[31:28] So council met in executive session and no votes were taken. We will move on

[31:34] into item 1 C continuation of call to order.

[31:43] Right. Invocation. Pastor Kelly Gabriel from Ocean Drive Baptist Church. Is are

[31:48] you here? Thank you so much. Will you lead us in the invocation?

[31:51] » My pleasure. My pleasure. Thank you for having him. Let's bow together before

[31:56] the King. >> Heavenly Father, we come before you this

[32:01] day with humble hearts, acknowledging that you alone are the sovereign creator

[32:06] and ruler of all things. Everything belongs to you, Lord. You have

[32:11] established your authority, the family, the church, and civil government. And

[32:17] each one is your design. and each one answers ultimately to you. We thank you

[32:22] for the gift of family, for the calling of parents and households to raise their

[32:26] children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. We thank you for your church,

[32:31] the body of Christ, called to proclaim the gospel to the nations and be salt

[32:35] and light in this world. And Lord, we thank you for the civil government you

[32:41] have ordained that it might restrain evil, protect the innocent, promote

[32:46] justice according to your standards of righteousness.

[32:50] And Lord, we pray that those who serve in this chamber answer to you for the

[32:55] trust you have placed in their hands. Give them wisdom that comes from above,

[33:00] pure and peaceable, full of good fruit. Guard them from pride, partiality, from

[33:08] any decision that would dishonor your name. Help them remember that authority

[33:12] is a stewardship, not a possession. And that one day we will give account to

[33:18] the one who judges justly. May your will be done in this city as it is in heaven.

[33:24] And may righteousness exalt this community of North Myrtle Beach. May the

[33:29] people flourish under leaders who fear you. We ask these things in the strong

[33:34] name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

[33:38] » Amen. >> Please stand for the pledge of

[33:40] » allegiance.

[33:46] To the flag of the United States of America to the Republic for it stands

[33:52] one indivisible with

[33:58] all.

[34:05] We'll move in to minutes. We have uh minutes um city council meeting Monday,

[34:10] July 20th, 2026 and city council workshop Wednesday,

[34:16] August 5th, 2026. Do I have a motion to approve?

[34:20] » Motion. >> Second. There's a motion and a second.

[34:23] All in favor say I. >> I. We'll move into communications and we

[34:28] have a presentation for the 2025 audit presentation by Green

[34:34] Finley Collie LLP.

[34:49] Good evening. Um, my name is Emily Sabchek and I am back this evening to

[34:55] present the results of the fiscal 2025 financial statement audit. Um, as you'll

[35:00] recall when I was presenting the fiscal 24 results just a few months ago, um, I

[35:05] was hesitant to commit to a timeline because I knew what a tremendous

[35:09] undertaking it was going to be for your finance team to get 25 closed out so

[35:13] quickly after wrapping up 24. And so, um, I'm very happy to be here this

[35:18] evening. I'm very appreciative, as I know you are too, um to their commitment

[35:22] for uh seeing it through and getting us to the point where we are tonight.

[35:29] Um so before [clears throat] we get into the financial results, um I do want to

[35:32] remind you again that the financial statements are the responsibility of the

[35:36] city. So all of the numbers and disclosures in there, um that is the

[35:40] city's responsibility. And so it's important that you have good policies

[35:44] and procedures in place to ensure that that financial information is complete,

[35:49] accurate, and reliable as we are auditing that information, but also

[35:54] you're receiving information throughout the year and making strategic decisions

[35:58] on behalf of the city based on the financial information that you're

[36:01] receiving. So having those strong policies and procedures, including good

[36:05] internal controls, will mitigate the risk of misstatement in the information

[36:09] you receive. Our responsibility when it comes to the audit is to issue an

[36:15] opinion. Um we have issued an unmodified opinion again this year. That opinion

[36:20] provides reasonable assurance that the financial statements are materially

[36:24] correct. So reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance. However, it's

[36:28] not absolute. We're not looking at every single transaction that occurred during

[36:31] the year. And we're also using materiality in designing our audit

[36:35] procedures.

[36:38] So we'll look now at your financial results for the general fund. As of June

[36:44] 30th, 2025, uh the general fund uh reported fund balance of 25.6 million.

