So council met in executive session and no votes were taken. We will move on
into item 1 C continuation of call to order.
Right. Invocation. Pastor Kelly Gabriel from Ocean Drive Baptist Church. Is are
you here? Thank you so much. Will you lead us in the invocation?
» My pleasure. My pleasure. Thank you for having him. Let's bow together before
the King. >> Heavenly Father, we come before you this
day with humble hearts, acknowledging that you alone are the sovereign creator
and ruler of all things. Everything belongs to you, Lord. You have
established your authority, the family, the church, and civil government. And
each one is your design. and each one answers ultimately to you. We thank you
for the gift of family, for the calling of parents and households to raise their
children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. We thank you for your church,
the body of Christ, called to proclaim the gospel to the nations and be salt
and light in this world. And Lord, we thank you for the civil government you
have ordained that it might restrain evil, protect the innocent, promote
justice according to your standards of righteousness.
And Lord, we pray that those who serve in this chamber answer to you for the
trust you have placed in their hands. Give them wisdom that comes from above,
pure and peaceable, full of good fruit. Guard them from pride, partiality, from
any decision that would dishonor your name. Help them remember that authority
is a stewardship, not a possession. And that one day we will give account to
the one who judges justly. May your will be done in this city as it is in heaven.
And may righteousness exalt this community of North Myrtle Beach. May the
people flourish under leaders who fear you. We ask these things in the strong
name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
» Amen. >> Please stand for the pledge of
» allegiance.
To the flag of the United States of America to the Republic for it stands
one indivisible with
all.
We'll move in to minutes. We have uh minutes um city council meeting Monday,
July 20th, 2026 and city council workshop Wednesday,
August 5th, 2026. Do I have a motion to approve?
» Motion. >> Second. There's a motion and a second.
All in favor say I. >> I. We'll move into communications and we
have a presentation for the 2025 audit presentation by Green
Finley Collie LLP.
Good evening. Um, my name is Emily Sabchek and I am back this evening to
present the results of the fiscal 2025 financial statement audit. Um, as you'll
recall when I was presenting the fiscal 24 results just a few months ago, um, I
was hesitant to commit to a timeline because I knew what a tremendous
undertaking it was going to be for your finance team to get 25 closed out so
quickly after wrapping up 24. And so, um, I'm very happy to be here this
evening. I'm very appreciative, as I know you are too, um to their commitment
for uh seeing it through and getting us to the point where we are tonight.
Um so before [clears throat] we get into the financial results, um I do want to
remind you again that the financial statements are the responsibility of the
city. So all of the numbers and disclosures in there, um that is the
city's responsibility. And so it's important that you have good policies
and procedures in place to ensure that that financial information is complete,
accurate, and reliable as we are auditing that information, but also
you're receiving information throughout the year and making strategic decisions
on behalf of the city based on the financial information that you're
receiving. So having those strong policies and procedures, including good
internal controls, will mitigate the risk of misstatement in the information
you receive. Our responsibility when it comes to the audit is to issue an
opinion. Um we have issued an unmodified opinion again this year. That opinion
provides reasonable assurance that the financial statements are materially
correct. So reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance. However, it's
not absolute. We're not looking at every single transaction that occurred during
the year. And we're also using materiality in designing our audit
procedures.
So we'll look now at your financial results for the general fund. As of June
30th, 2025, uh the general fund uh reported fund balance of 25.6 million.
That was a reduction of 2.6 million compared to the prior year. Included in
that 25.6 million, we have non-spendable fund balance of 665,000. That represents
prepaid balances as well as inventories. So balances for which the cash is
already out the door but the expenses will be reported in future years. We
then have restricted fund balance of about 800,000 for public safety that
primarily represents your um 1% uh firefighter revenues um and so those are
restricted by state law on how they can be spent. And the remaining fund balance
of 24.2 million is classified as unassigned.
When looking at that unassigned fund balance, we like to compare it to your
operating expenditures to gauge how healthy that fund balance is. And as you
can see, you're looking at about 29% of your 2025 operating expenditures in your
unassigned fund balance. We provide a benchmark here that comes from the
Government Finance Officers Association. That's a national organization. And they
say that you should maintain fund balance of at least two months of
operating expenditures. However, we believe that there are a number of
reasons why it's important that you maybe keep that unassigned fund balance
a little bit higher. So, some of those reasons are listed
here. Um, a significant factor to consider is the
timing of when your property tax revenues, your your most significant
revenue source come in. Um, we're measuring [clears throat] fund balance
at June 30th, but those property tax revenues won't start coming in until
December or January. So, you're looking at about six months of cash flows to get
through. Um, and having a healthy fund balance as allows you to do that without
having to issue short-term debt. Having a healthy fund balance also allows you
to be better prepared for emergencies. Um, of course, as a coastal community,
you're especially at risk to natural disasters. And so, having fund balance
allows you to meet any um emergency cash flow needs um while you await things
like uh grant reimbursements um or other ways that you can cover those uh
unexpected expenditures. Having a healthy fund balance also allows you to
achieve better interest rates when you issue debt. So that of course saves the
city money over time. We'll look now at your general fund
revenues. They totaled 71.4 million for the year. That was a 10% or about a 6.4
million increase compared to 2024. And that increase, as you might expect, was
primarily driven by increased property tax revenues. As I said, those are your
most um significant revenue source. and they did increase primarily as a result
of increased assessed values. In addition to your operating revenues, the
general fund also reports net other other financing sources of 8 million.
