Category: Lou’s Views

Lou’s Views

“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments

BOC’s Regular Meeting 11/21/23

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet click here

Audio Recording » click here

1.   Public Comments on Agenda Items

For almost thirty-five (35) minutes comments were made either for or against the proposed plans for Block Q. The three (3) recently elected candidates made comments asking the BOC’s to defer the decision on the Block Q paving contract until after a public information session can be conducted. Basically, their position was that important information has not been shared or discussed with the public.
For more information » click here

Nothing for nothing, but I try to stay informed, and I do not recall any previous discussion that the plan is to pave Block Q which requires a retention pond reducing the options on how to use the property. Since there will be three (3) new commissioners sworn in next month it would seem prudent to defer this decision to the next scheduled meeting.

2. Presentation of Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023 Audit Results – Elsa Swenson, Martin Starnes and Associates – (Finance Officer McRainey)

Agenda Packet – page 8, plus separate packet

Audit Report » click here

Audit Presentation » click here

Financial Highlights

• • The assets and deferred outflows of resources of the Town of Holden Beach exceeded its liabilities and deferred inflows of resources at the close of the fiscal year by $37,534,036 (net position).
  • The government’s total net position increased by $3,832,825, primarily due to an increase in the governmental activities of $3,694,770 and increases in the business-type activities of $138,055.
  • As of the close of the current fiscal year, the Town of Holden Beach’s governmental funds reported combined ending fund balances of $15,006,628, a decrease of $25,479,755 in comparison with the prior year. Of this amount, $4,727,031 is available for spending at the government’s discretion.
  • At the end of the current fiscal year, unassigned fund balance for the General Fund was $4,727,031, or 78%, of total General Fund expenditures for the fiscal year.

Several particular aspects of the Town’s financial operations positively influenced the total governmental net position:

• • Continued diligence in the collection of property taxes provided for a tax collection percentage of almost 100%.
  • Cooling of local construction decreased building permit related revenues by 23% over prior year
  • Large numbers of beach visitors occupying rental homes longer, extension of the “beach” season earlier in the calendar year and later into the fall, remote work and learning have all have contributed to occupancy tax revenues collections increasing to an all-time high in excess of $3.9 million.
  • First full year of paid parking revenues exceeded $500k

Fund Balance
Available fund balance as defined by the Local Government Commission (LGC) is calculated as follows:

• • • Total Fund Balance
    • Less: Non spendable (not in cash form, not available)
    • Less: Stabilization by State Statute (by state law, not available)
    • Available Fund Balance

This is the calculation utilized as the basis for comparing the Town to other units and calculating the fund balance percentages.

Fund Balance Position – General Fund
Total Fund Balance – 2023                             $5,596,041
Stabilization by State Statute                        (437,070)
Available Fund Balance                                 $5,158,971
Available Fund Balance – 2022                     $3,944,992
Increase in available Fund Balance            $1,213,979

Audit Committee Written Opinion
The Town’s financial department is to be commended for its great work and timeliness in their successful completion of the audit work for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. The auditor’s reports state that Holden Beach has received an unmodified opinion, with no findings of concern in the financial statements, compliance and internal controls.

Editor’s Note –
§30.26 AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOC
Appointment terms. The Chairman of the BOC Audit Committee shall be elected by the BOC at the first regular meeting in January.

The Audit Committee is comprised of a member of the Board of Commissioners, the commissioner shall be appointed to the Audit Committee by the Board. Commissioner Kwiatkowski was the Chairman, but she resigned in March. We are required to have a Chairman of the Audit Committee and it is time to fill the vacant spot. Not only have they not selected a member of the Board to serve as Audit Committee Chairman they haven’t even bothered to discuss the matter yet.

 Update –
Auditor’s report for fiscal year 2022 – 2023 audit was presented by Elsa the project manager. The audit was submitted to the Local Government Commission timely and approved with no changes. The auditor Martin Starnes was able to render an unmodified/clean opinion; which is the best possible opinion that you can receive.

3.   End of Season Parking Update – Jim Varner, Otto Connect (Town Manager Hewett)

Agenda Packet – pages 9 – 14

Otto Paid Parking Presentation » click here

Number of Vehicles Parked:
79,572

Total Net Revenue:
2022:  $455,841
2023:  $682,933

Tickets Issued:
Violations paid            2045    $45,758
Violations unpaid        462      $0

Violation Payment Rate:
82% the remainder sent to Collections after 30 days

Update –
Jim gave a slide presentation giving an overview of year two (2) of the paid parking program. The good news is that the revenue is up significantly to the tune of an additional $227,092. He also made some recommendations for possible changes to the program for 2024.

4.   Police Report – Chief Jeremy Dixon

Agenda Packet – pages 15 – 20

Police Report » click here

Business as usual for this time of the year

The departments annual in-service training has already been completed

Public Service Announcement –
Scams – be on guard, you need to protect yourself from scammers
Please do not send money when contacted via phone calls

What he did not say –

It’s that time of year, rental season ends, and break-in season officially starts
Requested that we all serve as the eyes and ears for law enforcement.

Hunting season is underway, it is not allowed on the island

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

• • They are down officer Preston Conley who is out on long-term medical disability
  • So, we still only have eight (8) officers out there

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

Some local police departments need more staff to face growth
Although growth continues throughout Brunswick County, local law enforcement is already facing the mental and physical toll it takes to protect current residents with the staff they have. Not all safety and law enforcement departments consider themselves “short staffed,” however, a few local police chiefs have voiced their concerning experiences with not being fully staffed and its impact on officers. “The impact of staffing shortages is strenuous on the entire department,” Holden Beach Police Chief Jeremy Dixon told The Brunswick Beacon. “First and foremost, it creates a dangerous scenario for patrol officers who are often responding to calls alone.” Dixon explained that his department has 10 officers when fully staffed and that they would have two officers per shift if fully staffed. Normal shifts include holidays, weekends and nights shifts, he added. “However, patrol is not the only consideration in staffing levels,” he said. “One must consider vacation leave, sick leave, family leave, training assignments, festivals, concerts, races and other special events as well.” Unlike Holden Beach, the Shallotte and Oak Island police departments have a larger staff of police officers to work with when it comes to patrolling and handling special events. Shallotte Police Chief Adam Stanley told The Beacon that the Shallotte Police Department currently has 18 full time police officers. The department has 19 full time police officers when fully staffed. He recently told the Shallotte Board of Alderman at a meeting that his department was about to be fully staffed with two new officers entering the team, however, he told The Brunswick Beacon on Friday, Nov. 3, that an officer had recently given their two-week’s notice and that they will be back to looking to fill another officer position again. Asked what has been the longest recruitment time to fill an empty police officer position during his time as chief, Stanley said three to five months. The Village of Bald Head Island handles their resident safety a little differently compared to other municipalities. The Village has a public safety department to protect their residents, not a police department. Village of Bald Head Island Public Information Officer Carin Faulkner explained that their staff consists of public safety officers (PSO) that are trained in law enforcement, fire, paramedic/EMT and water rescue. She said the village has a total of 24 PSO positions and that they currently have 23 filled, noting that they run a schedule of four shifts with six officers working each shift. The Oak Island Police Department is also down one officer out of their 32 police officers, which includes both full time and part time officers. “The Oak Island Police Department is considered ‘fully staffed’ at 48 employees, consisting of 28 full-time officers, four part-time officers, two administrative staff, 10 (seasonal) Beach Services Unit staff, three department volunteers and one chaplain,” Oak Island Chief of Police Charlie Morris told The Beacon. “The Department currently has one vacancy for full-time officer.” Morris, who joined the department in April 2022, said the Oak Island Police Department launched an aggressive recruitment campaign from late 2022 to early 2023 to increase recruitment efforts and officer pay. He said it was successful and included a new Paid Recruit Training program. “This program provides pay and benefits to future officers as they go through the [Basic Law Enforcement Training (B.L.E.T.)] program,” he said. “As of September, the four officers originally recruited through this program have begun their work as full-time officers.” Although he said his team is not understaffed at the moment, they could become understaffed quickly. “… In a small-to-medium sized department it only takes a few retirements or transfers to become understaffed again,” he said. Asked what kind of impact not having a full staff of police officers has on their team, Dixon, Morris and Stanley all told The Beacon it is challenging. “It can have a mental, physical and emotional impact because the extra workload can be exhausting,” Stanley said. Morris told The Beacon that public safety and having adequate jurisdiction coverage is the department’s top priority, however, like Stanley said, doing so without a full staff can impact officers’ well-being. “Beyond that however is a host of other concerns, including officer health, mutual aid response, and preventing “burnout” from overworked,” Morris said. “Ensuring officers are physically and mentally prepared to serve the public at the start of each shift can become difficult when there are not enough officers to meet a department’s needs.” Dixon said the Holden Beach Police Department has maintained between eight to ten officers for the last two to three years. He noted that they have consistently looked to hire and retain a full staff during that time. “Because of current staffing levels, and rotating shifts, our officers work alone about 50% of the time,” he said. “This means officers are responding to domestic disturbances, fight calls, irate subjects, intoxicated subjects, mental health patients and every other call by themselves.” He explained that having a lack of additional responding officers is a danger to the officers and to the public. In addition to the low number of officers on duty at a given time, the department does not have a detective position. So, incident reports are being left on the back burner. “In addition to being short staffed on patrol, our department has not been allotted a detective position,” he said. “Therefore, we have no dedicated investigator to follow-up on incident reports. This in itself is a disservice to the town.” He said officers will take a report of an incident, like a house break-in, but the report goes nowhere and there is no follow-up. “Trying to explain to our community that we cannot do our job because we do not have the resources is very stressful,” he added. Dixon said that these are just a few of the challenges that his staff face from not having a full staff and that officers often worry about the entire staff when sick or in need of a day off. Vacations and sick days are spent worried about another officer working overtime to cover their shift and the absent officers shift, he noted. “When an officer calls out sick, it places a burden on the entire staff because we’re already short,” he said. “This makes officers feel guilty for getting sick because they know the burden it creates on everyone else.” Asked what kind of toll an incomplete staff can cause on themselves as chiefs, Dixon and Stanley said it can be rough and mentally straining. “It is mentally exhausting for sure because I want my staff to be happy, both mentally and physically,” Stanley said. Dixon told The Beacon that anything could happen with a full staff and 10 additional officers on a scene, however, knowing an officer is hurt and alone is “unacceptable.” “The impact on me as the chief is hard to explain,” Dixon said. “I spend my days and nights worried to death that I’m going to get a phone call that one of our officers got hurt and no one was there to back them up.” Chiefs and department representatives were asked if they felt like they needed more officers, even if they were fully staffed. “In an ideal world, to be fully staffed, the town would budget for and approve the police department to employee 13 officers,” Dixon responded. “This would include eight patrol officers, two patrol sergeants, one detective, one lieutenant, and one chief. With 13 officers on staff, patrol shifts could be adequately covered, and investigations would be more thoroughly conducted.” Stanley said they too need more police officers — especially as the town continues to grow. “Yes, with the planned growth of several residential properties in town and the surrounding area, plus additional businesses, we will need to add staffing,” Stanley said. Morris said the Oak Island Police Department could need more officers in the future if the town’s population increases, however, he said they maintain their duties well with the current staffing level and do not see a need for more officers at this time. Faulkner said the Village of Bald Head Island is looking to hire one PSO, a public safety director and one captain position, and that two of those positions were posted over a month ago. She said they do not need more officers at this time, but that potential need is assessed annually. She did not answer the questions about the impacts officers and the lead officer can face from not having a full staff of officers. Asked what residents could do to help their local police departments, local chiefs said there are volunteer programs that folks can be a part of. “We currently have a volunteer service program,” Stanley said. “Some functions of the volunteer program are working [administration] duties such as answering the phone, meeting the public in the lobby and clerical work.” He said the community can also help the Shallotte Police Department with special events. “We will also be starting a citizen patrol which will help with traffic control duties, working special events and property and business checks,” he said. “This will aid our staff so they can continue to answer calls for service and enforcement actions.” “Many police departments have local volunteer programs that residents can be involved with,” Dixon said. “Residents can also speak to their elected officials to encourage them to apply tax dollars towards their police departments.” Morris said the Oak Island Police Department maintains a community-oriented approach to policing, noting that they do community activities, like “Coffee with a Cop” and “National Night Out,” to keep the community and police staff connected. “Basically, to support your local Police Department, get to know your local police department,” he said. “Attend their events and start a conversation.” The Beacon also reached out to Southport Police Chief Coring, Boiling Spring Lakes Police Chief Keven Smith, Ocean Isle Beach Chief of Police Ken Bellamy and the Northwest City Clerk. No other responses were given to the questions sent at the time of this publication’s deadline.
Read more » click here

5.   Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans

Agenda Packet – pages 21 – 23

Inspections Report » click here 

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

Contractors Information Seminar
The Planning & Inspections Department, supported by the town staff, hosted the twelfth annual Contractors Information Seminar on Thursday, November 9^th. Contractors and electricians were able to earn two (2) hours of continuing education credits.

6.   Discussion and Possible Selection of Lowest Apparent Bidder for Block Q and Associated Paperwork – Town Manager Hewett
a. Ordinance 23-14, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 23-11, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance or Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 (Amendment No. 2)
b. Letter of Intent
c. Ordinance 23-15, Order to Close

Agenda Packet – pages 24 – 30

The Town received two bids at the second scheduled bid opening for Block Q Phase I stormwater work, J.P. Russ and Sons and Wells Brothers Construction Co. The most responsive bid appears to be Wells Brothers Construction Co. at $325,831.91. This has been certified by the architect (Attachment 1). If the commissioners want to move forward with awarding the contract to Wells Brothers Construction Co. there will need to be a budget amendment (Attachment 2). The Letter of Intent (Attachment 3) and the Order to Close Carolina Avenue (Attachment 4) will also need to be adopted.

If the Board elects to move forward with the selection of Wells Brother Construction Co, the suggested motion is to approve Ordinances 23-14 and 23-15 and to instruct the town manager to complete the associated contract documents.

ORDINANCE 23-15 / TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH ORDER TO CLOSE

WHEREAS, pursuant to North Carolina General Statute §160A-299, the Town of Holden Beach Board of Commissioners has proposed to permanently close a portion of Carolina Avenue

WHEREAS, a public hearing on the question of such closing was held on September 20, 2022 at which time the proposed closure was explained, and all persons were given an opportunity to be heard; and

WHEREAS, notice of said closing was given in accordance with the requirements of the law; and

WHEREAS, it has been found to the satisfaction of the Town of Holden Beach Board of Commissioners after the public hearing that closure of the portion of the street is not contrary to the public interest and that no individual owning property in the vicinity of the street would be deprived of reasonable means of ingress or egress to their property.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED by the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners as follows:

1. • That the portion of Carolina Avenue as described above is hereby closed effective immediately.
   • That a certified copy of this Order be filed in the office of the Register of Deeds for Brunswick County, North Carolina.
     

Block Q Drawings » click here

Previously reported – September 2022
Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 22-20, An Order Closing Carolina Avenue from its Intersection with Jordan Boulevard to its Intersection with Quinton Street – Town Clerk Finnell

A public hearing on the proposed closure of a portion of Carolina Avenue will be held at the September 20^th meeting.

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. The decision was to hold in abeyance until they have a plan in place.
No decision was made – No action taken

Update –
They moved forward with the suggested motion as submitted which is to approve Ordinances 23-14 and 23-15 and to instruct the town manager to complete the associated contract documents. Commissioner Murdock addressed most of the objections from the public comments section as what he described as propaganda. Both Commissioners Smith and Dyer also aggressively defended their position. Timbo addressed the storm water issue and explained why their was some confusion about it.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

I am a little surprised that they unanimously voted to move forward. The three (3) new commissioners asked  for a deferral, but they passed it anyway.  I support the development of Block Q but not without public input. Sheesh!

Are you sitting down? Communication from the BOC’s has been pathetic. Information is guarded and not shared. Public input is only welcome if it aligns with what they plan to do anyway. Even though I knew the pavilion needs to be replaced it was never discussed at any of their meetings. The public comments, although mixed should have given them pause. The request to hold an information session and get public input seemed to be a reasonable approach. But, this board has ignored public input in the past and continue to act like only they know what is best for us.

7.   Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 23-12, Water Resources Development Grant – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson

Agenda Packet – pages 31 – 32

The Town is applying for grant funding through the NC Division of Water Resources to assist with navigation maintenance dredging of the Harbor Acres entrance canal. To complete the grant process, the granting agency requires a resolution from the BOC. The engineer’s estimate for project cost is $343,800 with the grant request being $257,850 and the remaining obligation to the Town totaling $85,950. The local share would be achieved through previous assessments of Harbor Acres lots in the canal dredging fund.

Water Resources Development Grant Resolution 23-12

WHEREAS, the Town of Holden Beach desires to sponsor the Harbor Acres Canal Maintenance Dredging Project in an effort to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for the public.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. • The Board of Commissioners requests the State of North Carolina to provide financial assistance to the Town of Holden Beach for the Habor Acres Canal Maintenance Dredging in the amount of $257,850.00 or 75 percent of project construction cost, whichever is the lesser amount;
   • The Town of Holden Beach assumes full obligation for payment of the balance of project costs via the Canal Dredging Maintenance Fund;
   • The Town of Holden Beach will obtain all necessary State and Federal permits;
   • The Town of Holden Beach will comply with all applicable laws governing the award of contracts and the expenditure of public funds by local governments;
   • The Town of Holden Beach will supervise construction of the project to assure compliance with permit conditions and to assure safe and proper construction according to approved plans and specifications;
   • The Town of Holden Beach will assure that the project is open for use by the public on an equal basis with no restrictions;
   • The Town of Holden Beach will hold the State harmless from any damages that may result from the construction, operation and maintenance of the project;
   • The Town of Holden Beach accepts responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the completed

Update –
This is a grant application for the dredging of the Harbor Acres entrance canal which also requires a resolution from the BOC’s. The state will be responsible for $257,850.00 or 75 percent of the project construction cost, whichever is the lesser amount. The Harbor Acre homeowners association are responsible to cover all  the additional expenses. 

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

8.   Discussion and Possible Approval of Ward and Smith, P.A. Engagement Letter – Mayor Holden

Agenda Packet – pages 33 – 38

FEDERAL ADVOCACY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2022 AND 2023
Throughout the two most recent contract cycles (2022 and 2023), Ward and Smith-with assistance from The Ferguson Group-have helped Holden Beach secure $4,819,867 in appropriations with an estimated $1,350,000 pending between two funding requests that support the Brunswick County Beaches (Holden Beach) General Reevaluation Report. Other successes are more difficult to quantify since they do not come in the form of a federal award but are nonetheless of great value and importance to the Holden Beach community.

Priorities accomplished on behalf of the Town of Holden Beach in 2022 and 2023 include:

• • $1,050,000 for Lockwood Folly Maintenance Dredging, which was approved in the FY 2022 federal budget (the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022) under Energy and Water Development Appropriations (3/15/2022).
  • $1,000,000 for the Brunswick County Beaches (Holden Beach) General Reevaluation Report, which was approved in the FY 2023 federal budget (the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023) under Energy and Water Development Appropriations (12/29/2022).
  • $2,669,867 for the Greensboro Street Lift Station Hazard Mitigation Upgrade Project, which was approved in the FY 2023 federal budget (the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023) under Interior and Environment Appropriations (12/29/2022).
  • $100,000 for the Ocean Boulevard Stormwater Mitigation Project, which was approved in the FY 2023 federal budget (the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023) under Energy and Water Development Appropriations (12/29/2022).
  • We are still awaiting Congressional approval of FY 2024 appropriations, but we successfully worked on behalf of the Town this year to submit another earmark request for the GRR. Senator Tillis and Congressman Rouzer both submitted Holden Beach’s $425,000 earmark request for the GRR, and due to our continued advocacy, the GRR request has been included in both the House and Senate appropriations bills. As a reminder, Senator Tillis only submitted two requests under the Energy and Water Development account for the entire State of North Carolina. Congressman Rouzer submitted only fifteen requests and selected the GRR request as one of the fifteen. We are very optimistic that the Town’s GRR request will be included in the final FY 2024 federal budget.
  • Throughout 2022 and 2023, we stayed in regular contact with Holden Beach’s Congressional delegation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding Holden Beach’s request for funding through Public Law I 16-20, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act , 20/9 (DRA) to fund the remaining study costs for the Brunswick County Beaches (Holden Beach) General Reevaluation Report. Our collective efforts to maintain regular communication with the Wilmington District of the Corps over the years resulted in their recommendation in 2022 that the Corps use reprogrammed funds approved in the ORA to complete the GRR at 100 percent federal cost. The Town’s Congressional delegation fully supported these efforts, and on November 29, 2022, they sent a letter at our urging to the U.S. Anny Corps of Engineers asking that Holden Beach’s request for funding through the DRA be promptly approved. We remain optimistic about the ORA request and expect a decision to be made shortly after FY 2024 appropriations are approved, which will hopefully occur in early
  • Throughout 2022 and 2023, we also stayed in regular contact with Holden Beach’s Congressional delegation and the U.S. Anny Corps of Engineers regarding a decision the Corps made in 2017 that disallowed non-federal interests like municipalities and marina owners to dispose of dredge spoil in federally designated dredge spoil disposal sites out of concern that space would run out at these sites for federal projects . However, as you know, this is not a practical concern at many disposal sites. Some designated disposal sites in North Carolina, for example, have never been used. On June 6, 2023, Holden Beach’s Congressional delegation jointly submitted a letter we prepared to the Corps of Engineers concerning the disposal sites issue. After several years of advocacy, this is an incredibly encouraging step forward, and we are optimistic that the delegation’s involvement will result in increased cooperation from the Corps on this
  • We continue to advise the Town regarding the application process it must complete to receive the appropriations approved in the FY 2023 federal budget for the Greensboro Street Lift Station Upgrades Project. We understand that the application must be approved as soon as possible for the project to proceed on schedule. At our strong urging, Congressman Rouzer’s office reached out to the EPA in July to convey the Town’s concerns about needing this project approved as soon as possible.
  • After several years of persistent advocacy, on September 18, the Wilmington District of the Army Corps of Engineers finally responded to the 103-page “LWFIX Nourishment and Sediment Transport Analysis Engineering and Modeling Report” completed by Applied Technology and Management, Inc. (ATM), which was provided to the Wilmington District in 2019. The Town commissioned the ATM report to provide objective information and data on the most beneficial placement of sand material from Lockwood Folly Inlet Crossing (LWFIX) navigation dredging projects. The ATM report concludes that the most beneficial placement of this dredged material is on the east end of Holden Beach. However, the Wilmington District’s 2-page response failed to appropriately acknowledge the findings of the ATM report regarding the beneficial placement of LWFIX dredged    Accordingly,  we  assisted  Manager  Hewett  and  Assistant Manager Ferguson  in  drafting  a  reply  to the Wilmington  District  that discussed  the inadequacies  of the district’s response and asked several follow-up questions, which was sent to the Wilmington District on September 22. We are still awaiting a response from the Wilmington District.

As you are aware by reviewing our monthly reports to the Board of Commissioners, these accomplishments are the result of persistent advocacy efforts over several months or years and carried out both with and on behalf of the Town of Holden Beach. We stay in close contact with the Town’s Congressional delegation, Congressional committee staff, and relevant administration officials and staff regarding your federal priorities, and we use all available resources at our disposal to support these efforts. Our monthly reports also provide important updates on federal matters that are of interest to Holden Beach, even if they are outside our agreed-upon contractual obligations, such as providing updates on rules and regulations published by federal agencies. We are pleased that our efforts have resulted in so many successes for the Town of Holden Beach over the years and we are confident that our proven approach will result in even more success for the Town in the future.

Retainer and Fees
The retainer for services will be $9,225 per month through June 30, 2024. The retainer will be $9,725 per month effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.   Unless either of us terminates this engagement, this agreement  will remain in place from January 1, 2024  through June 30, 2025. Out-of-pocket expenses and costs relating to our representation are not included in the monthly fee but will be billed separately as incurred. Our work under this new contract will commence after we receive authorization from you. The monthly retainer in any event will be the minimal fee for our services rendered during any portion of the month for which it is paid .

Update –
Our lobbyist Mike McIntyre with Ward & Smith in conjunction with the Ferguson Group represents the town in advocacy matters at the federal level as it is related to beach nourishment, Lockwood Folly Inlet maintenance, and dredge material disposal sites. The monthly retainer will start at $9,225 per month and go to $9,725 per month , plus out-of-pocket expenses that typically total approximately $2,000 per month for The Ferguson Group. The agreement with Ward and Smith is for an annual total estimated advocacy cost of $137,700.

Alan spoke about the longstanding relationship the town has had with McIntyre. David stated that we are simply updating our existing agreement by extending it out till the end of June of 2025. Both Commissioner’s Murdock and Smith congratulated them on bringing millions of dollars to our island that has been a massive help to us. A motion was made for approval of the lobbyist contract/agreement with  the five hundred dollar increase.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

Editor’s Note –
It’s painful to say, but I was wrong. It wasn’t the first time and likely won’t be the last. In 2018 I objected to us hiring McIntyre as our lobbyist, but they really delivered, and it has paid big dividends to the town.

Previously reported – October 2018
McIntyre did a brief recap of presentation that was made earlier in the day on what they can do for us. The consensus appeared to be that we need someone to speak on our behalf and they can make it happen.

Questions that remained to be answered are as follows:

• • What are we going to get?
  • How much will it cost?

Mayor Holden remarked that he was “begging the Board to give it their full consideration” he then prodded them into asking for a written proposal from the firm.

Mayor Holden has been selling this consulting gig for at least the last three years. It is his opinion that we are wasting our time, that nothing gets done in government without having people working for you behind the scenes. Ostensibly we are trying to punch above our weight and make sure we are able to impact things in our favor. I’m of the mindset that it doesn’t matter how much we spend for a consultant; the bottom-line is that we only have approximately four hundred voters which is not enough to make any impact and get things done. It makes more sense to me to work with the other coastal communities where the cost is shared, and the number of voters does matter. We were a member of the group formally known as the Brunswick Beaches Consortium which rechristened itself as Brunswick Shoreline Protection in the wake of the scandal of Caswell Beach Mayor Harry Simmons’ financial dealings while in charge of the group. Holden Beach contributed $143,038 the amount prosecutor’s claim Simmons embezzled is $94,418. After the Brunswick Beach Consortium debacle, I can understand their reluctance to go down that path again. Don’t disagree that we can use assistance in government relations to get things done. That said, I question the need to hire such a prestigious white-shoe law firm to do that for us.

9.   Discussion and Possible Amendment to Quarterly Meeting Dates – Commissioner Dyer

Agenda Packet – page 39

Per the Board of Commissioners’ direction at the December meeting, I have established a preliminary calendar for budget and quarterly meetings. It is proposed that the meetings be held at 5:30 p.m. on the suggested dates.

Please review the dates below and be prepared to discuss alternate dates at the meeting if you are not available during the proposed dates.

Thursday, February 23^rd                     Goals & Objectives Workshop
Thursday, March 16^th                          Budget Meeting #1/Quarterly Meeting
Thursday, April 20^th                            Budget Meeting #2
Thursday, June 1^st                                Budget Meeting #3
Thursday, June 15^th                             Budget Public Hearing/Quarterly Meeting
Thursday, September 21^st                  Quarterly Meeting
Thursday, December 21^st                   Quarterly Meeting

Update –
They agreed to cancel the Quarterly Workshop scheduled for this December. No motion was made so I’m not really sure if they approved the proposed meeting schedule.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

10.  Town Manager’s Report

Coastal Storm Water Damage Reduction Study
Congress recently authorized another $425,000 for the USACE federal portion of the study. David suggested that there might be some additional funds available too.

Previously reported – April 2021
In order for us to become a USACE beach requires a new study be authorized
Three (3) years / Three (3) levels of review / Three (3) million dollars
   * $1.5 million Feds and $1.5 million Town of Holden Beach

Why consider doing a study?

• • • FEMA is not an insurance policy
    • The rule book is changing
    • We have to consider risks

Coastal Storm Risk Management Study
This attached draft agreement for a Coastal Storm Risk Management Study (Attachment 1) between the USACE and the Town of Holden Beach represents the inclusion of the study in the Corps work plan for this federal fiscal year. The study was the Town’s number one advocacy priority at the federal level as a proposed means of storm damage reduction . The Town will not know if it is economically and environmentally feasible for us to become a federal beach unless the study is conducted. The attached budget amendment (Attachment  2) in the amount of $500,000 represents the town’s commitment for the upcoming FY for the Town’s share of the total non-federal (Town) study cost of $1,500,000.

If the BOC chooses to pursue the study, a motion will need to be made to authorize the Town Manager to execute the contract document and self-certification of financial capability with the USACE and approve the attached budget amendment.

Previously reported – March 2023
Christy went through a slide presentation briefly reviewing how we got to this point. The abridged version is that FEMA continues to change the rules for engineered beaches maintenance programs. The study with the USACE gives us another option if we can’t count on FEMA moving forward. Commissioner Kwiatkowski was prepared as usual and had a number of questions for the USACE representatives that were in attendance at the meeting. The Corps representative walked them through the process. Commissioner Sullivan asked a couple additional questions regarding funding. An important takeaway is the federal government contributes 65% of the costs for initial construction, the cost split is 50% between federal and non-federal funding for maintenance nourishment projects. Of course, the major concern is whether there will be adequate funding for not only the study but for an approved project. The Corps rep made it very clear that there is no guarantee, but he felt confident that they both would be funded. He understands that the Town is looking to obtain the best deal possible. FEMA and USACE organizations are both here to help and each have a place. The difference between them is that the USACE is more of a designed project, build, and maintain whereas FEMA is primarily there to help cover emergencies. The BOC’s decided to fund the  $1.5 million study and take the funds from the BPART account instead of the Capital Reserve account.

Block Q
The THB received a $420,000 grant award for the development of Block Q

Over $2.8 million was recently awarded to governments in North Carolina to improve public access to coastal beaches and waters.
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management awarded the funding, including over $1.6 million for local projects via its Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access program. The announcement was made on Monday, Nov. 6. “This funding makes our coasts more accessible to all North Carolina residents and visitors, so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy our natural resources,” said Elizabeth S. Biser, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. “We are proud to partner with local governments and communities to support projects that also benefit our coastal economy.”

 Per the DEQ, local awardees include:

• • “Town of Carolina Beach received $600,000 for the acquisition of three adjacent parcels on Canal Drive on the north end of town will provide parking and access to the beach and Freeman Park.
  • “Town of Holden Beach received $420,000 for the development of Block Q. This project will create new restrooms and parking for beach access, a boat ramp, and public entertainment area. The project also includes landscaping and stormwater improvements.
  • “Town of Kure Beach received $71,025 for improvements to Public Beach Access #140. This project will replace the existing 8 ft. wide 134 ft. long wooden walkway with a 10 ft. wide ADA-accessible walkway to the beach.
  • “Town of Kure Beach received $62,700 for improvements to Public Beach Access #99. This project will replace the existing 8 ft. wide 97. ft long wooden walkway with a 10 ft. wide ADA-accessible walkway to the beach.
  • “The Town of Sunset Beach received $153,578 for the 29th Street Renovations. This project will renovate the existing beach access at 29th Street.
  • “Town of Sunset Beach received $153,578 for renovations to the existing beach access at 37th Street.
  • “Town of Sunset Beach received $153,578 for renovations to the existing beach access at 34th Street.
  • “Town of Surf City received $10,875 for updates to the Broadway Street Access Site. This project will update the existing public restrooms and outdoor showers to meet ADA accessibility standards, pave dedicated handicapped accessible parking spaces and walkways to the restrooms and beach accessway.”

Each recipient is required to contribute funding to the project equal to at least 25 percent of the grant received.
Read more » click here

The program has awarded 497 grants totaling more than $53.8 million to improve public waterfront access sites since it began in 1981. For more information about the program, go to the Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access website. The Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access program provides matching funds to local governments in the 20 coastal counties. Governments that receive grants must match them by contributing at least 25 percent toward the project’s cost. Funding for the grant program comes from the North Carolina General Assembly through the state’s Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. Access projects may include walkways, dune crossovers, restrooms, parking areas, piers and related projects. Funds also may be used for land acquisition or urban waterfront revitalization. Staff with the state Division of Coastal Management selected the recipients based on criteria set by the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission.

