Lou’s Views
“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments
BOC’s Special Meeting 01/14/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here NA
Audio Recording » click here NA
1. Executive Session Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11 (a)(6), Personnel and 143-318.11(a)3), Consult with the Attorney – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas
BOC’s Special Meeting 01/21/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here NA
Audio Recording » click here NA
1. Interviews for Candidates Interested in Serving on the Audit Committee – Mayor Pro Tem Myers
We had six (6) candidates that applied to fill the two (2) vacancies on the Audit Committee as follows:
- Mike Felmly
- Grace Lam
- Cedric Scott
- David Shehdan
- Kent Steeve
- Mitchell Varner
BOC’s Regular Meeting 01/21/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet click here
Audio Recording » click here NA
The Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting and Special Meeting
scheduled for January 21st were canceled.
BOC’s Special Meeting 01/28/25
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet click here (01/21/25 agenda packet)
Audio Recording » click here
1. Public Comments on Agenda Items
There were comments made by fourteen (14) members of the public.
All of them addressed removing the pier building both for and against the proposal.
Almost sixty (60) percent of the meeting time was spent on public comments some were quite contentious.
2. Consideration and Possible Action to Award the Contract for Pier Engineering Services to HDR – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 54 – 61
HDR Contract » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to award the contract for pier engineering services to HDR.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
HDR was one of the companies who submitted proposals in response to the Town’s RFQ for the pier. At the December meeting, the BOC selected HDR after reviewing those proposals. Representatives from the firm will attend the meeting in case the BOC has questions regarding the contract proposal attached.
ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive contract and determine whether to award based on information obtained. Staff was asked to answer few questions by phone from the firm. HOR representatives were encouraged during the call to illuminate for the board any hesitations they may have with outlined deliverables.
FEE
HDR proposes to provide the Task 1-5 services (Option 01) on a lump sum basis for a total amount of Two Hundred and Twenty-Nine Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty Dollars ($229,430). HDR proposes to provide the Task 1-6 services (Option 02) on a lump sum basis for a total amount of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy Dollars ($250,870). A summary for each major task is listed below. No other services are presently expected. However, if additional services do become necessary, we will acquire authorization in advance from the Town and bill for these in accordance with HDR’s most current rate schedule or at an agreed to lump sum fee. This Proposal is valid for 30 days.
Task Amount Per Task
Task 1: Project Management and Administration $38,227.54
Task 2: Geotechnical Services $17,444.10
Task 3: Coastal Services $29,520.66
Task 4: Preliminary Repair Design $92,543.81
Task 5: Preliminary Reconstruction Design $51,691.35
Task 6: Preliminary 250-Foot Pier Extension $21,442.11
Total Proposed Budget (Tasks 1-5): $229,430.00
Total Proposed Budget (Tasks 1-6): $250,870.00
Previously reported – December
HDR Response » click here
The Town received four (4) responses to the RFQ. The request informed interested parties on what criteria they would use to make their selection. The proposals are for the development of preliminary designs and cost estimates for repair or replacement of the Town pier property. Commissioner Thomas made a motion to direct the staff to award the contract to HDR and move forward as appropriate. Apparently they were ready to move forward, and don’t want to delay this project anymore than it has been already.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
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 –
Representatives from HDR attended the meeting to clarify the contract proposal and address any concerns the Board still had. The Board had already got responses to all of their questions and concerns. Mayor Pro Tem Myers asked them to explain the difference in the proposals. The two (2) options are essentially the same with regards to the repair and reconstruction of the pier. The difference between the two options is including adding a two hundred and fifty (250) pier extension which was the original footprint of the pier structure. Commissioner Paarfus made a motion to move forward with the contract including the pier extension option. Christy pointed out the contract exceeded the amount they previously budgeted for this project and had them include in the motion that any overage would be covered with funds in the BPART account.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
3. Discussion and Possible Action on Removing the Pier Building – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas
Agenda Packet – pages 24 – 53
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discuss and Possible action on Removing the Pier Building
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Pier Building was last inspected by Holden Beach Inspection Dept on Sept 17, 2021 (see attached). At that time the summary was “The structure itself is in disrepair, but the west end may have some potential for modifications, other portions are beyond repair.”