That represents your transfers from the local accommodations and hospitality
funds um less transfers made to cover future capital projects.
On the expenditures, your general fund expenditures totaled 82.2 million for
the year. That was an 11% or about an 8% or I'm sorry $8 million increase from
the prior year. And that increase was primarily a result of increased
personnel costs partially due to wage increases given but also due to an
increased number of employees.
Now when we look at all of your governmental funds combined, so we'll
take your general fund and add your state and local accommodations funds,
your local hospitality fund, your capital projects, and your debt service
funds. We're looking at total revenues of 115 million and total expenditures of
141 million. That discrepancy, the increase in your expenditures is
primarily related to capital outlays. So planned capital expenditures reported in
your capital projects fund. And then we have net other financing sources of 30.7
million. A a portion of that represents your transfers from the water and sewer
fund. Um, but the bulk of it, 27 million, represents debt proceeds uh
related to the debt issuance in June 2025.
We'll look next at your enterprise fund. That's your water and sewer fund. As
you'll recall, your enterprise funds are reported more like a business. So, they
are reported on a full acral basis. Um, that means that whereas with our
governmental funds, we focus on current assets and current liabilities, your
water and sewer fund will also report long-term assets and obligations. So,
the water and sewer fund had an increase in net position of 3 million for the
year, bringing total net position to 97 million. But because we are reporting
capital assets on that fund, um, it's important to note that the majority of
that net position, 92.7 million, does represent your investment in your water
system.
Next, we'll look at capital assets for the city as a whole. Uh, you have
governmental activities capital assets of 216.5 million. That was an increase
from the prior year primarily as a result of increases related to capital
projects. Um, you had capital additions of 52.9 million which which exceeded
your depreciation expense for the year. Much of those additions did relate to
the construction of the sports complex which was um still in process as of June
30th and was reported in your CIP. On the business type activities, those
total capital assets were 93 million. That was an increase of 4.2 million for
the year as your additions of 7.6 million exceeded depreciation expense.
Moving next to your long-term obligations, you have governmental
activities obligations of 28.9 million. That was an increase from the prior year
as a result of issuing that $27 million GO bond in June 2025.
On the business type activity side, we had total long-term obligations of
680,000 and that was an increase of 108,000 uh
primarily related to an increase in compensated absences. Remember,
compensated absences are your earned but unused vacation and sick leave.
Next, we have your less traditional long-term obligations. Um, starting with
your net pension liability. Remember, this relates to your participation in
the state police officers retirement system. And so, this liability of 19.5
million represents not a direct liability to the city. rather it is your
proportionate share of the total unfunded actuarial liabil liability of
the system. Um so a couple things to keep in mind there. One, like I said,
not a direct liability, not something that you're expected to write a check to
pay off. Um but also it's an actuarial liability, which means it's an estimate.
Um and so rather than focusing on that large liability of 19 and a half
million, the more important factor to consider is the employer contribution
rates. Those rates are mandated by the state and those do have a direct impact
on your cash flows and your operating budget. Um and so for fiscal 25 we're at
a rate of 21.2%. That's a significant increase um over
the past you know 10 or so years they were increasing that rate. We did reach
a reach a rate like I said of 21.2% that was consistent for fiscal 26. Um and no
rate increases have been put in place for fiscal 27. So that's good that it's
not increasing further. However, that rate of 21.2% is significant. So it's
very important that you keep that in mind when you're making personnel
decisions that you're not only focused on the salary piece, but also on the
significant French benefits. Now, similar to the net pension
liability, we would report the net op liability. This relates to your retiree
healthare plan. And so it is similar to the pension liability in that it is also
an estimate. Um however unlike the pension that you have no control over um
because it's controlled by the state uh the city does have its own retirey
health care plan and so council does have does have the authority to amend
plan terms or benefits. Um and so the net oped liability was 20
20.5 million as of June 30th. And remember these liabilities because they
are long-term obligations are only reported on your full acral financial
statements meaning your governmentwide financial statements and your water and
sewer fund. They are not reported on your general fund or other governmental
fund level statements.
Finally, we come to the compliance piece of the audit. Um so there's two parts to
the compliance section. The first relates to government auditing standards
and our requirements under those standards. And the second um is so that
piece is always in there. The second piece relates to the single audit that
is only required um for years in which the city has federal expenditures
greater than the single audit threshold which for fiscal 25 was 750,000.
Um the city did exceed that threshold for 25 and so we performed the the
single audit. That's the additional compliance audit required by the federal
government for that year. We tested the cops program and I'm pleased to say
there were no findings related to the single audit testing.