Dubbed Block Q,
this Brunswick town is making big plans to transform an open lot
Plans to transform a 1.79-acre lot in Holden Beach into a public paid parking lot are moving forward. Looking to further its paid parking plan, the town of Holden Beach purchased the 1.79-acre property between Shore Drive and Brunswick Avenue, commonly known as Block Q, for $2 million in early 2022. Well over a year later, the town is moving forward with plans to transform the space and create more than just a parking lot. At its August meeting, the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners held a public hearing regarding the town’s application for a $420,000 grant from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Here’s the latest on the project and what’s next.

What is Block Q?
A previously privately owned vacant lot just off N.C. 130 in Holden Beach, Block Q was purchased in 2022 by the town. At the time, Holden Beach had just approved its paid parking plan and acquired the property with plans to add up to 235 parking spaces. Mayor Alan Holden confirmed that, to his knowledge, there is no significance to the name “Block Q,” and the property has simply been referred to by that name historically. The property sits across the street from the Intracoastal Waterway and boat ramp and is just one block from the public beach access. The site is currently a vacant lot that the town purchased to “provide additional amenities for residents and visitors” – namely parking. Local residents expressed concern at the time of the sale, noting that while the purchase would increase revenue for the town, they worried about the impact the purchase could have on traffic and, ultimately, the town’s character.

What is the plan?
At the time of the purchase, the town indicated the lot would be transformed into a public parking lot. Now, updated plans indicate the town looks to further enhance the space with the addition of a new public restroom facility, boat trailer parking, stormwater improvements and green space, in addition to the previously planned public parking. According to the town, the site will hopefully relieve the stress and demand on the wildlife boat ramp across the street, which has limited parking that is inadequate for the number of patrons who frequent the facility. Current plans indicate the lot will consist of 79 car parking spots and 15 boat trailer spots. The town clarified that it is moving forward with the public car and boat trailer parking independently and is asking for grant assistance with the public restroom facility, associated parking and sidewalks. Plans indicate the restroom facility will be ADA compliant. While no members of the public were physically present to voice their thoughts about the grant application at the August meeting, several residents sent their thoughts to town staff. Repeated concerns include the project’s cost and necessity.

What is the North Carolina Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program?
The town has applied for a grant as part of the North Carolina Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program. According to the DEQ’s Division of Coastal Management, the program looks to provide matching grants to local governments for projects that improve pedestrian access to beaches and waterways in North Carolina. Eligible projects include land acquisition, rehabilitation, maintenance and construction projects, such as parking and restroom facilities. The town of Holden Beach indicated they would match $140,000 for the project – 25% of the grant funds requested. The project is anticipated to cost $560,000.

What’s next?
Assistant Town Manager Christy Ferguson said the grant application was due to the state by Aug. 28. The town indicated it will move forward with the parking aspects of the project whether the funding is approved or not. The grant would assist in funding the construction of the public restroom facilities. If the grant is awarded, construction could begin within six months, the application indicates, and the project could be completed within 18 months.
Read more » click here 

Sewer Lift Station #2
More knowns! They have been in contact with the EPA Regional Project Representative, and the grant package commitment notice has been finalized. David expects to have it come out of the EPA office headquarters by the end of next month. He said that once we get that squared away we can reengage in the bidding process.

Bike Lane Project
The contractor is on site, and they are making necessary storm water fixes. Once they have completed that part of the project they should start prep work on the paving project.

The Department of Transportation has started stormwater work for the Ocean Boulevard Paving Project. Expect detours in the work area. DOT will be onsite to allow limited access to closed areas.

DOT Bike Lane Report Presentation » click here

The plan includes bike lanes of 5’ on each side of Ocean Boulevard. It will be an asymmetrical widening, that is 7’ on the south side and only 3’ on the north side where the sidewalk is. 

Highland Paving has been awarded the contract and has already met with the town staff

Surveying has already been completed and work on storm water issues will begin in November

Paving prep work will start once that is completed, probably sometime in December

They anticipate that the actual paving project will be done beginning March

Work will be done starting from the west end of the island working east

They are still committing to completing the project before Memorial Day

THB Newsletter (10/20/23)
Ocean Boulevard Resurfacing and Bike Lane Project
Highland Paving met with the Department of Transportation and staff last week to discuss the upcoming project. They communicated that storm water work will begin in November. The subsequent paving prep work, which we are thinking will take place in December, will involve removal of the road shoulders, three feet on the north side of the road and seven feet on the south side of the road. We do not know where the contractor will be at any given point in time. Property owners are responsible for removing any material (landscape timbers/specialty rock, etc.) from the construction area that they don’t want hauled off by the contractor. Replacement material will be generic ABC stone. Mailboxes will be moved/reset, but if they fall apart, the contractor will install a generic replacement. We are forecasting the paving won’t begin until March/April, with the project being completed by Memorial Day.

In Case You Missed It –

Veterans Appreciation Luncheon   
The Town held its Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Monday, November 6^th.

THB Newsletter (11/11/23)
Thank You to Our Veterans
The Town would like to take a moment to express our gratitude to all the men and women who have served in the armed forces. Veterans Day serves as a special reminder to show appreciation to the past and present members of our military. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made to protect our country and our freedom.

Contractors Information Seminar
The Planning & Inspections Department, supported by the town staff, hosted the twelfth annual Contractors Information Seminar on Thursday, November 9^th. 

National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On November 17, 2023, the President signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to February 2, 2024.

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

Christmas Lights
Public Works have put up snow flake decorations on the boulevard light poles

• • Purple street lights are not part of the holiday decorations they are the LED’s failing

 Upcoming Events –

Turkey Trot
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, November 23^rd at 8:00 a.m. All individuals interested in participating should call 910.842.6488 to register. Please bring a canned food item to donate to the local food pantry.

Gingerbread Creation Contest
The Town of Holden Beach will sponsor a gingerbread creation competition to be judged as part of our annual tree lighting event on November 30^th. There will be two categories, one for businesses and one for individuals. Note that age will not be a determining factor in judging. The majority of the creation’s components must be edible. Judging will be by popular vote of those attending the tree lighting event. All interested parties should register by November 21^st by emailing Christy at [email protected]. Creations should be dropped off at the Holden Beach Pavilion between 4:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on November 30^th. Participants who wish to have their creations displayed after the event concludes will need to be prepared to move them to Town Hall following the conclusion of the tree lighting event. The staff will not be able to take responsibility for moving them.   

Tree Lighting
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its annual tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, November 30^th at 6 p.m.

Pickleball Classes
Pickleball classes will be held every Monday starting at 10:00 a.m. for beginners/11:00 a.m. for intermediate and every Tuesday starting at 5:30 p.m. for beginners and 6:30 p.m. for intermediate beginning December 4^th at Bridgeview Park. Cost is $100 for the season for both residents and non-residents or $180 for two classes per week for the season.
For more information » click here

Sandy Paws Dog Parade
Join us on Saturday, December 9^th at 10:00 am outside the Town Hall Public Assembly for our annual Sandy Paws Dog Parade. This will be a short walk to the Pavilion where you can have you dog’s picture taken with Santa.

The Chapel Choir Christmas Musical Performance
The Holden Beach Choir is preparing for its second Christmas concert with a live orchestra. On Sunday December 17^th at 7:00 pm, the choir will present the musical The Wonders of His Love, accompanied by a Chamber Orchestra.

14.   Mayor’s Comments

From the Mayor’s Desk (10/25/23)
Congratulations to the Town staff on the submittal of another “on time, clean” independent auditor’s report to the NC Local Government Commission. I am especially pleased to report that the Town’s total net position increased by over 3.8 million dollars with the total combined governmental fund balances (excluding our award winning FEMA project) cumulatively increasing from last year’s already strong financial position by 1.8 million dollars.   The General Fund Ratio; which is a prime indicator of the Town’s financial condition stands at 151% – the highest it has ever been! Of the governmental funds, the BPART Fund’s share of this increase was $1,453,131, nearly double the current year’s budgeted appropriated fund balance. The Water/Sewer Proprietary Fund is also in great shape as overall cash and cash equivalents increased by $176,048. These results prove the Town’s outstanding stewardship, excellent financial position and will go a long way toward meeting the challenges of the future. 

Congratulations? Great News?! Are you kidding me? THB revenue was underestimated, and expenses were overestimated to the tune of almost a three (3) million dollar variance between the budget and the audit. Why were we taking funds from reserves and reducing fund balances? Why did we have a tax increase? Why were we planning to borrow five (5) million dollars? What do you think would happen to these employees if they worked in the private sector? The staff does a monthly budget update and posts it online. If they are monitoring this how does the financial officer, assistant town manager and the town manager not see and report this variance? Frankly, the bottom line is that they are doing a poor job of monitoring and communicating to both the Board and the public what our financial situation is in real time and how our money is being spent and managed. The 2023-24 budget still has us spending over two (2) million more than we are bringing in and therefore reducing our fund balances by that amount.  Yikes!

From the Mayor’s Desk (11/01/23)
Town Manager David Hewett just sent me two great announcements!

• • First off – in addition to the good news contained in the independent auditor’s report – we have been made aware that the report has been approved by the NC Local Government Commission. I have never heard of any audit being reviewed and approved so fast in my 20 plus years in local government. Hats off to Daniel and Margaret for their excellence in getting it done.
  • Secondly – Congressman Rouzer’s office advises that the House has passed H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2024 which specifically includes $425,000 to support the federal cost share of the Army Corps’ work to address Holden Beach’s risk of storm damage and coastal erosion due to hurricanes and tropical storms which impact homes and businesses in the community. In addition, we continue to coordinate with our federal advocates to press for a final determination on the Disaster Relief Act (DRA) money which hopefully will provide full funding for the rest of the study.

Holden Beach has been blessed again this year! No major storms have visited us, and the island is overall in good shape!

The election of four town commissioners and a mayor will take place November 7, 2023.

The Festival by the Sea was a tremendous success last weekend. The weather was great, and the crowd was large!

Last year’s beach nourishment project has been selected by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association as one of America’s best restored beaches. The beach strand overall remains in good condition as reported by Fran Way, our coastal consultant engineer that continues to monitor the sand along our shore. There is an escarpment line along part of the oceanfront that is temporary.

The bike lanes and resurfacing project preliminary work is ongoing. The project is on schedule to be completed before Memorial Day.

Rest assured the pier and Block Q are being worked on by our engineers and architects behind the scenes even though there isn’t much to see to date. Satisfying regulations and due process is a constant struggle. There is a shortage of bids from potential contractors.

Sailfish Park plans are far from being made as more information is still forthcoming from the designers, permitters, etc. It is my opinion that this project has a long way to go before final decisions will be made by the commissioners.

The sewer pump station (#4) located at the corner of Greensboro Street and Ocean Boulevard West continues to be a problem of contract pricing, bidding, etc. There is more work that has to be done to get more competition in the bidding process. Contractors seem to have more work than they can get done.

The Holden Beach causeway is still a hot topic at the local highway committee meetings. It appears the project continues to gain traction. Improvement is still needed more than ever to be more inviting as one approaches our beautiful Holden Beach bridge.

Paving of portions of NC 130 between Shallotte and Holden Beach is still in the planning stages.

Eddie Sweatt passed away last weekend. Many of you will remember that he and his wife Carolyn were the owners of our local newspaper, the Brunswick Beacon for decades. They have been property owners and longtime residents for many years. Mr. Sweatt’s funeral service is at the Holden Beach Chapel at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, November 2, 2023.

Wintertime is almost here. It is time to start preparing your homes for the cold weather.

Happy holidays are coming!!!

From the Mayor’s Desk (11/07/23)
Today we have been made aware that the Town of Holden Beach has been awarded a $420,000 CAMA Public Beach and Waterfront Access Grant for further improvements to the Block Q properties adjacent to the Wildlife Boat Ramp. This project will create new restrooms and parking for beach/boating access, landscaping and stormwater improvements. Thank you to the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management!

From the Mayor’s Desk (11/08/23)
Holden Beach Voters Have Spoken!

Thank you to the voters for re-electing me as mayor of Holden Beach. Additionally, Dr. Page Dyer has been re-elected as a commissioner.

Welcome to the newly elected commissioners, Tom Myers, Tracey Thomas and Rick Paarfus. The winners of yesterday’s election will be sworn in on December 19th, which is our regular monthly meeting date here at Town Hall.

Commissioner Rick Smith was not up for re-election this cycle. He will remain in his position for two more years.

Thanks to Judge Gerald Arnold and Brian Murdock for their services as commissioners, which will conclude at the December meeting.

I look forward to working together as a board for the good of Holden Beach and continuing to be the best family beach!

General Comments –

The Town has been live streaming their Board of Commissioners meeting on Facebook and later posting the audio to YouTube. I believe that more people participate in virtual meetings than those that physically attend the meetings. It still is difficult to listen to the meetings on Facebook since the audio is so poor, it’s really hard to hear what they are saying. Virtual meeting protocols prescribe them to talk into the microphone, have speakers say their name before commenting, and to take roll call votes, among other suggestions. We should be able to get audio right on the Facebook livestream. It is unacceptable that the audio is so poor. The first few minutes of this meeting there was  no sound at all. The Town needs to do whatever it takes to get this corrected.

THB PUBLIC HEARING
The Planning and Zoning Board of the Town of Holden Beach will hold a public hearing on Tuesday November 28, 2023, at 3:30 p.m., at the Town Hall, to consider the following request:

 Revision of Town Ordinance 157.083 definition of Accessory Structures.

 If you have any questions, please contact Town Hall at (910) 842-6080.  

Previously reported – July 2023
Discussion and Possible Action on Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 157: Zoning Code (Accessory Uses) – Mayor Holden

§157.007 ONE PRINCIPAL BUILDING PER LOT
No platted lot shall be occupied by more than one principal building. No part of a yard, court, or other open space provided about any building or structure for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this chapter shall be included as a part of a yard or other open space required under this chapter for another building or structure. A residence shall always constitute a principal use.

Alan introduced the topic, but Timbo explained the issue. Basically, you can’t have an accessory structure before you have a primary structure. Property owners are required to have a bulkhead, but you can’t have a floating dock or pier without the principal structure which is the house.  Changes in the state law have made piers and docks an accessory structure.  The Board requested that Timbo to come back to them with proposed changes to the ordinance concerning accessory uses for the Board to review.

BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, December 19^th

2023 Municipal Elections

Twelve (12) candidates were on the ballot running for five (5) available positions

THB Election Results

Candidate                            Position                    Term                     Votes
Alan Holden                        Mayor                         Ninth                     230
Mike Felmly                           Mayor                         First                      196

Tom Myers                          Commissioner           First                       267
Tracey Thomas                  Commissioner            First                      218
Page Dyer                            Commissioner            Second                  181
Maria Surprise                     Commissioner            First                      164
Brian Murdock                     Commissioner            Second                 148
Gerald Arnold                       Commissioner            Second                 137
Jim Bauer                               Commissioner            First                     86

Rick Paarfus                       Commissioner            First                     193
Sylvia Pate                             Commissioner            First                     141
Richard McInturff                Commissioner            First                     69

Editor’s Note –
Off-year elections are often noted for low interest and few voters at the polls. Based on the Mayor’s candidates vote count we had four hundred and twenty-seven (427) voters out of eight hundred and forty-seven (847) registered voters or some 50.41% that turned out to vote. I’d say that it was a really good turnout especially for off-year elections. There is much to be said for stability and continuity that comes with serving in office for long periods of time. That said, I think the public wanted change and elected three (3) candidates that had not served in the town government before.

 Holden Beach Election Results / Through the Years …

BOC’s distribution list
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Congratulations and thanks to our elected officials for their service to the community.

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

The following twenty-five (25) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:

• • • • 796 OBW Project
      • Accessory Structure
      • ADA Mediation Agreement
      • Audit Committee Chair
        
      • Beach Mat Plan
      • Bike Lanes
      • Block Q Project
      • Carolina Avenue
      • Crosswalks OBW
      • Dog Park
      • Fire Station Project
      • Harbor Acres
      • Hatteras Ramp/Coastal Waterfront Access Grant
      • ICW/No Wake Zone Enforcement
      • Inlet Hazard Areas
      • Parking – 800 Block
      • Pier Properties Project
      • Rights-of-Way
      • Sailfish Park Site Project
      • Sewer System/Lift station #2
      • Stormwater Management Project
      • USACE/Coastal Storm Risk Management Study
      • Water System Assessment/Water Tower
      • Waste Ordinance Enforcement Policy
      • Wetland Delineation/Bulkheading
        

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

I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with family and friends

and all of the memories that make you thankful!

November 23, 2023

Hurricane Season
For more information » click here.

Be prepared – have a plan! 

Hurricanes have always struck the shores of the United States. But in recent decades, the combination of climate change and growing coastal population has made them far more damaging – particularly in one corner of the Atlantic coast. Roughly 150 Atlantic hurricanes have approached or directly hit the United States in the last seven decades. Gulf Coast regions like coastal Louisiana and Florida frequently encounter powerful hurricanes, of course. But some of the most hurricane-prone parts of the country lie further northeast, on the Carolina coast. Between 2016 and 2022, the Carolinas were hit by five hurricanes: Matthew, Florence, Dorian, Isaias and Ian. At the crossroads of these hurricanes lie the metro areas of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Wilmington, N.C. These two metros, known for their striking coastlines, have been regularly battered by hurricanes this century. They also have something else in common: Both are among the fastest-growing coastal metros in the United States since 2000. Why do so many people decide to move here despite the risks? And what does that mean for everyone else?

A Beautiful Place That Has a Dragon’:
Where Hurricane Risk Meets Booming Growth
The hurricanes keep coming, and the people, too: The fastest-growing places along the Atlantic coast this century are also among the most hurricane-prone. Between 2016 and 2022, the five hurricanes that hit the Carolinas cost the two states over $33 billion in damages in current dollars, displaced hundreds of thousands of people and led to the deaths of more than 90. There’s every reason to expect more damage in coming years: A warming climate adds moisture to the air, unlocking the potential for wetter and more powerful storms. And rising sea levels make storm surges more damaging and coastal flooding more frequent.  And the newcomers will keep coming: One 2022 study projected that by 2050, population growth will increase the number of Americans exposed to flooding nearly four times as much as climate change will alone. Simply put, there are many more people living along the paths of hurricanes than ever before. And this booming coastal population is, by many accounts, a larger contributor to rising hurricane risks than climate change. “It’s always climate change plus something, and we’re moving more people into harm’s way than out,” said Kathie Dello, North Carolina’s state climatologist. Local officials say they are struggling to keep up with the growth. They can try to manage the floodplain, communicate the risks, regulate construction and prepare for disasters. But the one thing they can’t seem to do is stop people from moving here. Many retirees are drawn to the Carolinas’ beaches and waterways, moderate temperatures and low taxes. Between 1990 and 2020, the number of people 65 and older grew by nearly 450 percent combined in Horry County, S.C., and adjoining Brunswick County, N.C. When Gail Hart moved from Arizona to retire in Wilmington, N.C., in 2017, she hadn’t considered the hurricane risk. “I wanted to be near a beach,” she said. “I wanted a community.” The next year, Hurricane Florence made landfall in the Wilmington metro area. Many neighborhoods flooded. In some places, three feet of water entered homes. Emergency officials rescued over a thousand residents. Ms. Hart evacuated. She was fortunate: Her home suffered only minor wind damage. But the experience changed her view of living there. She installed storm shutters and a generator and bought flood insurance. And yet, like so many others, she has stayed despite the storm risks. “I don’t let it affect my life unless there’s a hurricane coming,” she said. Ms. Hart is far from alone. When she arrived, there were about a dozen homes in her retirement community. Today there are over 500. In a retirement community being built across the road, acres of pine forests have been cleared to develop homes along the Cape Fear River. Nearby, marshland with ghost forests of dead trees was up for sale as “riverfront condo land.” Wilmington is part of New Hanover County, the most densely populated of the state’s coastal counties. Nearly 40 percent of its homes risk being severely affected by flooding in the next 30 years, according to the First Street Foundation. “There’s just not a lot of area left,” said Steven Still, director of emergency services for the county. “So, you’re developing in the fringe areas.” The escalating costs of storms raise a difficult question for these growing coastal communities: How do you balance growth with safety? The combination of climate change and development in risky areas is making it “a huge challenge” to keep residents safe, said Amanda Martin, North Carolina’s chief resilience officer. It’s not just that people are moving to hurricane-prone areas. The growth itself can make flooding worse. Cutting down trees and paving over wetlands takes away open land that would otherwise absorb rainfall. “We just seem to be going through this vicious cycle that is becoming more vicious with the amount of people and infrastructure we put in these areas,” Mr. Still said. Federal law permits people to build in flood zones, so long as they meet certain minimum standards. In return, the government offers them flood insurance through a federal program that is over $20 billion in debt — largely due to escalating hurricane damages. While the National Flood Insurance Program was originally intended to discourage floodplain development, in practice it has done the opposite by removing a lot of the financial risk involved, said Jenny Brennan, a climate analyst at the Southern Environmental Law Center. States have a few options to discourage people from building in flood zones. They can create more stringent building requirements, or they can buy up and preserve undeveloped land. But these measures are expensive and rely on political will or the willingness of landowners to sell. One way that states can move residents out of harm’s way is by offering to buy out their homes and permanently converting that land to open space. But a study this year found that for every home bought out in North Carolina between 1996 and 2017, more than 10 new ones were built in the state’s floodplains. The growth also makes it more difficult to evacuate when storms strike. In these booming coastal counties, residents and local officials say that roads and bridges are not keeping pace with the growth. “Our biggest problem is our infrastructures not being able to keep up,” said David McIntire, the deputy director of emergency management for Brunswick County, the fastest-growing coastal county in North Carolina this century and part of the Wilmington metro. The state has undertaken a multiyear project to add two lanes to Highway 211, the main evacuation route for the region. Mr. McIntire said the state and local departments were “having to play catch-up” after years of failing to plan ahead. In neighboring New Hanover County, his counterpart Mr. Still is grappling with a shortage of affordable housing, which he said was making it “exponentially difficult” to shelter people displaced by disasters. After a disaster, the surge in demand for short-term housing drives up already high rents. Poorer residents often rely on the state and local governments for assistance with evacuation and housing. The problem lies in where to house them. “If there is zero housing availability in the community right now,” Mr. Still said, “where do you put 100,000 people?” The housing crunch is one of many tensions playing out between wealthy coastal communities and those who live nearby. April O’Leary lives in Conway, S.C., an inland city in Horry County, a half-hour drive from Myrtle Beach. The county makes up the Myrtle Beach metro area, which was the fastest-growing coastal metro nationally between 2000 and 2020 and is one of the fastest-growing places in the country annually. And the growth is projected to continue. Horry County is large and flat: Nearly a quarter of its land lies within a floodplain. After Hurricane Florence made landfall, it took about a week for the rainwater to flow down to Conway. But the water stayed for over a week. “It sits for a while and it just destroys everything,” Ms. O’Leary said. Water entered her home, flooding the first floor and a bedroom. Her husband and son evacuated to Myrtle Beach, while she stayed for a few days to document the floods. Afterward, there were large piles of debris lining street after street in her neighborhood, filled with ruined flooring, kitchen cabinets and bathroom fixtures. When her son’s elementary school reopened and he saw the devastation in the neighborhood, she said he stopped smiling and became quieter for months. After the flooding, Ms. O’Leary founded Horry County Rising, a political organization that campaigned for the county to adopt stricter regulations for floodplain construction. Much of the flooding in the Carolinas during Hurricane Florence occurred outside of federal flood zones, where few people have flood insurance or homes that are protected from flooding. In 2021, the county expanded its flood zone boundaries to include places that flooded during Hurricane Florence. And it required new homes built there to have their lowest floor three feet above the high water mark. The changes applied to all unincorporated parts of the county. But they faced pushback from local developers because of raised building costs. The county recently voted to lower the height requirements to two feet, after legal pressure from a developer. The flooding and growth also affect rural communities that have been rooted in the Carolinas for generations. In Bucksport, S.C., a small inland town in Horry County, Kevin Mishoe is a third-generation farmer and former chair of the Association for the Betterment of Bucksport. He said the newer building codes would pay dividends in future floods, but they would also make home ownership far more expensive for people in lower-income communities like Bucksport. Bucksport sits between two major rivers, nestled against wetlands and tidal forests. Mr. Mishoe lives with his wife in a mobile home that flooded during Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Florence in 2018. Mr. Mishoe says he believes banks are denying loans to residents because of their location in a floodplain, a phenomenon he called “bluelining.” Meanwhile, he said, locals are being “bombarded” with offers from developers and private equity companies to buy their land. “All of a sudden land that you’re telling us is almost worthless because you’re in a flood zone, everybody’s trying to buy,” he said. The area is considered prime real estate because of its access to water. This year, the county expressed support for a highway that would connect Myrtle Beach to inland parts of the county. The highway is expected to cut through Bucksport and its adjoining wetlands and bring added development to the region. The town’s residents emphatically do not want to sell their land, Mr. Mishoe said. Their ancestors have held on to this land for generations, and they intend to stay. Bucksport’s flooding problem began in 2015. But there are coastal Carolina communities that have endured regular hurricanes for over a century. Karen Willis Amspacher lives on Harkers Island in Carteret County, N.C. — one of the most hurricane-prone counties in the country. The island is part of a string of low-lying rural communities near the Outer Banks that locals call Down East. The communities are connected by Highway 70, a dredged road that floods several times a year. Ms. Amspacher is a fifth-generation resident of the island and the director of the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum. There are a lot of newer residents, she said, moving into large houses on stilts, with generators and flood insurance. Some houses are second homes or vacation properties. The construction boom has driven up costs for locals. “The fear and threat of sea level rise or storms doesn’t hinder any of it,” she said. While the new homes may be safer, Ms. Amspacher said, many of the newcomers are isolated from the emotional trauma that her community experiences during a hurricane. “This is a piece of property to them,” she said. “It’s not their family inheritance. It’s not their home. It’s not where they hope their children will stay and grow up.” Ms. Amspacher has had to evacuate her home in three past hurricanes. But she’s not planning to leave for the next one. She said staying during storms was a way to protect property from damage and was part of her community’s cultural identity. “These hurricanes make these communities what we are,” she said. Back in Wilmington, Sharon Valentine is also no stranger to hurricanes. She owned a large animal farm near Fayetteville, N.C., which was devastated by Hurricane Fran in 1996. So, when she and her partner decided to retire in Wilmington’s Del Webb community in 2017, they knew the risks. Many others have followed since. “There’s a mass migration down here,” she said. Ms. Valentine organizes annual hurricane training for these newer arrivals. The community members have evacuation plans and look out for one another. She, too, said the local infrastructure hadn’t kept up with growth. There are two small bridges on either end of River Road that serve as the main evacuation routes for her community. She is concerned that they may flood in a major storm. “If we really ever have a bad one, we’re going to have to get out of here,” Ms. Valentine said. Still, when she thinks about all the newcomers, she sympathizes with their reasons for moving here. “It is a beautiful place that has a dragon emerge periodically,” she said. “And so, you weigh your risks.”
Read more » click here

Emergency Preparedness

No matter what a storm outlook is for a given year,
vigilance and preparedness is urged.

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/

Lou’s Views
News & Views / November Edition

Calendar of Events –

Discover a wide range of things to do in the Brunswick Islands for an experience that goes beyond the beach.
For more information » click here.

Calendar of Events Island –

Turkey Trot
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its ninth annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, November 23^rd at 8:00 am All individuals interested in participating should call 910.842.6488 to register. Please bring a canned food item to donate to the local food pantry.

Gingerbread Creation Contest
The Town of Holden Beach will sponsor a gingerbread creation competition to be judged as part of our annual tree lighting event on November 30^th. There will be two categories, one for businesses and one for individuals. Note that age will not be a determining factor in judging. The majority of the creation’s components must be edible. Judging will be by popular vote of those attending the tree lighting event. All interested parties should register by November 21^st by emailing Christy at [email protected]. Creations should be dropped off at the Holden Beach Pavilion between 4:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on November 30^th. Participants who wish to have their creations displayed after the event concludes will need to be prepared to move them to Town Hall following the conclusion of the tree lighting event. The staff will not be able to take responsibility for moving them.   

Tree Lighting
Come one, Come all!
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its fifteenth annual Tree Lighting annual tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, November 30^th at 6 pm, entertainment starts at 5:15 pm.

Pickleball Classes
Pickleball classes will be held every Monday starting at 10:00 a.m. for beginners/11:00 a.m. for intermediate and every Tuesday starting at 5:30 p.m. for beginners and 6:30 p.m. for intermediate beginning December 4^th at Bridgeview Park. Cost is $100 for the season for both residents and non-residents or $180 for two classes per week for the season.
For more information » click here

Sandy Paws Dog Parade
Join us on Saturday, December 9^th at 10:00 am outside the Town Hall Public Assembly for our annual Sandy Paws Dog Parade. This will be a short walk to the Pavilion where you can have you dog’s picture taken with Santa.

The Chapel Choir Christmas Musical Performance
The Holden Beach Choir is preparing for its second Christmas concert with a live orchestra. On Sunday December 17^th at 7:00 pm, the choir will present the musical The Wonders of His Love, accompanied by a Chamber Orchestra.

Parks & Recreation / Programs & Events
For more information » click here

Reminders –

Solid Waste Pick-Up Schedule
GFL Environmental change in service, trash pickup will be once a week. This year September 30^th was the  the last Saturday trash pick-up until June. Trash collection will go back to Tuesdays only.

Please note:
. • Trash carts must be at the street by 6:00 a.m. on the pickup day
. • BAG the trash before putting it in the cart
. • Carts will be rolled back to the front of the house

Solid Waste Pick-up Schedule – starting October once a week

Recycling – starting October every other week

Yard Waste Service
Yard debris is collected on the second (2^nd) and fourth (4^th) Fridays during the months of October, November, and December. Yard debris needs to be secured in a biodegradable bag (not plastic) or bundled in a maximum length not to exceed five (5) feet and fifty (50) pounds in weight. Each residence is allowed a total of ten (10) items, which can include a combination of bundles of brush and limbs meeting the required length and weight and/ or biodegradable bags. Picks-ups are not provided for vacant lots or construction sites.

Upon Further Review –

• Bike Lane
  Property owners along Ocean Boulevard were sent a CAMA notice from the DOT
  .
  Key takeaways:

• • • • Add 7’ asphalt to the south side of existing pavement
      • Add 3’ asphalt to the north side of existing pavement
      • Recenter the travel lanes
      • Create two (2) five (5) foot bike lanes on either side of the road

DOT informed us the cost of the has significantly increased by almost 30%
The good news is that our portion is only an additional $23,000 so far

Previously reported – October 2023

DOT Bike Lane Report Presentation » click here

The plan includes bike lanes of 5’ on each side of Ocean Boulevard. It will be an asymmetrical widening, that is 7’ on the south side and only 3’ on the north side where the sidewalk is. 

Highland Paving has been awarded the contract and has already met with the town staff

Surveying has already been completed and work on storm water issues will begin in November

Paving prep work will start once that is completed, probably sometime in December

They anticipate that the actual paving project will be done beginning March

Work will be done starting from the west end of the island working east

They are still committing to completing the project before Memorial Day

THB Newsletter (10/20/23)
Ocean Boulevard Resurfacing and Bike Lane Project
Highland Paving met with the Department of Transportation and staff last week to discuss the upcoming project. They communicated that storm water work will begin in November. The subsequent paving prep work, which we are thinking will take place in December, will involve removal of the road shoulders, three feet on the north side of the road and seven feet on the south side of the road. We do not know where the contractor will be at any given point in time. Property owners are responsible for removing any material (landscape timbers/specialty rock, etc.) from the construction area that they don’t want hauled off by the contractor. Replacement material will be generic ABC stone. Mailboxes will be moved/reset, but if they fall apart, the contractor will install a generic replacement. We are forecasting the paving won’t begin until March/April, with the project being completed by Memorial Day.

Carolina Bays Parkway project S.C. 31
As many of you know the extension of Carolina Bays 31 from SC to NC has been an ongoing project for many years that has been accelerated by the fact that SC has the funding and the desire to complete the existing SC31 to the NC state line. This has caused NC to come up with plan even though they have no funding for the road to enter NC and go north towards Wilmington. 