[36:50] That was a reduction of 2.6 million compared to the prior year. Included in

[36:55] that 25.6 million, we have non-spendable fund balance of 665,000. That represents

[37:01] prepaid balances as well as inventories. So balances for which the cash is

[37:06] already out the door but the expenses will be reported in future years. We

[37:10] then have restricted fund balance of about 800,000 for public safety that

[37:14] primarily represents your um 1% uh firefighter revenues um and so those are

[37:21] restricted by state law on how they can be spent. And the remaining fund balance

[37:25] of 24.2 million is classified as unassigned.

[37:29] When looking at that unassigned fund balance, we like to compare it to your

[37:32] operating expenditures to gauge how healthy that fund balance is. And as you

[37:36] can see, you're looking at about 29% of your 2025 operating expenditures in your

[37:42] unassigned fund balance. We provide a benchmark here that comes from the

[37:46] Government Finance Officers Association. That's a national organization. And they

[37:50] say that you should maintain fund balance of at least two months of

[37:53] operating expenditures. However, we believe that there are a number of

[37:57] reasons why it's important that you maybe keep that unassigned fund balance

[38:01] a little bit higher. So, some of those reasons are listed

[38:04] here. Um, a significant factor to consider is the

[38:09] timing of when your property tax revenues, your your most significant

[38:12] revenue source come in. Um, we're measuring [clears throat] fund balance

[38:15] at June 30th, but those property tax revenues won't start coming in until

[38:19] December or January. So, you're looking at about six months of cash flows to get

[38:23] through. Um, and having a healthy fund balance as allows you to do that without

[38:28] having to issue short-term debt. Having a healthy fund balance also allows you

[38:32] to be better prepared for emergencies. Um, of course, as a coastal community,

[38:36] you're especially at risk to natural disasters. And so, having fund balance

[38:40] allows you to meet any um emergency cash flow needs um while you await things

[38:46] like uh grant reimbursements um or other ways that you can cover those uh

[38:51] unexpected expenditures. Having a healthy fund balance also allows you to

[38:55] achieve better interest rates when you issue debt. So that of course saves the

[38:59] city money over time. We'll look now at your general fund

[39:04] revenues. They totaled 71.4 million for the year. That was a 10% or about a 6.4

[39:09] million increase compared to 2024. And that increase, as you might expect, was

[39:13] primarily driven by increased property tax revenues. As I said, those are your

[39:18] most um significant revenue source. and they did increase primarily as a result

[39:22] of increased assessed values. In addition to your operating revenues, the

[39:26] general fund also reports net other other financing sources of 8 million.

[39:31] That represents your transfers from the local accommodations and hospitality

[39:35] funds um less transfers made to cover future capital projects.

[39:42] On the expenditures, your general fund expenditures totaled 82.2 million for

[39:46] the year. That was an 11% or about an 8% or I'm sorry $8 million increase from

[39:51] the prior year. And that increase was primarily a result of increased

[39:55] personnel costs partially due to wage increases given but also due to an

[40:00] increased number of employees.

[40:05] Now when we look at all of your governmental funds combined, so we'll

[40:08] take your general fund and add your state and local accommodations funds,

[40:11] your local hospitality fund, your capital projects, and your debt service

[40:15] funds. We're looking at total revenues of 115 million and total expenditures of

[40:21] 141 million. That discrepancy, the increase in your expenditures is

[40:26] primarily related to capital outlays. So planned capital expenditures reported in

[40:30] your capital projects fund. And then we have net other financing sources of 30.7

[40:35] million. A a portion of that represents your transfers from the water and sewer

[40:39] fund. Um, but the bulk of it, 27 million, represents debt proceeds uh

[40:44] related to the debt issuance in June 2025.

[40:49] We'll look next at your enterprise fund. That's your water and sewer fund. As

[40:53] you'll recall, your enterprise funds are reported more like a business. So, they

[40:58] are reported on a full acral basis. Um, that means that whereas with our

[41:03] governmental funds, we focus on current assets and current liabilities, your

[41:07] water and sewer fund will also report long-term assets and obligations. So,

[41:12] the water and sewer fund had an increase in net position of 3 million for the

[41:15] year, bringing total net position to 97 million. But because we are reporting

[41:20] capital assets on that fund, um, it's important to note that the majority of

[41:24] that net position, 92.7 million, does represent your investment in your water

[41:29] system.