Under government auditing standards, we are required to report any significant
deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal control or any material
instances of non-compliance that are identified during the audit process.
Um the two findings that are noted should be of no surprise um since the
city was aware of of these issues. Um the first of course being lack of timely
financial closeout which the city is making significant strides to correct
that um as as evidenced by my appearance here this evening. Um the second is the
proper classification of interfund balances. There were some issues with
how the city was reporting certain acrruals um as part of its pulled cash
reconciliation. Um our understanding is that that has been corrected and we
don't expect it to be an issue going forward. Um, so again, we appreciate all
of your finance staff's help in correcting issues that were out there in
getting things closed out, you know, as timely as they can and in continue
continuing to move the city forward. Um, in addition to your financial
statements, we also issue a management letter each year that includes required
communications from us to management and to council and kind of give some
highlights of the audit process and results. So, I encourage you that when
you when you do receive that, um, please make sure you give it a read. And that
brings me to the conclusion of my presentation, but I'm happy to answer
any questions y'all may have. >> Anybody on council have any questions?
» Thank you. Very thorough. >> Thank you so much.
» Thank you. So we'll continue to in communications
to item B and department department monthly reports for July 2026 are
available online. Are there any announcements by mayor and councel?
I will say I went to music on Maine Thursday night and I've missed them a
lot this year, but um I don't know if how many people in the room here make it
there, but uh it's really a great event. There's um so many people people bring
their golf carts and so many people line up with their chairs and um it's a good
time. So recommend it's every Thursday night, right? Every Thursday night. I
don't know how long it's much longer it's going to last, but it was great to
see so many people out of our residents out there enjoying the musical main. So,
we'll move into item five is consent agenda.
And if it's okay by council, we'll take these all together. We can always
discuss, you know, discuss them after we I've
read them by title. Is that okay with everybody?
Okay. Okay. Item A is um resolution to approve evaluation of salary of Ryan
Fabry, city manager. Item B is a resolution to appoint Keith Hemingway to
Ory County Saw Waste Technical Advisory Committee on behalf of the city of North
Myrtle Beach. Item C is a motion to approve Richmond
Shag Club annual Tim Sullivan Memorial Beach ball on September 22nd, 2026.
And item D is a motion to approve Snafari on the Grand Strand on over
November 7th, 2026. And I think most of those are uh pretty
much explained theirself. um solid waste authority. We have to um put somebody on
that board to replace somebody else. You got the shag thing and this is you know
nefari on the uh item a to approve the valuation salary arriving property. I
would like to say a 5% cost of living adjustment was uh included in the 2026
budget which was proposed or which was um
approved in 2025. All city staff has received this
increase um already. Ryan is the last one in line here, but this is a a common
thing in government and cities that um based on
increased cost of living to keep employees and compete against your
competitors that you do a cost of living increase. And um so that's what this is
about. Um I just like to state that. Are there any other comments by council on
either one of these four items? Yeah, I just wanted to make sure that everybody
understood that that this was something that was approved in 2025 on the 2026
budget. So, it was already approved. This is just um you know, an
implementation of what was approved. Um, you know, I know that we do have some
positions here in the city that have not been filled yet. I would like to say
thank you to Ryan for his diligence in trying to fill those positions.
Unfortunately, it's it's hard to find qualified people. We may have lots of
candidates that apply, but that doesn't mean they're always the right fit. The
qualifications could be outstanding, but it's very costly to hire people and then
then be the wrong fit. And you know, somebody can turn a team upside down
very quickly. So, we've got to be very diligent in hiring, but we've also got
to look at the candidate that we're hiring. We want to make sure we hire the
right person. So, Ryan, I appreciate you, you know, working hard to do that.
But, uh, I think also moving forward, I think I would like to see as a city
council person, I know things have been done differently over the years, but
we've kind of got a new board now. And what I would like to see is that the
people that we employ as a city council that moving forward they have a merit
evaluation in combination with a cost of living u evaluation. So, I' I'd like to
recommend that we do that moving forward and obviously we can discuss that.
» I agree with that. Are there any other comments by council?
No. Well, we're going to need a motion to approve all four of these items.
We're still under discussion. Do we have any comments regarding either four of
these items that are on the consent agenda by anybody else on council? Okay.
Are there any comments from the public regarding these four items?
Hearing none, we'll take our vote. All in favor say I. I.
» I. >> All against. Eyes have it. We'll move
into Hold on. We didn't get a motion. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Dang it.
» I thought I did that. Um, so we need a motion to uh approve or deny
the items A, B, C, and D. >> So move.
» Second. >> So there's a motion and a second and
there was comment already made. There was comment. No comments from the
public. All in favor say I. I. All against. Eyes have it. We'll move in
unfinished business ordinance. Second reading amendment chapter 22 vehicles
for hire regarding towing from private property. And I am going to recuse
myself as I have in the last several or most every meeting we've had regarding
this issue because I have a potential u a person in this towing business that
wants to potentially lease a piece of property for me. So to avoid appearance
of a conflict, I'll recuse myself and I'll return it. I will turn turn it over
to our vice mayor pro teamm Fred Coin. Thank you.