There have been numerous rumors about what routes are and are not being considering and quite honestly there are some things that we do know for fact after the most recent meeting but there are even more things that we, and NCDOT for that matter, don’t have answers to at this point.  The purpose of this communication is to make everyone aware of what we know.  At the Sept Board meeting the Community Impact Committee made a presentation that clearly identified 2 of the proposed routes along with many of the details surrounding a project like this. It is suggested that if you haven’t seen it to review the below “Enumerate Engage – Login”  link for more detail about this project.

• • What we know based on the last meeting with the NCDOT two weeks ago;
    • SC has the funding thru a sales tax in Horry County
    • SC has asked NC where to end their construction to the NC SC state line or in other words, where does NC want the SC portion to end? 
    • NC has selected route 4 which is east of Indigo Farms near Hickman Road (NC 57) 
    • Carolina Bays is a high priority for the BC county region of NCDOT but there is NO funding for this project, and it will have to compete with other projects throughout NC based on a set of criteria which at this point has placed it as a low priority within NC.
    • NCDOT has decided to have a 3 Phase plan for the road in NC.

* Phase 1 will take SC31 from the state line to a new interchange at Ash Little River Road
* Phase 2 will take it from there to Longwood Road NW (Rte. 904) near the Grissettown Longwood Fire and Rescue Department.
* Phase 3 will take it from there to Route 17 at either the Rte. 904 or the Rte. 130 intersection

• • • The Environmental Impact Study (EIS) although not officially approved is close to approval and once it is approved there will be 2 public meetings (one in NC & one in SC)  to solicit input on the 2 alternative routes to connect to 17. These meetings will take place sometime in mid to late Q1 ’24
    •  At this point only Phase 1 & 2 are locked in with preliminary funding expected in 2025 or 2026
    •  Phase 3 is still under review. No route has been selected albeit there is solid rationale for both alternatives and a route must be selected prior to any State or Federal funding proposals that are to be are submitted. 
    •  The public meetings will be VERY important in determining the Phase 3 route !!!

ORMA

Without funding, NCDOT continues Carolina Bays Parkway discussion
On Oct. 16, the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study (GSATS) Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) and the GSATS Policy Committee with both North Carolina and South Carolina participants met. Both meetings were held at Ocean Isle Beach Town Hall. Both meetings were open to the public and focused on the Carolina Bays Parkway Extension project that will extend Carolina Bays Parkway — also known as South Carolina Highway 31 — from South Carolina Highway 9 in Horry County, South Carolina, across the North Carolina state line to US Highway 17 in Brunswick County. Representatives from participating towns, cities and counties and project leads from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) were in attendance. During the combined policy meeting, participants received a presentation by NCDOT Division 3 Engineer Chad Kimes and Project Development and Environment Analysis (PDEA) Engineer Mason Herndon. Kimes told the committee that NCDOT wants to start obtaining funding for the extension by the end of next year to get the North Carolina side of the project moving. “I can tell you, Carolina Bays is one of our number one priorities in this region that’s unfunded, currently, by the state of North Carolina,” he said. Kimes explained that they are going to try several ways to get state funding over the next few months and they will know a little more by spring 2024. He noted that the project had been submitted for state funding in the past, however, they have yet to receive any money. “The lowest project to score in our scoring system that got picked up in our [Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)] program scored a 74.6,” he said. “We were scoring the Carolina Bays at a 62.71. The difference between that 62 and that 74.6 is about $14 billion worth of projects in between, so there was a big difference…” He told the board that NCODT will be applying for federal grants too, however, all grants will require a match by the state. “On a price tag like this, North Carolina can match anywhere between 30 and 50% on federal grants but we will be pursuing it,” Kimes said. If they do apply for federal grants, the project may score better in the prioritization process because it will bring down the overall cost of the project for North Carolina. Kimes noted they are looking to lower project costs by eliminating interchanges and installing superstreets, adding they may reduce the number of right a ways, too, and that things can be changed in the future. Kimes said they are seeking to connect the project to US Highway 17 sooner to lower overall costs and are still considering installing tolls along the project to offset the total cost as well. Herndon gave the Policy Committee, along with a good-sized audience, a presentation on NCDOT’s progress on the project, funding and planning. Herndon said they are studying seven different routes in the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), however, alternative route four is the preferred one at the moment. He explained that one of the interchanges would go up to Ash Little River Road in Ash. Alternative four would connect with South Carolina at Hickman Road Northwest in Calabash, and travel through Hickmans Crossroads. It would cross the Hickmans Branch River and the Cawcaw Swamp. The suggested route would take the project to Gwynn Road Northwest in Longwood and Bland Road Northwest in Longwood. If alternative map four is chosen for the extension, the project would not connect with US Highway 17 until its intersection with Longwood Road and Seaside Road near Grissettown. “Alternative four ties into [US Highway] 17 at the 904 intersection,” Herndon said. Asked how much money had been committed on North Carolina’s end, Herndon said none. He said they were told by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) to look at an “affordable solution” to get the project started since they have no funding currently. He said NCDOT has been working on it and has sent the draft EIS, which includes all seven alternatives, to the FHA. He said NCDOT will eventually have a financial plan to show their commitment to the entire project with South Carolina. Herndon said the project would be done in phases — phase one would either stop at the North Carolina and South Carolina boarder or carry into Brunswick County up to Ash Little River Road. “Now, we’re not talking about this as the complete project, this is just phase one of the project,” he said. “Every project that we’ve got is so many miles long that we build it in sections, and it has to have logical termini. So, basically, those are the two logical termini we feel like we can start with.” If phase one was carried into Brunswick County, he said an interchange would be built at Ash Little River Road. “This would require us to do improvements along Hickman Road and along Ash Little River Road to get traffic to 904 until phase two is built,” he said. A timeline for phase one could not be provided at this time. “Until we actually have money in the bank for this project in North Carolina… that’s going to be when we can really develop a timeline,” Herndon said. He said they hope that having this plan, with some committed funds, will help move things forward, and also explained that the final EIS may not get approved without a full financial plan for the entire project. Kimes said he felt confident that they will receive right of way funding by the end of 2024 to kickstart the project. With the project plan coming together, Herndon said he expects public hearings to commence in early 2024. Shallotte Mayor Walt Eccard said he has been telling folks for three years that there would be a meeting to discuss the draft EIS. He asked how sure they were about the public hearings and if early 2024 was a reasonable date to tell people. In response, Herndon said he felt fairly confident that there would be public meetings for the extension, and they could begin in early 2024. He noted that the final EIS meeting might not be until the end of 2024 or beginning of 2025. “The public hearings after the draft EIS [are] to give public input on what we’re proposing,” Herndon said. He explained the final EIS would contain the final determined route for the Carolina Bay Parkway Extension, however, the drafted EIS, used for information purposes, will include all seven alternative routes. Brunswick County Board of Commissioners Chair Randy Thompson said there would be major construction work that would take years if alternative four is chosen. He said he was concerned about the potential traffic on affected roads during the duration of the project’s construction, noting that traffic is already a major issue with the county’s increasing population growth. “We need the highway, there’s no doubt about that. We need the highway,” Thompson said. Kimes said they will look at all the potentially effected roads to see what they can handle and make sure steps are in place for potentially needed improvements. All of the alternative routes can be found online on the NCDOT website at https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/carolina-bays-parkway/Pages/project-maps.aspx
Brunswick Beacon

Previously reported – August 2023
Here’s why a major road project connecting Myrtle Beach and Brunswick remains stalled
A combined effort by the North and South Carolina departments of transportation looks to connect two major highways near the states’ borders, but the project has been slow moving for a number of years. The Carolina Bays Parkway project looks to extend S.C. 31 from S.C. 9 in Horry County across the state line to U.S. 17 in southwestern Brunswick County. The project was first conceived nearly two decades ago in the early 2000s as a way to ease congestion in South Carolina’s Grand Strand communities and create an alternative route parallel to U.S. 17. The preliminary study area encompassed land largely in Brunswick County along U.S. 17, including Carolina Shores, Calabash and a portion of Shallotte. The project study area is roughly 19 miles long, including some 14 miles located in North Carolina and approximately five miles in South Carolina. Currently, motorists traveling between the two states by way of Brunswick County largely take an inefficient route down U.S. 17 through the Little River area before connecting to S.C. 31. Another route from Brunswick County to Horry County is two-lane – and largely residential – Hickman Road. With several planned developments approved to be built in the area over the next few years, an NCDOT study estimated many of the roads and intersections in the study area would approach, reach or exceed capacity limits within the decade. “The population within Horry and Brunswick counties has steadily increased, and is expected to continue to increase, along with the number of tourists to the area,” the project outlines. “Growth in population, tourism, and supporting services has resulted in an increase in mixed-purpose traffic on area roads.” This extension looks to improve traffic flow between the states.

Funding the project
According to the NCDOT, the project is estimated to total $552 million between the two states, with North Carolina’s portion estimated at $367 million and South Carolina’s at $185 million. At a recent meeting of the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, NCDOT Division 3 Division Engineer Chad Kimes said South Carolina intends to extend S.C. 31, bringing six lanes of highway into North Carolina. Kimes said the NCDOT is still working on its connection. Kimes added that South Carolina’s portion of the project is fully funded while North Carolina’s portion has yet to be funded.

Timeline
The NCDOT is still working to determine a start date for the project, while SCDOT is expected to begin right of way acquisition next year. According to the NCDOT, an environmental impact document is expected to be submitted later this year, with a public hearing regarding the project anticipated for early 2024. Dates for when right of way acquisition in North Carolina and construction could begin have yet to be determined. According to the NCDOT, there are currently no upcoming public meetings scheduled regarding the project, but the public is asked to submit feedback on the department’s website.
Read more » click here

Previously reported – January 2023
Carolina Bays Parkway
A massive highway project looking to connect Brunswick County and Myrtle Beach could see major movement in 2023. The Carolina Bays Parkway project was first conceived in the early 2000s. Long awaited and highly anticipated, the project hopes to connect S.C. 31 and U.S. 17 in Brunswick County. With the need for a new route in southern Brunswick greater than ever with commercial and residential developments booming across the county, the project is now nearing some concrete milestones. Seven possible routes are undergoing more detailed studies to find the corridor with the least human and environmental impacts. N.C. Department of Transportation officials anticipate results from those studies will be shared with the public in February 2023 with a public comment period to follow. The project is expected to cost the two states $552 million and is only partially funded at this point.

Corrections & Amplifications –

N.C. Republicans pass redistricting map expected to flip 3 House seats
In a move that could solidify GOP power in the state for years to come, North Carolina Republicans passed new congressional and state legislative maps Wednesday that could flip three or four U.S. House seats while easing a path for the party to hold onto veto-proof majorities over state legislation. Critics of the map say it weakens democracy by limiting the power of Black and Brown voters and crafting districts into GOP strongholds that curb Democratic voters’ influence. “North Carolina is now one the most egregiously gerrymandered states in the country,” said Eric Holder, the former U.S. attorney general and current head of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. Proponents say they are allowed to draw maps that favor political parties because of recent court precedent, and that Republicans have the power to do so because they won more seats in both chambers. “The chickens are coming home to roost for the Democrats,” said Paul Shumaker, a senior Republican consultant in North Carolina. “Elections have consequences.” The Republican redistricting of North Carolina is the party’s latest attempt to redefine congressional voting districts nationwide as cases across the South, including in Alabama and South Carolina, face legal challenges. The newly enacted districts come almost a year after the state Supreme Court flipped from Democratic to Republican control in the 2022 elections, and GOP justices ruled in April that redistricting for partisan gain was constitutional under state law. That decision reversed a ruling a year earlier from the state’s highest court that threw out proposed boundaries because of what it saw as illegal partisan gerrymandering. The map creates 10 likely Republican districts, three likely Democratic districts and one that appears to be competitive, according to statewide election data. North Carolina’s 14 congressional seats are evenly split between Democrats and Republicans after a temporary map was created following the top court’s decision to throw out a Republican-proposed map. The new map would probably flip at least three of those seats to the GOP, which could also help give them control in a U.S. House where Republicans hold a narrow 221-212 majority. The three- or four-seat swing is significant even for partisan gerrymanders, experts say, showing how court elections can significantly alter the direction of a state and, potentially, control of the U.S. House. In an analysis of recent elections in North Carolina, Duke University mathematics professor Jonathan Mattingly, who studies the effects of gerrymandering, found that electoral outcomes under the Republican maps wouldn’t reflect voters’ changing preferences, even when Democrats overperform. “If the opinion of the people changes sufficiently, who is elected should change,” Mattingly said. “These maps are nonresponsive. With them, the elections have no consequences. That’s not really democracy.” Andrew Taylor, a N.C. State University political science professor and the director of the Free and Open Societies Project, said the North Carolina legislature has some of the most leeway of any in the country to enact new voting districts, though it is subject to existing federal law. Taylor, who has previously served as an expert witness for Republicans, said he expects legal challenges to follow the bill’s passage. Experts across North Carolina agree that legal challenges will be forthcoming, alleging that the redistricted maps are racially gerrymandered and unlawful under the Voting Rights Act because they don’t allow Black voters to fairly elect their representatives. Morgan Jackson, a Democratic strategist in the state, said he think there’s likely a viable path to challenge the new map on the grounds that it dilutes the Black vote after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Alabama’s new congressional map was unconstitutional for that reason. That’s in addition to the aggressive gerrymander he says will limit Democratic voters’ influence statewide. “They’ve taken essentially a 50-50 state and drawn a map where 80 percent of voters will have a Republican member of Congress,” said Jackson, the Democratic Party strategist. Some advocates and organizations in North Carolina have started analyzing the maps for possible pathways to file lawsuits. That includes Hilary Klein from the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, who wrote in a letter to state GOP leaders that the state Senate legislative districts effectively dilute the Black vote in at least two seats. “It is clear as day,” Klein said. “Anybody who knows anything about North Carolina knows the Senate map is going to deprive North Carolina’s Black Belt of any representation.” Mattingly’s analysis also found that the maps probably will help Republicans hold onto majorities — and potentially veto-proof majorities — in both chambers. The redistricting is also likely to help Republicans’ attempts to keep the seat of Rep. Tricia Cotham, who switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party in April, giving the GOP a razor-thin supermajority. Republicans have defended their maps, arguing that they reversed Democratic judicial overreach, and that Democrats would similarly redraw maps to favor their side. They also argued that drawing maps favoring a political party is legal, according to the state’s highest court. During debate on the maps, they instead argued that Democrats must try to appeal to rural voters. “We have complied with the law in every way on these maps,” Republican state Rep. Destin Hall said. “Our overarching goal in the creation of this House plan was to create Republican-leaning districts where possible.” In the U.S. House, the plan could squeeze out Democratic Reps. Jeff Jackson, Wiley Nickel and Kathy E. Manning, while freshman Rep. Donald G. Davis would run in the one competitive district. Davis is one of three Black Democrats from the state in the House. “Once again, this General Assembly has enacted maps that racially gerrymander North Carolinians in an effort to ensure a predetermined outcome: large majorities for Republicans in both chambers and an outsize share of the Congressional delegation in a purple state,” said state House Minority Leader Robert Reives in a statement. Gov. Roy Cooper (D) has also come out against the proposals, though the redistricting is not subject to his veto. “They have used race and political party to create districts that are historically discriminatory and unfair,” Cooper said in a statement. North Carolina is just over a fifth Black, according to U.S. Census data. Republican lawmakers said they did not use racial demographic data to create the districts. How the Republican lawmakers created the maps, though, is unclear. Because of a recently passed budget resolution, communications about the redistricting process among state lawmakers are not subject to freedom of information requests, making it more difficult for the public to know what was considered with the maps. Legislators can destroy their communications concerning the map’s design when they see fit. Top Republican lawmakers and aides involved in the process did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. In 2022, when the state Supreme Court threw out Republicans’ proposed map, those communications proved relevant in the legal challenges to showing that, according to the court, the new borders were illegal partisan gerrymanders. U.S. Rep. Deborah K. Ross (D-N.C.) said Republicans made the change so they could legislate in a “much more secretive way.” “This is not only a power grab, but it’s a power grab under the cover of darkness,” Ross told The Washington Post. The change is one of many the Republicans have instituted since taking a veto-proof majority. The legislature has also faced lawsuits over voting laws and election boards.
Read more » click here

Odds & Ends –

How this Brunswick beach town is cracking down on short-term rental properties
Officials in one Brunswick County beach town are looking to keep a closer eye on short-term rental properties. After discovering many short-term rentals in Sunset Beach were underreporting or not reporting proper accommodations tax to the town, town officials have signed a $45,000 yearlong contract with GovOS to help better monitor such properties in the town. GovOS is a software platform that works with state and local governments to streamline various processes involving property, licensing and taxing. GovOS promised its short-term rental software would help increase short-term compliance in the town. According to Sunset Beach staff, research on this subject in the town began over two years ago. GovOS estimated the town has 637 short-term rental properties. Of those, the company estimated some 200 are fully in compliance with the town’s accommodation tax ordinance. Accommodations tax is a tax on short-term rental properties – properties that are rented through platforms such as AirBnB or VRBO. In Sunset Beach, accommodations taxes are levied at a rate of 6% of the gross rental income, which includes a 3% tourism-related expenditure tax, a 2% beach nourishment and protection tax, and a 1% county tourism and travel tax. According to Sunset Beach, the property owner or agent are required to pay the full 6% tax to the town with a tax report form monthly based on income from the previous month. Even if no rental receipts are applicable for that month, property owners or agents must file reports month. The software will allow the town to identify properties currently being used for short-term rentals – a feat town staff has struggled with in the wake of the explosion of short-term rental platforms such as AirBnB and VRBO. Once the properties are identified, the software will report the short-term rental properties to the town along with a variety of information on the properties and their tax reporting history. The more properties that properly comply, the more accommodations tax revenue the town will receive. According to the town’s budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, the town anticipates collecting some $775,000 in accommodations taxes, a figure that could be nearly doubled if this software is successful. The Sunset Beach Town Council heard a presentation from GovOS in September before awarding the contract in October, at the request of town staff.
Read more » click here

From Colin Campbell at WUNC comes this report about North Carolina’s legislature exempting itself from the public transparency law that will still apply to the governor, mayors across the state, and agency leaders. (Thanks to reader Minta P for flagging this.) “North Carolina law allows the public to obtain a variety of documents from state government and its elected officials. Anyone can get copies of emails sent to an elected official or access their calendar to see when they met with lobbyists,” Campbell wrote. But now “the lawmakers themselves can decide what to make public — and which documents to delete or toss in the shredder.”

Freedom of information laws — both federal and at the state level — are a powerful tool for unearthing bad behavior. This is a retreat from the public’s right to know.

NC lawmakers exempt themselves from public records laws while Democrats blast ‘secret police’ powers
North Carolina’s legislature is now exempt from the public records law that governs other branches of government. The change is a last-minute addition to the state budget, and it comes alongside a major expansion of the legislature’s ability to seize documents from state agencies and private contractors. North Carolina law allows the public to obtain a variety of documents from state government and its elected officials. Anyone can get copies of emails sent to an elected official or access their calendar to see when they met with lobbyists. That transparency law still applies to the governor, local mayors and agency leaders across the state. But a provision in the budget bill now cuts off that access for anyone seeking records from state legislators and their staff. It says the lawmakers themselves can decide what to make public — and which documents to delete or toss in the shredder. “They have every incentive to leave you in the dark if there’s a record of something unflattering or that might not be politically advantageous to them,” said Brooks Fuller, executive director of the N.C. Open Government Coalition. “And my belief is that that’s probably what most legislators are going to do.”  Legislative leaders wouldn’t say who asked for the provision to be added to the final draft of the budget. But House Speaker Tim Moore defended the change. “I think we received a public records request to every member of the General Assembly for every bit of correspondence for the last three years,” he said. “Now imagine how much that would cost to produce that. We get some kinds of requests like that routinely, that make no sense, that aren’t designed to get information. They’re designed to add to cost and harassment; it ends up costing the taxpayer’s money. So how do you balance that, with ensuring that the public has full transparency?” The longstanding public records law allows government agencies to charge a fee when a records request involves an “extensive” amount of staff resources. “Just because it’s inconvenient or time consuming or expensive, it’s not a good enough public policy reason to not allow free flow of information,” Fuller said. The move has few defenders outside the Legislative Building. The conservative John Locke Foundation, the N.C. Press Association and many Democrats have called for the language to be repealed. The change also removes transparency from the redistricting process underway this month. In the past, documents used in drawing new congressional and legislative maps were released after the new districts were approved. That won’t happen this year, prompting criticism from Rep. Tim Longest, D-Wake. “It shields precisely those records on matters where folks from both sides of the aisle have said we should be more transparent: Drawing district lines,” Longest said. Moore said the redistricting records may still end up becoming public through lawsuits expected to challenge the maps. As the legislature shuts off access to its internal workings, it’s giving its own staff far more power to get documents and information from other branches of government, as well as private companies that do business with the state. A few years ago, legislative leaders eliminated a nonpartisan agency that reviewed state programs and recommended improvements. That agency was replaced by investigators working directly for the leaders of a legislative panel, known as the Joint, also referred to as Gov Ops. It’s recently probed hurricane recovery programs and high school sports oversight, holding sometimes testy hearings with officials from Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration. A budget provision will let partisan staffers for the commission seize documents and enter offices of state agencies and government contractors. Sen. Graig Meyer, D-Orange, says the access is so broad that the partisan investigators could enter private homes of political opponents without a warrant, if they use their home as the headquarters for a business. He compares it to a spy agency. “The advent of this type of secret policing feels more like opening the door of authoritarianism and should scare us all,” he said, adding that the language requires people contacted by Gov Ops staffers to keep the interaction confidential. “Companies hoping to pursue growth plans in North Carolina may completely avoid our state if they believe that our legislative Gov Ops Gestapo will be digging into their private information or walking into their doors to demand access to their computer systems at any moment.” Republicans dismissed Meyer’s scenarios as hyperbole. They said the new authority for the agency is similar to what the state auditor uses to investigate government spending; the goal is to more effectively look at how state agencies and contractors are overseeing programs like hurricane recovery. “That’s just ridiculous,” Moore said of the ‘secret police’ claim. “There’s no arrest powers. There’s nothing like that.” But Brooks Fuller of the N.C. Open Government Coalition said it’s a concerning shift when paired with the repeal of public records laws. “This means that folks who already enjoy a lot of privilege and a lot of power as elected representatives in state government now have the ability to make public information laws, such as they exist, work for them,” he said. “And meanwhile, they’ve stripped that power away from average folks.” Reporters and others filed a few more requests to get lawmakers’ emails before the change took effect. It could be folks’ last chance for now.
Read more » click here

Americans are confused, frustrated by new tipping culture, study finds
The state of tipping in America is, in a word, a mess. Americans are divided and confused over when to leave gratuities and how much to tip for all kinds of services, according to a new study published Thursday by the Pew Research Center — and many don’t like recent trends such as added service fees and suggested tipping amounts. Drew DeSilver, the senior writer of the report, says the lack of consensus isn’t surprising given the ad hoc nature of the tipping regime in the United States. “Tipping is one of those things in American society where there aren’t clear rules,” he said. “There’s not a single generally accepted way of doing things, like with traffic lights, where we all know that red means stop.” If it seems to you that almost everywhere these days, from coffee shops to takeout spots, there’s an added service fee, you’re not alone. People are feeling “tipflation” — the proliferating number of workers to whom consumers are expected to pay gratuities — with 72 percent saying that tipping is expected in more places today than it was five years ago. Most don’t like the addition of “service charges,” the amounts that many restaurants and other businesses have tacked on to customers’ tabs under various names, often to cover the higher costs of things like food and labor — without having to raise their prices. An overwhelming 72 percent of people oppose them, with only 10 percent saying they favor them. And they are also more likely to oppose a suggested tip amount than favor it, something businesses have recently taken to putting on touchscreens at takeout spots or on printed bills — ostensibly to make calculating them easier, but often used as a prod to get customers to shell out. Forty percent of Americans oppose such suggested tips, while 24 percent favor them. (About a third neither oppose nor favor them.) But with more opportunities to tip, and with some restaurants and other businesses offering prompts, there’s still plenty of confusion about whether customers should leave a gratuity — and if so, how much. Thirty-four percent of U.S. adults say it’s “extremely” or “very” easy to know whether to tip for different kinds of services these days, and a similar share, 33 percent, say the same about knowing how much to tip. Interestingly, education and money aren’t always a help in this department: People with higher incomes and more education are more likely to express confusion about when it’s appropriate to tip, as well as what they should be leaving, according to the poll. While these recent and fundamental shifts in tipping might be confusing and unwelcoming, the survey also indicates that the practice in the bigger picture is divisive — Americans are not even on the same page about what tipping is. Twenty-nine percent of Americans think of tipping as an obligation, while 21 percent see it as a choice. Forty-nine percent, though, say it depends on the situation. Younger and more highly educated and wealthier people were more likely to see a tip as an obligation, Pew found. Advances in technology — like delivery apps and tablets at counters where you can tap to leave a gratuity — might be convenient, but they are contributing to the uncertainty. “It’s different than having a jar on the counter — people feel like they are presented with all these tipping options — but does that mean you are expected to tip?” DeSilver said. “We haven’t as a society settled on the rules for that.” When DeSilver went looking to see what kind of guidance people were being offered, whether in etiquette guides or in popular media, the results were all over the place, he said. And when Americans do open their wallets, it seems that many are, well, not great tippers. There are no hard-and-fast rules about how much to tip anywhere, of course. The standard, widely recommended rate has crept up steadily — while 15 percent used to be standard, many guides now suggest that 20 is the norm. But apparently, not everyone abides by that, according to the Pew poll. Given a scenario in which they experienced “average, but not exceptional” food and service at a restaurant, 57 percent of people said they would tip 15 percent or less. Two percent said they would leave their server nothing. Just about a quarter said they would leave 20 percent or more. Wealthier people tend to be better tippers, the survey found, while older people are slightly more likely to tip 15 percent or less — perhaps reflecting a holdover from the earlier standards on a sufficient gratuity. It’s not just customers who seem dissatisfied with the American tipping system, in which workers who regularly receive tips have an hourly wage that’s lower than standard minimums. Some labor activists say the system creates inequities and leaves workers more vulnerable to the whims of their employers. They also argue that relying on tips makes women — who make up the majority of the tipped workforce — more likely to suffer sexual harassment or abuse from customers and managers. The Pew Research Center survey was conducted Aug. 7-27 among 11,945 U.S. adults through Pew’s American Trends Panel and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 1.4 percentage points.
Read more » click here

Those tip prompts at checkout are now officially out of control
I was just leaving a new grab-and-go market in my neighborhood last weekend when the checkout screen suggested I add a tip. With an employee hovering about, I selected 10 percent. In my routine tipping fog, it took a few seconds before I realized that I had handed over an extra $1.70 on a bag of already marked-up coffee beans. The moment is a reminder that tipping is now out of control. Gratuity prompts have become so widespread and indiscriminate that a new study from the Pew Research Center shows it is causing mass confusion and frustration. We’ve been prompted to tip for any counter service for some time now, but nudges are now popping up at self-service kiosks at stadiums, airports and cafes. More is coming: Having new windows installed in your home? Tip it up, America. Before you call me a cheapskate, I’m not here to criticize or diminish the hard-working folks behind the counter — or the internet’s virtual service walls — or anywhere else. I blame the stingy employers that profit by making customers responsible for their refusal to pay a decent wage. Tipping has always been debated, but we broadly agreed on its purpose: A gratuity one gives after a service is rendered to reward the human effort and care demonstrably provided, in what is sometimes thought of as low-wage or underpaid work. We tip after the sit-down meal, after admiring our new haircut, after the bartender whips up a drink. We might tip a valet up front to take care of our car, but it is not necessary to do so to receive the service in the first place. Or at least, it wasn’t. It now seems that I can’t buy anything without being prompted to tip before service is rendered, upending the traditional why of tipping. Case in point: food delivery apps, where front-loading a tip is not only customary but necessary for the order to even be picked up. It’s a practice now referred to as no tip, no trip. To be clear, you might still receive the food late, cold, wrong, or not at all. But, by then, the tip is out of your hands and in someone else’s pocket. Some ride-hailing apps routinely ask for a tip soon after the trip begins. And some online purchases are turning our virtual carts into tip jars, too. Last week, a friend in Pittsburgh sent me a screenshot of a tip prompt from an Instagram shop after purchasing a cushion for an office chair. The prompt had invited him to “show some support for the team.” I am a lifelong tipper, regardless of the quality of service. I waited tables at Holiday Inn as a teenager and then at various joints in Tennessee to put myself through college. I consider bad tipping a good indicator of sociopathy. Servers are unfairly punished for mishaps far beyond their control, usually the result of a poorly run kitchen. The easy-to-tap buttons for 10, 15, 20 percent — in Los Angeles, often 30 percent! — have put tipping on autopilot. It may spare us the awkward math, but it also erases the pause for appreciation. The presence of a watchful employee has turned the act of tipping, even for subpar or no service, into a reflex rather than a reflection. We often tip simply to end the transaction, and businesses bank on that. Tipping has never been the right solution to unfair compensation. It has a racist and sexist past in which women and marginalized people were long made to bear the brunt of egregiously cheap employers. Studies show it offers little incentive to provide better service, and its continued practice does nothing to encourage employers to pony up and pay a decent wage. But let there be no confusion about who is at fault here. It is the companies who are betting that hurried consumers will subsidize what employers won’t pay themselves. It was the boss who paid me $2.13 an hour back in the day, with no benefits, and who demanded I share my tips with others so he could avoid paying my co-workers their fair wages, too. We can thank the pandemic for compelling society to better value the worker, but we will have gone backward if we’ve moved from tips for service to tips for transactions. (Who gets my 10 percent self-checkout tip, anyway, and for what?) One only need review what some companies say when asked to explain themselves: They point out that the tip prompt is optional. Well, here’s a better option. Employers: Pay your workers a living wage, so that tips become what they should be, an extra thank you for a service provided, not a stand-in for the lack of a fair paycheck itself.
Read more » click here

Tip a Self-Service Kiosk? How to Deal With the Many Requests for Tips.
Since the pandemic, they seem to be everywhere. And with inflation, the gratuity on a pricier meal feels like a big outlay.
If you feel that you’re being asked to tip more often, you’re not alone. Most American adults say tipping is expected in more places than it was five years ago, a recent survey from the Pew Research Center found. Once limited mainly to sit-down restaurants, hotel bellhop services and taxi rides, invitations to tip — with suggested amounts — now appear on checkout touch screens in more places, including casual restaurants without table service, mobile food trucks, delivery apps and even self-service kiosks. “People used to feel there was a line,” said Ismail Karabas, an assistant professor of marketing at Murray State University in Kentucky who has studied tipping. “It’s a lot more blurred, and it throws people off. Where do we stop?” A survey published in June by the financial website Bankrate found that two-thirds of Americans had a negative view of tipping, while about one-third felt that tipping culture was “out of control.” Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate, said that what was meant to be a gesture of gratitude, or a reward for good service, felt increasingly like a surcharge. “The constant asks are rubbing people the wrong way,” he said. Mr. Rossman recalled encountering a tip screen this year at a self-checkout station at Newark Liberty International Airport. He was also taken aback when asked to tip at a pick-your-own strawberry farm. (He did, he said, because his wife was in favor of doing so.) “It’s becoming more of an exception not to be asked to tip,” he said. Replacing the old-fashioned tip jar, new digital payment systems have made it easy for businesses to ask customers for tips electronically. Michael Lynn, a professor of services marketing at Cornell University who has studied tipping, said people often leave gratuities for social approval, from the service provider or from fellow customers. So for some, it can feel awkward to tap “other amount” or “no tip” on a payment screen if they feel that the employee or others in line are watching. Under those circumstances, he said, people can feel coerced to tip, or guilty if they opt out. More generous tipping practices took hold earlier in the coronavirus pandemic, with people inspired to help frontline workers. But as the pandemic eased, higher inflation took hold, and tipping as a percentage of a pricier meal tab became more noticeable. The Bankrate survey found a general decline in the share of people who said they always tipped in certain situations, including for food delivery. There does, however, seem to be some consensus around when tipping is appropriate, the Pew survey found, notably at sit-down restaurants (92 percent of respondents said they “always” or “often” tipped there). That’s not surprising since tipping at full-service restaurants is an ingrained habit, Professor Karabas said: “People expect it. It’s an inherent part of the system.” In many states, the minimum wage for tipped employees is quite low, he said, and it’s generally understood that the servers “are working for tips,” so leaving a tip of at least 16 to 18 percent of the tab is justified. But diners aren’t necessarily being extravagant with tips these days, the Pew survey found. Asked how much they would tip for an “average” sit-down dining experience, the majority (57 percent) said they would tip 15 percent or less. Two percent said they would leave nothing. Just a quarter said they would tip 20 percent or more. The Pew survey found significant support for tipping after a haircut (78 percent), a food delivery (76 percent), buying a drink at a bar (70 percent) and using a taxi or ride-hailing service (61 percent). Tipping is less common in other situations, however, including when buying a drink at a coffee shop. Only about a quarter of people said they usually tipped in that situation. And the percentage was even lower (12 percent) for fast-casual restaurants. Yanely Espinal, director of educational outreach for Next Gen Personal Finance, which creates financial literacy courses for students in middle and high school, said context was important. It’s OK not to tip, or to leave a small tip, when running into a shop for a quick cup of coffee or tea to go, she said. But if it’s a shop you frequent often or you order a complicated drink, you might consider leaving one. “Use your judgment about when it makes sense,” she said. Overall, Pew’s survey found 43 percent of adults said they had worked in a job in which they received tips, and they were usually more likely to leave a tip. Professor Karabas suggests thinking about what you will do ahead of time. “Expect that you might be asked to tip and decide what you want to do, based on your own personal feelings and budget,” he said. As for how much to tip, check out the online guide at the Emily Post Institute, an etiquette firm in Waterbury, Vt., run by descendants of the manners maven Emily Post. Sample suggestions: While there’s no obligation to tip for takeout food that you pick up yourself, a 10 percent tip is appropriate for curbside pickup or for a large, complicated order. And for food delivery, aim for 10 to 15 percent of the bill — but $2 to $5 for pizza, depending on the size of the order and the difficulty of delivery.