The Engineering Report – Pier Building Assessment dated Sept 20, 202 l (see attached) concluded: “The original section of the building… could not be repaired and may be demolished. It follows that the smaller East side may also be demolished. The west side may be able to be salvaged but would require further assessment and analysis.” Since that time, the cost of construction has increased and the building has continued to decline such that there is no longer any potential for repair under Holden Beach ordinances.
Potential Motion:
Given the current situation and the fact that the Pier Building would be in the way of repairing or constructing a new pier, instruct staff to send out an RFP to remove the Pier Building.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Supports proposed motion
TOWN INSPECTION DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION:
Supports proposed motion
Update –
Both the Planning Department and engineering report both support the building being demolished. Based on the buildings deterioration and the increase in building costs it is now beyond repair and a tear down. Commissioner Thomas asked the Planning & Inspections Director Evans to explain why he supports this motion. Timbo stated that the building is a dilapidated structure and can no longer be salvaged. In addition, the building is in the way of repairing or replacing the pier structure. Assistant Town Manager Ferguson supported Timbo and stated that the town position is that steps need to be taken to remove the building. It boils down to not if we need to tear down the pier building but simply when. Commissioner Thomas made the motion to instruct staff to send out a Request For Proposal (RFP) to remove the pier building.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
4. Consideration and Possible Action to Formulate Federal Priorities for the Upcoming Year – Interim Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 94 – 95
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action to formulate federal priorities for the upcoming year.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
In the early part of each calendar year, the BOC is tasked with formulating the Town’s federal priorities that can be communicated for federal funding purposes and also to advocate for policy change. The attached memo outlines my recommendations for areas of attention that the board may want to pursue.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive information and direct interim town manager on execution of priorities.
After discussion with our federal advocates, Ward and Smith, the following are my recommendations for our federal priorities in this order.
Funding
- Ocean Boulevard Stormwater – 5113 Environmental Infrastructure program
- Lockwood Folly Inlet (LWF) Dredging Funding
- Exploring Additional Funding Opportunities for Projects- stormwater, pier, etc.
Policy
- LWF Dredging Sand Placement
- FEMA
a. Appropriate Funding Levels for Disaster Relief Fund
b. National Flood Insurance Program- follow developments and advocate for THB
While the board has an additional policy opportunity available, I would suggest leaving this open for other areas of concern that may surface during the year.
Update –
Christy after discussion with our federal advocates Ward and Smith proposed our federal priorities for funding and policy issues. Motion was made accepting what was laid out in the memo and also authority to issue the letters of support for these requests that will go to our congressional delegation.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
5. Discussion and Possible Action on Resolution 25-01, Resolution Prohibiting Viewing of Pornography on Town Networks and Devices – Town Clerk Finnell (Interim Town Manager Ferguson)
Agenda Packet – pages 96 – 97
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action on Resolution 25-01, Resolution Prohibiting Viewing of Pornography on Town Networks and Devices
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
NCGS §143-805 requires all public agencies to adopt a policy governing the use of its network and devices owned, leased, maintained, or otherwise controlled by the Town of Holden Beach. Staff’s proposed usage policy is attached.
Update –
Christy explained that we do not have an issue with any of the town employees. This is simply a housekeeping item. We are adopting the guidelines set by the North Carolina General Assembly Statutes.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Upcoming Events
Town of Holden Beach officially established on February 14, 1969
Celebrating our 56th Anniversary!
THB Newsletter (01/17/25)
Town Birthday Celebration
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its annual birthday celebration on Friday, February 14th at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP to Christy at [email protected] by January 31st so there is an accurate food count.