[41:32] Next, we'll look at capital assets for the city as a whole. Uh, you have

[41:35] governmental activities capital assets of 216.5 million. That was an increase

[41:41] from the prior year primarily as a result of increases related to capital

[41:44] projects. Um, you had capital additions of 52.9 million which which exceeded

[41:49] your depreciation expense for the year. Much of those additions did relate to

[41:54] the construction of the sports complex which was um still in process as of June

[42:00] 30th and was reported in your CIP. On the business type activities, those

[42:05] total capital assets were 93 million. That was an increase of 4.2 million for

[42:09] the year as your additions of 7.6 million exceeded depreciation expense.

[42:16] Moving next to your long-term obligations, you have governmental

[42:19] activities obligations of 28.9 million. That was an increase from the prior year

[42:24] as a result of issuing that $27 million GO bond in June 2025.

[42:30] On the business type activity side, we had total long-term obligations of

[42:34] 680,000 and that was an increase of 108,000 uh

[42:39] primarily related to an increase in compensated absences. Remember,

[42:42] compensated absences are your earned but unused vacation and sick leave.

[42:49] Next, we have your less traditional long-term obligations. Um, starting with

[42:53] your net pension liability. Remember, this relates to your participation in

[42:57] the state police officers retirement system. And so, this liability of 19.5

[43:02] million represents not a direct liability to the city. rather it is your

[43:06] proportionate share of the total unfunded actuarial liabil liability of

[43:11] the system. Um so a couple things to keep in mind there. One, like I said,

[43:16] not a direct liability, not something that you're expected to write a check to

[43:18] pay off. Um but also it's an actuarial liability, which means it's an estimate.

[43:23] Um and so rather than focusing on that large liability of 19 and a half

[43:28] million, the more important factor to consider is the employer contribution

[43:33] rates. Those rates are mandated by the state and those do have a direct impact

[43:37] on your cash flows and your operating budget. Um and so for fiscal 25 we're at

[43:42] a rate of 21.2%. That's a significant increase um over

[43:47] the past you know 10 or so years they were increasing that rate. We did reach

[43:52] a reach a rate like I said of 21.2% that was consistent for fiscal 26. Um and no

[43:59] rate increases have been put in place for fiscal 27. So that's good that it's

[44:02] not increasing further. However, that rate of 21.2% is significant. So it's

[44:07] very important that you keep that in mind when you're making personnel

[44:11] decisions that you're not only focused on the salary piece, but also on the

[44:15] significant French benefits. Now, similar to the net pension

[44:19] liability, we would report the net op liability. This relates to your retiree

[44:24] healthare plan. And so it is similar to the pension liability in that it is also

[44:28] an estimate. Um however unlike the pension that you have no control over um

[44:34] because it's controlled by the state uh the city does have its own retirey

[44:39] health care plan and so council does have does have the authority to amend

[44:43] plan terms or benefits. Um and so the net oped liability was 20

[44:49] 20.5 million as of June 30th. And remember these liabilities because they

[44:55] are long-term obligations are only reported on your full acral financial

[44:58] statements meaning your governmentwide financial statements and your water and

[45:02] sewer fund. They are not reported on your general fund or other governmental

[45:07] fund level statements.

[45:11] Finally, we come to the compliance piece of the audit. Um so there's two parts to

[45:15] the compliance section. The first relates to government auditing standards

[45:19] and our requirements under those standards. And the second um is so that

[45:24] piece is always in there. The second piece relates to the single audit that

[45:28] is only required um for years in which the city has federal expenditures

[45:34] greater than the single audit threshold which for fiscal 25 was 750,000.

[45:40] Um the city did exceed that threshold for 25 and so we performed the the

[45:44] single audit. That's the additional compliance audit required by the federal

[45:47] government for that year. We tested the cops program and I'm pleased to say

[45:53] there were no findings related to the single audit testing.

[45:57] Under government auditing standards, we are required to report any significant

[46:01] deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal control or any material

[46:05] instances of non-compliance that are identified during the audit process.