Here are some questions and answers about tipping:

I don’t like feeling pressured to tip at checkout. What can I do?
Gratuities remain voluntary, with the arguable exception of sit-down dining because tips can be a big part of the server’s income, said Lizzie Post, a co-president of the Emily Post Institute. Should you receive subpar service at a sit-down restaurant, she advised tipping at least 15 percent but then talking to the manager. If suggested tips really bother you, Professor Lynn said, paying with cash instead of a debit or credit card can help you avoid them. If you’re prompted by a screen to tip in a nontraditional setting and you don’t feel that one is warranted, feel free to skip it. “Do you need to feel guilty?” Professor Lynn asked. “I don’t.”

If I tip at a self-service kiosk, who gets the money?
This varies, Professor Karabas said. Some businesses may pool tips for groups of workers, while others designate tips for the employee overseeing the checkout area when the tip was entered. (For instance, he said, he recently visited a “robotic” coffee shop in Seattle where the worker tending the shop explained that employees received the tips generated during their shifts.)

Should I tip more during the holidays?
Holiday tipping is “sort of a different beast,” Ms. Post said. “It’s really about saying thank you to service providers in your life at the end of the year.” That might include hairdressers, dog walkers and housekeepers. If you can afford to be generous, by all means do, she said. But if your budget is tight, she suggested giving a card or a personal note, saying you regret that you can’t tip this year, but expressing your thanks.
Read more » click here 

This and That –

Fear the deer: Crash data illuminates America’s deadliest animal
Behold the deer, the deadliest beast in North America. Deer are responsible for the deaths of about 440 of the estimated 458 Americans killed in physical confrontations with wildlife in an average year, according to Utah State University biologist Mike Conover, employing some educated guesswork in the latest edition of “Human-Wildlife Interactions.” Those deer-inflicted fatalities are not, so far as we know, caused by deer-on-human predation. They’re the unfortunate result of more than 2 million people a year plowing into deer with their sedans and SUVs, usually on a two-lane road, often at high speed. You might wonder: Where and when am I most likely to hit a deer? And how can I avoid it? To shed light on this herbivorous hazard, we turned, of course, to data. Specifically, we analyzed more than 1 million animal-vehicle collisions compiled by Calumn Cunningham, Laura Prugh and their colleagues at the University of Washington for a recent paper published in Current Biology. They estimate deer were involved in more than 90 percent of the collisions, which occurred in 23 states between 1994 and 2021. With a few exceptions, the data show deer are at their most dangerous in November. Indeed, the deer threat peaks just before Thanksgiving — typically Nov. 7 through 14 — when you’re about three times more likely to hit a deer than at any other time of year. Experienced deer hunters can probably guess why driving in November can turn into Russian roulette on certain highways and byways: In much of the country, that’s rutting season. And during the rut, deer focus on procreation, not self-preservation. Marianne Gauldin of the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division compares rutting bucks to teenage boys. “They are hyper-focused on the opportunity to breed, and they therefore lose some of their wits,” Gauldin said. “They are full tilt looking for does, chasing does and running after does for the opportunity to breed. And they are doing this with tunnel vision … literally running across the road.” Does share similar distractions. They’re either in estrus — hormonally receptive to sex and looking to breed — or fleeing hot-and-bothered bucks until their cycles catch up. Collisions occur more often in states with the most white-tailed deer — which experts say tend to have a shorter, sharper rut than the western mule deer — and in states with long stretches of busy rural roads. Separate insurance claim data from State Farm, which is widely cited in academic research, shows a driver out minding her own business on the wending, bending roads of West Virginia had a 1 in 35 chance of hitting an animal between June 2021 and June 2022, making the Mountain State easily the most dangerous in terms of deer-car collisions. Montana and Michigan were next. D.C. drivers, by contrast, had only a 1 in 907 chance of stopping a buck while driving down Pennsylvania Avenue, or anywhere else. Fun fact: Deer are responsible for at least 69 percent of animal-related accident claims, according to State Farm. Another 12 percent of claims involve unidentified animals, many of which could be deer that bounded off before the driver got a good look at them or were mangled beyond recognition in the crash. The third-most-dangerous animals on the road are undifferentiated rodents, which are cited in 5 percent of all animal-related accident claims. However, State Farm spokesperson Dave Phillips noted that many of the drivers never make contact with said rodent: The vast majority of those accidents occur when motorists swerve to avoid a suicidal squirrel or moseying marmot. Our more calendar-conscious readers will note that peak deer-crash season coincides with another big moment in November: the first week of daylight saving time, which begins the first Sunday of the month. And the University of Washington team has found that the two events are not unrelated. To understand why, we need to spelunk deeper into their data, which breaks new ground by including the exact location, date and hour of all these deer disasters. When we glance at a chart of accidents that includes time of day and time of year, one fact strikes us right between the headlights: Evening, the twilight of each day — especially in November! — is the hour of the Götterdeermmerung. Conveniently for us, the University of Washington scholars used accident coordinates and some basic weather math to calculate exactly when the sun would have risen or set at each location. It turns out that deer danger skyrockets about 30 minutes after sunset and remains extraordinarily elevated for almost half an hour. Those with deer-behavior expertise say drivers should be on high alert as darkness falls in autumn — especially when careening through the deer’s favorite transitional habitats, the forest-edge ecosystem created by roads and other developments. But they urge us to take a lesson from the thousands of people who land in hospitals and body shops each year after attempting to avoid a turtle or chipmunk: If you do see a deer, don’t swerve. “Slow down as much as you can, obviously, coming up to it,” said Karlin Gill of the National Deer Association, a hunting and conservation organization. “But if it’s unavoidable and you’re going to hit the deer, don’t try and swerve out of the way. That can cause an even worse car wreck, and you still might hit the deer regardless.” Deer crashes also rise in the morning, about 30 minutes before sunrise, but the number is significantly lower than after sunset. To understand why, we need to dig deeper into both deer and human activity patterns. Biologist after biologist told us deer are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. When Texas A&M University wildlife scientist Stephen Webb and his colleagues fitted GPS trackers onto white-tailed deer in Oklahoma, they found deer movement peaks at both sunrise and sunset. “Deer, unlike humans, don’t lay down for eight hours at night and then get up and move throughout the day,” said Gill , who, as a hunter, closely examines deer behavior. “They actually go through a cycle where they’ll lay down, bed, get up, eat, lay down, bed, get up, eat, and they’ll do this throughout a 24-hour period.” But if deer are equally active at dawn and dusk, why are they so much more likely to be hit in the evening? To untangle that one, we need to examine another somewhat crepuscular species: the American commuter. Our commutes also peak in the morning and evening, but we’re much more likely to be driving at dusk than we are at dawn, and we stay on the roads even as darkness falls, and the deer start moving — often squarely into our headlights. It’s a matter of visibility. Deer are just as active two hours before dusk as they are two hours after, yet we’re about 14 times more likely to hit a deer after sundown than we are before. And, as Cunningham notes, right at the peak of the whitetail rut, we throw another variable into the stew: We end daylight saving time. Suddenly, as far as the deer are concerned, our 6 p.m. commute happens an hour later. Millions of drivers find themselves contending with lower visibility just as sex hormones flood the local deer population. “It’s like one of the grandest-scale natural experiments that we can come up with, where humans impose these very arbitrary and abrupt changes on the wildlife,” Cunningham told us from his native Tasmania (he’s at the University of Washington as a Fulbright fellow). People living on the far eastern side of a time zone are about 1.35 times as likely to hit a deer as folks on the far western edge, since folks in the east are more likely to be driving home in the dark. Similarly, folks in Northern states, where days are short and darkness rules the winter, are 1.86 times more likely to hit a deer than their friends in America’s sunny South. Taking these effects into account, the University of Washington team estimates that “falling back” causes a 16 percent jump in deer carnage in the weeks after the shift. It’s possible that adopting permanent daylight saving time would thus save the lives of more than 36,000 deer and 33 humans each year. On the down side, chronobiologist Eva Winnebeck of the University of Surrey argues that any gains might be offset by an increase in deaths spurred by the chronic drowsiness that would inevitably set in if our solar-powered circadian rhythms were forced to endure a never-ending disconnect between the sun and clocks set permanently to daylight saving time. Here at the Department of Data, we’ve found a strong connection between happiness and the great outdoors. So, we’re partial to any move that would give us more daylight hours to get out after work and fish, run or dominate the competitive wood-chopping circuit, circadian rhythms be darned.
Read more » click here

Watch out for deer
NCDOT warns motorists across North Carolina to stay alert for deer now that fall has arrived. Every year during late autumn, auto and body shops across the region brace for a bumper crop of business, comprised of an influx of cars with damage from collisions with deer. Beginning in October, roads across the state become hazardous as North Carolina’s deer population fans out, lurking on highway shoulders in search of food and potential mates. It’s the deadliest time of the year for deer, which also pose a particular danger to motorists. Nearly half of vehicle accidents involving white-tail deer occur from October to December. Deer accidents typically begin rising in October, peak in November and begin dropping off after December, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Deer are crepuscular mammals, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk – which, following the onset of daylight savings time, places them near roads and byways precisely when large numbers of residents are commuting to and from work.

NCDOT has some helpful tips for motorists in regard to deer-vehicle crashes:

• • Although it does not decrease the risk of being in a crash, wearing a seat belt gives you a better chance of avoiding or minimizing injuries if you hit a deer or other animal.
  • Always maintain a safe amount of distance between your vehicle and others, especially at night. If the vehicle ahead of you hits a deer, you could also become involved in a crash.
  • Slowdown in areas posted with deer crossing signs and in heavily wooded areas, especially during the late afternoon and evening.
  • Most deer-vehicle crashes occur where deer are more likely to travel, near bridges or overpasses, railroad tracks, streams, and ditches. Be vigilant when passing through potentially risky landscapes.
  • Drive with high beams on when possible and watch for eyes reflecting in the headlights.
  • Deer often travel in groups, so if you see one deer near a road, be alert that others may be around.
  • If you see deer near a road, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast.
  • Do not swerve to avoid a collision with deer. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle, increasing the risk of it flipping over, veering into oncoming traffic, or overcorrecting and running off the road and causing a more serious crash.

Officials say the most crashes occur between 6 p.m. and midnight, accounting for about 45% of the overall total. With the end of daylight savings time at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, the time shift increases the chance of deer being by roadways when drivers are traveling in the dark, especially for their evening commute. If your vehicle does strike a deer, officials say do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can be dangerous or further injure itself. Get your vehicle off the road if possible and call 911.
Read more » click here

Factoid That May Interest Only Me –

How real estate commissions work and why they might get lower
A new court verdict could upend how agents get paid. Here’s what it all means for buyers and sellers.
When you sell a house, both your agent and the buyer’s agent get a slice of the pie. But just how big of a slice is a question snaking its way through the courts. A jury in Kansas City this week found that the National Association of Realtors and a number of real estate brokerages conspired to keep home sale commissions artificially high. Defendants, who have pledged to appeal, are on the hook to pay nearly $1.8 billion in damages to about a half-million Missouri home sellers, and that amount might grow. The outcome could totally upend how real estate agents get paid, and how homes are sold. But to understand how things may change, we first need to clarify just how the system works.

How do real estate commissions work?
Most real estate agents make their money from commissions. In the United States, there’s generally an agent representing the seller and one representing the buyer. The seller pays the commission to both of them. This has been standard practice for more than 50 years, according to Christy Reap, spokesperson for Bright MLS, the database of homes for sale in the Mid-Atlantic. Generally, commissions are 5 to 6 percent of the home-sale price. The buyer’s and seller’s agents split that money. So, if a home sells for $500,000 with a commission of 6 percent, the agents on both sides of the deal will split about $30,000 from the proceeds of the sale.

What’s the problem with the status quo for agent commissions?
A seller and their agent cannot cut the buyer’s agent out of the commission without facing big consequences. This requirement to “couple” the commissions — or else — is one of the standards under fire in the lawsuit. The seller’s defendants claim it amounts to forcing them, unfairly, to pay both commissions. So, what’s the penalty if you don’t comply? In most parts of the country, in order to get a property on the multiple listing service (MLS) — the essential database of homes for sale that also populates other platforms such as Zillow and Redfin — a selling agent must agree to share their commission, (common practice is 50/50). If a home is barred from being listed on the MLS, it becomes nearly invisible to potential buyers. Some industry watchers identify other problems with the commission structure, too, even though these issues aren’t part of the lawsuit. First, the way that people shop for homes has changed dramatically, thanks to the amount of information available on the internet. You don’t need a real estate agent to show you which houses in your town are for sale, or to see a list of comparable sales. In other words, the work required of real estate agents has arguably decreased, yet commissions have not changed to reflect that. “When we look at the data on commissions, what we see is that they’ve remained remarkably stable in a range of 5 to 6 percent, even though the role of the buyer agents in particular has changed significantly over this period,” says Sam Chandan, the director of the NYU Stern Chao-Hon Chen Institute for Global Real Estate Finance. Secondly, industry watchers question the one-size-fits-all approach to commissions. “Economists think it’s very odd that the commission is the same for every deal because objectively, some deals are harder than others,” says Jenny Schuetz, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution focused on housing. “Some customers are harder to deal with, or some houses take longer, or the negotiations are more complicated, and that’s not reflected in the commission.”

What would be the downside of changing the status quo?
Reap, the spokesperson for Bright MLS, contends that the practice of splitting commissions prevents favoritism and unfairness among agents. Without adhering to it as an industry-wide standard, she predicts agents will be incentivized to do more deals and refer more business to their peers who continue to split commissions, and ice out those who don’t. Buyers or sellers represented by an agent in the latter camp would then also be disadvantaged. Reap also points out that forcing buyers to pitch in with commissions would put them “at a significant disadvantage.” Adding that expense on top of the down payment and other closing costs already required of buyers, she says, raises the question: “How is a buyer going to be able to pay for quality representation on the most expensive transaction of their lives?”

Even though the standard is about 6 percent, can a seller negotiate a lower commission with their agent?
Technically, yes. You can negotiate an agent’s commission before you enter into an agreement to have them sell your home. However, most people don’t. “A lot of people just don’t question it,” Schuetz says. “[Selling a home] is a big transaction. People don’t do it very often. It’s going to be super expensive whatever you do, and a whole bunch of people you’ve never heard of before are going to get a piece of the action.” It’s precisely this level of complication that compels many people to use real estate agents in the first place. And some sellers worry that lowering the commission will make buyers’ agents less likely to bring around their clients. Think about it: If every other listing promises the buyer’s agent half of 6 percent, but your home only offers half of 4 percent, that agent has less incentive to convince their client to buy your place. This fear among sellers is well-founded. “There’s a considerable body of evidence to show that buyers’ agents are more likely to present properties to buyers that offer a higher commission rate,” Chandan says. (The recent lawsuit focuses on how the large institutions in the marketplace, such as the National Association of Realtors and larger brokerages, facilitate this behavior.)

Some brokerages, like Redfin, offer lower commissions. How do they do that?
Redfin works differently than many traditional brokerages because it directly employs its agents and offers them a base salary on top of their transaction bonuses. So, people who sell a home through Redfin don’t pay their agent a commission — instead, they pay a “listing fee” between 1 and 1.5 percent. But many other brokerages that pledged lower commissions had a difficult time breaking into the market. According to a study from the Wharton School, new companies paying lower commissions grew more slowly than ones that offered higher commissions.

Will anything change for home sellers right now because of this verdict?
No. The lawsuit itself will face appeals before its outcome is clear. But that doesn’t mean the industry will remain the same until all of the legal matters are settled, either. For one thing, given the risk of getting roped into a similar lawsuit, some brokerages may make proactive changes to their commission structure. Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman said in a statement that the lawsuit will “ensure major change” comes to the real estate industry, including, potentially, that buyers will start to pay their own agents’ commission, or that buyers and sellers could more commonly share the same agent, as they do in Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand. Chandan believes that decoupling buyer and seller commissions could create more competition and variety in the market. “There’s research to suggest or show that we will see more competitive house prices … and more competition among buyer’s agents,” he says, along with the emergence of technology and platforms that could support buyers who forgo a traditional agent. It could cause real estate agents to change their scope of work, rather than offering one blanket service at the same fee, Schuetz says. “You could have agents who specialize in sort of higher and lower service levels and price accordingly,” she says. For example, a buyer who doesn’t need help finding a house but wants assistance crafting an offer could, in this hypothetical, pay less than a buyer who needs both services. While this could save people money, it could also lead to discrimination, Schuetz notes. “You could wind up having a specialization where some agents choose only to work in some neighborhoods, or at some price points, or with certain kinds of customers.” But really, she says, there are a lot of unknowns: “There could be a bunch of changes to the industry, and we won’t know what those are going to look like until they happen.”
Read more » click here

How the cost of homebuying and selling will change after landmark court loss over real estate commissions

• • The recent $1.8 billion jury verdict against the National Association of Realtors and several top brokerage firms highlights mounting legal and market pressures on real estate commissions.
  • A recent Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst report estimated that the $100 billion paid in real-estate commissions annually could be cut by 30%, with as many as 1.6 million agents losing their source of income.
  • Commissions are already negotiable, but buyers agents are likely losers as homebuyers are more likely to bypass them, or in the least, negotiate for lower fees.

A recent jury verdict against the National Association of Realtors and large residential brokerages could upend the residential real estate industry. The real estate compensation model is at the heart of the issue. Plaintiffs contend that commission rates are too high, buyer brokers are being overpaid, and NAR rules, along with the corporate defendants’ practices, lead to fixed pricing. By contrast, NAR contends the rules promote competition and efficient, transparent and equitable local broker marketplaces. NAR, whose CEO left shortly after the landmark court loss, is appealing the $1.8 billion jury verdict, so it could be several years before the case — which covers the Missouri markets of Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield and Columbia — is resolved. But coupled with similar lawsuits that are in process, the potential for policy changes that could impact realtors’ pocketbooks is palpable. The impact on the market continues to spread. Shares of Re/Max Holdings, for example, were down over 8% on Tuesday amid fears of litigation, even though it had settled with plaintiffs before the recent NAR case verdict.

Here’s what real estate agents, homebuyers and sellers need to know about potential changes in residential real estate economics.

A bad time for bad news in real estate
The jury verdict comes at a time when many real estate agents are already feeling a pinch. The rapid rise in interest rates caused by the Federal Reserve’s fight against inflation recently led to the 30-year fixed mortgage average rate topping 8% — though rates have come back down a little since — exacerbating an existing affordability crisis in the U.S. housing market. Potential sellers don’t want to move if they have to contemplate a mortgage rate as much if not more than double their current one, while millions of potential homebuyers can’t make the monthly payment and are currently shut out of the market. Existing home sales recently dropped to their lowest level since 2010. According to an October report from University of Colorado Boulder scholar-in-residence Mike DelPrete, existing home sales are on pace for 4.15 million transactions this year, based on NAR data, which would be down from over 6 million in 2021 and 5 million in 2022. At a time when home sales are already under pressure, “this lawsuit is just another punch in the gut for real estate franchises,” said Bill Gross, a self-employed real estate broker associate in California with eXp Realty. Thus far, there’s been little-to-no trickle-down effect for individual brokers and agents as a result of the legal proceedings, but that may not be the case forever, depending on how legal battles, taking place on multiple fronts, shape up. An analysis from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst Ryan Tomasello published last month, before the jury verdict was reached, estimated a 30% reduction in the $100 billion paid in real-estate commissions annually and as many as 1.6 million agents losing their source of income.

Pressure on transaction fees will increase
Fees generally have been under pressure for the past number of years, with technology leading to more transparency and the recent court battles intensify that industry pressure. Also, as home prices have gone up, the fees are more apparent relative to the deal size, said Gilbert J. Schipani, founder of Tempus Fugit Law, which represents buyers, sellers, realtors, lenders and businesses through commercial and residential real estate transactions. Lawsuits focused on fees reinforce the general trend of trying to lower fees in the real estate market, Schipani said. “It’s another step in the direction that we’ve been going for the past 10 years,” he said. As the court cases progress, there’s likely to be more disclosure around fees in the future, for transparency purposes, he said. As Glenn Kelman, CEO of tech-led real estate brokerage firm Redfin, recently wrote, “In the weeks leading up to the verdict, the National Association of Realtors already updated its guidelines to let agents list homes for sale that don’t offer a commission to the buyer’s agent. … Traditional brokers will undoubtedly now train their agents to welcome conversations about fees. … This is as it should be.”RedFin, and another tech-focused realty brokerage firm, Compass, are among targets added to new legal challenges.

Buyers agents could be the biggest losers
Plaintiffs argue that buyers, not sellers, should foot the bill for the buyer’s agent, but that could have an untoward impact on how readily buyers’ agents are used. “If plaintiffs had their way, home buyer representation would be a thing of the past in what is for many the most significant and complex purchase they will make in their lifetime,” said NAR spokesperson Mantill Williams, in an email. If courts force today’s norms to change, more home buyers are likely to try finding properties on their own to save money, and bargain with listing agents, thinking they’ll get a discounted fee since the latter is already being compensated by the seller, Gross said. Not all real estate professionals will agree to work both sides of a deal because of the “inherent bias,” but it could happen more often depending on how the market shapes up, Gross said. There’s also the possibility that new rules imposed by courts could prohibit real estate professionals from working both sides of a deal, Schipani said. Kelman noted in his post-verdict analysis that if buyers still hire a buyer’s agent, they’re likely to negotiate a lower fee given the heightened focus and because it may no longer be part of the home price, which allowed it to be financed by a mortgage. This also suggests new agents may be less likely to enter the industry, according to Gavin Myers, managing partner at Prudence, a venture capital firm that invests in the real estate sector. Most new agents start on the buy side and there’s a risk when you’re trying to break into the industry. If there are questions about how they get paid, or if they’ll get paid, people might not want to work on the buy side, or you might not find high-quality people, Myers said.

Local housing market changes will be key
Local market rules could change based on what’s happening in the courts, or broader market shifts. For example, the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), which is unaffiliated with NAR, recently announced upcoming changes to its rules, in a stated effort to promote transparency and consumer confidence in the residential marketplace. The changes, which had been in the works for months, were voted on in October. Starting Jan. 1, offers of compensation to buy-side brokers must originate from the seller/owner, according to the change. Listing brokers will no longer be permitted to make an offer of compensation to the buy-side broker, even on the seller’s behalf. Also, listing brokers will no longer pay the buy-side compensation. Rather, the buyer’s broker will be directly compensated by the seller or owner of the exclusive property, which should occur at the closing as is customary in the New York City area, the group said. “Decoupling the buy side compensation represents the future of how residential real estate is transacted, and expect other listing services to follow this lead,” REBNY said in a FAQ on its website discussing the changes.

Commissions are already negotiable
Right now, real estate professionals don’t have to change their way of doing business, while legal challenges are ongoing. But NAR strongly recommends the use of buyer representation agreements for clarity and understanding purposes. NAR also urges members to continue to tell clients that commissions are negotiable and set between brokers and their clients. A separate suit against NAR and brokerages, involving multiple markets, could go to trial next year, and there’s also another recently filed nationwide lawsuit to contend with. “No matter what happens with the Missouri judge, or in any other courtroom, one thing is certain: there’s no going back to the way things were,” Kelman, whose company left NAR before the verdict, wrote in his recent post. Real estate professionals should stay tuned. “This is a time to read the fine print, stay as informed as possible both for the sake of your business as an agent and for your client’s best interests,” said Vickey Barron, a licensed associate real estate broker with Compass in New York City.
Read more » click here

Real estate industry trembles over commissions on home sales
After jurors recently found that there was a scheme to inflate commissions, experts say changes could shake up the business
Florida Realtor Alexandré Worthington is already bracing for a shift that threatens a tear down a compensation system that has ruled his industry for more than a century. “It’s the perfect time to pick up the pieces,” Worthington said. “It’s a perfect time to reflect on the changes that could be coming and how to prepare for them.” In a federal civil case, a Kansas City jury last month found the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and major brokerages conspired to keep commissions artificially high. The result has left the real estate industry holding its collective breath, as experts say it is on the cusp of a radical reorganization that could affect everything about the business. “There’s a lot of speculation out there around how this will play out,” said Ryan Tomasello, who covers the real estate technology sector for Keefe, Bruyette & Woods. Although much remains uncertain, “we have a high degree of confidence that, at the conclusion of this storyline, significant changes will be made to the commission structure in the U.S.” The most immediate and striking blow could come as a result of the federal case in Kansas City, Mo. The judge overseeing the case has the power to issue an injunction that could break up the century-old “bundled” or “cooperative” commissions system, in which sellers’ and buyers’ agents split a commission that typically ranges between 5 and 6 percent of the home sale price. The timing of such an action remains unclear. A settlement in which NAR agrees to change the system is also possible, according to Michael Ketchmark, the lead plaintiff attorney. “We’re in the process of having conversations with the [Justice Department] and NAR, and we remain hopeful that we’re going have a resolution that brings relief to millions across the county,” he told The Washington Post. In 2019, a group of home sellers sued NAR and brokerages Keller Williams and HomeServices of America in the Kansas City federal court, accusing the organizations of conspiring to keep commissions artificially high by requiring sellers to make the cooperative commission offer before listing homes on a widely used property database — the Multiple Listings Service — that allows for-sale properties to receive notice. The plaintiffs alleged that the system stifled competition and inflated commissions for buyers’ agents. NAR, Keller Williams and HomeServices of America have denied those allegations and vowed to appeal the Oct. 31 verdict that awarded $1.8 billion to a half-million Missouri home sellers, an amount that could swell to $5 billion. Those organizations say the existing commissions structure is transparent, and they denied that the payment structure was anticompetitive. NAR said after the verdict that the “matter is not close to being final.” Mantill Williams, an NAR spokesman, said the association is open to a resolution that “maintains a way for buyers and sellers to continue to benefit from the cooperation of real estate professionals and eliminates our members’ risk of liability for the claims alleged.” “That being said,” he added, “we remain confident we will prevail on our appeal.” But the verdict has already sent convulsions through financial markets and the real estate industry. Shares of Zillow plunged nearly 7 percent after the jury rendered its verdict, as investors saw potential changes as a threat to the company’s revenue model — a large portion of which comes from advertising for buyers agents, according to analysts. During an earnings call a day after the jury verdict, Zillow chief executive Richard N. Barton sought to reassure Wall Street analysts that buyers’ agents would not go extinct, and that the company’s revenue model was safe. He added that possible developments to the commissions system “look like good initial steps at more transparency and education for consumers,” though added that he believed any change would come slowly. Changes to the commissions structure could eventually result in a 30 percent reduction in the $100 billion total that U.S. consumers pay in real estate commissions, according to a report by Tomasello and his team. Analysts and real estate experts said prices for buyers’ agents would adjust more accurately to the value of their services. If buyers’ agents are no longer guaranteed 3 percent of the commission, their fees might fall because they would have to compete on the price of their services, experts said. Worthington, the Florida Realtor, said buyers’ agents could shift to an “a la carte” service model, in which potential home buyers choose their level of service and pay accordingly. He said that a 1 percent commission, for example, could buy a customer automated emails with new homes for sale, based on the preferences of a prospective buyer, he said. For a 3 percent commission, “I’m actually going to walk into my office every morning and scrub our system and every resource I have to find the house that you’re looking for,” he said. Sophia Gilbukh, an assistant professor of real estate at Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business in New York, said breaking up the buyers’ and sellers’ agent commissions could also result in lower listing prices for homes. High fees borne by sellers result in higher listing prices, Gilbukh said, because sellers want to cover their costs. Higher prices increase mortgage payments for buyers, she said. Breaking up the commission system, Gilbukh said, would result in lower prices overall but also lead to bigger upfront costs for buyers, who indirectly pay the costs of the commissions in the form of higher mortgage payments. Without the structure of the current cooperative system, buyers would need to directly pay their agents immediately after a sale. “That might put a lot of buyers at a disadvantage, especially liquidity constrained buyers,” she said. “They might not be able to afford a higher-fee agent — even if it’s worth it for them — because they just don’t have the money to pay for it upfront.” The cooperative compensation structure was established in 1913, when National Association of Real Estate Exchanges, the precursor to NAR, said its member agents should share commissions with agents that produced buyers, according to a 2015 study by economists Panle Jia Barwick and Maisy Wong. The commissions rate hit 5 percent in 1940 and has remained virtually unchanged ever since, according to the study. Commissions work differently in countries such as the United Kingdom, where sellers pay typically less than 2 percent, and buyers pay their own agents, according to the study. U.S. regulators have long scrutinized America’s commission system, Tomasello, the analyst, said. In 2020, the Justice Department sued NAR and proposed a settlement in which the association would have to change its rules to bring more transparency to its commission system. The settlement also sought to stop NAR from saying buyers’ agent services are free. But less than a year later, the Justice Department withdrew from the settlement to “permit a broader investigation of NAR’s rules and conduct to proceed without restriction.” The Justice Department has also filed statements of interest in the Missouri case and a similar civil case in Illinois that clarify the parameters of a 2008 settlement between NAR and the Justice Department involving online listings. It did not respond to a request for comment on settlement negotiations in the Kansas City case. Echoing the Missouri and Illinois cases, a new group of Missouri residents filed a proposed lawsuit Oct. 31, alleging that real estate agents are conspiring to keep commissions high, restraining price competition and harming consumers in violation of federal antitrust laws. The lawsuit seeks damages for home sellers nationwide. Carole Higgins, a real estate agent in Suttons Bay, Mich., said changes are long overdue because agents have largely failed to appropriately explain contracts and commissions to consumers. “We’ve grown so sloppy with the way that we are training our Realtors that this was the natural outcome,” Higgins said of the lawsuits. This “is a wake-up call.”
Read more » click here

Hot Button Issues –

Subjects that are important to people and about which they have strong opinions

Climate
For more information » click here

.

There’s something happening here
What it is ain’t exactly clear

2023 Virtually Certain to Be the Hottest Year on Record, Scientists Say
Analyzing data from October, European climate scientists found another record-breaking month for temperatures around the world.
October 2023 was the warmest October on record globally, according to data from European climate scientists released on Wednesday. It comes on the heels of the hottest September on record and the hottest summer months globally, rounding out a year of record temperatures around the planet. “We can say with near certainty that 2023 will be the warmest year on record and is currently 1.43 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial average,” Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, said in a statement. The analysis, which relies heavily on computer modeling, uses billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft and weather stations around the world. The difference in global temperature compared with the long-term average for October 2023 was the second highest across all months in the Copernicus data set, behind only September 2023. The analysis includes data from January 1940 to the present. About September’s data, Zeke Hausfather, a research scientist at Berkeley Earth, writes: “As global temperatures shattered records and reached dangerous new highs over and over the past few months, my climate scientist colleagues and I have just about run out of adjectives to describe what we have seen.” The United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, is scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates at the end of the month. “The sense of urgency for ambitious climate action going into COP28 has never been higher,” Dr. Burgess said.
Read more » click here 

Flood Insurance Program
For more information » click here

National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On November 17, 2023, the President signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to February 2, 2024.