Swing Dance Lessons
The THB is taking an interest list for bi-monthly Friday night swing dance sessions
The first two events will be January 24th and February 14th
Storm Event
From the Mayor’s Desk (01/20/25)
The NC Department of Transportation is preparing the Brunswick Island bridges for the potential storm and cold weather. Please be mindful and prepare your personal property for extreme cold weather. Forecasted temperatures show a potential for wind chills in the teens.
From the Mayor’s Desk (01/21/25)
The approaching winter storm is expected to bring freezing rain and/or snow late this afternoon about 5:00 p.m. Accumulation of three inches or more is expected. The Holden Beach bridge has been prepped for snow and ice but it is still possible for it to ice over. If this happens, the bridge is subject to be closed for an extended period of time. Make plans accordingly. Be mindful that any weather updates may bring changes to the present expectations. Currently these extreme weather conditions may last through Thursday night. Town Hall will likely close early today. We will continue to monitor the weather. There will be no meetings at the Holden Beach Town Hall after 4:00 p.m. today. Please limit driving in the hazardous conditions.
From the Mayor’s Desk (01/21/25)
Bridge Closed
Snow and ice have caused the Holden Beach Bridge to freeze, creating a hazard to motorists. A near collision and loss of control has pushed us to make the tough decision to close the bridge to all traffic. We will advise the public as soon as conditions allow for safer travel.
From the Mayor’s Desk (01/22/25)
The Holden Beach Bridge is currently open but is still subject to being closed. The winter conditions have caused unsafe and hazardous traveling conditions on our streets. If you do not have to be on the roads, please stay home.
From the Mayor’s Desk (01/23/25)
Town Hall will remain closed tomorrow (Thursday, January 23rd) due to the weather conditions. Please stay off of the roads. The overnight and early morning commute will likely be treacherous due to black ice. Icy conditions on the bridge could potentially result in closure.
From the Mayor’s Desk (01/23/25)
The roads on Holden Beach have frozen back over and are extremely hazardous. The bridge is currently open but the Town is recommending emergency travel only.
Snow covers Brunswick County, officials warn of hazardous driving conditions
Brunswick County got a rare snow day on Wednesday, Jan. 22, as a winter storm dropped between two and five inches of snow across the county on Tuesday evening, Jan. 21 and into Wednesday morning. The storm’s impacts are expected to linger throughout the week. A rare occasion, a snow storm hit Brunswick County, resulting in significant accumulation. With schools closed and many primary and most secondary roads unsafe for travel, residents have been enjoying a couple days of winter fun. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) continues working to clear the roads, but roads remain hazardous on Thursday, Jan. 23. Local and state officials are encouraging residents to avoid travel if at all possible, warning of black ice along local roadways as temperatures dropped overnight and are forecast to barely climb above freezing on Thursday. Temperatures are set to drop well below freezing again Thursday evening and overnight. “The roads are definitely starting to turn into mush and melting, and tonight there is a good possibility for some black ice [into] tomorrow,” Brunswick County Sheriff Brian Chism said in an online statement. “If you don’t have to travel, if you don’t have to be on the roads – please stay home.” The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office in a Thursday morning statement said road conditions are just as bad as on Wednesday. Other local law enforcement agencies released similar statement Thursday, warning of icy roadways and encouraging folks to stay home if possible. “It is important to remember that below freezing temperatures will remain for the next few days. Any snowfall that does melt will refreeze each evening,” said North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray. “If you do not need to be on the roadways today, please stay home for your safety and for the safety of first responders and NCDOT working to clear the roads.” Additionally, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a special weather statement warning of “dangerous road conditions through Thursday morning,” as temperatures barely rose above freezing on Wednesday and Thursday. “What limited melting occurs will quickly refreeze this evening with expected lower temperatures in the lower teens,” the statement notes. Brunswick County Government will remain closed to the public Thursday, Jan. 23, and the county is currently operating at Level 2 (Partial Activation), with essential public safety and response staff monitoring and responding. Most