[46:10] Um the two findings that are noted should be of no surprise um since the

[46:14] city was aware of of these issues. Um the first of course being lack of timely

[46:18] financial closeout which the city is making significant strides to correct

[46:23] that um as as evidenced by my appearance here this evening. Um the second is the

[46:28] proper classification of interfund balances. There were some issues with

[46:32] how the city was reporting certain acrruals um as part of its pulled cash

[46:37] reconciliation. Um our understanding is that that has been corrected and we

[46:42] don't expect it to be an issue going forward. Um, so again, we appreciate all

[46:46] of your finance staff's help in correcting issues that were out there in

[46:52] getting things closed out, you know, as timely as they can and in continue

[46:57] continuing to move the city forward. Um, in addition to your financial

[47:01] statements, we also issue a management letter each year that includes required

[47:06] communications from us to management and to council and kind of give some

[47:10] highlights of the audit process and results. So, I encourage you that when

[47:13] you when you do receive that, um, please make sure you give it a read. And that

[47:17] brings me to the conclusion of my presentation, but I'm happy to answer

[47:20] any questions y'all may have. >> Anybody on council have any questions?

[47:28] » Thank you. Very thorough. >> Thank you so much.

[47:31] » Thank you. So we'll continue to in communications

[47:36] to item B and department department monthly reports for July 2026 are

[47:42] available online. Are there any announcements by mayor and councel?

[47:52] I will say I went to music on Maine Thursday night and I've missed them a

[47:55] lot this year, but um I don't know if how many people in the room here make it

[48:00] there, but uh it's really a great event. There's um so many people people bring

[48:06] their golf carts and so many people line up with their chairs and um it's a good

[48:11] time. So recommend it's every Thursday night, right? Every Thursday night. I

[48:16] don't know how long it's much longer it's going to last, but it was great to

[48:20] see so many people out of our residents out there enjoying the musical main. So,

[48:24] we'll move into item five is consent agenda.

[48:29] And if it's okay by council, we'll take these all together. We can always

[48:34] discuss, you know, discuss them after we I've

[48:38] read them by title. Is that okay with everybody?

[48:42] Okay. Okay. Item A is um resolution to approve evaluation of salary of Ryan

[48:51] Fabry, city manager. Item B is a resolution to appoint Keith Hemingway to

[48:56] Ory County Saw Waste Technical Advisory Committee on behalf of the city of North

[49:01] Myrtle Beach. Item C is a motion to approve Richmond

[49:06] Shag Club annual Tim Sullivan Memorial Beach ball on September 22nd, 2026.

[49:14] And item D is a motion to approve Snafari on the Grand Strand on over

[49:20] November 7th, 2026. And I think most of those are uh pretty

[49:26] much explained theirself. um solid waste authority. We have to um put somebody on

[49:32] that board to replace somebody else. You got the shag thing and this is you know

[49:37] nefari on the uh item a to approve the valuation salary arriving property. I

[49:43] would like to say a 5% cost of living adjustment was uh included in the 2026

[49:51] budget which was proposed or which was um

[49:56] approved in 2025. All city staff has received this

[50:02] increase um already. Ryan is the last one in line here, but this is a a common

[50:08] thing in government and cities that um based on

[50:14] increased cost of living to keep employees and compete against your

[50:18] competitors that you do a cost of living increase. And um so that's what this is

[50:23] about. Um I just like to state that. Are there any other comments by council on

[50:28] either one of these four items? Yeah, I just wanted to make sure that everybody

[50:32] understood that that this was something that was approved in 2025 on the 2026

[50:37] budget. So, it was already approved. This is just um you know, an

[50:41] implementation of what was approved. Um, you know, I know that we do have some

[50:45] positions here in the city that have not been filled yet. I would like to say

[50:48] thank you to Ryan for his diligence in trying to fill those positions.

[50:53] Unfortunately, it's it's hard to find qualified people. We may have lots of

[50:57] candidates that apply, but that doesn't mean they're always the right fit. The

[51:02] qualifications could be outstanding, but it's very costly to hire people and then

[51:06] then be the wrong fit. And you know, somebody can turn a team upside down

[51:11] very quickly. So, we've got to be very diligent in hiring, but we've also got

[51:15] to look at the candidate that we're hiring. We want to make sure we hire the

[51:18] right person. So, Ryan, I appreciate you, you know, working hard to do that.

[51:22] But, uh, I think also moving forward, I think I would like to see as a city

[51:28] council person, I know things have been done differently over the years, but

[51:32] we've kind of got a new board now. And what I would like to see is that the

[51:36] people that we employ as a city council that moving forward they have a merit

[51:41] evaluation in combination with a cost of living u evaluation. So, I' I'd like to

[51:47] recommend that we do that moving forward and obviously we can discuss that.