Congress must now reauthorize the NFIP
by no later than 11:59 pm on February 2, 2024. 

The Flood Insurance Program is Sinking:
The actual words of David Maurstad, the federal official in charge of the Nation Flood Insurance Program, were “the NFIP is not fiscally sustainable in its present form” when he spoke with reporters in late October.  That may not be a surprise, but what hasn’t generally been reported is the wholesale reform package that the Biden administration has proposed to Congress.

First, some background.  With more than 4.7 million policies, FEMA has borrowed over $20 billion to stay afloat and nearly ran out of money in September.  Even with the much-maligned Risk Rating 2.0 NFIP premium increases, the program is struggling to deal with hurricanes and fires at a time when those disasters might be fewer in number but are increasing in cost.  Given that background, the Biden administration has sent Congress no less than 17 proposals to overhaul the NFIP.

Here’s a short list of some of the most important points of this package –

• • Requires communities participating in the NFIP risk reduction plan to establish minimum flood-risk reporting requirements for residential sellers and lessors.
  • Allows for the use of replacement cost value in determining premium rates to “more accurately signal policyholders’ true risk.”
  • Creates separate classes for coastal versus inland flood zones in the NFIP’s rate tables.
  • Provides a means-tested assistance program for offering a graduated discount benefit for low- and moderate-income households.
  • Prohibits coverage for new construction in high-risk areas and prohibits [presumably new] coverage for all commercial properties “to promote the growth of the private market….”
  • Prohibits coverage for “excessive loss properties” or properties that flood repetitively and require insurance payouts of at least $10,000 each time.

These are obviously major changes, and there are more we haven’t listed.  Congress has shown little interest in tackling NFIP reform, preferring to kicking the can down the road with two dozen extensions of the existing program.  That means these proposals may be dead in the water.  However, having to forgive over $20 billion in outstanding debt to the Treasury (which will happen next year or very soon after) plus inevitably needing to provide more billions to enable the program to stay afloat may be just the impetus Congress needs to face reality.

To be clear on why the can keeps getting kicked, there is no doubt that members of congress recognize the problem with the program – premiums are too low and do not reflect actual risk exposure carried by the program. Yet these same members are essentially held hostage by their voter bases to ensure NFIP premiums stay low. Because constituents simply do not want to pay more, supporting more expensive premiums (which reflect actual risk) puts members’ re-election on the line.
WATERLOG – November Newsletter

GenX
For more information » click here
 

‘Hold Chemours accountable’:
Brunswick sends letter on GenX import concerns to EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency recently authorized Chemours to import millions of pounds of GenX from a Dutch company under criminal investigation. Commissioners of Brunswick County — found by one national study to have the worst PFAS contamination among 44 municipalities — voiced their concerns about the decision Wednesday in a letter to administrator Michael Regan. Brunswick County residents, like all North Carolina and U.S. residents, deserve access to clean drinking water,” Chair Randy Thompson wrote in the letter. “All residents who source their water from the Cape Fear River and a growing number of residents who source their water from drinking water wells are affected by Chemours’ pollution and have yet to see the company fulfill NCDEQ’s 2019 Consent Order.” On Sept. 8, the EPA sent a letter to Chemours permitting the import of more than 4 million pounds of GenX from the company’s Dordrecht, Netherlands facility to the Chemours Fayetteville Works plant in Bladen County, North Carolina through Sept. 6 2024. The approval follows a class action lawsuit filed last month by Dutch criminal attorney Bénédicte Ficq against DuPont and its spinoff Chemours; the suit alleges the companies’ executives knowingly caused decades of PFAS pollution. The Fayetteville plant will use the imported GenX for “recycle and reuse.” Thompson, writing on behalf of the board of commissioners, noted Chemours’ previous improper GenX waste disposal is still present in the Cape Fear River. The Fayetteville Works’ barrier wall, to capture contamination, was completed in June — months after the consent order mandated. Thompson said weekly PFAS tests performed at the Northwest Water Treatment Plant show the prevalence of PFAS compounds in the county is still high. He argued insufficient time has passed to ensure the wall is effectively preventing PFAS from entering the river. The commissioners urged the EPA to guarantee Chemours “has significantly reduced the amount of PFAS entering the Cape Fear River before allowing more PFAS into the state.” The chair included a list of county recommendations in the letter, such as including the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality in future PFAS authorizations and to “hold Chemours accountable to future changes to health advisory levels or maximum contaminant levels.” NCDEQ was not made aware of EPA’s decision to import GenX, nor did it have any say in the matter. The letter argued Chemours’ actions have already unfairly burdened the county’s taxpayers and water customers; construction on the Northwest Water Treatment Plant’s low-pressure reverse osmosis facility — plagued by years of delays — has already cost $24,229,190. Thompson said the county has issued a total of $167.3 million in revenue bonds for the facility. He also noted GenX and other PFAS compounds have been found in private wells used by county residents. A study by the National Resources Defense Council found significant amounts of 12 PFAS compounds excluded from EPA testing methods in the county. The letter can be read here.
Read more » click here 

Remember GenX and PFAS contaminants? Why they’re back in the news and what it means for NC
Researchers have found more types of PFAS “forever chemicals” in the Cape Fear River. The news comes as Chemours looks to import GenX from its plant in the Netherlands to Fayetteville.
Six years ago the StarNews broke the story that water in the Cape Fear River downstream of Chemours’ Fayetteville Works Plant contained high levels of previously unknown chemicals used in common everyday products like food packaging, cookware, medical devices and adhesives.  The manmade per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including GenX, are frequently dubbed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down quickly in the environment, can linger in the body, and have been tied to a host of health problems and ailments. Fast-forward to 2023 and the questions surrounding PFAS and their ongoing environmental, financial and health problems have often taken a backseat in the public realm behind pandemics, toxic politics, global conflicts and worries about a slowing economy. That has occurred even as the national scope of the contamination has grown as more and more areas around the country, including military bases where PFAS have been used in firefighting foam for decades, are found to be polluted with the chemicals. But two reports in recent weeks have brought the issue back to the forefront in the Tar Heel State. In mid-October the news website NC Newsline reported that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved plans by Chemours to restart the import of GenX from its plant in the Netherlands to Fayetteville Works, a process that the federal regulators had frozen in 2018 over concerns of “outdated data” and “inappropriate use of a combined waste stream.” A Chemours spokesperson told the Fayetteville Observer that the 4-million-pound figure was the maximum amount the company would be allowed to import over the next year, but that they will likely import far less. The chemical would be recycled and reused, reducing the amount of new GenX that would have to be produced, the spokesperson added. The announcement that Chemours could be importing more GenX into North Carolina even as the long-term fallout from decades of dumping “forever chemicals” into the Cape Fear by Chemours and DuPont, which spun off Chemours in 2015, that then made their way into local water supplies remains to be determined drew angry responses from environmentalists and community activists. On Tuesday Gov. Roy Cooper joined in, stating that the EPA’s decision should be “reconsidered and reversed.” “It is unacceptable for North Carolinians to bear the risks associated with importing millions of pounds of GenX from other countries for disposal in our air, land and water,” the governor said in a letter to the EPA. “Under the Biden Administration, the EPA has been a vital partner in our efforts to learn more about these chemicals and protect the health of our communities and we will continue to encourage them to take action.” Then two weeks ago North Carolina researchers published a peer-reviewed paper in the journal Science stating that they had discovered 11 new PFAS compounds in the Cape Fear River below the Chemours plant. The discovery was made by using a novel testing method and adds to the more than 14,000 known PFAS created by industry. “However, the exact number of unique PFAS is difficult to estimate as additional compounds are continually developed and identified,” the study states. “Furthermore, a very small percentage of these chemicals have any publicly available information on their toxicological impacts or presence in the environment.” While regulators can begin monitoring for the 11 new PFAS, more studies will be required to determine their toxicity and how long they stay in the environment. And as state and local officials have seen with GenX, in can take years for safe standards to be adopted − all the while local utilities, health officials and residents struggle with what’s already in their water and the environment. Last month a federal judge allowed more than 100,000 North Carolina residents and property owners to move forward with a class-action suit against DuPont and Chemours. The plaintiffs sued in 2017 after it became public that the companies had been discharging PFAS into the Cape Fear River, groundwater around Fayetteville Works, and air since 1980. They claim the manmade contaminants had led to them developing various diseases and are seeking punitive and compensatory damages for, among other things, the cost of replacing tainted pipes, plumbing fixtures, and installing water-purification systems. While still fighting some of the contamination allegations, DuPont and Chemours have been working to settle other legal disputes. In June, the two companies along with Corteva, an Indianapolis-based company that provides seeds and crop-protection solutions, reached a $1.19 billion settlement with a slew of public water systems over PFAS contamination. The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) was not one of the systems that settled with the companies. The authority, which provides water and sewer service to most New Hanover County residents, has sued Chemours and DuPont to recover costs and damages associated with their PFAS contamination and its impact on the authority’s operations. That includes $43 million CFPUA spent to install eight granular-activated carbon (GAC) filters to remove PFAS contamination at CFPUA’s Sweeney Water Treatment Plant. The facility draws water from the Cape Fear and provides drinking water to about 80% of CFPUA’s customers. North Carolina legislators also are continuing to earmark state funds to deal with the PFAS crisis, including $55 million in the recently passed state budget. That amount includes $35 million to CFPUA, part of which will be used to extend water lines to private well owners.
Read more » click here

Homeowners Insurance
For more information » click here
.

Hurricane Season
For more information » click here

Atlantic hurricanes intensifying faster, more frequently, research finds
The list of major hurricanes that rapidly intensified before hitting the United States in recent years is long and memorable: Harvey, Irma, Maria, Michael, Laura, Ida, Ian and Idalia. All of those storms, starting in 2017, developed explosively over the Atlantic Ocean. Generally, this rapid escalation is increasingly recognized as part of a global phenomenon related to climate change and its associated warming of ocean waters — but until the past couple of years, the Atlantic’s inclusion in the trend was somewhat murkier. Now, research shows that this rapid intensification is on the rise across the Atlantic basin at multiple time scales. The author of a study published Thursday, Andra Garner, an assistant professor at Rowan University in New Jersey, also highlights regions in which this intensification has become more likely, such as the western Caribbean Sea. “These findings really just serve to quantify a phenomenon that is very much expected in a warmer climate,” Garner told The Washington Post. “The increased likelihood for hurricanes to transition from weak storms into major hurricanes in 24 hours or less was particularly striking.” Studies like this will be crucial in unlocking puzzles regarding intensity fluctuations in tropical cyclones. Even as hurricane forecasting improves, intensity and rapid changes in storms are still poorly understood but understanding them is critical for saving lives and property. The United States has seen a remarkable increase in economic damage from hurricanes over the past century because of coastal development and population growth, according to the National Hurricane Center. When it comes to hurricanes and climate change, the most readily detectable shifts can be seen in higher storm surges — or the wind-driven increase in ocean water above normally dry land at the coast — because of sea level rise, heavier rainfall rates and greater occurrence of the most intense types of storms. The study of rapid intensification — generally defined as an increase in peak winds of at least 35 mph in 24 hours — is still in relative infancy. While many storm studies are limited to a portion of an ocean basin, Garner examined the North Atlantic as a whole. Using historical data from 1971 to 2020, she was able to assess intensification rates achieved by storms during a 12-, 24- or 36-hour window. By breaking the data into periods running from 1971 to 1990, 1986 to 2005 and 2001 to 2020, Garner was able to examine intensity changes in different eras. “Results indicate broad increases to observed [tropical cyclone] intensification rates over the past 50 years,” the study finds. More specifically, Garner finds that the average maximum intensification rates increased by nearly 29 percent in the 12-hour window, more than 27 percent at 24 hours and more than 26 percent in the 36-hour time frame. Putting actual wind numbers behind the idea makes it even more stark. The study finds that it’s now as likely that storms see peak winds increase at least 57 mph in 24 hours as it was during a 36-hour period several decades ago. It was also found that certain parts of the Atlantic have become more prone to rapid intensification in recent decades. This includes much of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic waters to the west of northern Africa, and areas near the southeastern U.S. coast. While changes are perhaps most notable in the 24-hour period, they are relatively consistent across all windows. On the flip side, Garner’s research suggests that rapid intensification has become less frequent in much of the Gulf of Mexico and in an area just east of the Caribbean. Nonetheless, the toasty waters are still engines of explosive development. Another study published in Geophysical Research Letters recently also addressed the topic. “Comparing 1980-2000 versus 2001-2021 … the basin wide number of [rapid intensification] events has increased by 36%,” the authors wrote in the article published in late August. That separate research found that the increase in rapid intensification was greatest in the Yucatán and western Caribbean Sea region, as well as the southern North Atlantic. More broadly, it was concluded that intensification rates are faster in the western Atlantic than other parts of the basin. Sam Lillo, a meteorologist and co-developer of a computer program that can analyze tropical activity worldwide — the Tropycal package in the programming language Python — generally concurs with the findings. “I can definitely corroborate that there has been an increase in the number of category 1 hurricanes rapidly intensifying to category 3 and stronger,” Lillo wrote in an email. “The message in the western Caribbean is certainly consistent.” Lillo thinks the trends are driven largely by warmer waters but pointed to additional factors such as whether La Niña (which tends to increase storm activity) or El Niño (which tends to decrease storm activity) is dominant. In most of the regions frequented by tropical cyclones, Lillo calculated an increase in rapid intensification at 24-hour time scales. Garner, the author of the study released Thursday, hopes to continue investigating changes in intensification, given its increased importance in discussions about preparation. Opening the study up to other basins may also be possible.
Read more » click here 

Hurricanes have always struck the shores of the United States. But in recent decades, the combination of climate change and growing coastal population has made them far more damaging – particularly in one corner of the Atlantic coast. Roughly 150 Atlantic hurricanes have approached or directly hit the United States in the last seven decades. Gulf Coast regions like coastal Louisiana and Florida frequently encounter powerful hurricanes, of course. But some of the most hurricane-prone parts of the country lie further northeast, on the Carolina coast. Between 2016 and 2022, the Carolinas were hit by five hurricanes: Matthew, Florence, Dorian, Isaias and Ian. At the crossroads of these hurricanes lie the metro areas of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Wilmington, N.C. These two metros, known for their striking coastlines, have been regularly battered by hurricanes this century. They also have something else in common: Both are among the fastest-growing coastal metros in the United States since 2000. Why do so many people decide to move here despite the risks? And what does that mean for everyone else?

A Beautiful Place That Has a Dragon’:
Where Hurricane Risk Meets Booming Growth
The hurricanes keep coming, and the people, too: The fastest-growing places along the Atlantic coast this century are also among the most hurricane-prone. Between 2016 and 2022, the five hurricanes that hit the Carolinas cost the two states over $33 billion in damages in current dollars, displaced hundreds of thousands of people and led to the deaths of more than 90. There’s every reason to expect more damage in coming years: A warming climate adds moisture to the air, unlocking the potential for wetter and more powerful storms. And rising sea levels make storm surges more damaging and coastal flooding more frequent.  And the newcomers will keep coming: One 2022 study projected that by 2050, population growth will increase the number of Americans exposed to flooding nearly four times as much as climate change will alone. Simply put, there are many more people living along the paths of hurricanes than ever before. And this booming coastal population is, by many accounts, a larger contributor to rising hurricane risks than climate change. “It’s always climate change plus something, and we’re moving more people into harm’s way than out,” said Kathie Dello, North Carolina’s state climatologist. Local officials say they are struggling to keep up with the growth. They can try to manage the floodplain, communicate the risks, regulate construction and prepare for disasters. But the one thing they can’t seem to do is stop people from moving here. Many retirees are drawn to the Carolinas’ beaches and waterways, moderate temperatures and low taxes. Between 1990 and 2020, the number of people 65 and older grew by nearly 450 percent combined in Horry County, S.C., and adjoining Brunswick County, N.C. When Gail Hart moved from Arizona to retire in Wilmington, N.C., in 2017, she hadn’t considered the hurricane risk. “I wanted to be near a beach,” she said. “I wanted a community.” The next year, Hurricane Florence made landfall in the Wilmington metro area. Many neighborhoods flooded. In some places, three feet of water entered homes. Emergency officials rescued over a thousand residents. Ms. Hart evacuated. She was fortunate: Her home suffered only minor wind damage. But the experience changed her view of living there. She installed storm shutters and a generator and bought flood insurance. And yet, like so many others, she has stayed despite the storm risks. “I don’t let it affect my life unless there’s a hurricane coming,” she said. Ms. Hart is far from alone. When she arrived, there were about a dozen homes in her retirement community. Today there are over 500. In a retirement community being built across the road, acres of pine forests have been cleared to develop homes along the Cape Fear River. Nearby, marshland with ghost forests of dead trees was up for sale as “riverfront condo land.” Wilmington is part of New Hanover County, the most densely populated of the state’s coastal counties. Nearly 40 percent of its homes risk being severely affected by flooding in the next 30 years, according to the First Street Foundation. “There’s just not a lot of area left,” said Steven Still, director of emergency services for the county. “So, you’re developing in the fringe areas.” The escalating costs of storms raise a difficult question for these growing coastal communities: How do you balance growth with safety? The combination of climate change and development in risky areas is making it “a huge challenge” to keep residents safe, said Amanda Martin, North Carolina’s chief resilience officer. It’s not just that people are moving to hurricane-prone areas. The growth itself can make flooding worse. Cutting down trees and paving over wetlands takes away open land that would otherwise absorb rainfall. “We just seem to be going through this vicious cycle that is becoming more vicious with the amount of people and infrastructure we put in these areas,” Mr. Still said. Federal law permits people to build in flood zones, so long as they meet certain minimum standards. In return, the government offers them flood insurance through a federal program that is over $20 billion in debt — largely due to escalating hurricane damages. While the National Flood Insurance Program was originally intended to discourage floodplain development, in practice it has done the opposite by removing a lot of the financial risk involved, said Jenny Brennan, a climate analyst at the Southern Environmental Law Center. States have a few options to discourage people from building in flood zones. They can create more stringent building requirements, or they can buy up and preserve undeveloped land. But these measures are expensive and rely on political will or the willingness of landowners to sell. One way that states can move residents out of harm’s way is by offering to buy out their homes and permanently converting that land to open space. But a study this year found that for every home bought out in North Carolina between 1996 and 2017, more than 10 new ones were built in the state’s floodplains. The growth also makes it more difficult to evacuate when storms strike. In these booming coastal counties, residents and local officials say that roads and bridges are not keeping pace with the growth. “Our biggest problem is our infrastructures not being able to keep up,” said David McIntire, the deputy director of emergency management for Brunswick County, the fastest-growing coastal county in North Carolina this century and part of the Wilmington metro. The state has undertaken a multiyear project to add two lanes to Highway 211, the main evacuation route for the region. Mr. McIntire said the state and local departments were “having to play catch-up” after years of failing to plan ahead. In neighboring New Hanover County, his counterpart Mr. Still is grappling with a shortage of affordable housing, which he said was making it “exponentially difficult” to shelter people displaced by disasters. After a disaster, the surge in demand for short-term housing drives up already high rents. Poorer residents often rely on the state and local governments for assistance with evacuation and housing. The problem lies in where to house them. “If there is zero housing availability in the community right now,” Mr. Still said, “where do you put 100,000 people?” The housing crunch is one of many tensions playing out between wealthy coastal communities and those who live nearby. April O’Leary lives in Conway, S.C., an inland city in Horry County, a half-hour drive from Myrtle Beach. The county makes up the Myrtle Beach metro area, which was the fastest-growing coastal metro nationally between 2000 and 2020 and is one of the fastest-growing places in the country annually. And the growth is projected to continue. Horry County is large and flat: Nearly a quarter of its land lies within a floodplain. After Hurricane Florence made landfall, it took about a week for the rainwater to flow down to Conway. But the water stayed for over a week. “It sits for a while and it just destroys everything,” Ms. O’Leary said. Water entered her home, flooding the first floor and a bedroom. Her husband and son evacuated to Myrtle Beach, while she stayed for a few days to document the floods. Afterward, there were large piles of debris lining street after street in her neighborhood, filled with ruined flooring, kitchen cabinets and bathroom fixtures. When her son’s elementary school reopened and he saw the devastation in the neighborhood, she said he stopped smiling and became quieter for months. After the flooding, Ms. O’Leary founded Horry County Rising, a political organization that campaigned for the county to adopt stricter regulations for floodplain construction. Much of the flooding in the Carolinas during Hurricane Florence occurred outside of federal flood zones, where few people have flood insurance or homes that are protected from flooding. In 2021, the county expanded its flood zone boundaries to include places that flooded during Hurricane Florence. And it required new homes built there to have their lowest floor three feet above the high water mark. The changes applied to all unincorporated parts of the county. But they faced pushback from local developers because of raised building costs. The county recently voted to lower the height requirements to two feet, after legal pressure from a developer. The flooding and growth also affect rural communities that have been rooted in the Carolinas for generations. In Bucksport, S.C., a small inland town in Horry County, Kevin Mishoe is a third-generation farmer and former chair of the Association for the Betterment of Bucksport. He said the newer building codes would pay dividends in future floods, but they would also make home ownership far more expensive for people in lower-income communities like Bucksport. Bucksport sits between two major rivers, nestled against wetlands and tidal forests. Mr. Mishoe lives with his wife in a mobile home that flooded during Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Florence in 2018. Mr. Mishoe says he believes banks are denying loans to residents because of their location in a floodplain, a phenomenon he called “bluelining.” Meanwhile, he said, locals are being “bombarded” with offers from developers and private equity companies to buy their land. “All of a sudden land that you’re telling us is almost worthless because you’re in a flood zone, everybody’s trying to buy,” he said. The area is considered prime real estate because of its access to water. This year, the county expressed support for a highway that would connect Myrtle Beach to inland parts of the county. The highway is expected to cut through Bucksport and its adjoining wetlands and bring added development to the region. The town’s residents emphatically do not want to sell their land, Mr. Mishoe said. Their ancestors have held on to this land for generations, and they intend to stay. Bucksport’s flooding problem began in 2015. But there are coastal Carolina communities that have endured regular hurricanes for over a century. Karen Willis Amspacher lives on Harkers Island in Carteret County, N.C. — one of the most hurricane-prone counties in the country. The island is part of a string of low-lying rural communities near the Outer Banks that locals call Down East. The communities are connected by Highway 70, a dredged road that floods several times a year. Ms. Amspacher is a fifth-generation resident of the island and the director of the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum. There are a lot of newer residents, she said, moving into large houses on stilts, with generators and flood insurance. Some houses are second homes or vacation properties. The construction boom has driven up costs for locals. “The fear and threat of sea level rise or storms doesn’t hinder any of it,” she said. While the new homes may be safer, Ms. Amspacher said, many of the newcomers are isolated from the emotional trauma that her community experiences during a hurricane. “This is a piece of property to them,” she said. “It’s not their family inheritance. It’s not their home. It’s not where they hope their children will stay and grow up.” Ms. Amspacher has had to evacuate her home in three past hurricanes. But she’s not planning to leave for the next one. She said staying during storms was a way to protect property from damage and was part of her community’s cultural identity. “These hurricanes make these communities what we are,” she said. Back in Wilmington, Sharon Valentine is also no stranger to hurricanes. She owned a large animal farm near Fayetteville, N.C., which was devastated by Hurricane Fran in 1996. So, when she and her partner decided to retire in Wilmington’s Del Webb community in 2017, they knew the risks. Many others have followed since. “There’s a mass migration down here,” she said. Ms. Valentine organizes annual hurricane training for these newer arrivals. The community members have evacuation plans and look out for one another. She, too, said the local infrastructure hadn’t kept up with growth. There are two small bridges on either end of River Road that serve as the main evacuation routes for her community. She is concerned that they may flood in a major storm. “If we really ever have a bad one, we’re going to have to get out of here,” Ms. Valentine said. Still, when she thinks about all the newcomers, she sympathizes with their reasons for moving here. “It is a beautiful place that has a dragon emerge periodically,” she said. “And so, you weigh your risks.”
Read more » click here

Inlet Hazard Areas
For more information » click here 

.
Lockwood Folly Inlet
For more information » click here.

Seismic Testing / Offshore Drilling
For more information » click here. 

Offshore Wind Farms
For more information » click here

 Things I Think I Think –

Eating out is one of the great little joys of life.

Restaurant Review:
The Dinner Club visits a new restaurant once a month. Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambience and service, with price taken into consideration.
///// August 2023
Name:            Lombardo’s
Cuisine:         Italian
Location:      7604 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact:        843.497.6699 / https://www.lombardosmyrtlebeach.com/
Food:              Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service:         Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience:    Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost:              Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating:          Two Stars
Lombardo’s is a family owned and operated restaurant that prepares its traditional Italian cuisine using the family’s recipes for all their dishes. This intimate bistro has a warm, classy atmosphere, its upscale dining without the upscale pricing. Both the food and wine are reasonably priced, although the specials are a bit pricey. Godere!

 Editor’s note –
We were charged fees that were not communicated by the wait staff that amounts to an additional $18.36 or 16.5% to our bill. I reached out to management regarding surcharging more than the advertised prices but did not get any response. Needless to say, I won’t be going back there anytime soon!

Editor’s note –
After our pandemic hiatus we discovered that the old price guidelines were obsolete
All of our previous restaurant reviews have been updated with current menu prices

Dining Guide – Guests

Dining Guide – Local

Restaurant Reviews – North

Restaurant Reviews – South

Book Review:
Read several books from The New York Times best sellers fiction list monthly
Selection represents this month’s pick of the litter

THE COLLECTOR by Daniel Silva
This is the twenty-third entry in the bestselling Gabriel Allon series, which chronicles the adventures of an art restorer, assassin and master spy, former chief of the Israel intelligence secret service, now retired. Gabriel comes out of retirement  and joins forces with a master thief to track down a valuable missing painting. The story transitions from just a search for a missing painting to a desperate race to prevent an unthinkable nuclear conflict between Russia and the West. Ultimately, this is a narrative about everything from the war in Ukraine to the tensions inside Russia, as well as the friction between Moscow and the West.

That’s it for this newsletter

See you next month

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/

Lou’s Views

“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments

BOC’s Regular Meeting 10/17/23

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet click here

Audio Recording » click here

1.   Public Comments on Agenda Items

There were comments made regarding the ADA budget amendment by four (4) candidates for Commissioner. All the candidates are opposed to the proposed action and recommended that instead we consider reducing or deferring other expenses in the budget.

2.   Annual Beach Monitoring Report – Fran Way, ATM

Agenda Packet – page 7
The Town participates in annual beach monitoring to maintain a healthy beach and dune system and to keep our engineered beach status. These reports are also instrumental in serving as a baseline account of sand volume as compared to post-storm surveys. Mr. Fran Way with ATM is here to present data from the annual report and highlight changes since last year.

Annual Monitoring Analysis Presentation » click here

Applied Technology & Management
ATM is a coastal engineering firm hired by the town to do the following:

• • • Annual monitoring, data collection and reporting
    • Assess sand erosion
    • Evaluate nourishment
    • FEMA projects cost reimbursement support
    • Meet government regulatory permitting conditions

Annual monitoring has been occurring since 2001. We have an engineered beach – which means it has been nourished and is being monitored.

Update –
Fran Way presented the annual beach monitoring report. They have completed the annual survey of the beach strand. The last storm event Ian was included in this report. Primarily they make sure the beach is healthy. Most sections of the beach strand are stable and had accretion compared to baseline conditions comparison. Beach equilibration has occurred, projects are designed to include a volume of sand that the waves and currents will transport offshore to fill in the lower parts of the beach profile. Some of the sand lost off shore has been come back in to the system. Ongoing beach management activity has made the beach strand wider and much healthier than it was twenty (20) years ago.

Ongoing Beach Management Activities

• • • USACE 50-year study
    • FEMA coordination
    • LWFIX & Bend-Winder
    • West end analysis
    • LWF Outer Channel Dredging/Navigation
    • Offshore Borrow Area Finalization

3.   Police Report – Chief Jeremy Dixon

We are in the shoulder season, they experienced a normal seasonal decline of activity

Festival by the Sea is scheduled for October 29^th –  30^th
Expect traffic and plan accordingly

Agenda Packet – pages 8 – 13

Police Report » click here

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

 Neighborhood Watch –

• • • Need to look out for each other and report any suspicious activity
    • Call 911 if you see or hear anything suspicious
    • Fill out Keep Check Request Form if you will be out of town
    • Submit completed Property Registration Form
    • Pickup copy of Protecting Your Home
      

4.   Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans

Agenda Packet – pages 25 – 26

Inspections Report » click here 

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

Contractors Information Seminar
The Planning & Inspections Department, supported by the town staff, will be hosting the twelfth annual Contractors Information Seminar on Thursday, November 9^th.

5.   Discussion and Possible Action on ADA Related Items – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson and Inspections Director Evans
. a) Avenue E Site Plan
. b) 801 Ocean Boulevard West Site Plan
. c) Conceptual Approval of Bathrooms
. d) Ordinance 23-13, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 23-11, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance or Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 (Amendment No. 1)

Agenda Packet – pages 17 – 18

The Town has been working diligently to complete projects outlined in the Key Bridge agreement. The board will have a chance to review project plans for Avenue E and 801 OBW as described by Planning  and Inspections Director Evans and Town Manager Hewett. Also included are conceptual drawings for restroom facilities at 114 OBE, Avenue E, and other town owned property as feasible in the future.

With the specificity of costs unavailable at the time of the current year budget ordinance adoption and changes that have occurred based on cost of supplies, there is a need for a budget amendment (attachment in the amount of $261,753 to tackle the remaining outlined projects on the list and reimburse the access and recreation line for projects completed to date.

Separate Packet  » click here

Ordinance 23-13 » click here

Previously reported – April 2023

Resolution 23-10 » click here

The Key Bridge Foundation has greatly assisted the Town of Holden Beach in its
endeavor to promote a family friendly atmosphere in identifying and developing mitigation strategies that will provide more inclusive accommodations and access to the Town of Holden Beach.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) works with the Key Bridge Foundation (KBF) in a public-private partnership to administer the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Mediation Program to settle complaints under Title II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Since 1994, The KBF maintains a national roster of seasoned neutral mediators with expertise in the ADA, receiving over 7,000 complaints referred to mediation by DOJ. In 79% of cases, complainants and respondents will implement an agreement that resolves the complaint.
Read more » click here

ADA Mediation Program Brochure » click here

Update –
The Town staff has been working on the Key Bridge mediated agreement to comply with the Department of Justice mandated American with Disabilities Act improvements.

Timbo handled the first two (2) items. The Avenue E Site Plan is at the east end of the island.  It will include a parking area, beach access, and bathroom facilities. The 801 Ocean Boulevard West Site Plan will have a walkway  and a Hatteras ramp. The town developed these plans that were designed to be ADA compliant and meet the requirements of the agreement.

Christy handled the next two (2) items. She presented two (2) beach access bathroom conceptual design plans, a single and a double, that mimic the design of other town structures. The budget amendment ordinance for $261,753 is to cover the additional costs above and beyond what was budgeted for. Basically, they are attempting to meet the obligations that the town agreed to in the mediation with Key Bridge Foundation. The Board separated the first three (3) items from the budget amendment, they voted twice and both times they approved what was submitted.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

The Board’s position is that they had no choice but to comply with the agreement and besides it’s the right thing to do. The candidates that spoke at the beginning of the meeting were not questioning whether it needed to be done, they were questioning how we are planning to pay for it.

Timbo & Christy were wandering around and talking to the audience during the presentation so you could not hear everything that was said. Speakers need to talk into the microphone in order for us to hear what they are saying. Which part don’t they get?

6.   Discussion and Possible Amendment to the Contract Between the Town and Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC – Public Works Director Clemmons

Agenda Packet – pages 19 – 20

The County has informed the Town that the Multi-Jurisdictional Disaster Debris Management  contract with Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC does not include the removal of eligible hazardous tress of less than six inches in diameter. The proposed amendment to the contract adds this service to the fee schedule in the contract.