area municipalities’ offices will remain closed Thursday as well. The bridges to the town of Holden Beach and to Sunset Beach’s island and Ocean Isle Beach’s island were closed Tuesday night into Wednesday morning due to the storm. The three bridges reopened Wednesday and remained open as of 6 p.m. However, town officials from all three towns have said the bridges are subject to closing again as the sun goes down. “NCDOT has treated the Sunset Beach bridge, and it is now open,” Sunset Beach Town Administrator Lisa Anglin said in a 12:30 p.m. statement on Wednesday. “However, public safety officials warn that if/when conditions deteriorate this afternoon and tonight the bridge is likely to close again. We anticipate conditions will be slow to improve in the morning, expect delays and hazardous conditions if you must travel first thing.” Holden Beach Mayor Alan Holden and the town of Ocean Isle Beach released similar statements on Wednesday morning regarding the town’s respective bridges being subject to re-closure. The three bridges have remained open throughout the day on Thursday. According to National Weather Service (NWS) snowfall reports from last night’s winter storm, five inches of snow fell in Ocean Isle Beach, 4.5 inches in Sunset Beach and Calabash, four inches in Ash, 3.8 inches in Holden Beach, between 2.1 and 3.5 inches in Varnamtown and two inches in Supply. Brunswick Beacon staffers have travelled around the county Thursday and say road conditions are bad across Brunswick County but appear to be the worst in and around Southport.
Read more » click here
General Comments
Mayor Alan Holden was not in attendance
Commissioner Page Dyer was not in attendance
Commissioner Rick Smith – was not in attendance
Posted on the Town Facebook Meeting Audio – Carlton Pittman
Having only 3 commissioners present further illustrates why it is important to have commissioners actually LIVE here, not just have their voting registration here. No offense to Commissioner Smith, but commissioners should actually LIVE here, not just have their voter registration here just to be able to run for a board seat.
THB Code of Ordinances – Quorum
§30.15 VOTING AND QUORUMS.
(A) Quorum. The Mayor and three Commissioners, or three Commissioners without the Mayor shall constitute a quorum (simple majority) of the Town BOC
Commissioner-Manager (weak Mayor) form of government
§30.02 FORM OF GOVERNMENT.
(A) The town shall operate under the Commissioner-Manager (weak Mayor) form of government. The legislative authority of the town shall be vested in the Mayor and Town Board of Commissioners, hereinafter referred to as the BOC, which shall consist of a Mayor and five Commissioners chosen as hereafter provided.
§30.04 MAYOR; DUTIES.
The Mayor shall serve as the chief spokesperson for the town and the chief advocate of formally approved and adopted town policy. In addition, the Mayor shall preside at meetings of the BOC; shall be recognized as head of the town government for all ceremonial purposes and by the governor for the purposes of disaster or emergency declarations. The Mayor shall sign ordinances and resolutions only on their passage; shall sign deeds, bonds, contracts and other instruments approved by BOC as required by law. Willful failure by a mayor to discharge their legal duties shall result in those duties being assumed by the Mayor Pro Tem by reason of disqualification, as set forth in § 30.05. Legal remedies for failure to discharge the duties of Mayor may result in legal censure or charges of contempt and may serve as grounds for impeachment. The Mayor shall convene the Town BOC in special called session when deemed necessary by the Mayor. Unless otherwise expressly provided by law or this chapter, the Mayor shall have no vote on any question before the Town BOC except in case of a tie.
North Carolina has created a very limited role for mayors. Our state laws leave many decisions about the management and operation of municipalities to the governing board, or, in jurisdictions operating in a council-manager form of government, to managers.
The council-manager form of government is the system of local government that combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a council or other governing body, with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. The form establishes a representative system where all power is concentrated in the elected council and where the council hires a professionally trained manager to oversee the delivery of public services.
Based on Separation of Functions:
. • Governing Board is Legislative and Policy Oriented.
. • Administration is responsibility of professional manager.
Characteristics:
. • More Businesslike Form of Government
. • Pinpoints Authority and Responsibility
Mayor’s Role (N.C. General Statute 160A-151)
- Very Few Formal Powers.
- Preside at governing board meetings.
- Voting to break a tie.