[51:50] » I agree with that. Are there any other comments by council?

[51:54] No. Well, we're going to need a motion to approve all four of these items.

[51:57] We're still under discussion. Do we have any comments regarding either four of

[52:01] these items that are on the consent agenda by anybody else on council? Okay.

[52:06] Are there any comments from the public regarding these four items?

[52:13] Hearing none, we'll take our vote. All in favor say I. I.

[52:16] » I. >> All against. Eyes have it. We'll move

[52:20] into Hold on. We didn't get a motion. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Dang it.

[52:24] » I thought I did that. Um, so we need a motion to uh approve or deny

[52:33] the items A, B, C, and D. >> So move.

[52:37] » Second. >> So there's a motion and a second and

[52:40] there was comment already made. There was comment. No comments from the

[52:42] public. All in favor say I. I. All against. Eyes have it. We'll move in

[52:48] unfinished business ordinance. Second reading amendment chapter 22 vehicles

[52:53] for hire regarding towing from private property. And I am going to recuse

[52:59] myself as I have in the last several or most every meeting we've had regarding

[53:04] this issue because I have a potential u a person in this towing business that

[53:12] wants to potentially lease a piece of property for me. So to avoid appearance

[53:15] of a conflict, I'll recuse myself and I'll return it. I will turn turn it over

[53:20] to our vice mayor pro teamm Fred Coin. Thank you.

[53:25] » You want to read that by title? >> Yeah, I think uh you know probably best

[53:30] to kind of go over where we're at and how we got here and what this includes

[53:33] so everyone's aware of um what's included. So um so this this item was

[53:38] initially reviewed during our March 25th workshop and then we received first

[53:43] reading um and approval on May 18th and it has since then uh been deferred in

[53:50] June and July and that's just to kind of tweak some definitions and a couple of

[53:55] the fine details and I believe we got it to where um it's ready for final

[54:01] consideration. So um just to let you know upon adoption the primary

[54:05] operational and regulatory changes uh included in this are um so there'll no

[54:11] longer be police authorization. So the police department will no longer

[54:15] authorize private property non-consentual toes. Uh authoriz

[54:19] authorization and liability now rests entirely between uh the private property

[54:23] owners and the towing companies. Um there is now an option for lot patrol

[54:29] contracts. So that is tow companies may now enter enter into contracts with

[54:34] private businesses to patrol uh lots and initiate the toes directly. So that's

[54:40] just an option. If the private property owners want to be the ones that still

[54:44] initiate the toes individually um they have that option. So now they have two

[54:48] ways about uh going about it and that's uh worded that way in the ordinance. Uh

[54:54] there's a requirement for electronic reporting uh via toebook. Towbook is a a

[54:58] software platform that we've uh looked into that um kind of streamlines and

[55:04] it's much more organized. Uh so that way instead of calling dispatch tow

[55:08] operators must log every non-consentual toe electronically uh via toebook within

[55:13] 30 minutes. Um so that's written in the uh in the ordinance standardized no tow

[55:19] fee the way it was before was $40. We felt that wasn't adequate. We didn't

[55:23] really know what was an adequate amount. Um, so it was determined that um, if the

[55:28] driver arrives after coupling, but before the truck leaves the premises,

[55:31] the operator may charge a no tow fee, which we've established as 50% of a

[55:37] standard toe. So, it's significantly higher than $40, but not nearly as uh as

[55:43] high as what a full toe would be. Uh, we also aligned all the fees. Uh, they're

[55:50] in line now with uh, you know, the rate set by the South Carolina Department of

[55:54] Public Safety. So there is no longer a non-consensual towing rate, which is

[55:58] what we had previously, different rate for non-consentual tow. Now they're all

[56:02] the same, and they're all established by the state of South Carolina. So as those

[56:05] change, our rates will change. Um, and then the last was onseen payment

[56:10] options. So tow companies must accept cash, credit, debit card, or common

[56:15] digital payment on scene. So, if you have someone who's comes to their

[56:18] vehicle while it's being towed and they would like to pay the no tow fee, um

[56:23] it's not just cash or nothing. Not everyone carries cash. Now, they have

[56:28] the ability to use a credit card, debit card, whatever to resolve that before

[56:32] they tow the car off. And those are um those are the high points in the

[56:36] ordinance. I don't know if Chief Sers wants to add anything or if uh if uh

[56:42] Chris Nur would like to, but they're obviously here for answer questions if

[56:45] you have any. Let me uh the chair will entertain a

[56:49] motion. Put this on the table. >> I make a motion.