» You want to read that by title? >> Yeah, I think uh you know probably best
to kind of go over where we're at and how we got here and what this includes
so everyone's aware of um what's included. So um so this this item was
initially reviewed during our March 25th workshop and then we received first
reading um and approval on May 18th and it has since then uh been deferred in
June and July and that's just to kind of tweak some definitions and a couple of
the fine details and I believe we got it to where um it's ready for final
consideration. So um just to let you know upon adoption the primary
operational and regulatory changes uh included in this are um so there'll no
longer be police authorization. So the police department will no longer
authorize private property non-consentual toes. Uh authoriz
authorization and liability now rests entirely between uh the private property
owners and the towing companies. Um there is now an option for lot patrol
contracts. So that is tow companies may now enter enter into contracts with
private businesses to patrol uh lots and initiate the toes directly. So that's
just an option. If the private property owners want to be the ones that still
initiate the toes individually um they have that option. So now they have two
ways about uh going about it and that's uh worded that way in the ordinance. Uh
there's a requirement for electronic reporting uh via toebook. Towbook is a a
software platform that we've uh looked into that um kind of streamlines and
it's much more organized. Uh so that way instead of calling dispatch tow
operators must log every non-consentual toe electronically uh via toebook within
30 minutes. Um so that's written in the uh in the ordinance standardized no tow
fee the way it was before was $40. We felt that wasn't adequate. We didn't
really know what was an adequate amount. Um, so it was determined that um, if the
driver arrives after coupling, but before the truck leaves the premises,
the operator may charge a no tow fee, which we've established as 50% of a
standard toe. So, it's significantly higher than $40, but not nearly as uh as
high as what a full toe would be. Uh, we also aligned all the fees. Uh, they're
in line now with uh, you know, the rate set by the South Carolina Department of
Public Safety. So there is no longer a non-consensual towing rate, which is
what we had previously, different rate for non-consentual tow. Now they're all
the same, and they're all established by the state of South Carolina. So as those
change, our rates will change. Um, and then the last was onseen payment
options. So tow companies must accept cash, credit, debit card, or common
digital payment on scene. So, if you have someone who's comes to their
vehicle while it's being towed and they would like to pay the no tow fee, um
it's not just cash or nothing. Not everyone carries cash. Now, they have
the ability to use a credit card, debit card, whatever to resolve that before
they tow the car off. And those are um those are the high points in the
ordinance. I don't know if Chief Sers wants to add anything or if uh if uh
Chris Nur would like to, but they're obviously here for answer questions if
you have any. Let me uh the chair will entertain a
motion. Put this on the table. >> I make a motion.
» Second. >> I got a motion. A second.
» Ryan, you did a good job of kind of summing this up. So, this is exactly
what this is. This is private property tow business. And I think that we should
give the private property owner the choice of how they want to handle their
private property or private business. I think we put some strain on a lot of our
private businesses and this gives them the choice because I think they know
better than I do on what works best for their private business or their private
property. Um, also to keep in mind, we do still require signage on any private
property or business that's going to enact a tow company to be able to tow
off of that property to let the public know, hey, if you park on this property
that's signed, you will be towed. So, but that's all I really have. Anybody
else? >> And if it becomes an issue as we discuss
then we would revisit this. >> I absol absolutely agree on that because
there's there's a there's a reason why how we got here and typically the the
best predict the best uh is that better? Sorry, but there's a very fine line
here. Um the best predictor of the future typically is is the past. And I
just hope we don't get here again to have to reconsider making other
adjustments especially along the the non-consentual toes. But uh that being
said, if there's no other comments up here, I'll be glad to open it up for
public comment.
Hearing no public comment. Um, chair chain of we take a vote now.
» All in favor say I. >> I.
» All in favor say no. Eyes have it.
Okay, we'll move into item seven is new business. Uh, ordinance first reading an
ordinance to convey a 1.70 acre pro parcel of city property located
on Long Bay Road to North Strand Helping Hand. Is there a motion to approve?
» Motion. >> Second.
» There's a motion and a second. Are there any comments by councel?
Can we get just a little explanation on the history?
» Sure. Yeah. And I'd like to I'll talk a little bit about it. Ron, if you want to
add something that's fine, but um it's been many many years ago. C Coast
Hospital was buying out the property where Helping Hand was and the city had
some property over west of the waterway um that was not being used. it was for
future um that things that may not even come to fruition, but we leased a piece
of property to the helping hand and they built a building there. Um
and they do a tremendous amount of things for uh people that need help in
our city. But however, we have that lease. It was like a dollar a year or
something like that. I can't remember. It was a So now go ahead Ryan. You can
expound on that please. >> Yeah. So, they've got a um so they
approached us about 6 months ago because the city does have a long-term lease 20
years. It's $5 a month, so it's 60 bucks a year. It's really um nominal amount.