The recommended motion is to approve the second amendment to the contract between Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC and the Town of Holden Beach.

Contractor and Activating Entity previously entered into a Multi­-Jurisdictional Disaster Debris Management contract with an effective date of September 12, 2019. It now appears there was an omission in the fee schedule for removal of eligible hazardous trees with work consisting of removing hazardous trees. Contractor and Activating Entity have agreed to amend the original contract to set forth the facts for said additional services.

Contract » click here

Previously reported – August 2019
Multi–Jurisdictional Disaster Debris Agreement
The Town is a member of the Brunswick County Multi-Jurisdictional Disaster Debris Agreement. Currently, the contract is with Crowder Gulf. Beginning September 15, 2019, the county’s new contract will take affect with Southern Disaster Recovery (SDR) as the   primary contractor and Ceres Environmental as the secondary.

Per the Brunswick County Background Information: The disaster debris management contract is a pre­positioned contract with no funding associated with the contract for the purpose of assisting the county in the event of a disaster such as a hurricane, tornado or earthquake. Six proposals were received in response to the request for proposals for disaster debris management services. There are numerous services and equipment priced in the bids and no one company was low bidder on all items. A weighted formula was used to determine the overall best proposal for the county with consideration to other items and services included with the proposal. Using this formula SDR scored the highest number of points and Ceres with the second highest number of points. References from the industry were consulted and gave favorable recommendations for SDR and Ceres.

If the Town would like to continue to be a member of the agreement, we will need to execute the paperwork to participate. Brunswick County’s bid tabulation is included detailing the scoring criteria. Staff recommends the Town continue to participate in the Brunswick County Multi-Jurisdictional Disaster Debris Agreement and that Town Manager Hewett is authorized to execute any paperwork on behalf of the Town, subject to final approval of the contracts by the Town Attorney.

David handled this in Chris’s absence. County has changed contractor and we have an opportunity to piggyback on the County contract. It’s a no brainer.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously

Update –
Heather handled this in Chris’s absence. The proposed contract amendment adds an item that was omitted in the contract.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

7.   Discussion and Possible Action on Regulations for Removing  Sand From the Beach – Mayor Holden

Agenda Packet – pages 21 – 24

No person, firm or corporation shall remove or cause to be removed any beach sand from its natural state, except necessary excavation in preparation for building, remodeling, or repairing the premises; provided that any beach sand so removed shall be placed nearer the road adjoining the premises or, at the option of the owner of the premises, hauled to another suitable location within the town limits, provided also that the sand dunes lying adjacent to the ocean front shall not be lowered below six feet in height above the abutting street elevation, and that in making such excavation no vegetation shall be destroyed which is growing on the front slope of the ocean front sand dune. Provided further that under no circumstances shall any quantity of beach sand be transported to a location outside the town limits.

Update –
Agenda packet included Ordinances from Caswell Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach. Alan requested that the town staff examine existing rules regarding removal of sand from the island. He specifically requested that ordinance includes language stating that under no circumstances shall any quantity of beach sand be transported to a location outside the town limits. The Board instructed the town staff to craft an ordinance that will not allow hauling sand off the island.

8.   Discussion and Possible Action on Extending the Paid Parking Program Year-round – Mayor Pro Tem Smith

Agenda Packet – pages 25 – 31

CHAPTER 72: PARKING REGULATIONS
Section
72.01     Definitions
72.02     Parking prohibited on public streets and rights-of-way
72.03     Parking authorized by permit only
72.04     Tow-away zones
72.99     Penalty

Update –
Item was removed from the agenda

Paid Parking on Holden Beach
Paid parking will be enforced April 1st – October 31^st in all Holden Beach designated parking areas. It will be enforced from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, with free parking before and after that time. All parking will use license plates for verification. 

Last year they ended paid parking early to allow free parking island wide for festival weekend. At that time, David stated that this is a contract matter and that he needs the Board’ direction and approval. The thinking is that in order to promote the festival it would be advantageous to suspend paid parking. The Board agreed to suspend the paid parking early.  Frankly, I did not agree with that decision. It’s a zoo out there during the festival weekend. With all the parking problems that happen during the festivals you would think we would want to continue enforcing parking in designated areas only. By suspending enforcement that was done by Otto people can and will park anywhere they want. Since this issue was not discussed it would appear that we will enforce parking restrictions during the weekend of the festival.

KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid!

As for all ordinance considerations, it is important that any definitions and conditions are clear to help owners avoid inadvertent errors and enable enforcement. In other words, it needs to be standardized, and easily understood by the public. I personally object to parking in the rights-of-way, but I understand why some property owners want to be able to park there on their property. A potential accommodation would be to issue a day specific one-time permit for any homeowners that have an activity at their property that requires them to park in the  rights-of-way. Parking should only be in designated parking spaces whether its paid parking or not, plain and simple.

9.   Discussion and Possible Action on 796 Ocean Boulevard West – Mayor Pro Tem Smith

Agenda Packet – background information was not provided

Previously reported – April 2023
Revised blueprints presented in the agenda packet. Page proposed doing work in stages and starting with bathroom and shower facilities at this location. They need to determine what funds are available to see what they can do for this season. They agreed that it is to be discussed at the budget workshop later this week.
No decision was made – No action taken

The noise buffer:
What’s happening at this rundown beach house owned by a Brunswick town?
A vacant beach house owned by the town of Holden Beach could soon see some much-anticipated changes if leaders can decide how to move forward. The quaint, blue beach home at 796 Ocean Boulevard West was purchased in 2019 by the town, looking to address potential problems regarding a nearby sewer pump station. The property later became an eyesore, neighbors said. The town has been working to identify potential future uses for the property, but not everyone is sold on the current plan.

796 Ocean Boulevard West
According to Brunswick County property records, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family house was purchased by the town in 2019. Located just one block from the Atlantic Ocean and nearby public beach accesses and a few parking spaces, the house had previously been used as a short-term residency and rental, according to Holden Beach Mayor Alan Holden. The home sits beside a town sewer pump station, which the town was upgrading to pull much of the sewer system out from underground and elevating the electrical and pump systems above base flood elevation. Concerned the changes would cause noise issues at the neighboring house, the town purchased the home largely to serve as a buffer so the noise would not affect neighbors farther west, Holden said. “They did not have any plan for it,” said Tom Myers, president of the Holden Beach Property Owners Association. “They just thought they had to buy it because of noise.” Holden said the town rented the home to a resident for some time, but the home has sat vacant for some time. While noise did not become an issue for neighboring property owners, Myers said, the appearance of the home did. Joel Ehle owns the home next door and brought his concerns about the appearance of the property to the town’s board of commissioners late last year. The town then began exploring options for the future use of the property. Myers said a couple options are on the table: Renovating the home for sale or short-term rental or taking advantage of the property’s proximity to public beach accesses by adding bathrooms and other public-use spaces. While the latter option seemed most appealing to town leaders who see the need for a public facility for beachgoers, it’s complicated. According to plans recently presented to the commissioners, turning a residential home into an ADA-compliant multi-use facility isn’t easily done. Parking is also a factor to consider. While some public spaces sit just east of the house and sewer property, a public-use space would require more access – and would bring more people. “I’d prefer that it be sold and used as a rental versus building bathrooms and bringing more parking spaces next to my house,” Ehle said.

What’s next?
Ehle said the town has already made some noticeable changes to the house – a fresh coat of paint and the removal of old air conditioner units. “We’re seeing movement,” Ehle said. Preliminary site plans drafted by Monroe-based David Wood Home Designs show how the home could be renovated to include office space, bathrooms, a reception hall and storage space for the town. Holden said discussions regarding the home’s future are ongoing. Holden said the town is currently working to draft and approve a budget for the next fiscal year, and allocating funds for a potential project with this home is on the list. A draft budget recently considered by the town’s board of commissioners sets aside $100,000 in the town’s capital improvement plan funds for improvements to the house.
Read more » click here

Update –
Item was removed from the agenda

Begin with the End in Mind
They really need to decide what they are doing with this property

10.  Discussion and Possible Action on Proposed Revision to the Personnel Policy – Town Clerk Finnell

Agenda Packet – pages 32 – 35

In the Personnel Policy Recommendations made by the Management and Personnel Services Group (MAPS) in 2019, Maps recommended that any employee with a vacation balance exceeding 30 days at the end of the year shall have the excess accumulation transferred to sick leave so that only a balance of 30 days is carried forward to January 15th (Attachment 1). When the Board approved the policy in January 2020, the verbiage was changed to reflect that any employee with a balance exceeding 30 days shall have up to half of the amount accumulated during the year transferred to sick leave and the remainder shall be removed (Attachment 2).

The Board’s Objectives for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 include an overall review of personnel policies  with the intent to propose changes that will improve staff retention and development. Based on this review, staff is requesting that the Board amend the Personnel Policy to reflect MAP’s original recommendation that any vacation balance exceeding 30 days at the end of the year be transferred to sick leave. Due to heavy workloads and other circumstances, it is not always possible for employees to utilize accumulated leave. Employees should not be penalized and lose their earned leave for contributing to the Town’s daily operations. Management and department heads will monitor employees to ensure the vacation  leave policy is adhered to in a proper manner if the amendment is approved .

The suggested motion is to adopt the attached proposed amendment to the Town’s Personnel Policy, Section 8. Vacation Leave: Maximum Accumulation (Attachment 3).

Section 8.
Vacation leave: Maximum Accumulation
Vacation leave may be accumulated without any applicable maximum until the pay period containing December 31 of each fiscal year. During the pay period containing December 31, any employee with a vacation leave balance exceeding 30 days shall have the access accumulation transferred to sick leave up to half of the amount accumulated during the year transferred to sick leave and the remainder shall be removed so that only a vacation leave balance of 30 days is carried forward to January 1.

Employees are cautioned not to retain excess accumulated vacation leave until late in the calendar year. Because of the necessity to keep all functions in operation, large numbers of employees cannot be granted vacation leave at any one time. If an employee has excess leave accumulation during the latter part of the year and is unable to take such leave because of staffing demands, the employee shall receive no special consideration either in having vacation leave scheduled or in receiving any exception to the maximum accumulation.

Personnel Policy Revision » click here

Update –
Heather explained this is the verbiage that The MAPS Group/Management and Personnel Services originally proposed and is standard verbiage for most other municipalities.

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

11.  Town Manager’s Report

Pier Repair Contract
Bid opening was today, we did not receive any bids. It will have to be done again.

Block Q
First phase is the parking portion, bid solicitation has been tendered

Dubbed Block Q,
this Brunswick town is making big plans to transform an open lot
Plans to transform a 1.79-acre lot in Holden Beach into a public paid parking lot are moving forward. Looking to further its paid parking plan, the town of Holden Beach purchased the 1.79-acre property between Shore Drive and Brunswick Avenue, commonly known as Block Q, for $2 million in early 2022. Well over a year later, the town is moving forward with plans to transform the space and create more than just a parking lot. At its August meeting, the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners held a public hearing regarding the town’s application for a $420,000 grant from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Here’s the latest on the project and what’s next.

What is Block Q?
A previously privately owned vacant lot just off N.C. 130 in Holden Beach, Block Q was purchased in 2022 by the town. At the time, Holden Beach had just approved its paid parking plan and acquired the property with plans to add up to 235 parking spaces. Mayor Alan Holden confirmed that, to his knowledge, there is no significance to the name “Block Q,” and the property has simply been referred to by that name historically. The property sits across the street from the Intracoastal Waterway and boat ramp and is just one block from the public beach access. The site is currently a vacant lot that the town purchased to “provide additional amenities for residents and visitors” – namely parking. Local residents expressed concern at the time of the sale, noting that while the purchase would increase revenue for the town, they worried about the impact the purchase could have on traffic and, ultimately, the town’s character.

What is the plan?
At the time of the purchase, the town indicated the lot would be transformed into a public parking lot. Now, updated plans indicate the town looks to further enhance the space with the addition of a new public restroom facility, boat trailer parking, stormwater improvements and green space, in addition to the previously planned public parking. According to the town, the site will hopefully relieve the stress and demand on the wildlife boat ramp across the street, which has limited parking that is inadequate for the number of patrons who frequent the facility. Current plans indicate the lot will consist of 79 car parking spots and 15 boat trailer spots. The town clarified that it is moving forward with the public car and boat trailer parking independently and is asking for grant assistance with the public restroom facility, associated parking and sidewalks. Plans indicate the restroom facility will be ADA compliant. While no members of the public were physically present to voice their thoughts about the grant application at the August meeting, several residents sent their thoughts to town staff. Repeated concerns include the project’s cost and necessity.

What is the North Carolina Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program?
The town has applied for a grant as part of the North Carolina Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program. According to the DEQ’s Division of Coastal Management, the program looks to provide matching grants to local governments for projects that improve pedestrian access to beaches and waterways in North Carolina. Eligible projects include land acquisition, rehabilitation, maintenance and construction projects, such as parking and restroom facilities. The town of Holden Beach indicated they would match $140,000 for the project – 25% of the grant funds requested. The project is anticipated to cost $560,000.

What’s next?
Assistant Town Manager Christy Ferguson said the grant application was due to the state by Aug. 28. The town indicated it will move forward with the parking aspects of the project whether the funding is approved or not. The grant would assist in funding the construction of the public restroom facilities. If the grant is awarded, construction could begin within six months, the application indicates, and the project could be completed within 18 months.
Read more » click here 

Sewer Lift Station #2
So far we have gotten no news about the two (2) pending grants that were approved. David does not expect any progress will be made until more information is available about the grants and the audit has been reviewed by the Local Government Commission (LGC).

Bike Lane Project

DOT Bike Lane Report Presentation » click here

The plan includes bike lanes of 5’ on each side of Ocean Boulevard. It will be an asymmetrical widening, that is 7’ on the south side and only 3’ on the north side where the sidewalk is. 

Highland Paving has been awarded the contract and has already met with the town staff

Surveying has already been completed and work on storm water issues will begin in November

Paving prep work will start once that is completed, probably sometime in December

They anticipate that the actual paving project will be done beginning March

Work will be done starting from the west end of the island working east

They are still committing to completing the project before Memorial Day

THB Newsletter (10/20/23)
Ocean Boulevard Resurfacing and Bike Lane Project
Highland Paving met with the Department of Transportation and staff last week to discuss the upcoming project. They communicated that storm water work will begin in November. The subsequent paving prep work, which we are thinking will take place in December, will involve removal of the road shoulders, three feet on the north side of the road and seven feet on the south side of the road. We do not know where the contractor will be at any given point in time. Property owners are responsible for removing any material (landscape timbers/specialty rock, etc.) from the construction area that they don’t want hauled off by the contractor. Replacement material will be generic ABC stone. Mailboxes will be moved/reset, but if they fall apart, the contractor will install a generic replacement. We are forecasting the paving won’t begin until March/April, with the project being completed by Memorial Day.

Canal Dredging
The process for canal dredging in Harbor Acres has started and the dredging will occur this winter.   

LWF Inlet Maintenance Project
LWFIX & Bend-Winder navigation maintenance projects are scheduled to start this winter. USACE will contract to remove 140k cyds of sand with placement of beach compatible sand on the east end of our beach strand. THB local share of the $535,000 project is approximately $100,000, the funds have already been transferred. 

In Case You Missed It –

Brunswick County Public Utilities flushing water mains, residents may notice changes in tap water
Brunswick County residents may notice a change in their tap water throughout the next month. “Every year, Brunswick County 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 6,000 fire hydrants in the Brunswick County service area,” according to a release from the county. During the flushing period, your water may be discolored and it’s possible for there to be some sediment. The county says it is only temporary but not harmful to anyone. Combined chlorine is typically added to the water throughout the year at part of the water treatment process, but the county will add free chlorine during the flushing period to help clean out sediment. The free chlorine will be used from October 16 through November. “Depending on your location within the distribution system and usage patterns, it could be a week 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 chlorine for this brief period is required by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality,” according to the news release. Public Utilities officials recommend keeping a container of drinking water in your fridge during this time period, especially if you are sensitive to the taste and color of chlorine. If you have any questions, you can contact Brunswick County’s Public Utilities Department at 910-253-2657, 910-371-3490, 910-454-0512, or your local water provider.
Read more » click here

National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On September 30, 2023, the President signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to November 17, 2023.

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 –

Lunch and Learn
The fall prevention workshop previously scheduled for September 20^th has been moved to Thursday, October 26^th to allow more participation. Dr. Joseph Richter from Novant Health Rehabilitation Services will speak at 11:00 a.m. and lunch will follow. The Town will be providing lunch. Please RSVP by October 20th to Christy at [email protected].  

Barktoberfest
The Town of Holden Beach will hold Barktoberfest on Friday, October 27^th. Owners and their dogs should meet at Town Hall at 5:30 p.m. where we will do a trick-or-trot up to the HB Pavilion for a doggie costume contest and fall pictures. Registration is required by October 6^th. Email Christy at [email protected] in order to register.

Monster Mash Trunk-or-Treat
The Town of Holden Beach will hold a trunk-or-treat on Tuesday, October 31^st from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the HB Pavilion. Residents and property owners may register by October 13^th to decorate your trunk and pass out candy. Trunks must be ready by 5:30 p.m. There will be a prize for best decorated trunk and a costume contest held at 7:00 p.m. Categories include 3 and under, 4-7, 8-11, 12-15 and adult. Register by emailing Christy at [email protected]

Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
The Town will hold its Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Monday, November 6^th. The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the picnic shelter at Bridgeview Park. If the weather is not conducive to an outside event, we will move the event indoors at Town Hall. Please RSVP by calling 910.842.6488 prior to Wednesday, November 2nd with your name and the name of your guest.

Contractors Information Seminar
The Planning & Inspections Department, supported by the town staff, will be hosting the twelfth annual Contractors Information Seminar on Thursday, November 9^th.

Turkey Trot
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, November 23^rd at 8:00 a.m. All individuals interested in participating should call 910.842.6488 to register. Please bring a canned food item to donate to the local food pantry.

Tree Lighting
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its annual tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, November 30^th at 6 p.m.

14.   Mayor’s Comments

Alan was thankful we got through the storm event with minimal damage. Although hurricane season is still on the calendar, traditionally by the middle of October we have been out of the woods. He feels that we have safely made it through another hurricane season and have been very fortunate this year.

From the Mayor’s Desk (09/26/23)

State Budget Grant Funds for Holden Beach
Great News! Last week’s passage of the State budget was really good to Holden Beach. Through hard work and long-term working relationships with our State Legislators – Charlie Miller, Frank Iler and Bill Rabon – the Town has been awarded a $2,000,000 grant that can be used to help pay for the critical upfit of the Greensboro Street Sewer Lift Station.  Coupled together with the $2.7 million in Federal EPA funding obtained previously the Town will now be able to move forward with this infrastructure resiliency project; quite possibly without the need to take on any long-term debt.   

General Comments –

BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, November 21^st

2023 Municipal Elections
Twelve (12) candidates will be on the ballot running for five (5) available positions

Holden Beach Mayor
Mike Felmly                            137 Carolina Avenue              Holden Beach
Alan Holden                           128 OBW                                   Holden Beach     (incumbent)

Holden Beach Commissioner
Gerald Arnold                        193 Yacht Watch                     Holden Beach     (incumbent)
Jim Bauer                                329 OBW                                  Holden Beach
Page Dyer                               149 Scotch Bonnet                   Holden Beach     (incumbent)
Brian Murdock                      3003 Holden Beach Road       Supply                  (incumbent)
Tom Myers                             301 OBW                                   Holden Beach
Maria Surprise                      159 OBE                                    Holden Beach
Tracey Thomas                      109 Frigate Drive                    Holden Beach

Holden Beach Commissioner (unexpired)
Richard McInturf                  122 Frigate Drive                    Holden Beach
Rick Paarfus                           140 Tarpon Drive                   Holden Beach
Sylvia Pate                              111 Charlotte Street               Holden Beach

Commissioner Smith did not need to file for office since he has two (2) years left of his four (4) year term.

Sylvia Pate, Rick Paarfus and Richard McInturf are running for the unexpired term of Commissioner Kwiatkowski which has two (2) years left of the four (4) year term.

Board of Commissioners Duties and Responsibilities include:

• • • 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

Previously reported – June 2017

Staggered Terms – Appointing the members of Boards so that all the members do not change at the same time because their terms expire at different times.

Advantage of Staggered Terms – Help preserve institutional memory by not allowing total rotation of the leadership at one time. Good institutional memory generally improves decision-making and promotes the continuity of good practices and programs.

Reinstitute Staggered Terms –
Holden Beach and Bolivia are the only Brunswick County town governments that do not have staggered terms. The Board normally would have two (2) options on how they could make a change back to staggered terms. We will need to do a referendum for it to be in effect before the November 2017 elections. It will take two election cycles to fully implement. Justification given is to preserve continuity.

Referendum – a general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision.

Meet the Candidates Night
HBPOA and the League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear  hosted Candidates Night on Friday, October 20^th at the Holden Beach Chapel.  

The objective of a Candidates Night event is to help the electorate
make an informed choice when they vote for Town leaders.

League of Women Voters / Vote 411 >>> https://www.vote411.org/

Meet the Candidates Answers >>> https://www.vote411.org/plan-your-vote

Candidates Audio Recording >>> https://holdenbeachpoa.com/

Candidate Forum Facebook >>>
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?mibextid=YxdKMJ&ref=watch_permalink&v=344732401448895

Star News Online / Meet the Candidates

Voters in Brunswick County have three options to cast their ballots this year. Residents may vote absentee-by-mail with ballots postmarked by Nov. 7, or during one-stop early voting beginning Thursday, Oct. 19 and ending Saturday, Nov. 4, or in-person on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Holden Beach Mayor
Two candidates are running for Holden Beach mayor. Mike Felmly is challenging longtime Holden Beach Mayor J. Alan Holden for the position.

Michael “Mike” Felmly

Age: 72
Occupation:Retired Naval Officer
Family: Wife, Kate
Education:A. Biology, SUNY Plattsburgh, New York (1974); M.S. Educational Administration, The University at Albany, New York (1976); M.S. Instructional Technology, National University, San Diego (1985); Certificate, National Security Studies, US Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania (1997); A.S. Marine Technology, New England Institute of Technology, Providence, Rhode Island (2013)
Political affiliation: N/A

 J. Alan Holden

Age: 74
Occupation: Businessman and Realtor
Family: Three grandchildren
Education:A. from Methodist University
Political affiliation: Independent

1. What challenges have you seen with the town’s paid parking and how do you see this moving forward?

Felmly: Multiple challenges; (1) No overall town strategy and plan has yet to be formally, properly planned and implemented (helter-skelter); (2) approval of resident parking; (3) requirement for town to subcontract the parking process reduces town income. Further, challenge of town to restore its reputation as a “family beach” and not a beach for the “rich and privileged.”

Holden: Public relations. Money from the parking will continue to be used to provide more benefits for the public.

 2. What do you believe are the biggest challenges the town will face in the coming four years? How would you address those challenges?

Felmly: At the outset, the town has never developed an overarching strategic vision, strategic plan and or implementing schema. The challenge is developing a strategy and supporting plan to manage the town’s infrastructure, safety and quality of life challenges: These include management of (1) beach replenishment, (2) redesigning and upgrading sewer, electrical, drainage and water inadequacies; (3) repayment of debt incurred and forced by the purchase of the pier and mandated recreational commitments;  (3) the management of the land parcel designated as block “Q” and its debt restructuring; excess property holdings. Traffic management.

Holden: Developing and maintaining the products and services needed. Seek funding from various sources, private and public. Work with local, county, state and national partners in finding solutions.

3. What makes you the best candidate for Holden Beach mayor?

Felmly: I have been in leadership positions my entire career and have been responsible for several multi-million and billion-dollar accounts. During my career in the Navy, I was constantly sent to jobs to correct and solve problems.  I developed a reputation as a problem solver and team leader. For this reason, I was selected to assume command of a deep-draft Navy ship two years early, chosen to implement the Navy’s future communication infrastructure in the western Pacific and ultimately was chosen, post-Navy career, to go to the Middle East to solve similar problems for U.S. allies. 

Holden: In 1975, I was mayor pro tempore. Since then, I have been involved with the town of Holden Beach in some capacity. My experience includes 10 years as a commissioner and 16 years as mayor. Other years include serving on the board of adjustment, planning board, etc. for Holden Beach. County and state level positions were served, too. I am a life-long resident of 74 years.
Read more » click here

Holden Beach Board of Commissioners
Seven candidates are running for three seats on the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners. Incumbents Gerald Arnold, Page Dyer, and Brian Murdock are all seeking reelection. They will face challengers Jim Bauer, Tom Myers, Maria Surprise, and Tracey Thomas.

Gerald Arnold

Age: 82
Occupation: Currently retired. Previously served as Chief Judge of the N.C. Court of Appeals, Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, Chairman of Judicial Standards, and President and CEO of Lawyers Mutual Liability Insurance Company.
Family: Wife, Shirley; daughter, Lisa Coats; son, Stan Arnold; granddaughters, Caitlin, and Claire Coats.
Education: Law degree and graduate studies
Political affiliation: Unaffiliated

 Jim Bauer

Age:58
Occupation: Retired from the Fire Department, City of New York
Family: Married, two children
Education:Bachelor of Science, Empire State University, New York
Political affiliation:Republican

 Page Dyer

Age: 56
Occupation: Veterinarian
Family: Husband, Robert: stepdaughters Chesney and Emily; two sisters
Education: Bachelor of Science, Virginia State University; DVM, Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine
Political affiliation: Independent

Tom Myers

Age: 67
Occupation: Retired Management Consultant
Family: Wife of 35 years; daughter, son
Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois; Master of Accountancy from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona
Political affiliation: Unaffiliated

Maria Surprise

Age: 56
Occupation: Retired
Family: John Woods, husband
Education: BS Electrical Engineering, University of Vermont
Political affiliation: N/A (non-partisan)

 Tracey Thomas

Age: 60
Occupation: Retired
Family: Husband (Dean), 3 adult children and expecting 2 grandchildren in November
Education: BE Mechanical Engineering (Stony Brook University)
Political affiliation: N/A

1. What challenges have you seen with the town’s paid parking, and how do you see this moving forward?

Arnold: Paid parking is never popular, parking problems are an issue everywhere, but for a new program, truth be told, it has gone amazingly well.  Net revenue has exceeded $1 million. Traffic is a problem here (as it is everywhere), but I see paid parking succeeding and moving forward if the town and citizens follow professional recommendations for best practices and practical solutions and meet the issues honestly and head-on.

Bauer: The parking situation needs more input from the homeowners of Holden Beach and only the homeowners of Holden Beach. We need to address how many spaces and where the parking spaces are, especially when some of the parking created mandates the construction of ADA approved bathrooms that will cost the town hundreds of thousands of dollars. Yes, ADA issues must be addressed, but ask yourself: Do you want a public bathroom in front of your vacation house? Where should they go? I would also back free street parking for homeowners. Regardless, there must be balance and input from the taxpayers.

Dyer: I feel paid parking has been positive, especially for residents of the East End. It has organized parking and stopped trespassing. Challenges have been people not understanding the signage, which the company and town are addressing. But moving forward, I see it continuing to improve.

Myers: Unfortunately, paid parking is a necessary evil. Parking was getting out of control. People were parking willy-nilly everywhere and often trespassing on private property. The situation kept getting worse as the County grew and more people came to the beach. We now have structured and enforced parking arrangements. Spaces are clearly marked and numbered. The revenue helps to cover incremental costs for trash pickup, restrooms, police, and amenities. The biggest challenge has been in accepting the reality that people now have to pay for something that had always been free, and another piece of our past is gone.

Surprise: Paid parking is working, bringing in additional revenue to help maintain the beach strand and develop new public spaces. There are challenges with consistency, communication, and usage. Many longtime residents want access to free or discounted parking in season. Some lots are more congested and busier than others. Reviewing usage data from the contractor may allow the Town to see where the pressure points are and what might be done to improve access. Providing clear and consistent communication and outreach to locals and visitors to address concerns could lead to improved relations across the board.

Thomas: Paid parking is working out well for the taxpayers/homeowners on Holden Beach. Paid parking revenue, instead of tax dollars, were used to provide day visitors with public restrooms at the pier, construction of a new public restroom on the east end, public ADA walkways, and trash pickup and police services related to day visitors. Going forward, I would like to see the addition of shower facilities at some of the parking locations. I would also like to have free parking for homeowners since our tax dollars purchased the parking areas and pay costs not covered by parking revenue.

2. What do you believe are the biggest challenges the town will face in the coming four years, and how would you address those challenges?

Arnold: Maintaining a good beach front is always foremost. As with any coastal community there are challenges with stormwater, flooding, storm damage, infrastructure, health and public safety. Priority must be given to coastal ecosystems, erosion, higher tides (sea level), hurricanes, etc. Recreation and tourism are priorities for Holden Beach, to name some of the challenges. Challenges are best addressed by facing head-on the facts, even when complex and you don’t like the answers. Commissioners and mayor, town staff, and professional staff work together, facing the hard questions fairly and honestly. Avoid simplistic and fragmentary solutions.

Bauer: First, we need to alienate ourselves from the pier’s $500,000 PARTF grant the current board of commissioners has taken against the wishes of the homeowners. This grant basically makes this property less than worthless as we cannot sell or improve it (except for broad public uses) but must maintain it at the cost of millions. This grant makes this property a state park in perpetuity with the above restrictions. On top of this, we need to pay down our ridiculous debt that the board has incurred on pie-in-the-sky purchases. We need to ask the homeowners what they want from us and faithfully follow “public notice, comment and hearing” clauses of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the North Carolina Constitution.

Dyer: The lift station on Greensboro Street must be updated. Water levels continue to rise, and flooding damage could impact residents and rental income. The pier needs to be open to the public. Stormwater needs to be addressed and managed.

Myers: Our biggest challenge is managing spending and debt. The Town is spending more money than it brings in and is covering the deficit by drawing down savings and borrowing money. Debt service costs are now greater than property tax revenues. To avoid skyrocketing taxes, we need to stop spending money on everything we would like to do. Spending should be divided into “must do”, “should do” and “nice to do” categories and then ranked according to priorities. A line should be drawn at a fiscally responsible spending level and projects that don’t make the cut should be deferred or cancelled.

Surprise: Maintaining the beach strand and utilities – electricity, water and sewer, and ensuring the town has enough money to finance everything. We can’t control Mother Nature, but we can ensure our utilities have robustness and redundancies to minimize downtime should a storm hit. Our engineered beach and contract with FEMA is working well and needs to be continued. I would take a hard look at the budget, put a plan together to prioritize projects, and make sure our residents and property owners know what they are getting for their tax dollars.

Thomas: The biggest challenge Holden Beach faces is our over-extended financial obligations. For example, our 2023/4 debt payment ($3.6 million) exceeds property tax revenues ($3.3 million). This makes us dependent on beach rental revenue, and vulnerable if that revenue is reduced due to hurricanes or economic downturns. Also, we are depleting our “savings” accounts by $1.3 million this year. This may make it difficult to replenish sand when needed without taking out additional loans and/or raising taxes. I would re-examine all current planned expenses and make sure the town’s budget is focused on critical “needs” and not “wants.”

3. What makes you the best candidate for Holden Beach commissioner?

Arnold: Here are things I believe and try to practice. Honesty and integrity are the most important qualification. The “common good” has to be the North Star. Follow innate wisdom, democratic principles, and the law. Get the best information and the facts from the most reliable sources. Avoid innuendo and half-truth. Be open to dialogue, seek honest answers to complex, hard questions. You are one member of the board. Work amicably. Do not become entangled in personalities and politics and election strategies. Be respectful and considerate. Know that good judgment and good political judgement are both necessary, but not necessarily identical.

Bauer: In my opinion, I am appalled watching the commissioners repeatedly make obvious, unnecessary bad decisions for the town. The lack of transparency, the obvious conflicts of interest and the haphazard, random meanderings of both the mayor and the board. We have spent millions of dollars–mostly town money and placed the town in debt that will take years, if not decades to repay–on items which may be called “Nice to Haves,” such as the pier, bike lanes and Block Q, while neglecting the “Must Haves,” namely water, electricity, the beach and our sewers. I will concentrate on what’s important and involve the taxpayers in the decision process.  