[56:53] » Second. >> I got a motion. A second.

[56:56] » Ryan, you did a good job of kind of summing this up. So, this is exactly

[57:01] what this is. This is private property tow business. And I think that we should

[57:04] give the private property owner the choice of how they want to handle their

[57:09] private property or private business. I think we put some strain on a lot of our

[57:12] private businesses and this gives them the choice because I think they know

[57:16] better than I do on what works best for their private business or their private

[57:20] property. Um, also to keep in mind, we do still require signage on any private

[57:25] property or business that's going to enact a tow company to be able to tow

[57:30] off of that property to let the public know, hey, if you park on this property

[57:34] that's signed, you will be towed. So, but that's all I really have. Anybody

[57:40] else? >> And if it becomes an issue as we discuss

[57:44] then we would revisit this. >> I absol absolutely agree on that because

[57:49] there's there's a there's a reason why how we got here and typically the the

[57:53] best predict the best uh is that better? Sorry, but there's a very fine line

[57:59] here. Um the best predictor of the future typically is is the past. And I

[58:05] just hope we don't get here again to have to reconsider making other

[58:09] adjustments especially along the the non-consentual toes. But uh that being

[58:16] said, if there's no other comments up here, I'll be glad to open it up for

[58:20] public comment.

[58:27] Hearing no public comment. Um, chair chain of we take a vote now.

[58:36] » All in favor say I. >> I.

[58:38] » All in favor say no. Eyes have it.

[58:57] Okay, we'll move into item seven is new business. Uh, ordinance first reading an

[59:02] ordinance to convey a 1.70 acre pro parcel of city property located

[59:10] on Long Bay Road to North Strand Helping Hand. Is there a motion to approve?

[59:15] » Motion. >> Second.

[59:17] » There's a motion and a second. Are there any comments by councel?

[59:22] Can we get just a little explanation on the history?

[59:24] » Sure. Yeah. And I'd like to I'll talk a little bit about it. Ron, if you want to

[59:28] add something that's fine, but um it's been many many years ago. C Coast

[59:33] Hospital was buying out the property where Helping Hand was and the city had

[59:38] some property over west of the waterway um that was not being used. it was for

[59:45] future um that things that may not even come to fruition, but we leased a piece

[59:52] of property to the helping hand and they built a building there. Um

[59:58] and they do a tremendous amount of things for uh people that need help in

[1:00:02] our city. But however, we have that lease. It was like a dollar a year or

[1:00:05] something like that. I can't remember. It was a So now go ahead Ryan. You can

[1:00:10] expound on that please. >> Yeah. So, they've got a um so they

[1:00:13] approached us about 6 months ago because the city does have a long-term lease 20

[1:00:17] years. It's $5 a month, so it's 60 bucks a year. It's really um nominal amount.

[1:00:22] It's not just a way for the city to provide them with that opportunity. Um

[1:00:27] and they asked if we would be interested in um possibly conveying the land to

[1:00:33] them because they are at a point where they need to make some capital

[1:00:36] improvements to their structure and you know, I I get it. they don't feel

[1:00:39] comfortable uh investing in a facility that they don't know uh what the what

[1:00:44] the future holds after their lease would have expired. So, um, the way we

[1:00:48] approached it, talked to council, um, and if there was any interest in

[1:00:52] basically working out a deal that's very similar to what we've done with the

[1:00:56] North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum, which is um, convey um, that property to

[1:01:02] Helping Hands. Um, and as long as they continue to use it for that purpose or a

[1:01:06] nonprofit purpose, um, it's theirs. um if at any point in the future they cease

[1:01:12] to use it for those purposes, there is um it would um it would go back to the

[1:01:17] ownership of the city. So um and yes, they're operating on this is a piece of

[1:01:22] piece of land off of Long Bay Road that's owned by the city. They have

[1:01:25] leased a portion of it, like I said, for over a decade and this would be

[1:01:30] conveying about 1.7 acres of that land to helping hands.

[1:01:38] Are there any other comments by council? Are there any comments by the public?

[1:01:46] Hearing none, we'll take our vote. All in favor say I. I.