It's not just a way for the city to provide them with that opportunity. Um
and they asked if we would be interested in um possibly conveying the land to
them because they are at a point where they need to make some capital
improvements to their structure and you know, I I get it. they don't feel
comfortable uh investing in a facility that they don't know uh what the what
the future holds after their lease would have expired. So, um, the way we
approached it, talked to council, um, and if there was any interest in
basically working out a deal that's very similar to what we've done with the
North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum, which is um, convey um, that property to
Helping Hands. Um, and as long as they continue to use it for that purpose or a
nonprofit purpose, um, it's theirs. um if at any point in the future they cease
to use it for those purposes, there is um it would um it would go back to the
ownership of the city. So um and yes, they're operating on this is a piece of
piece of land off of Long Bay Road that's owned by the city. They have
leased a portion of it, like I said, for over a decade and this would be
conveying about 1.7 acres of that land to helping hands.
Are there any other comments by council? Are there any comments by the public?
Hearing none, we'll take our vote. All in favor say I. I.
» All against. >> Eyes have it. We'll move into item B,
ordinance uh first reading, amendment chapter 12, health and sanitation
regarding the sale, use or distribution of single use carry out plastic bags by
retail establishments within the city. Is there a motion to approve?
» So moved. >> Is there a second?
» Second. >> There's a motion and a second. Is there
any comment by council? >> This has been long coming.
» A long time. >> It's been a long time. Long time coming.
And I will say this just to make the first one gesture this is we did this
years ago. We we uh we we passed a ban on plastic bags and it was for the
environment for the health of not only our sea life but so many things our
solid waste authority um the landfield getting full um there was a lot a lot of
reasons uh behind this but then as happens sometimes people found some
loopholes and and and some people didn't abide by what we uh did but most people
have most everybody has now has paperbacks. Uh, almost everybody, but
some people found some loopholes and things like that. So, we're just coming
back kind of to cover that up and finish what we started a long time ago. I
» I wanted to say that it's more about leveling the playing field here opposed
for in and rewarding the folks that have complied with it and with the intent of
it opposed to the ones that have just tried to work around it a little bit.
Um, but this really kind of le levels the the playing field and um I think
it's a compliment to the the ones that uh adhereed to it the first round.
That was going to kind of be my comment too. I've kind of wrestled with the
ending of this mainly just because any of y'all have pets probably know that
the thicker bag that Walmart uses is a lot better for picking up the poop out
of the backyard. But with that also being said, everybody has seemed to
conform to the new ordinance, especially our smaller business except for a few
bigger box stores. So I think that it's time to kind of close this, put it to
bed, and it's kind of my thought.
» I'd still like to see us encourage people to bring their own bags, but
that's that's just a habit. I say that and I went to the store yesterday and
didn't have one.
Are there any other comments by council? Hearing none, are any comments by the
public regarding this issue? Yes, sir. Please
come down and give your name and address. Damian, we got we moved the
microphone on you over here a little bit further over to the other side of the
room. Before Damian speaks, I just want to point out that this, you know, we had
first reading of this two years ago and it was, you know, the idea of are we
going to allow the 2.25 mil bags or are we going to remove them and go to what
the original intent was, right? >> Um, we are the way this is written, it
is very it's consistent with what Charleston County, city of Charleston
has done. It's it's worded exactly the same way. Um, but that is removing the
2.25 25 mil bags as considered a reusable bag. So, um Walmart is really
the only one that I'm aware of that uses it. There might be a couple other um
retailers that do, but it's important to note that this is first reading because
it is distinctly different enough that it's like we didn't want to just throw
it out there. Oh, second reading. So, this is first reading. Um so, there
still will be 30 days between now and the next meeting uh for the public to
comment on if they uh if they want the opportunity to do so. But I do believe
at this point this community is pretty used to operating in a world where
plastic bags are not allowed. So shouldn't really come as too big as of a
surprise. >> Uh Damen Trielair 902 Parin Drive North
Myrtle. I I guess that's what I just wanted to in layman's terms to qu to
understand what the change is. Number one, I I'm extremely proud of our city
that there are very few cities that have an ordinance like this and we've we've
been doing that for many years and I like the idea of leveling the playing
field. So, does that mean are we going to not allow the the two point the the
thicker bags or >> Yeah. So, the way this is worded, it's
they're no longer allowed. So, it's not considered a reusable bag. Um, a
reusable bag is going to be what we all traditionally know what a reusable bag
is. It's kind of that stitched handle. Um, you know, if you ever been to like
Trader Joe's or any of these places where they sell these reusable bags, we
know what it is. >> Those are real reusable bags.
» Correct. I mean, I have some from 25 years ago.
» Yeah. >> So, they they are reusable.
» This is wonderful. This is fantastic. I'm I'm so glad. Um, and hopefully I
guess we can hopefully encourage people to just put a couple bags in your car.
And I know I don't do that myself. So, um, because the paper bags can be
challenging, but um, it's wonderful that we're addressing
this and like you say, leveling the playing field so everybody can comply.