Dyer: Holden Beach is my home and where I hope to remain. We need to manage change, but we need to preserve the town’s green spaces. Building is rapid, and the land owned by the town is a precious commodity that needs to be protected. As a business owner, I feel like I have a lot of contact with property owners and can hear their concerns and wishes.

Myers: I bring education, credentials, and experience. I have degrees in both engineering and accounting, and was a Professional Engineer, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, and Project Management Professional. I retired after 38 years as a management consultant, where I provided guidance to over 50 organizations in 10 countries regarding management of infrastructure assets. I have been the President of the Holden Beach Property Owners Association for more than 10 years, where I represented property owners on the island regarding important issues. I served on the Town’s Audit Committee, where I spearheaded an effort to address deficiencies in internal controls.

Surprise: I will be the voice of the people and push the new board to greatly improve its approaches to planning, budgeting, communicating, and creating a long-term vision for what we want Holden Beach to be. My husband and I built a home on the east end of the island in 1998, and we made it our forever home in 2018. My experience includes a degree in Electrical Engineering, a 30+ year career in the Energy industry, and extensive experience working with governing boards. I am retired and have the time and the energy to devote to this important position.

Thomas: I worked as an engineer for 32 years and have extensive experience with project management and budgets. I am currently retired, so I have the time to devote to making the island the best that it can be. I will make sure that the island taxpayers/homeowners needs are represented first, and spending reflects the taxpayers/homeowners’ priorities. I would also make sure the town starts spending taxpayers’ money responsibly and starts saving money to invest in our future. I would implement long term plans for such things as the pier, sand replenishment, town infrastructure and recreational facilities.
Read more » click here

Holden Beach Board of Commissioners (unexpired term)
It’s a three-way race to fill an unexpired term on the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners. Richard McInturf, Rick Paarfus, and Sylvia Pate are all vying for a chance to fill the position.

Richard A. McInturf

Age: 73
Occupation: Retired educator
Family: Married (Sheila McInturf)
Education: Master’s Degree in the Teaching of Reading, doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Political affiliation: n/a

Rick Paarfus

Age: Did not answer
Occupation: Mechanical Engineer (Retired)
Family:Married, one son
Education:S. in Mechanical Engineering
Political affiliation: Unaffiliated

 Sylvia H. Pate

 Age: 70
Occupation:Broker/Realtor
Family: Married, one daughter with three grandchildren
Education: MS in Organizational Leadership & Management, University of North Carolina Pembroke; BS in Special Studies, Western Carolina University
Political affiliation: Non-partisan

1. What challenges have you seen with the town’s paid parking and how do you see this moving forward?

McInturf: Paid parking seems to be operating smoothly and is resulting in a consistent revenue flow for the town. It is only logical that day visitors to the beach contribute in some manner to the expenses that the city faces on a daily basis. Going forward, I see parking revenues being used to help fund beach renourishment projects as well as help with the costs associated with refurbishing the pier and pier property.

Paarfus: Past challenges with paid parking were the number and location of parking spaces and purchasing land for parking. Moving forward, I do not think additional public parking should be considered unless a requirement emerges (e.g., the Army Corps Coastal Storm Damage Reduction study parking requirements) to do so. The current revenue has helped offset the costs of providing public parking, restroom facilities, handicapped spaces and other amenities enjoyed by the visiting public. Traffic congestion has increased, but it is still manageable in most cases. The current parking rates reflect current market rates and should remain stable.   

Pate: I believe paid parking benefits outweigh the challenges and anticipate paid parking will remain with some minor changes. To maximize parking availability and provide amenities, a revenue source is required but should not solely burden Holden Beach property owners. Positively, things appear to be streamlined with more organized parking spaces. However, some noted challenges: Individuals encountering problems with parking App, but seems they are adjusting; limited vehicle/trailer parking space at boat ramp, but by property acquisition, town gradually working to address, and everyone is not satisfied with paid parking, including Holden Beach property owners who also must pay. 

 2. What do you feel are the biggest challenges the town will face in the coming four years? How would you address those challenges?

McInturf: The town faces several challenges that must be considered in the coming years. The pier project must be considered along with the development of the property known as Block Q. There are ongoing studies dealing with stormwater management, freshwater availability, and upgrades to the town sewer system. Commissioners must carefully study each of these projects, prioritize the value of each to the community, and consider funding options to accomplish each priority.

Paarfus: The biggest challenges are water and sewer system improvements and beach re-nourishment funding. Our existing water and sewer systems may not meet the peak demand during tourist season. I will get involved with the current water system study, initiate a sewer study if needed, and help the Town develop appropriate strategies to make recommended improvements. I will advocate to replenish the Beach and Inlet fund to significantly reduce our reliance on borrowing, federal disaster funds or the Corps Coastal Storm Damage Reduction funds.

Pate: 1) Develop comprehensive strategic plan, with constituent input to lead with a strategic perspective in making informed decisions that drive responsible growth. 2) Explore diverse communication channels ensuring all property owners can stay informed and be heard to ensure transparent and effective communications. 3) Advocate prudent spending and excellent financial management, aligned with strategic plan and prioritized capital projects. 4) Protect natural resources and coastal environment through beach renourishment, canal dredging, stormwater management solutions and building/development policies. 5) Revisit Comprehensive Recreation and Tourism Plan, ensuring town priority compatibility with property owner desires, supporting development dedicated to preserving the town’s character.

 3. What makes you the best candidate for Holden Beach commissioner?

McInturf: I came to Holden Beach more than three years ago and have owned our property for four years. I have visited the island for more than 30 years. I came to the community with 46 years of public education experience, including eight years as associate superintendent of schools in Ozark, Alabama, followed by seven years as superintendent. Prior to that, I had a 30-year career as school principal, instructional supervisor, and director of federal programs. I developed critical skills that should transition into the responsibilities of being a commissioner at Holden Beach, including budget management and working with architectural firms.

Paarfus: I have 34 years of engineering experience in project management, maintenance planning and budgeting.  I have managed several civil works projects, marine projects and service contracts for the Corps of Engineers in Wilmington, sewer pump station projects and maintenance planning for the city of Wilmington, and condition-based maintenance programs for the Navy.  I have the technical and managerial experience to guide the town through the challenges ahead.  As a retired full time, resident, I have ample time to devote to the town.

Pate: As a resident dedicated to Holden Beach, I accept change is inevitable but while embracing it, we can plan for it more strategically resulting in positive change and responsible growth. With my special blend of 35+ years’ experience in economic, community and workforce development, relevant educational background and community involvement, I am experienced to make informed decisions through collaboration, problem-solving and strategic planning. Working tirelessly, doing necessary research and seeking property owner input, I will make decisions in the best interest of Holden Beach. Together, we can ensure our town retains its character, which makes it a special, family-oriented place.

Read more » click here

Brunswick Beacon / Candidates Questionnaire

Alan Holden

Name: Alan Holden.

Office sought: Holden Beach Mayor.

Age: 74.

Education: Methodist University.

Profession: Former teacher, current businessman and realtor of 47 years on Holden Beach.

Political and public service experience: Holden Beach Mayor for 16 years; town commissioner for 10 years; Holden Beach Emergency Director; town planning board and board of adjustment for multiple years; Tri-Beach firefighter; Brunswick County Planning Board; Brunswick County Hospital Board Chair; Brunswick County Health Advisory Board; Brunswick County Fire Commissioner; Chairman, Brunswick Community College Trustees; President, Holden Beach Property Owners Association; President, NC Association of Resort Towns and Convention Cities; President, West Brunswick High School Boosters; President, local Toastmasters; Trustee, Holden Beach Chapel; President, Holden Beach Merchants Association; President, South Brunswick County Chamber; NC Coastal Resources Community Advisory Board.

How long you have lived in Holden Beach: 74-plus years.

Identify the top issues in the Town of Holden Beach you plan to address if elected or re-elected: Safety, services, maintaining the town as a family beach, taxes, erosion and sand, financial management, public relations, infrastructure, insurance rates/compliance, working with local, county, state and national authorities.

Explain how you will address these issues if elected or re-elected: I will continue to be involved in relationships with all the above as needed to take advantage of all the contacts I have made over the decades of service since the 1970’s.

Email address: [email protected].

Telephone number: 910-842-8686.

Website: Atthebeachnc.com.

What is the best way for voters to reach you: Email.

Brunswick Beacon candidate questions:

Where do you stand on the town’s implementation of paid parking and, if elected/re-elected, would you support continuing to charge for parking in town during the tourist season? I am in favor and, yes, I support the continuation but will consider adjustments.

The town has a variety of projects in the works — such as the pier property, Block Q, sewer lift station 2, bike lanes, for example. How do you feel the sitting board of commissioners has handled these projects and, if elected/re-elected, where would you stand on these projects? I don’t get to vote unless there is a tie. Overall, I think the board has done well within the limitations and requirements that must remain.

The town has seen a proliferation of golf carts, and a medley of problems associated with them, in recent years. Do you believe the town’s enforcement of ordinances on low speed vehicles (golf carts) is strict enough and, if elected/re-elected, what steps would you take to address the issue? I support our police department. The accident and death rate on Holden Beach compares very, very well with our neighboring islands. I will continue to urge compliance and enforcement.

Do you feel the town is doing a good job protecting its natural resources and if elected/re-elected what ideas do you have to protect the town’s environment? I will continue to support the environment. Having grown up on the island my father had me planting sea oats, building windrows on the oceanfront, helping turtles/covering tracts/etc., picking up trash, providing/cleaning restrooms and showers, etc., hauling debris off the beach strand, etc. Holden Beach is one of the most restrictive towns in Brunswick County.

If elected/re-elected, how much preparation do you plan to do ahead of meetings to ensure you’re informed on the topics at hand? Almost every day of my life I am involved with something regarding the Town of Holden Beach. My experiences in Washington, Raleigh, Bolivia, and across the state help me be a better mayor every day. My years of training with regards to my being the emergency director is of upmost importance. I continue to expand my knowledge to be even more prepared!

How do you feel the sitting board has accommodated the town’s growth and need for expanding public services while also keeping the town’s property taxes stable? Every board of the past and present has done some things well and could have done other things better. Overall, the current board compares favorably.

Gerald Arnold

Name: Gerald Arnold.

Office sought: Holden Beach Board of Commissioners.

Age: 82.

Education: B.A. from East Carolina University; J.D. from UNC-Chapel Hill Law.

Profession: Appellate Judge, Director, NC Courts, Professional Liability Insurance (President and CEO of Lawyers Mutual.

How long you have lived in Holden Beach: Family had property here before Hurricane Hazel, rebuilt after Hazel, 1954; we built our house on Gerda Avenue in 1980 (second home); 2020 built residence on Yacht Watch Drive.

Identify the top issues in the Town of Holden Beach you plan to address if elected or re-elected: Maintain good beach and waterfront, good public utilities and infrastructure, good building codes; address issues dealing with flooding and stormwater, recreation and tourism; issues relating to marine ecosystem and environment. There are always unforeseen and emergency matters that rise, face them head on; promote and support public safety and security.

Explain how you will address these issues if elected or re-elected: By working together with colleagues, career staff; being careful to avoid micromanagement, and consult professional advisors, cooperate with NC Division of Coastal Management and all state and federal agencies dealing with coastal environmental and economic resources. Holden Beach has developed good relationships with federal and state agencies, and individuals therein obtain grants and assistance. It is imperative to continue doing so. Face the hard questions even if you don’t like the answers. Avoid entanglement in personalities, politics and election strategies.

Email: [email protected].

Telephone number: (919) 523-7173.

Website: N/A.

What is the best way for voters to reach you: N/A.

Brunswick Beacon candidate questions:

Where do you stand on the town’s implementation of paid parking and, if elected/re-elected, would you support continuing to charge for parking in town during the tourist season? I do support it. I believe the taxpayers have received in excess of $1 million in revenues since inception. Parking and traffic problems, unfortunately, are part of our world.

The town has a variety of projects in the works — such as the pier property, Block Q, sewer lift station 2, bike lanes, for example. How do you feel the sitting board of commissioners has handled these projects and, if elected/re-elected, where would you stand on these projects? I am new to the BOC, but I do support these projects. Ten years from now we cannot come back from the future and reclaim lost opportunities. The underground, below sea level, sewer lift station 2 is a can that has been kicked down the road for too long; costs continue to go up; it is not an “if it happens” kind of problem. It is a miracle during the past two storms’ flooding that workers, at risk to their lives, kept it working. There are 700 houses that rely on this station and loss of service is unthinkable; loss of personal use, and rental income, not to mention economic loss and property value decline for whole island. On the whole, I believe that the BOC has shown courage, foresight and leadership related to the issues in question.

The town has seen a proliferation of golf carts, and a medley of problems associated with them, in recent years. Do you believe the town’s enforcement of ordinances on low speed vehicles (golf carts) is strict enough and, if elected/re-elected, what steps would you take to address the issue? I do not have all the facts, but if the evidence warrants it, and some evidence does suggest it, I will favor addressing this issue. Public safety is a basic duty.

Do you feel the town is doing a good job protecting its natural resources and if elected/re- elected what ideas do you have to protect the town’s environment? Holden Beach is blessed to have career staff who are very knowledgeable and proactive in protecting natural resources — a must for a beach town, especially for Holden Beach. I fully support all efforts at our local, state and national levels. Sea levels are rising, we see higher tides, more flooding, and it is projected to get worse. We’ve been pretty lucky so far, but do not count on luck. (l was 14 and saw personally what Hazel did to Holden Beach.) We should be proactive in protecting our environment.

If elected/re-elected, how much preparation do you plan to do ahead of meetings to ensure you’re informed on the topics at hand? As much as I can do.

How do you feel the sitting board has accommodated the town’s growth and need for expanding public services while also keeping the town’s property taxes stable? The town has never faced as stern a test as it does today. The facts, however, speak for themselves in the growth and demand at Holden Beach. This town has done remarkably well expanding services in light of costs increases in keeping taxes stable. Property values and the demand for property reflect it.

Jim Bauer

Name: Jim Bauer.

Office sought: Holden Beach Board of Commissioners.

Age: 58.

Education: B.S. in Fire Service Management from Empire State University.

Profession: Retired Lieutenant, FDNY.

Political and public service experience: Police officer, NYPD; firefighter and lieutenant, FDNY; volunteer firefighter, Tri-Beach Fire Department in Holden Beach/Supply.

How long you have lived in Holden Beach: Three years.

Identify the top issues in the Town of Holden Beach you plan to address if elected or re-elected: Reestablish the long-lost American traditions of transparency, integrity and servant leadership in Holden Beach.

Explain how you will address these issues if elected or re-elected: My agenda is simple and completely contrary to the current Mayor and Board: Listen to the tax-paying homeowners! I will do this by, one, seeking to create/purchase/fortify/expand a system much like the Holden Beach Property Owners Association used to vote on the pier property to allow for the homeowners, and only the homeowners, to vote on major issues electronically and/or by mail that is secure and intuitive. And, two, by changing the constitution/bylaws of the town and enact a new amendment(?) where if an issue reaches a certain dollar figure (I would suggest an average expenditure that the town incurs for its monthly bills and insurance, times a multiple that could be agreed upon) and if the proposed cost exceeds this amount then the homeowners and only the homeowners should vote on it — and the board has to follow the wishes of the homeowners.

Email address: [email protected].

Telephone number: N/A.

Website: Facebook at Jim Bauer for Holden Beach Commissioner 2023.

What is the best way for voters to reach you: Email or Facebook.

Brunswick Beacon candidate questions:

Where do you stand on the town’s implementation of paid parking and, if elected/re-elected, would you support continuing to charge for parking in town during the tourist season? I feel that the parking issue must be addressed by a costs/benefit analysis of parking and ask what the homeowners want. Some seem to love it, and some hate it; let’s ask them and find out. Then, we can tailor parking to be available for everyone. I also feel that the West End parking could be substantially increased by homeowners voluntarily having spots made available on their private property, using the same “QR Code” system. Obviously, the town, the property owner and the parking contractor would share in the proceeds. It could help people who live here full time, own the property as an investment or speculative venture to defray costs while providing additional spaces.

The town has a variety of projects in the works — such as the pier property, Block Q, sewer lift station 2, bike lanes, for example. How do you feel the sitting board of commissioners has handled these projects and, if elected/re-elected, where would you stand on these projects? I have attended Holden Beach Commissioner meetings since moving here and have watched the commissioners repeatedly make obviously, unnecessary bad decisions for the town. In my opinion, I am appalled by the lack of transparency, the obvious conflicts of interest and the haphazard, random meanderings of both the mayor and the board. We have spent millions of dollars (mostly with our money but also placing the town in debt that will take years to repay) on agendas which may be called “Nice to Haves,” (the pier, bike lanes, Block Q) while neglecting the “Must Haves,” namely the WEBS: water, electricity, the beach and our sewers. Without the “WEBS,” this place falls apart. We have to concentrate on the “Must Haves.”

The town has seen a proliferation of golf carts, and a medley of problems associated with them, in recent years. Do you believe the town’s enforcement of ordinances on low speed vehicles (golf carts) is strict enough and, if elected/re-elected, what steps would you take to address the issue? I would like to hear input from the homeowners on what they want the rules and regulations to be. I would suggest that the golf carts should give way to regular automobile traffic and be subject to a Holden Beach Police safety check prior to receiving a permit/authorization to use the streets.

Do you feel the town is doing a good job protecting its natural resources and if elected/re-elected what ideas do you have to protect the town’s environment? The beach renourishment has gone well, and I have heard from many long-term, full-time residents that the beach “has never looked better.” With this in mind, we have to get the incredible wastefulness of the current Board of Commissioners under control, pay down our debt and then start a fund so that if we need a renourishment, we should have enough in the town coffers to fund either part or all of it. As I said above, we have to concentrate on what’s important.

If elected/re-elected, how much preparation do you plan to do ahead of meetings to ensure you’re informed on the topics at hand? It’s obvious that The Board does little or no homework prior to voting on major decisions that will affect the town and its residents for decades. The very way that the board operates is suspect. This “if three board members are for it then it happens” structure is obviously flawed, especially when the current board continues to operate contrary to the “public notice, comment and hearing” clauses of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. As said above, my agenda is simple and completely contrary to the current mayor and board: Listen to the tax-paying homeowners!

How do you feel the sitting board has accommodated the town’s growth and need for expanding public services while also keeping the town’s property taxes stable? As far as the growth issue is concerned, the towns few available lots will probably be developed within the next few years, resulting in a stable community and tax base that should take care of the towns needs in perpetuity. What we than have to do is maintain this jewel as what it is: a family beach. The current mayor and Board of Commissioners seem to think that Holden Beach should be another Myrtle Beach, without realizing the beauty of this place is that IT ISN’T. We must make sure that planning, zoning and any corporate or private machinations that attempt to change our island away from this ideal are stopped dead in their tracks. Want more information? Visit Facebook: Jim Bauer for Holden Beach Commissioner 2023.

Maria Surprise

Name: Maria Surprise.

Office sought: Holden Beach Board of Commissioners.

Age: 56.

Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering from University of Vermont.

Profession: Retired energy executive.

Political and public service experience: This is my first time running for office. I have served as secretary, vice president and president of two large homeowner associations in the Atlanta area and led the communities in resolving significant issues.

How long you have lived in Holden Beach: Full time resident since 2018, part-time since 1998.

Identify the top issues in the Town of Holden Beach you plan to address if elected or re-elected: Fiscal responsibility, maintenance of the beach strand and utilities — electricity, water and sewer — and ensuring the residents and property owners have a voice in their government.

Explain how you will address these issues if elected or re-elected: I will take a hard look at the current budget and cut unnecessary expenditures, focusing on our core services — managing the beach strand and ensuring our utilities have robustness and redundancies to minimize downtime in the event of an outage. I want to implement office hours for the Board of Commissioners, to hear firsthand from our constituents and give them a voice in their town government.

Email address: [email protected].

Telephone number: (910) 842-5309 (Home), (404) 353-7441 (Cell).

Website: Mariasurprise.com.

What is the best way for voters to reach you: Email or cell phone.

Brunswick Beacon candidate questions:

Where do you stand on the town’s implementation of paid parking and, if elected/re-elected, would you support continuing to charge for parking in town during the tourist season? Paid parking is working, bringing in additional revenue to help maintain the beach strand and provide public services for residents, guests and visitors. There are challenges with consistency, communication and usage. Many longtime residents want access for free or discounted parking in season. Some areas are more congested than others. Reviewing usage data from the contractor may allow the town to see where pressure points are and what might be done to improve access. Providing clear and consistent communication and outreach to locals and visitors to address concerns could lead to improved relations across the board. If elected, I would support continuing paid parking, and work to make improvements to the current system.

The town has a variety of projects in the works — such as the pier property, Block Q, sewer lift station 2, bike lanes, for example. How do you feel the sitting board of commissioners has handled these projects and, if elected/re-elected, where would you stand on these projects? One of the main reasons I am running for commissioner is because the current board has spent $5.2 million to purchase the pier and Block Q without a clear plan on how the town will recoup its investment or how it will benefit residents. This has led to a potential shortfall in money available to improve our town’s core services, like the sewer lift station 2 project. I would defer spending on the pier and block Q projects and refocus on our core services. Then I would ask our residents and taxpayers for input on prioritizing a comprehensive project list that dovetails with the overall strategic plan for the Town of Holden Beach.

The town has seen a proliferation of golf carts, and a medley of problems associated with them, in recent years. Do you believe the town’s enforcement of ordinances on low speed vehicles (golf carts) is strict enough and, if elected/re-elected, what steps would you take to address the issue? The town needs to have consistent enforcement of ordinances across the board, not just for LSVs. I would work with the town manager and police department to better understand the problems, find solutions and implement improvements.

Do you feel the town is doing a good job protecting its natural resources and if elected/re-elected what ideas do you have to protect the town’s environment? It’s a mixed bag. The town is to be commended for its beach renourishment plan, along with installing sea oats and sand fencing. However, increasing building footprints on lots and adding more paved parking spaces does not help protect our fragile ecosystem. I’d like to find areas where turf grass can be replaced with native plants and put a moratorium on any new paved areas until the stormwater runoff study is completed.

If elected/re-elected, how much preparation do you plan to do ahead of meetings to ensure you’re informed on the topics at hand? As much time as needed to be fully informed on the topic, whether it’s minutes or hours or days. In preparation for this election, I attended weekly information sessions designed to get new candidates up to speed on the town’s most critical issues, so I can hit the ground running if elected. It’s a practice I plan to continue if elected commissioner.

How do you feel the sitting board has accommodated the town’s growth and need for expanding public services while also keeping the town’s property taxes stable? Property taxes have risen with the sitting board, and I struggle to see the value to the taxpayers of the town owning properties like the pier and block Q, which are essentially parking lots. I believe the town’s role is to provide core services, and yet we have a sewer station lift project languishing while the town invests our tax dollars in commercial properties with no discernible return on investment for residents.

Mike Felmly

Name: Mike Felmly.

Office sought: Holden Beach Mayor.

Age: 72.

Education: B.A. Biology, SUNY Plattsburgh, NY; M.A. Ed Administration; M.A. Instructional Design; A.S. Marine Technology; Certificate US Army War College.

Profession: Naval officer.

Political and public service experience: 30 years public service in the United States Navy.

How long you have lived in Holden Beach: 11 years.

Identify the top issues in the Town of Holden Beach you plan to address if elected or re-elected: Neglected infrastructure (beach, management, sewage, wastewater, potable water, managed public parking), budget (taxes and town debt); unnecessary Town debt due to recent real estate buying spree and unnecessary large town budget.

Explain how you will address these issues if elected or re-elected: The issues managed by the mayor are ensuring that the commissioners’ directives are carried out by the town staff. The mayor works as an elected official to ensure the town employees support the desires of the taxpayers expressed thru their elected officials.

Email address: [email protected].

Telephone number: (401) 862-0595.

Website: Facebook, Mike Felmly for Mayor of Holden Beach.

What is the best way for voters to reach you: Phone or email.

Brunswick Beacon candidate questions:

Where do you stand on the town’s implementation of paid parking and, if elected/re-elected, would you support continuing to charge for parking in town during the tourist season? I would like to get our arms around helter-skelter traffic and parking issues. Further, residents should be able to park a car without paying.

The town has a variety of projects in the works — such as the pier property, Block Q, sewer lift station 2, bike lanes, for example. How do you feel the sitting board of commissioners has handled these projects and, if elected/re-elected, where would you stand on these projects? Miserably… the sitting board has been inadequate in their duty and should be relieved for cause. They continue to easter-egg real estate and development projects without a strategy and any resulting plan. They constantly run down rabbit holes chasing any construction project they can identify, regardless of taxpayer wishes. The pier was a tragedy of not listening to the public. The property owners voted 60% to 40% not to purchase the pier property. The commissioners and mayor went to Raleigh to get permission to fund the land purchase with a chance.org survey, which falsely represented the taxpayers’ desires and convinced the Local Government Commission the town wanted the land purchase. They then applied for an NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant and turned the land over to the state in perpetuity — on the taxpayer’s nickel. They NEVER listen to the taxpayer. They “promised” they wouldn’t raise our taxes, but taxes went from 10 cents/hundred to 14 cents/hundred. Block Q is similar. The $5 million sewer station upgrade is not of immediate concern, so it can wait modification. The mayor or commissioners have never developed a town strategy outlining the town’s vision and goals to be achieved within a balanced budget. Current “Land and Parks Plans” are window dressing and were developed from “boilerplate” plans from other towns by contractors.

The town has seen a proliferation of golf carts, and a medley of problems associated with them, in recent years. Do you believe the town’s enforcement of ordinances on low-speed vehicles (golf carts) is strict enough and, if elected/re-elected, what steps would you take to address the issue? Allowing the carts on Ocean Boulevard East and West and on Highway 130 has created some unintended and dangerous consequences. The current thoroughfare configuration is not conducive to safe carting and needs further thought and planning.

Do you feel the town is doing a good job protecting its natural resources and if elected/re-elected what ideas do you have to protect the town’s environment? No.

If elected/re-elected, how much preparation do you plan to do ahead of meetings to ensure you’re informed on the topics at hand? I have been studying the issues for 11 years.

How do you feel the sitting board has accommodated the town’s growth and need for expanding public services while also keeping the town’s property taxes stable? They have not managed growth or the change in demography. They have lied to the public regarding taxes and town debt. Our debt service now exceeds resources.

Rick Paarfus

Name: Rick Paarfus.

Office sought: Holden Beach Board of Commissioners, unexpired term.

Age: N/A.

Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Profession: Mechanical engineering and project management (retired).

Political and public service experience: 28 years civil service, three years municipal service.

How long you have lived in Holden Beach: 16 years.

Identify the top issues in the Town of Holden Beach you plan to address if elected or re-elected: 1.) Priority for property owners; 2.) fiscal responsibility; 3.) beach and inlet maintenance.

Explain how you will address these issues if elected or re-elected: I will ensure property owner needs and desires are prioritized in the budget. This means enabling property owners to easily stay informed about town issues using better tech and actively soliciting their input through property owner specific surveys or referendums. My approach to fiscal responsibility will be to advocate for critical infrastructure and services to be funded first instead of nonessential projects. Life cycle plans and budgets for the major infrastructure need to be developed also. The town needs to operate within its budget and avoid debt and spending savings. This may mean saying “no” or “not yet” to some projects. Currently the town is not prepared to take on major beach and inlet maintenance or repair without state or federal assistance or borrowing. I will push for replenishing the beach and inlet account to a level that will fund approximately half of a major renourishment.

Email address: [email protected].

Telephone number: (910) 842-3745.

Website: Rickpaarfus.com.

What is the best way for voters to reach you: Email.

Brunswick Beacon candidate questions:

Where do you stand on the town’s implementation of paid parking and, if elected/re-elected, would you support continuing to charge for parking in town during the tourist season? Holden Beach instituted paid parking and nearly tripled the number of public parking spaces in the past couple years. I support continuing to charge for parking during tourist season and I think the current rates are comparable to neighboring beaches. The revenue has helped offset the costs of providing public parking, restroom facilities, handicapped spaces and other amenities enjoyed by the visiting public. Traffic congestion has increased, but it is still manageable. Additional public parking should not be considered unless a requirement emerges (e.g., the Corps CSDR Beach study) to create more.

The town has a variety of projects in the works — such as the pier property, Block Q, sewer lift station 2, bike lanes, for example. How do you feel the sitting board of commissioners has handled these projects and, if elected/re-elected, where would you stand on these projects? The sitting board has focused on nonessential projects like Block Q and the pier more so than on critical infrastructure, like lift station 2. Property owners need a functioning sewer system to use their homes, whereas Block Q and the pier primarily benefit day visitors. The board declined to defer pier and Block Q funding for one year in order to reduce/avoid borrowing for the shortfall for station 2. Luckily, the town may receive grants to avoid this. If elected, I will prioritize critical infrastructure projects (water, sewer, roads, beach) for funding above nonessential projects. In addition, projects like the pier need a complete plan and budget so taxpayers can see what they are getting and how much the total project will cost. I will require such plans and budgets to be developed so the property owners can determine if they want to pay for it.

The town has seen a proliferation of golf carts, and a medley of problems associated with them, in recent years. Do you believe the town’s enforcement of ordinances on low speed vehicles (golf carts) is strict enough and, if elected/re-elected, what steps would you take to address the issue? The town’s enforcement of ordinances has been satisfactory, but I still see and hear about safety violations such as not wearing seat belts and underage drivers. I will work with our police department to identify new approaches to reduce the violations. My goal would be to increase public safety through voluntary compliance versus ticketing.

Do you feel the town is doing a good job protecting its natural resources and if elected/re-elected what ideas do you have to protect the town’s environment? The town has done a good job protecting our beach with sand fences, dune vegetation, and sand placements. What I am concerned about is town’s ability to meet future needs for beach and inlet projects. The beach and inlet fund has been depleted in recent years, leaving us to depend largely on federal disaster funding through FEMA, or the Army Corps of Engineers CSDR program (that may be too expensive), or borrowing should a major project be needed. Federal funds are not guaranteed, and there is likely to be some cost sharing. Beach renourishment is very expensive, and borrowing should not be the only solution as this will significantly increase taxes. I would like to see the beach and inlet fund replenished to cover half of a major beach project.

If elected/re-elected, how much preparation do you plan to do ahead of meetings to ensure you’re informed on the topics at hand? I plan to do as much prep work as necessary to make informed decisions. This will depend on the quality and timeliness of the information presented for a topic and how much research I will have to do to fill in the gaps. I expect up to 40 hours will be dedicated to preparing for each meeting.

How do you feel the sitting board has accommodated the town’s growth and need for expanding public services while also keeping the town’s property taxes stable? The sitting board has favored accommodating the county’s growth over the town’s growth by funding projects like the pier and Block Q that primarily benefit day visitors, while depending on grants or loans for infrastructure like lift station 2. The pier and Block Q are good projects, but they should be deferred until they can be paid for without borrowing or causing a tax increase. The tax rate increased this year 16% over revenue neutral and fund balance savings were appropriated to finance the approved budget. Debt service this year exceeds the property tax revenue leaving the town to depend on tourist-generated revenue, paid parking and water/sewer revenue to pay the bills. If the collective spending and borrowing is not curtailed, a property tax increase is probable.

Page Dyer

Name: Page Dyer.

Office sought: Holden Beach Board of Commissioners.

Age: 57.

Education: B.S. in Animal Science.

Profession: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, DVM.

Political and public service experience: I have been a town commissioner for two years; I have owned two small businesses; Chester, South Carolina, Downtown Development Board member for four years.

How long you have lived in Holden Beach: I have owned a home since 2017 and been a permanent resident 2020.

Identify the top issues in the Town of Holden Beach you plan to address if elected or re-elected: 1.) Greensboro lift station; 2.) pier and getting it opened to the public; 3.) stormwater management; 4.) town property/green spaces.

Explain how you will address these issues if elected or re-elected: 1. The Greensboro lift station needs to be taken care of quickly, damage or destruction of this facility could cause economic damage to the town. Owners and renters would not be allowed on the island until rebuilding is complete if damage or destruction occurs. Staff has worked to obtain grants that we hopefully can use for this project. 2. The pier needs to be open, the public supportive of the purchase wants access. I feel the project should be divided, with pier repaired and made ADA compliant and opened to the public, and the building be considered once other important projects/debt service are completed. 3. Storm water management project is currently being explored and engineered and needs to continue to move forward. 4. With the rapid development in our county, I feel strongly that land owned by the Town should be protected, not sold. The green spaces on the island, which I feel should be protected if possible, are quickly being developed. Block Q gives us the ability to provide ADA-compliant restrooms, and some needed boat/trailer parking while allowing us to have a park.