[1:01:50] » All against. >> Eyes have it. We'll move into item B,

[1:01:53] ordinance uh first reading, amendment chapter 12, health and sanitation

[1:01:59] regarding the sale, use or distribution of single use carry out plastic bags by

[1:02:06] retail establishments within the city. Is there a motion to approve?

[1:02:10] » So moved. >> Is there a second?

[1:02:12] » Second. >> There's a motion and a second. Is there

[1:02:14] any comment by council? >> This has been long coming.

[1:02:18] » A long time. >> It's been a long time. Long time coming.

[1:02:21] And I will say this just to make the first one gesture this is we did this

[1:02:26] years ago. We we uh we we passed a ban on plastic bags and it was for the

[1:02:33] environment for the health of not only our sea life but so many things our

[1:02:38] solid waste authority um the landfield getting full um there was a lot a lot of

[1:02:44] reasons uh behind this but then as happens sometimes people found some

[1:02:49] loopholes and and and some people didn't abide by what we uh did but most people

[1:02:55] have most everybody has now has paperbacks. Uh, almost everybody, but

[1:03:00] some people found some loopholes and things like that. So, we're just coming

[1:03:03] back kind of to cover that up and finish what we started a long time ago. I

[1:03:08] » I wanted to say that it's more about leveling the playing field here opposed

[1:03:14] for in and rewarding the folks that have complied with it and with the intent of

[1:03:20] it opposed to the ones that have just tried to work around it a little bit.

[1:03:24] Um, but this really kind of le levels the the playing field and um I think

[1:03:29] it's a compliment to the the ones that uh adhereed to it the first round.

[1:03:35] That was going to kind of be my comment too. I've kind of wrestled with the

[1:03:40] ending of this mainly just because any of y'all have pets probably know that

[1:03:44] the thicker bag that Walmart uses is a lot better for picking up the poop out

[1:03:49] of the backyard. But with that also being said, everybody has seemed to

[1:03:54] conform to the new ordinance, especially our smaller business except for a few

[1:03:58] bigger box stores. So I think that it's time to kind of close this, put it to

[1:04:02] bed, and it's kind of my thought.

[1:04:05] » I'd still like to see us encourage people to bring their own bags, but

[1:04:09] that's that's just a habit. I say that and I went to the store yesterday and

[1:04:12] didn't have one.

[1:04:18] Are there any other comments by council? Hearing none, are any comments by the

[1:04:22] public regarding this issue? Yes, sir. Please

[1:04:26] come down and give your name and address. Damian, we got we moved the

[1:04:30] microphone on you over here a little bit further over to the other side of the

[1:04:33] room. Before Damian speaks, I just want to point out that this, you know, we had

[1:04:37] first reading of this two years ago and it was, you know, the idea of are we

[1:04:42] going to allow the 2.25 mil bags or are we going to remove them and go to what

[1:04:48] the original intent was, right? >> Um, we are the way this is written, it

[1:04:53] is very it's consistent with what Charleston County, city of Charleston

[1:04:56] has done. It's it's worded exactly the same way. Um, but that is removing the

[1:05:01] 2.25 25 mil bags as considered a reusable bag. So, um Walmart is really

[1:05:07] the only one that I'm aware of that uses it. There might be a couple other um

[1:05:10] retailers that do, but it's important to note that this is first reading because

[1:05:14] it is distinctly different enough that it's like we didn't want to just throw

[1:05:18] it out there. Oh, second reading. So, this is first reading. Um so, there

[1:05:22] still will be 30 days between now and the next meeting uh for the public to

[1:05:25] comment on if they uh if they want the opportunity to do so. But I do believe

[1:05:29] at this point this community is pretty used to operating in a world where

[1:05:33] plastic bags are not allowed. So shouldn't really come as too big as of a

[1:05:37] surprise. >> Uh Damen Trielair 902 Parin Drive North

[1:05:41] Myrtle. I I guess that's what I just wanted to in layman's terms to qu to

[1:05:47] understand what the change is. Number one, I I'm extremely proud of our city

[1:05:53] that there are very few cities that have an ordinance like this and we've we've

[1:05:57] been doing that for many years and I like the idea of leveling the playing

[1:06:03] field. So, does that mean are we going to not allow the the two point the the

[1:06:08] thicker bags or >> Yeah. So, the way this is worded, it's

[1:06:10] they're no longer allowed. So, it's not considered a reusable bag. Um, a

[1:06:15] reusable bag is going to be what we all traditionally know what a reusable bag

[1:06:19] is. It's kind of that stitched handle. Um, you know, if you ever been to like

[1:06:22] Trader Joe's or any of these places where they sell these reusable bags, we

[1:06:26] know what it is. >> Those are real reusable bags.