» Correct. And the other part of this um, you know, is enforcement, right? like we
have a couple that do use the thicker bags, but we all who live here know that
there are a few retailers that have just said we're not going to do anything and
we know who they are. So that's on us to enforce it. So once
» yeah, >> that's that's step two. And then uh
educating the public because we want to make sure that and we'll work with the
chamber um to make sure that we uh put together a campaign so that people who
come here on vacation, they're aware that that is what the new rule is and um
to prepare and come with their own reusable bags.
» That's great that we're going to put energy into educating the public. That's
wonderful. Thank you. >> Thank you, Damian. Is anybody else from
the public like to speak? Please come forward and give your name and address.
We have a threem minute time limit. Thank you.
» Hi, my name is Pam Gibson and I live at uh 2700 Avenue Ocean Boulevard. Um I
have a question about this because some of your retail stores that you're
talking about, I understand the grocery stores, but retail stores are not
providing any bags at all. So when you go to into TJ Maxx or wherever, you get
no bag. You have to carry your merchandise out the door. Are we going
to run into that problem with any grocery stores or anyone not providing
any type of bag? I mean, I can understand you're not going to carry all
your groceries out, but what about the retail stores that say we don't provide
bags? >> So, I will say that we're we don't do
question answers and public comment, but appreciate your comment, but I will tell
you that most everybody's already complied and they use paper bags. almost
every store here, every store you go into. So, um, but you're welcome to send
us an email. Okay. You can send it to me. You can send it all council and
staff and we will we will reply to you and get you the answers that you need.
» So, when you say all stores, are you also talking about stores that we shop
in for clothing and places like that like Burlington and all those places?
Because I can guarantee you they're not providing bags.
» Okay, I understand. Thank you. Some of them don't, Jay.
» No, >> some of them don't. I understand. Okay.
Thank you. >> That's the merchants.
» Yeah, that's merchants choice. It's their choice.
» I'm trying to find out. >> We're not mandating bags.
» Okay. All right. Great. Thank you. >> Thank you.
» I don't think >> Is there anybody else from the public
would like to comment? >> Yes, sir. Please give your name and
address. >> My name is Bob Silki. I live at 504th
Avenue South. And uh I'm here tonight to address safety concerns uh concern
concerning continuous construction at a neighboring property near my home.
We have >> we've had an ongoing unresolved decimal
problem since two HVAC top discharge units were installed in a 5-ft setback
corridor area using our setback as their clearance.
» Yeah, this this public comment is only for the plastic bags. We're getting
ready to move into public comment for every anything in just a minute.
» Yeah, sorry about that. Yeah, just take a seat and then we're talking about this
one issue right now concerning plastic bags.
» Once we finish that, we'll open up to public comment.
I got kind of confused here for a second because thought we were talking about
something else before, too. But anyway, is anybody else got public comment
regarding this issue on plastic bags? Is there any other comment from the public
regarding this issue? Hearing none, we'll take our vote. All in favor say I.
» I. >> I. All against. Eyes have it. Now we'll
move into public comment. Sir, please. You come first. Sorry.
» Thank you. >> All right. Again, my name is Bob Silki.
I live at 5045th Avenue South and I am here uh to address safety and quality of
life concerns created during 10-month and continuous construction at the
neighboring property at my home at 504th Avenue South. We have had an ongoing
unresolved decimal problem since two HVAC top discharge units were installed
in a 5-ft setback corridor area using our setback as their clearance.
These older condenser models emit low frequency structural vibrations and
decimals near four large windows when there is 15 foot available on the other
side of the home and in the rear of the home. These units destroy the quiet
enjoyment of our home and vibrations over time can actually damage a home.
Our main concern tonight is a stickbuilt propane fireplace and chimney built
inside the 5-ft setback less than three feet from our six-foot vinyl fence. The
heat and exhaust from the back of the chimney is located less than three feet
from my property line lower than my vinyl fence and located under a canopy
of trees. The fireplace flattop will be directing heat and carbon monoxide gases
towards my vinyl fence, my backyard, my pool and outdoor area.
All involved city departments have stated that the installations is
compliant. The city also indicated that absence of
records in response to foyer requests does not mean that the required checks
were not performed. I am requesting assistance and
transparency since I want to ensure that the installation was permitted and
inspected appropriately and that it meets state LP gas safety standards
because safety is our biggest concern. And I want to leave council with one
final thought. The amendments were surely not intended to grant new
construction the unilateral power to place loud equipment and potentially
dangerous structure near an existing neighbor's property line when viable
alternatives exist. In practice, this allows one property
owner to maximize their part their project at the expense of their
neighbors peace and well-being. especially when loud and potentially
dangerous equipment is in installed without consequences.
We urge council to enforce safeguards to correct these failures and protect our
most at risk residents from these unreasonable consequences. I have a
picture that I could pass around that would be self-explanatory of the
fireplace if I could do that or >> Sure. if you can bring it over here to
council skill and then we'll give it back to you.
» And I would like to thank you so much for your time and
» Thank you. Thank you, too. Have you sent an email out to us about this?