Email: [email protected].

Telephone: (910) 880-0178.

What is the best way for voters to reach you: Email.

Brunswick Beacon candidate questions:

Where do you stand on the town’s implementation of paid parking and, if elected/re-elected, would you support continuing to charge for parking in town during the tourist season? The paid parking program has brought much needed organization to the East End and other congested island areas. It has stopped illegal parking, addressed many issues of congestion, trash/debris and destruction of private property. This program has also brought revenue into the town. I would support the continuation of the program and feel it could benefit the town to have the paid parking year-round. With the numerous homes that are currently under construction in the immediate area, the number of visitors to the island will continue to increase. I feel strongly about Brunswick County utilizing the land purchased near the causeway for the planned parking and public boat ramp. This land was purchased with taxpayers’ money to assist with allowing residents and visitors to park in a remote area and be shuttled to the island. Why is this land sitting unused?

The town has a variety of projects in the works — such as the pier property, Block Q, sewer lift station 2, bike lanes, for example. How do you feel the sitting board of commissioners has handled these projects and, if elected/re-elected, where would you stand on these projects? I feel the current board has worked hard together to get many projects moving forward. Many of these projects have been discussed over the years but rarely acted upon. We have an excellent staff that has worked hard to educate the board members about issues that need to be addressed and have worked to obtain grants for many projects. It’s important to prioritize these projects and get them done as soon as fiscally able.

The town has seen a proliferation of golf carts, and a medley of problems associated with them, in recent years. Do you believe the town’s enforcement of ordinances on low speed vehicles (golf carts) is strict enough and, if elected/re-elected, what steps would you take to address the issue? LSVs are here, the state has allowed them and now Side by sides are also legal. We have several property owners that benefit from owning golf carts to allow for beach equipment, elderly/handicapped persons, children transported and discharged at walkways safely and conveniently. We have many small businesses in the area that operate rental companies to provide service to renters. I feel strongly that our police department is working hard to enforce the ordinances and educate owners/visitors of the dangers of violations. As long as you have renters/visitors you will have problems if not with LSV then they will do stupid things with cars, alcohol, fireworks and many other things. It is not fair to penalize or take away a privilege of property owners and take away from small business owners because a small group disobeys the rules.

Do you feel the town is doing a good job protecting its natural resources and if elected/re-elected what ideas do you have to protect the town’s environment? Up to this point we have gone great strides by obtaining the pier property and Block Q, I hate that we did not purchase the campground, this would have been a great revenue and recreational asset to the town and now we see large homes going there. This land is gone and will never be green again. If we had not purchased the pier there would have already been homes, there and the fate of the pier would be devastation. I don’t understand the thought process to selling land the town owns and not obtaining land like Block Q or the pier property.

If elected/re-elected, how much preparation do you plan to do ahead of meetings to ensure you’re informed on the topics at hand? The staff does a great job of getting the information to us prior to the meetings and I put in several hours each week depending on the current issues we are dealing with.

How do you feel the sitting board has accommodated the town’s growth and need for expanding public services while also keeping the town’s property taxes stable? I feel the current board has made strides in moving forward with projects that benefit the property owners, the growth will occur, but I think the board has worked hard by making difficult decisions about making sure our employees are well compensated for their hard work, making purchases that benefit property owners, keeping the inlet open at Lockwood Folly , working with the state to get OBW paved, obtaining grants to allow us to develop our purchases, and exploring the stormwater issues. There are many other projects in the works that we are exploring. I feel that for many years things have been discussed but not much in doing. I feel this board has moved forward with many projects that needed to get done.

Sylvia Pate

Name: Sylvia Pate.

Office sought: Holden Beach Board of Commissioners, unexpired term.

Education: Master of Science Degree in Organizational, Leadership & Management from UNC Pembroke; B.S. in Special Studies (Occupational Education/Human Resources Management) from Western Carolina University.

Profession: Currently Broker/REALTOR® with PROACTIVE Real Estate.

Political and public service experience: I have 35+ years of experience with local government entities through UNC Pembroke’s Regional Center for Economic, Community and Professional Development, Lumber River Council of Governments and Isothermal Planning and Development Commission. I facilitated strategic planning initiatives and applied for and administered numerous grant applications to meet the economic and community needs of the local governments. I currently serve on the Planning and Zoning Board for the Town of Holden Beach. I have served on and was in leadership positions for numerous Boards such as UNCP Alumni Association, Community Development Foundation, Partnership for Children, Transportation Advisory Board, Brunswick County Association of Realtors Grievance Committee, Technical Advisory Group for North Carolina’s Southeast, BRAC RTF Workforce Development and Higher Education Workgroup, 7th Congressional District Business and Economic Advisory Committee, Representative on UNC System Economic Transformation Council, Robeson County Tourism Development Association, NC State University’s Emerging Issues Institute and many others.

How long you have lived in Holden Beach: 31 years in some capacity.

Identify the top issues in the Town of Holden Beach you plan to address if elected or re-elected: 1.) Develop a comprehensive strategic plan, with constituent input to lead with a strategic perspective in making informed decisions driving responsible growth and assuring initiatives correspond our constituents’ visions. 2.) Explore diverse communication channels ensuring all property owners can stay informed and be heard, ensuring transparent, effective communications. 3.) Ensure financial accountability with prudent spending and excellent financial management, aligned with a strategic plan and prioritized capital projects. 4.) Protection of natural resources/coastal environment, which is important for us to ensure we maintain a healthy and resilient environment. 5.) Revisit of Comprehensive Recreation and Tourism Plan, ensuring town priority compatibility with property owner desires and supporting development dedicated to preserving the town’s character.

Explain how you will a Explain how you will address these issues if elected or re-elected: Developing a robust strategic plan is top priority, tailored to the Town’s operational needs, backed by community support. Communication enhancements involve genuine engagement with property owners, aided by technology for inclusive meeting coverage. Expand communication strategies to engage all property owners. Collaborate with neighboring towns or Brunswick County for projects. Advocacy efforts with State and Federal legislators are integral. Financial discipline mirrors personal budgeting, emphasizing frugality and meticulous accounting. Infrastructure and environmental goals include preserving natural assets, addressing water and sewer challenges, stormwater management, and upholding development policies. Paid parking support continues, with potential free parking for property owners. In recreation and tourism, community participation guides the Comprehensive Plan. Support for pier/land Project persists, focusing on essential renovations and community-driven development stages. Block Q’s thoughtful development prioritizes property owner input, emphasizing balanced land use without excessive parking. These initiatives will encapsulate our vision for a cohesive, sustainable, and engaged community.

Email address: [email protected].

Telephone number: (910) 736-2038.

Website: SylviaPate.com.

What is the best way for voters to reach you: Email.

Brunswick Beacon candidate questions:

Where do you stand on the town’s implementation of paid parking and, if elected/re-elected, would you support continuing to charge for parking in town during the tourist season? I am supportive of paid parking and believe the benefits outweigh the challenges and anticipate paid parking will remain. To maximize parking availability and provide amenities, a revenue source was required but should not solely burden Holden Beach property owners. Parking seems to be streamlined with more organized parking spaces. Some challenges include individuals encountering problems with the parking app, but seems they are adjusting, and limited vehicle/trailer parking space at boat ramp, but by property acquisition the town is gradually working to address this issue. I would consider revisiting the issue of Holden Beach property owners getting a free parking pass.

The town has a variety of projects in the works — such as the pier property, Block Q, sewer lift station 2, bike lanes, for example. How do you feel the sitting board of commissioners has handled these projects and, if elected/re-elected, where would you stand on these projects? I am supportive of the pier property purchase, purchase of Block Q, upgrading sewer lift station 2 and bike lanes. I do feel the sitting board should have reached out to Holden Beach property owners to elicit more input as to their preference regarding some of these projects and not relied upon surveys from HBPOA or individual citizen developed surveys such that valid input could have been received. Though there were public hearings regarding these issues, some decisions were made on these issues very quickly and did not allow time in some instances for property owners to react. I also believe that deeper cost analysis should have been pursued to determine the full extent of costs for some projects. However, I prefer not to dwell on the past but rather look to the future as to how these projects can be fully implemented.

The town has seen a proliferation of golf carts, and a medley of problems associated with them, in recent years. Do you believe the town’s enforcement of ordinances on low speed vehicles (golf carts) is strict enough and, if elected/re-elected, what steps would you take to address the issue? We have definitely seen an increase in low speed vehicles in recent years and I believe the Holden Beach Police Department is enforcing laws as it pertains to such vehicles. It is my understanding that they cannot be targeted versus other vehicles for enforcement of laws. I would not be opposed to creating a committee to examine suggested changes that would need to be brought to attention for state law changes.

Do you feel the town is doing a good job protecting its natural resources and if elected/re-elected what ideas do you have to protect the town’s environment? I feel the town is doing a good job for the most part in protecting natural resources. The town needs to continue participation in beach renourishment, canal dredging, Lockwood Folly Inlet dredging and commitment to adherence of its land use plan and other ordinances that have been adopted. I would support budget procedures that ensure the maximum amount of allowable resources are set aside for future sand renourishment. Storm water drainage continues to be a problem and once the storm water study is completed, I will review and support implementation of appropriate strategies to assist with this issue.

If elected/re-elected, how much preparation do you plan to do ahead of meetings to ensure you’re informed on the topics at hand? I feel that preparation and research of agenda topics is imperative to be an effective commissioner and am committed to whatever amount of time it requires to be informed. It is difficult to state a quantitative amount of time as it will depend upon the issue(s), but I am willing to devote whatever time is necessary. I see it as my responsibility to be the voice of property owners of Holden Beach and will seek their input as part of my preparation for meeting agenda items.

How do you feel the sitting board has accommodated the town’s growth and need for expanding public services while also keeping the town’s property taxes stable? The town has addressed the town’s growth and necessary expansion of public services without raising taxes dramatically (most increase was due to property revaluation). This is exhibited by them having implemented paid parking to create more organized parking spaces; purchasing properties to create additional parking spaces, creating an emergency access, providing beach access for many island property owners and additional parking for boaters; participating with NCDOT to create bike lanes on Ocean Boulevard; having studies completed to deal with storm water issues and need for an additional water tower; seeking support for the upgrade of sewer lift station 2 and other sewer system issues. The town staff have applied for numerous grants and advocated for resources at the state and federal level to assist with many projects.

Rick McInturf

Name: Rick McInturf.

Office sought: Holden Beach Board of Commissioners, unexpired term.

Age: 73.

Education: Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.

Profession: Retired Superintendent of Schools in Ozark, Alabama.

Political and Public Service Experience: 46 years of public service (All in public education).

How long have you lived in Holden Beach: Three years full time. We have visited the beach regularly for 30+ years.

Identify the top issues in the Town of Holden Beach you plan to address if elected: Some of the top issues facing the town right now include the renovation of the pier property, working on a plan for the Block Q property, raising the sewer station 2, continuing the study of wastewater management and guaranteeing the availability of fresh water to all homes on the island. Ongoing work includes beach renourishment, dredging projects and working to smooth out any issues related to paid parking.

Explain how you will address these issues if elected: I have never been one to make a lot of promises or one to make quick decisions without having all of the information pertaining to a question. I have a lot of experience in budget management, working with architects and working with groups of people to arrive at decisions on difficult projects. I am in basic support of all of the projects that the town has before it at this time. My goal would be to gather as much information as possible then work with other commissioners to prioritize the projects and work within budget constraints to accomplish as much as possible in each fiscal year.

Email address: [email protected].

Telephone Number: (334) 432-0660.

Website: N/A.

What is the best way for voters to reach you: Email.

Brunswick Beacon candidate questions:

Where do you stand on the town’s implementation of paid parking and, if elected, would you support continuing to charge for parking in town during the tourist season? I am in support of the paid parking program. It supplies a constant flow of revenue for the town to use to improve offerings on the island. There have been questions regarding trying to find a way to offer support to residents and property owners with regard to parking. The argument is that they are paying taxes to the town, so maybe they should get a break with regard to parking. I support that idea. The key would be to work out a plan that would be fair to everyone and could be administered with minimum difficulty.

The town has a variety of projects in the works — such as the pier property, Block Q, sewer lift station #2, bike lanes, for example. How do you feel the sitting board of commissioners has handled these projects and, if elected, where would you stand on these projects? I have been attending commissioner meetings regularly for about three years, so I have observed the current board discuss each of these projects and search for ways to move forward with each of them. I support the efforts of the town to accomplish each of these projects. I believe they all represent the town’s efforts to continue moving forward in an attempt to make Holden Beach a better place for property owners as well as visitors. Each of these projects comes with a price tag so the challenge is to work as a group to determine which projects can be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time and within the current budget restrictions. It may not be possible to accomplish everything at one time. Moving forward according to a plan is the key to progress.

The town has seen a proliferation of golf carts, and a medley of problems associated with them in recent years. Do you believe the town’s enforcement of ordinances on low speed vehicles (golf carts) is strict enough and, if elected, what steps would you take to address this issue? I believe the town’s approach to low speed vehicles has been appropriate. LSVs are required to be registered with the state, have appropriate tags, must follow all North Carolina vehicle laws and pass a yearly safety inspection. Recently, I have noticed a higher level of compliance with the operation of LSVs — more people wearing seatbelts, operators doing a better job of following the laws. I believe the rental companies are doing a better job of sharing information with renters and our police force is doing a better job of enforcing LSV laws. Problems seem to occur when families do not take the time to become aware of the requirements. In this case, they are not aware of car seat and seatbelt requirements and the rule that only licensed drivers can operate LSVs. I would support asking the home rental companies to include LSV information in rental packets. The town already has a helpful safety video on their website. While the police certainly have their hands full on busy weeks, remaining alert as to LSV violations must also be an expectation.

Do you feel the town is doing a good job protecting its natural resources and if elected what ideas do you have to protect the town’s environment? Obviously, the main natural resource for the town is the beach, and I believe the town has done a good job of protecting the beach. Renourishment projects in recent years have added greatly to the beachfront and have offered increased protection for homes, especially at the east end. The recent move to keep Lockwood Folly open to boat traffic is another example of how the town is looking out for our natural resources. I believe that this work is an ongoing requirement and would look forward to working with other commissioners as the town attempts to maintain the best possible environment for our property owners and guests.

If elected, how much preparation do you plan to do ahead of meetings to ensure you’re informed on the topics at hand? Being prepared prior to the start of a meeting would be an absolute requirement for any commissioner. Not only would an unprepared commissioner be an embarrassment to the community, but they would also not be in a position to contribute anything helpful. As soon as the meeting packets become available, I would review all the information and make it a point to contact anyone at the town potentially able to offer helpful information if issues that I might not fully understand are to be discussed. My goal would always be to be fully prepared for every agenda topic. If elected, I would review all issues to come before the board, and request additional information, when necessary, to help me fully understand the issue. Finally, my vote would always reflect what I believed would be in the best interest of residents and property owners of Holden Beach.

How do you feel the sitting board has accommodated the town’s growth and need for expanding public services while also keeping the town’s property taxes stable? Property taxes are increasing everywhere, as are property values. I believe the town has done a good job of keeping a handle on the local tax rate. Holden Beach is smaller than some of our neighbors, and with that comes certain public expectations. Holden Beach has a very good family environment, and the town works very hard to provide services and activities to continue serving our public in such a manner. I am proud of what Holden Beach has to offer and would strive to continue providing the kind of things that keep visitors coming back to our island year after year.

Tom Myers

Name: Tom Myers.

Office sought: Holden Beach Board of Commissioners.

Age: 67.

Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering; Master’s Degree in Accounting.

Profession: Retired management consultant.

Political and public service experience: President of the Holden Beach Property Owners Association for more than 10 years; served on the town’s Audit Committee.

How long you have lived in Holden Beach: Fulltime permanent resident for the past 10 years; owned property here for 25 years

Identify the top issues in the Town of Holden Beach you plan to address if elected or re-elected: 1.) Fiscal responsibility: Managing spending and debt to keep tax rates competitive and position the Town to meet future needs like beach nourishment. The Town should not be spending more money than it is bringing in. 2.) Open and inclusive governance free from conflicts of interest: I will listen, acknowledge, respond, and consider the opinions of my constituents. The needs and opinions of property owners and residents should take precedence over those of people who don’t live here or pay taxes here. 3.) Plan for the future: We are facing significant challenges: visitor growth, beach erosion, flooding, rising costs. We need to prepare for the future to protect our quality of life.

Explain how you will address these issues if elected or re-elected: 1.) I will look for opportunities in the current budget to reduce expenses or increase revenues to eliminate the deficit spending and the need for new loans. Starting early next year, I will focus on the Town’s finances with an objective of balancing the fiscal year 2024-25 budget without raising taxes, spending savings, or taking on more debt. 2.) I will listen, acknowledge, respond, and consider the opinions of my constituents. I will make sure the meeting packets are complete and sufficiently detailed to enable discussion. All agenda items should have background documentation and allow adequate time for effective public input prior to any action. All conflicts of interest should be declared and avoided, if possible. 3.) I will focus efforts on addressing future challenges like beach nourishment, stormwater runoff, sustainable spending, competitive taxes, managed growth, and initiatives to protect what makes Holden Beach so special.

Email address: [email protected].

Telephone number: (910) 846-5872.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550354325588.

What is the best way for voters to reach you: Email or messages to my Facebook page.

Brunswick Beacon candidate questions:

Where do you stand on the town’s implementation of paid parking and, if elected/re-elected, would you support continuing to charge for parking in town during the tourist season? Unfortunately, paid parking is a necessary evil. Parking was out of control. People were parking willy-nilly everywhere and often trespassing on private property. The situation kept getting worse as the population of Brunswick County grew and more people came to visit the beach. We now have structured and enforced parking arrangements. Spaces are clearly marked and numbered. The additional revenue helps to cover incremental costs for trash pickup, restrooms, police, and amenities. I support continuing paid parking during the tourist season — which seems to be expanding. I also support free passes for property owner residents since their taxes pay for the land that is used for parking, and they pay property taxes on their vehicles registered here. Our biggest challenge has been with visitors accepting the reality they now have to pay for something that had always been free, and another piece of our past is gone.

The town has a variety of projects in the works — such as the pier property, Block Q, sewer lift station 2, bike lanes, for example. How do you feel the sitting board of commissioners has handled these projects and, if elected/re-elected, where would you stand on these projects? The sitting board appears to be spending money on everything they would like to do without any consideration for taxes, savings or debt. As a result, the Town is spending more money than it brings in and is covering the deficit by raising taxes, drawing down savings and borrowing money. Loan payments are now greater than property tax revenues. To avoid skyrocketing taxes, we need to start exercising control over spending and borrowing. Spending should be divided into “must do,” “should do” and “nice to do” categories and then ranked according to priorities. A line should be drawn at a fiscally responsible spending level and projects that don’t make the cut should be deferred or cancelled. Until we get our debt under control, borrowing should be limited to only the highest priority long-term capital projects, such as the sewer system and beach nourishment.

The town has seen a proliferation of golf carts, and a medley of problems associated with them, in recent years. Do you believe the town’s enforcement of ordinances on low speed vehicles (golf carts) is strict enough and, if elected/re-elected, what steps would you take to address the issue? Holden Beach was not laid out to easily accommodate golf carts. We have a single thoroughfare that runs the entire length of the island, so low-speed vehicles are going to back up traffic. Enforcement has done a good job of making sure people wear seat belts, use car seats, and comply with other safety requirements, but the mix of vehicles is still quite dangerous. The speed limit has been set at 35 mph year-round, but this is still very fast for a golf cart, and, with the new bike lanes, we won’t be able to add lanes just for low-speed vehicles. Therefore, our only real options are to: 1) take more actions to address specific safety problems like speeding, tailgating, and illegal passing; 2) adopt restrictions on the use of low-speed vehicles; or 3) embrace a low-speed, resort-like, laid-back atmosphere for Ocean Boulevard (which is highly unlikely).

Do you feel the town is doing a good job protecting its natural resources and if elected/re-elected what ideas do you have to protect the town’s environment? No. We need to be much better stewards of our coast. My ideas include: encouraging more recycling instead of making it difficult; addressing street flooding and runoff instead of increasing impervious surface areas; exploring living shorelines instead of building bulkheads; encouraging less development instead of enabling higher density; protecting the marshes instead of pursuing parking adjacent to them; exploring nature-based stormwater strategies such as dune infiltration; and considering coastal resilience strategies to address storm damage.

If elected/re-elected, how much preparation do you plan to do ahead of meetings to ensure you’re informed on the topics at hand? My preparation efforts have already been underway since July, when I started meeting regularly with other new candidates for two-hour sessions to discuss the most important issues facing the town. The goal is to educate ourselves on the background, status, and potential future directions for each issue so we can make informed and knowledgeable decisions and hit the ground running as a cohesive team should we be chosen to serve. My wife and I have always immersed ourselves in town issues. I have been the president of the HBPOA for the past ten years where I communicated the issues and advocated for property owners regarding significant topics such as the pier purchase and paid parking. I have recently retired, so I don’t have employment conflicts that will hinder my preparation for meetings. It is in my nature to be prepared (or over-prepared) for important activities such as this role.

How do you feel the sitting board has accommodated the town’s growth and need for expanding public services while also keeping the town’s property taxes stable? The sitting board appears to be more focused on amenities and the “wants” of visitors than on providing public services to Town residents. They have increased taxes, spent our savings and taken on significant new debt by purchasing the pier and Block Q, adding bike lanes, building new public restrooms, dredging the inlets and pursuing recreational projects — none of which could be considered essential services. The spending on these items has put our borrowing for sewer station enhancements at risk, and instead of setting aside money for future beach nourishment they are spending the money we had previously set aside in our beach fund. The town is currently considering speculative investments with taxpayer dollars and competing with citizens that own rental properties. One of my campaign pillars is to focus on core services such as water, sewer, police, roads, garbage pickup, zoning, building code enforcement and other true essential services.

Tracey Thomas

Name: Tracey Thomas.

Office sought: Holden Beach Board of Commissioners.

Age: 60.

Education: B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Stony Brook University.

Profession: Retired.

Political and public service experience: Three years on Holden Beach Planning and Zoning Board and four years on HBPOA, currently serving as vice president and database administrator.

How long you have lived in Holden Beach: Six years.

Identify the top issues in the Town of Holden Beach you plan to address if elected or re-elected: Fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.

Explain how you will address these issues if elected or re-elected: I would reexamine all current planned expenses and make sure that the town’s budget is focused on critical ‘needs’ (infrastructure and beach renourishment) and not ‘wants.’

Email address: [email protected].

Telephone number: N/A.

Website: N/A.

What is the best way for voters to reach you: Email.

Brunswick Beacon candidate questions:

Where do you stand on the town’s implementation of paid parking and, if elected/re- elected, would you support continuing to charge for parking in town during the tourist season? Paid parking is working out well for the taxpayers/homeowners on Holden Beach. Paid parking revenue, instead of tax dollars, were used to provide day visitors with public restrooms at the pier, public ADA walkways, and trash pickup and police services related to day visitors. Going forward I would like to see the addition of shower facilities at some of the parking locations. I would also like to have free parking for homeowners since our tax dollars purchased the parking areas and pay costs not covered by parking revenue.

The town has a variety of projects in the works — such as the pier property, Block Q, sewer lift station 2, bike lanes, for example. How do you feel the sitting board of commissioners has handled these projects and, if elected/re-elected, where would you stand on these projects? The current board has overextended the town’s financial obligations by purchasing the pier ($3.3M debt) and Block Q ($2M debt). As a result, our 2023-2024 debt payment ($3.6M) exceeds property tax revenues ($3.3M). This makes us dependent on beach rental revenue, and vulnerable if that revenue is reduced due to hurricanes or economic downturns. Also, we are depleting our ‘savings’ accounts by $1.3M this year. This may make it difficult to replenish sand when needed without taking out additional loans and/or raising taxes. Unfortunately, because of the grant for the pier that the current commissioners accepted, we can never sell the pier. We need a long-term plan for the pier, Block Q and other infrastructure projects on the island that does not involve more debt.

The town has seen a proliferation of golf carts, and a medley of problems associated with them, in recent years. Do you believe the town’s enforcement of ordinances on low speed vehicles (golf carts) is strict enough and, if elected/re-elected, what steps would you take to address the issue? Golf carts on the island are a safety issue. I think the Holden Beach police have made great strides in enforcing the ordinances on the golf carts, but we need to do more. We need to get the rental companies involved in educational programs for renters and increase enforcement and fines.

Do you feel the town is doing a good job protecting its natural resources and if elected/re- elected what ideas do you have to protect the town’s environment? We need to make sure that we have money available for sand replenishment in case of a hurricane. The current board has been depleting this fund. The exact opposite should be happening.

If elected/re-elected, how much preparation do you plan to do ahead of meetings to ensure you’re informed on the topics at hand? I would do as much preparation as is needed — that means reading all the material provided before showing up to the meeting and doing personal research on the subject being discussed. It does not appear that many of the current commissioners are prepared to ask questions and have an informed discussion on most issues.

How do you feel the sitting board has accommodated the town’s growth and need for expanding public services while also keeping the town’s property taxes stable? The current board has failed miserably on this. They promised there would be no tax increase with the purchase of the pier and yet taxes increased 14%. In reality, taxes should have increased 200%, but they took money from the savings account to fund the debt on the pier and Block Q. Then when it was time to pay for the sewer upgrade, they approved moving forward with a public hearing to obtain another $5M loan. Luckily, they did not have a quorum to move forward on the $5M loan. They have no long term plan on how to pay for the pier or Block Q improvements. They are not acting fiscally responsible with the taxpayer’s money.

General Election 2023 – Tuesday, November 7^th

• • • Encourage everyone to vote
    • Remember it’s a right and a privilege to be able to do so
    • Polling place location is at the HB EOC Building, 1044 Sabbath Home Rd., Supply

For more information visit The North Carolina State Board of Elections web site
Read more » click here 

Elected officials have significant impact on our daily lives. As a matter of principle, we would want everyone to vote, and to do so in an informed and reasoned way. Remember it’s a right and a privilege to be able to do so.

Be a Voter – Your Vote Matters!

§ 72.02 PARKING REGULATED ON PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY.
(A) Parking shall be prohibited at all times within the corporate limits of the town on all public streets, rights-of-way, and on town-owned property unless specifically authorized in this chapter.

Per Town ordinance, town-wide there is no parking on the streets or rights-of-way except in designated parking spaces identified by Pay-to-Park signs. Paid parking will be enforced April 1st – October 31st in all Holden Beach designated parking areas.

The public cannot legally park their vehicles in the rights-of-way except in designated parking spaces. Three days a week I ride my bike and almost every time I saw these two (2) vehicles, pictured above, that are parked illegally on Brunswick Avenue East in the rights-of-way. I’ve watched both the police and Otto drive by and not issue a ticket. When asked, they spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak frankly, they said they were instructed not to issue tickets to these vehicles. Selective enforcement is when a Town enforces rules against some homeowners and not others and is unacceptable. Ordinance enforcement needs to be fair and consistent, not giving any one preferential treatment. If we overlook these parking violations for some, then we have to overlook others too. If so, where does the line form so that they can get in the queue too?

Agenda items that were not addressed yet

Previously reported – July 2023
Discussion and Possible Action on Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 157: Zoning Code (Accessory Uses) – Mayor Holden

You can’t have an accessory structure before you have a primary structure

Previously reported – August 2023
Discussion and Possible Action on Town of Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 94.06: Placing Obstructions on the Beach – Commissioner Murdock

Unattended Beach Equipment/Obstructions on the Beach

Previously reported – September 2023
Discussion and Possible Award of Contract for Upfit of Sewer Lift Station #2 – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson

Sewer Lift Station #2 Financing Contract/$5,000,000

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

The following twenty-five (25) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:

• • • • 796 OBW Project
      • ADA Mediation Agreement
      • Audit Committee Chair
        
      • Beach Mat Plan
      • Bike Lanes
      • Block Q Project
      • Carolina Avenue
      • Crosswalks OBW
      • Dog Park
      • Fire Station Project
      • Harbor Acres
      • Hatteras Ramp/Coastal Waterfront Access Grant
      • ICW/No Wake Zone Enforcement
      • Inlet Hazard Areas
      • Parking – 800 Block
      • Pier Properties Project
      • Rights-of-Way
      • Sailfish Park Site Project
      • Sewer System/Lift station #2
      • Stormwater Management Project
      • USACE/Coastal Storm Risk Management Study
      • Vacant Commissioner Position
      • Water System Assessment/Water Tower
      • Waste Ordinance Enforcement Policy
      • Wetland Delineation/Bulkheading
        

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

Hurricane Season
For more information » click here.

Be prepared – have a plan!

Emergency Preparedness

No matter what a storm outlook is for a given year,
vigilance and preparedness is urged.

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/

Lou’s Views
News & Views / October Edition

Calendar of Events –

N.C. Oyster Festival
October 21^st & 22^nd
Ocean Isle Beach
.
 

.
The annual North Carolina Oyster Festival has taken place since 1978. Come celebrate everything Oyster with a variety of foods, crafts, contests, children’s activities, and musical performances at Mulberry Park in Shallotte. Signature Festival events include the Oyster Shucking Contest, Oyster Eating Contest, and Oyster Stew Cook-off.
For more information » click here

N.C. Festival by the Sea
October 28^th & 29^th
Holden Beach
 

Hosted by the Holden Beach Merchants Association this two day festival occurs on the last full weekend in October. This two day event is kicked off with a parade down the Holden Beach causeway. There is a fishing tournament, horseshoe tournament, and a sandcastle building contest. Vendors provide food, arts and crafts, amusement rides and other activities. There is live musical entertainment both days at the Holden Beach’s Pavilion.
For more information »  click here 

Discover a wide range of things to do in the Brunswick Islands for an experience that goes beyond the beach.
For more information » click here.

Calendar of Events Island –

Lunch and Learn
The fall prevention workshop previously scheduled for September 20^th has been moved to Thursday, October 26^th to allow more participation. Dr. Joseph Richter from Novant Health Rehabilitation Services will speak at 11:00 a.m. and lunch will follow. The Town will be providing lunch. Please RSVP by October 20th to Christy at [email protected].  

Barktoberfest
The Town of Holden Beach will hold Barktoberfest on Friday, October 27^th. Owners and their dogs should meet at Town Hall at 5:30 p.m. where we will do a trick-or-trot up to the HB Pavilion for a doggie costume contest and fall pictures. Registration is required by October 6^th. Email Christy at [email protected] in order to register.

Monster Mash Trunk-or-Treat
The Town of Holden Beach will hold a trunk-or-treat on Tuesday, October 31^st from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the HB Pavilion. Residents and property owners may register by October 13^th to decorate your trunk and pass out candy. Trunks must be ready by 5:30 p.m. There will be a prize for best decorated trunk and a costume contest held at 7:00 p.m. Categories include 3 and under, 4-7, 8-11, 12-15 and adult. Register by emailing Christy at [email protected]

SBI Three Bridge Tour
The South Brunswick Islands Rotary Club’s “SBI Three Bridge Tour” will be held  on Saturday, November 4^th. It offers you a unique opportunity to traverse our county and cruise across the three featured bridges of Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Holden Beach. Select a ride that is family friendly or one that will challenge you; each promises to be memorable. Proceeds from this event will be used to for local and international Rotary project with many projects providing experiences and learning opportunities that will enrich the lives of the children and youth in Brunswick County.
For more information » click here

Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
The Town will hold its Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Monday, November 6^th. The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the picnic shelter at Bridgeview Park. If the weather is not conducive to an outside event, we will move the event indoors at Town Hall. Please RSVP by calling 910.842.6488 prior to Wednesday, November 2nd with your name and the name of your guest.

Contractors Information Seminar
The Planning & Inspections Department, supported by the town staff, will be hosting the twelfth annual Contractors Information Seminar on Thursday, November 9^th.

Turkey Trot
The Town of Holden Beach will hold its annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, November 23^rd at 8:00 a.m. All individuals interested in participating should call 910.842.6488 to register. Please bring a canned food item to donate to the local food pantry.