- Sign documents on behalf of the city.
- Can call special meetings of council.
- Mayor and all council members are ineligible to serve as manager, interim manager, or acting manager.
BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, February 18thAgenda did not include the following:
- Budget Calendar – they have not established the budget meeting schedule yet
- Rules of Procedures – the Board is required to adopt some version of the Rules of Procedure each year
- Board Objectives – they have not established an objectives meeting yet
It’s not like they don’t have anything to work on …
The following eight (8) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:
- Accommodation/Occupancy Tax Compliance
- Audio/Video Broadcast
- Block Q Project/Carolina Avenue
- Dog Park
- Fire Station Project
- Pavilion Replacement
- Pier Properties Project
- Rights-of-Way
- Accommodation/Occupancy Tax Compliance
The definition of loose ends is a fragment of unfinished business or a detail that is not yet settled or explained, which is the current status of these items. All of these items were started and then put on hold, and they were never put back in the queue. This Board needs to continue working on them and move these items to closure.
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Lost in the Sauce –
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2024
Causeway
Holden Beach Causeway – Facebook
Sometimes change is out of our control but if we recognize it in time, we can help influence change to have a positive outcome. Our community is special and no longer a secret. The area’s population increase is happening at a rapid pace. The Holden Beach Causeway has become insufficient to meet today’s demand. Spend a little time on the Causeway and it is easy to see it is unsafe for pedestrians and vehicles entering and exiting the local businesses. The crash rating on the Causeway is three (3) times higher than the NC state average for similar roads. Since 2018 I have persistently advocated for a study on developing the necessary changes needed on the Holden Beach Causeway. The Holden Beach Causeway Corridor Study was approved and funded in 2019. The study was developed with the influence of the Causeway property owners working with Brunswick County Planning, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study (GSATS). A special thank you to the Causeway Property Owners who were a part of the Causeway Study Steering Committee. Lyn Holden, Gina Robinson, Steven Parish, Joe Shannon, Andrew Robinson and I dedicated a lot of time working on the study. Communicating with other Causeway property owners and representing what is right for our community, to prevent an unwanted outcome. The steering committee involved Tri-Beach Fire Department in the conversations. Including their opinions on the study’s development to assure they had sufficient access through the Causeway and to the island for emergency response. All headed up by the carefully chosen consulting firm, Bolten and Menk. The consulting firm did an amazing job working with all of the obstacles on the Causeway, consulting with the steering committee and business owners about their concerns of any negative impacts from the project. We are proud to present to you the Holden Beach Causeway Corridor Study. Please visit the link below to review the final draft. Considering all of the obstacles and considerations for everyone, the outcome offers a bright future for our community. It also provides a path for sustainability and safety for our Causeway and its businesses, as our area continues to grow.What happens next?
Chairman to the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Randy Thompson, has requested an endorsement for the Holden Beach Causeway Project from the Town of Holden Beach. Commissioner Thompson’s position for requesting the Town endorsement is the Causeway is the highway ingress, egress to the island. Next, the study will be presented to the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners for endorsement. Once the study has been endorsed by Brunswick County, the study will go back to the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study for adoption. Once adopted by GSATS, we can begin applying for Funding. It has been a long road to get to this point and we have a long road ahead to receive funding and begin construction. Thank you all for your support for the Holden Beach Causeway Project. We will need your continuous support as we navigate through the next phase of this process. I will keep this page posted as developments are made with the County required endorsements and the road to GSATS adoption.
Jabin Norris president of PROACTIVE Real Estate
For more information » click hereHB Causeway Study Report » click here
THB Newsletter (01/25/24)
Holden Beach Causeway Study
The Grand Strand Area Transportation Study MPO (GSATS) funded a study to improve the Holden Beach Causeway by observing the area and addressing the concerns of Causeway business owners and patrons as well as the community related to vehicular and pedestrian safety, accessibility, right‐of‐way encroachments, and parking deficiencies. This study provides insight as to how the corridor functions and ideas for future improvements from a transportation and land use perspective.For more information and to view the study, visit the Brunswick County Planning Department’s website: https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/409/Holden-Beach-Causeway-Transportation-Cor
The Draft Holden Beach Causeway Transportation Study will go to the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners for a public hearing and for their consideration on February 5, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
Previously reported – February 2023
A popular Brunswick beach road could soon see needed improvements.