» Have you sent an email to us about this? >> You have?
» Several. >> Okay. Yeah, I think I've been to your
house, but not since this situation, but um I think we met one time. But
» thank you, too. Are there any other comments by the
public?
Is there a um
Shannon Robinson
It's my time.
» Good evening. Due to the time limit, I'm going to Chuck Schumer this and read
straight from my notes. This meeting is regarding 13th Avenue North and Windle
and Windle Drive. I'm here to discuss the disregard to our several emails and
lack of action from city manager Fabri is not just disappointing, it's
unacceptable. I have maps illustrate an area view of the critical area with
links legal owners stated per county record.
Back in early June, we met with three members of the city, including Mr.
Aubrey to address how tenants on Wendle Drive were losing access to their
parking spaces to people who have a right to be have no right to be there.
We described the unsafe conditions for pedestrians, poor visibility, and the
daily risk that families and residents face of the ongoing parking violations
and pedestrian safety hazards along 13th Avenue along with the impact on tenants
living on Windle Drive. During that meeting, we laid out our problems very
clearly and Mr. Fabri ask us to provide photographs documentations
and contact the police which will um provide recorded documentation of the
violations and safety concerns. We did exactly that. We sent multiple emails,
each with clear photographic evidence showing cars along and mostly in the
street of 13th Avenue North, vehicles ignoring
the signage, and pedestrians navigating unsafe
conditions. And yet, despite the meeting, evidence, and following every
instruction we were giving, we've heard nothing from Mr. Fabrey. Let me be
clear, this was never a restaurant issue,
nor a business related issue. This is and always has been a city
manner. Matter of fact, one of the establishments has used their own time
and co and cost to assist in alleviating some of the burden, but this was never
an issue that was pushed towards them due to the legalities that is a city
matter. The role of the city manager is to serve as chief financial officer. And
this girl right here was walking in the middle of the street putting a purse
around her neck. Um, and here we are months later and we have nothing has
we've not received not one email from you.
Um, this has left a hardship between
myself and a business establishment and I do not take that lightly.
Our community deserves leadership that follows through, shows up and takes
responsibility for city he serves. I'm asking the council to ensure that the
city manager addresses these issues. Residents and owners have as you um are
the ones who appointed them. The residents in the media area that utilize
13th Avenue North and Window Drive should not have to keep fighting for
basic safety and access to their property. This includes residents along
Waterway Drive and into Sunset Harbor. That's another one with the guys walking
down the middle of the street. These are pictures
of >> Chan, I don't want to cut you short. We
do have a threem minute limit to give everybody respect to um to speak and uh
I know you're close and I I've already seen
» and that's my Yeah, you you've responded to one email from from Yeah,
» I I I understand and I I have seen and I'd like a chance to certainly respond
because I've seen your pictures, a lot of them and and we I I thought we had
this issue fixed actually. I thought we had addressed it and fixed it and but
since you brought it up that Um, our city manager had emailed you
back. I mean, I feel like I should turn it over to him because I know you had a
lot of stuff you shared with me and Councilman Skidmore, and we've been over
there multiple times in person, witnessed what's going on, and we took
action. And I think you met with the owner um and and the manager of the
restaurant or your husband did. And I thought y'all had this worked out. I
really thought until today. Well, >> right now we had been going on for a
long time. But just like I said, >> the issue is
» they don't own that lot right there. >> Okay. What what I'd like to do and and
in and in in order to be transparent and and consistent with everybody here, we
allow three minutes. So, what I'd like to do is schedule a meeting with you.
» Okay. if if we could come in um if you can call you you I think you
have my cell phone number >> or email me let's schedule a meeting
next few days let's come in let's all meet let's brainstorm together what
we're going to do about this issue >> yeah like I said part of it has been
done but again I didn't it wasn't an issue that was pushed on any
establishment in that area >> I understand I'm glad to have a meeting
but email me and we'll have a meeting >> some of this falls on me too because I
think Ryan where I was communicating with your husband and then the property
owner and and Ryan was helping me. >> Yeah. But this has been going on since
June the 9th, I think. >> So, and and yeah, I I got some
correspondence back from you, right? >> But I never got one from the city
manager. Okay. Not one. >> Well, will me I mean, I just want to
clarify is that so the whatever we've done to this point has not rectified the
issue. >> Well, it kind of blew up one night. So,
and I do not take that lightly. >> So, I don't know anything about that.
But, uh, >> because we did the signs,
» we moved the signs from the site of Right., you know,
» there there are signs and the establishment was kind to put some
wooden >> Yeah. Right. Right. So, I thought y'all
would work this out anyway. >> Okay. But it did. It blew up.
» Okay. >> And that was done. But everything that
happened so fast in one day. >> Well, I did not know that it blew up.
Will you please email me tomorrow or today and tell me whatever day you want
to meet this week and we'll set it up. >> Okay.
» Thank you. >> Let me say one thing.
» Okay. Bill, >> if this would have been handled quicker,
we wouldn't have got barred from boardwalk buildings. We got barred but
15 minutes later he retracted and let us come back.
