiest part of hurricane season also runs roughly from mid-August into early October, with the peak day for activity being Sept. 10. But according to another factor, this season is a strange one. The Weather Channel reports that the accumulated cyclone energy, which measures how long storms last and how strong they get, for this hurricane season is unusually low. According to the weather site, the 2026 season is the slowest-starting hurricane season in terms of accumulated cyclone energy since 1998.

Enter El Niño
Across the board, meteorologists say the strengthening El Niño in the equatorial Pacific is playing a large role in squashing tropical activity in the Atlantic basin. El Niño is a natural climate pattern in which surface seawater temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific are warmer than normal. Meaning Little Boy in Spanish, El Niño was originally recognized by fishermen off the coast of South America with the appearance of unusually warm water in the Pacific around Christmas. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there’s a nearly 70% chance it could develop into a “super” El Niño, meaning its impacts could be greater than normal. If a super El Niño does develop, it could supercharge weather events across the world. For the U.S. South, which could mean wetter conditions with more heavy rainfall events this fall and winter − bringing much-needed relief to the ongoing drought situation in much of the Tar Heel State. In a world already cooking hotter than normal thanks to climate change, the weather pattern also could amplify extreme heat already baking much of the world. According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2025 was the third warmest year on record, only trailing 2024 and 2023, with sea-surface temperatures also setting records despite cooling La Niña weather patterns. El Niño can have a significant impact on the severity of the hurricane season in both the Atlantic and the Pacific. In the Atlantic, the weather pattern tends to reduce activity in the tropical Atlantic by bringing on stronger upper-level wind shear and sinking air, hindering the formation of tropical weather systems, while having the opposite effect and boosting activity in the Pacific. The Northwest Pacific has already seen three Category 5 storms this season, and in the Central Pacific Hurricane Lala just finished lashing Hawaii with 90 mph winds.

What happens now?
The latest forecast from Colorado State University is only calling for nine named storms this season, which would be an exceptionally low total, especially given how warm most of the tropical Atlantic is right now. In effect, the Caribbean has largely become a no-go zone for hurricane formation. “That’s a great indication of the power of El Niño, that it can develop in the Pacific, but still have a controlling role in weather patterns half a world away,” said N.C. Assistant State Climatologist Corey Davis. While North Carolina missing out on tropical weather might sound good on paper, it also comes with some other impacts. One of those is a loss of the rainfall such a system would bring to Eastern North Carolina, an area that largely remains in drought or a very dry state as of late August. The region relies on passing tropical weather for much of its summer precipitation that helps farmers and recharges underground aquifers. According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, the Port City had seen 25.3 inches of rain in 2026 as of Aug. 18. That compares to a normal average of nearly 36 inches. “Wilmington averages more than 8 inches of rain in both August and September, and it’s hard to get that much from the sort of spotty showers and storms we’ve seen in recent weeks,” Davis said. “While we certainly don’t wish for anything tropical, some areas could definitely use the rain to make a dent in this drought.” But on the flip side, El Niño normally brings above-average rainfall to the U.S. Southeast in the fall and winter. During the last strong El Niño in 2015, Wilmington has its wettest October on record and fourth-wettest winter, Davis said. “This all feels like a be-careful-what-you-wish-for sort of situation,” he said. “We need the rain now, but we’ll probably be sick of it in a few months.” Tim Armstrong, a meteorologist with the weather service’s Wilmington office, said even with El Niño hindering storm development across much of the tropics, which doesn’t mean Southeastern N.C. is out of the woods for storm development. “There’s still the subtropical Atlantic we have to watch closely,” he said. “El Niño doesn’t affect shear as much outside of the tropics, so a locally grown storm could more easily develop this fall and bring impacts to the Carolinas.” Past examples of these types of storms include Ophelia in 2005 and Diana in 1984. And the unnamed storm that swamped southern New Hanover County and parts of Brunswick County with 20 inches of rain in 2024 was another one of these storms, he added. Officials also continue to stress to coastal residents that even if it appears to be a relatively quiet season, it only takes one storm arriving on your doorstep to make it a terrible hurricane season. “And our own work suggests that it is very difficult to predict that quantity on a year-to-year basis since you are dealing with the statistics are very small numbers,” said Dr. Michael Mann, a meteorologist and scientist at the University of Pennsylvania. “But we do know that there is an increase over time in the maximum intensity of these storms driven by human-caused warming.”
Read more » click here

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

Lou’s Views . HBPOIN

. • Gather and disseminate information
. • Identify the issues and determine how they affect you
. • Act as a watchdog
. • Grass roots monthly newsletter since 2008

https://lousviews.com/