Here’s the first step.
A popular Brunswick County road could see much-needed improvements if a project more than four years in the making gets its final go-ahead. Since 2019, Holden Beach residents have pushed local and state leaders to fund a study looking at the Holden Beach Causeway, the business strip on the mainland side of Holden Beach. Now, with a contractor in place and funding squared away, state and local leaders are eager for the study to get underway.Here’s what to know as officials await the green light to begin.
What will be studied?
The Grand Strand Area Transportation Study (Myrtle Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization) is leading the Holden Beach Causeway Study. The GSATS MPO study area boundary encompasses the northern coast area of South Carolina, including portions of Horry and Georgetown counties, and the southern coastal area of North Carolina including portions of Brunswick County. According to Marc Hoeweler, MPO Director at GSATS, the study will focus primarily on access management by studying existing rights-of-way and driveways and how they can best be structured and ordered for better traffic flow. Hoeweler said the project was prompted by a request from the county. The study would also address pedestrian safety concerns and parking deficiencies. Following its completion, the study would serve as a guide for future road improvements and development along the causeway.What is the cost?
The $40,000 study will be funded with both federal and local dollars. According to Hoeweler, 80% (or $32,000) will be funded by federal money, while a 20% (or $8,000) local match will be provided by Brunswick County.What’s the hold up?
According to Brunswick County officials, GSATS is currently working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to finalize the contract with the consulting firm. Following a “competitive” selection process, Minnesota-based engineering firm Bolton & Menk was selected for the project. Once a final contract is signed by all parties, work on the study will begin. Hoeweler said he expects approval any day now and a kickoff meeting could occur within a week of the contract being signed.
Read more » click here2023
Bulkheads
The discussion was on whether we want to bulkhead the town properties in the 700 and 800 blocks of OBW. If we do it will require bulkheads on approximately 700 linear feet at a cost of $350 per linear foot. The preliminary cost estimate is $298,925 just for a continuous bulkhead with tiebacks. Pat suggested that we still need to know how many parking spaces could be put there. Brian stated that we have no plans to put parking there now. He also made the point that the area was delineated in order to preserve property, bulkheading is a way to do that. In addition, they pointed out that USACE may require parking in that area, so it is important to minimize erosion and maintain the land there in case it is needed. David said that we will need to submit design in order to get a CAMA permit. Shane was asked to report back additional information regarding the permit process.Editor’s Note
The Town owns ten (10) parcels in the 800 block which we obtained on 04/21/13 ostensibly to be used for parking.2023
Tri-Beach Fire Department
The Tri-Beach VFD has been using the four bay Town owned building at 572 Ocean Boulevard West for a number of years to house fire apparatus that is used for firefighting, emergency medical calls and rescue calls on the island and off the island as needed. Housing the equipment on the island has been beneficial to Town of Holden Beach residents and vacationers on the island. Currently, staffing by the department is in place twelve hours a day (7:00 AM to 7:00 PM) during the summer months typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The rest of the year, 24-hour staff responds to calls on the island from the off-island fire stations. Due to the increase in permanent residents and renters staying on the island, before Memorial Day, during the summer, and after Labor Day, emergency calls on the island are on the increase. Tri-Beach is working on a plan to provide sufficient staff to man Station 2, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week all year. This will improve the response time to calls on the island during the entire year. To safely house staff 24 hrs./7 days a week, upgrades to Station 2 will be necessary. The Board of Directors of the Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department is formally requesting the Town of Holden Beach to put a plan in place to upgrade (or replace) the existing Station 2 building to provide the necessary facilities (such as a bunk room, kitchen, flood resistance, etc.) to support safely housing onsite staff for 24 hours a day. The Tri-Beach Chief officers and staff stand ready to assist Town personnel in the planning and execution of upgrading the Station 2 building to provide enhanced fire, emergency medical and rescue services to the residents and vacationers in the Town of Holden Beach. Please respond back to the Board of Directors as soon as possible so that we can all move forward on this plan.Fire Department Presentation » click here
Update –
Assistant Chief David Ward of the Tri-Beach Fire Department made the presentation. As a representative of the fire department, he was there to justify the request for them to either upgrade or replace the existing fire station. Call volumes have significantly increased, and they would like to staff the fire station on the island around the clock all year long so they can adequately provide protection to the public. Timbo pointed out that this is a critical facility and impacts our Community Rating System score which reduces our homeowners insurance costs. The Board members agreed that they need to create a committee so they can make an educated decision about what they should do. Mayor Holden requested additional information from the fire department to know what their options are before they proceed.