» Okay. >> But that should have never happened.
» I got you. Well, thank you, Bill. I appreciate it. Are there any other
comments by the public? Please give your name and address even
though we know you. >> So, so Barb McKinnon 32359th Avenue
North and you know all know I was very pleased to see the plastic bag issue
come back on the agenda tonight and to see the vote tonight. Um I will remember
once again that it was Jerry Ferguson who started this many years ago. There
have been a lot of iterations and some angst on the issue, but I think now
we're on a good path and I'm happy to see it go forward. But I will reiterate
what Bubba said. The issue is bring your own bag. It's not no plastic bags. It's
bring your own bag. But I'm glad. Thank you for tonight.
» Thank you too. We finally got it done.
» Please give your name and address. >> Uh Richard P.
uh 1014 Ann Street, North Myrtle Beach. I just have a few things to clarify. I
know I want to say I thank council for working with working with this and
working with the tow companies in the city. We appreciate your input. We
appreciate everything y'all done for us. Thank you. I just have a couple little
things that I wanted to clarify and I didn't know whether to do it now or do
it later on on the actually ordinancees wrote up. That's not right. And I could
I walk over and see Ryan right quick if I could do that.
» Right now would not be the time to come over and
» Okay. >> I don't think it's going to be an issue,
but I just wanted to make sure that everybody understands.
» I recuse. Are you going back to the towing ordinance because I recuse
myself. >> It's nothing. It's nothing uh to do
that. It's just some some things should have been
for instance, y'all got like an hour. There's 24 hours in a day. Y'all y'all
got 34 hours. I would probably maybe set an
» Yeah, set up time with Ryan. >> Okay. And there's a couple
» or send an email to clarify those things. Get those clarified.
» Yeah, that that's all. That's all. >> Okay. Thank you so much.
» And and I just wanted to bring that to y'all's attention and
» thank you. >> And I can
Are there any other comments by the public?
Please give your name and address and we have a threem minute time limit.
» James Peas, 1221 Tidewater Drive, North Myrtle Beach. I am the immediate past
president of the North Myrtle Beach Rotary Club and the chairman of our park
of honor. Want to give city council first we'd like to say thank you to the
mayor, city council, Matt Parks and Wreck for giving us MLAN Park for a
month. This year we were able to do a little over $9,000 to our um local
police and non first responder organizations with North Myrtle Beach
Police Foundation receiving a good portion of that. And um over the last
three years since we started this, thanks to Fred, we've been able to
donate over $30,000 to those organizations. We know that we had a
little bit of an issue with the grass. We were there for a month and we think
we've got an issue. We've got a way to solve that for next year. We'll talk
with Jim Granger and Matt about that. But on behalf of the North Myrtle Beach
Rotary Club, I wanted to thank the city for everything you've done for us with
the Park of Honor and to let you know how it went this year.
» Great. Thank you so much. >> Are there any other comments by the
public?
» Uh Damen Trielair, 902 Parin Drive. Um, and I I just want to mention that if
people can speak a little closer to the mic because it was it's a little hard to
hear if you don't speak right into the mic.
» Sure. >> Um, but just wanted to it's it's not a
well-known as you know we've been working on preserving Wadies Island and
Little River Neck for coming up on seven years now. Jay Jay
was out there seven years ago right after we've got the Ingram Dunes
preserved. >> Right. And then Mayor Hatley went out
there and the governor has been out there twice.
But the good news that and it's she didn't want it blasted all over social
media, but Jackie Boyce, one of the family owners, Tilman Boyce
family owners, she sold her land on July 9th to the state of South Carolina.
It's momentous. Um it's it there's still more to go. Half the land is still to be
sold, but this was huge and we're hoping that this was a big momentum shift that
she sold her land. And then about two weeks ago, we were invited to the
governor's office in Colombia, uh office of resil resiliency, and Ben
Duncan, who works for the governor, spent the whole day with us honoring
her. And she has a life estate. she can live there the rest of her life, but
it's the land right before the causeway and uh as well as some of the land on
the island itself. So, we are very hopeful and I just ask everybody here to
really send your prayers. It's about half the land still needs to be bought
uh sold to the state. Uh there's one large land owner, Riverstone, that is in
negotiation with the state, but please just send your prayers. Prayers actually
work. They worked on the Ingram Dunes. Um please send your prayers to that all
of Wadies Island will be preserved and Little River Neck will be preserved.
This is going to be one of the most beautiful state parks, a more restricted
state state park, but one of the most beautiful pieces of land in all of South
Carolina. I think anybody who has been on a boat knows what it is out there.
» Absolutely. >> Um,
so that that's pretty much the main thing I wanted to say. just um just
let's let's hope it continues and the governor absolutely 100% would love to
have this done before he leaves office in January. A
» lot of headway made. Thank you Damian for about that.
» Thank you all. >> Thank you too.
Are there any other comments by the public
hearing? None. Do I have a motion to adjurnn?
» So move. >> Second.
» All in favor say I. I oppose. Eyes have it.