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.Board of Commissioners’ – Scorecard
NYC Mayor Koch used to ask – How am I doing?
Imagine if the BOC’s asked you – How’d they do?
The goal of government is to make citizens better off
Action Taken – 2024
January
Adoption Resolution 24-01, Truist Signature CardFebruary
Ordinance 24-01, Chapter 157: Zoning Code
. • Accessory Structures
Adoption Resolution 24-02, Key Bridge Foundation ADA Mediation AgreementMarch
Ordinance 24-02, Parking Regulations
Adoption Resolution 24-03, Participation in the Federal 1033 Program
Ordinance 24-03, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance (#3)
. • Grant from the NC Department of Environmental Quality
Ordinance 24-04, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance (#4)
. • Transfer unassigned General fund balance over 70%April
Ordinance 24-05, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance (#5)
. • Lockwood Folly Inlet Dredging
. • Budget appropriation of $109,438
Adoption Resolution 24-04, Lockwood Folly Inlet Water Resources Grant
Ordinance 24-06, Traffic Code, revisions to paid parking programMay
Ordinance 24-07, Chapter 92: Nuisances
. • Unlawful Outside Lights
Ordinance 24-09, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance (#6)
. • Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Study
Adoption Resolution 24-05, Greensboro Seer Lift Station #2 GrantJune
Ordinance 24-08, Chapter 154: Flood Damage Prevention
. • FEMA Recommendations
Ordinance 24-10, Chapter 157: Zoning Codes
. • Frontal Dune Policies
Ordinance 24-11, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance / Budget Ordinance
. • Approved the town’s $26.2 million-dollar Budget Ordinance
Adoption Resolution 24-06, Authorizing Upset Bid ProcessJuly
Meeting CancelledAugust
Adoption Resolution 24-07, Stormwater Master PlanSeptember
Adoption Resolution 24-08, tentative award contract for lift station #2
. • Terrahawk lowest bidder for the work in the amount of $3,899,000
Ordinance 24-12, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance (#1)
. • Greensboro Lift Station #2 / $4,776,308
Ordinance 24-13 – Capital Project Ordinance
. • Establish a budget for capital projects to be funded by EPA STAG and DEQ grants.
. • The project authorized is the upfit of the sewer liftOctober
Ordinance 24-15, Amending Chapter 72: Parking RegulationsNovember
Ordinance 24-16, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance (#2)
. • Additional funds of $30,000 for Lift Station #2
Ordinance 24-17
. • Capital Project Ordinance Lift Station #2
Adoption Resolution 24-09
. • DEQ Project No. SRP-W-134-0021 grant
Ordinance 24-18, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance (#3)
. • 796 OBW moved funds of $278,710December
Ordinance 24-19, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance (#4)
. • Beach and Inlet Capital Reserve Fund Transfer moved funds of $2,783,382
Ordinance 24-20, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance (#5)
. • Stormwater Additional Areas moved funds of $76,100
Adoption Resolution 24-10, Truist Signature Card
Adoption Resolution 24-11, Recycling Fee Schedule
Wishing you a new year filled with health and happiness
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