[1:06:28] » Correct. I mean, I have some from 25 years ago.

[1:06:31] » Yeah. >> So, they they are reusable.

[1:06:32] » This is wonderful. This is fantastic. I'm I'm so glad. Um, and hopefully I

[1:06:38] guess we can hopefully encourage people to just put a couple bags in your car.

[1:06:43] And I know I don't do that myself. So, um, because the paper bags can be

[1:06:48] challenging, but um, it's wonderful that we're addressing

[1:06:53] this and like you say, leveling the playing field so everybody can comply.

[1:06:58] » Correct. And the other part of this um, you know, is enforcement, right? like we

[1:07:02] have a couple that do use the thicker bags, but we all who live here know that

[1:07:06] there are a few retailers that have just said we're not going to do anything and

[1:07:11] we know who they are. So that's on us to enforce it. So once

[1:07:15] » yeah, >> that's that's step two. And then uh

[1:07:18] educating the public because we want to make sure that and we'll work with the

[1:07:21] chamber um to make sure that we uh put together a campaign so that people who

[1:07:25] come here on vacation, they're aware that that is what the new rule is and um

[1:07:29] to prepare and come with their own reusable bags.

[1:07:33] » That's great that we're going to put energy into educating the public. That's

[1:07:37] wonderful. Thank you. >> Thank you, Damian. Is anybody else from

[1:07:41] the public like to speak? Please come forward and give your name and address.

[1:07:46] We have a threem minute time limit. Thank you.

[1:07:48] » Hi, my name is Pam Gibson and I live at uh 2700 Avenue Ocean Boulevard. Um I

[1:07:54] have a question about this because some of your retail stores that you're

[1:07:58] talking about, I understand the grocery stores, but retail stores are not

[1:08:02] providing any bags at all. So when you go to into TJ Maxx or wherever, you get

[1:08:08] no bag. You have to carry your merchandise out the door. Are we going

[1:08:11] to run into that problem with any grocery stores or anyone not providing

[1:08:17] any type of bag? I mean, I can understand you're not going to carry all

[1:08:20] your groceries out, but what about the retail stores that say we don't provide

[1:08:27] bags? >> So, I will say that we're we don't do

[1:08:30] question answers and public comment, but appreciate your comment, but I will tell

[1:08:35] you that most everybody's already complied and they use paper bags. almost

[1:08:38] every store here, every store you go into. So, um, but you're welcome to send

[1:08:44] us an email. Okay. You can send it to me. You can send it all council and

[1:08:48] staff and we will we will reply to you and get you the answers that you need.

[1:08:54] » So, when you say all stores, are you also talking about stores that we shop

[1:08:58] in for clothing and places like that like Burlington and all those places?

[1:09:03] Because I can guarantee you they're not providing bags.

[1:09:06] » Okay, I understand. Thank you. Some of them don't, Jay.

[1:09:08] » No, >> some of them don't. I understand. Okay.

[1:09:10] Thank you. >> That's the merchants.

[1:09:12] » Yeah, that's merchants choice. It's their choice.

[1:09:14] » I'm trying to find out. >> We're not mandating bags.

[1:09:16] » Okay. All right. Great. Thank you. >> Thank you.

[1:09:19] » I don't think >> Is there anybody else from the public

[1:09:23] would like to comment? >> Yes, sir. Please give your name and

[1:09:27] address. >> My name is Bob Silki. I live at 504th

[1:09:31] Avenue South. And uh I'm here tonight to address safety concerns uh concern

[1:09:41] concerning continuous construction at a neighboring property near my home.

[1:09:48] We have >> we've had an ongoing unresolved decimal

[1:09:53] problem since two HVAC top discharge units were installed in a 5-ft setback

[1:09:59] corridor area using our setback as their clearance.

[1:10:06] » Yeah, this this public comment is only for the plastic bags. We're getting

[1:10:11] ready to move into public comment for every anything in just a minute.

[1:10:14] » Yeah, sorry about that. Yeah, just take a seat and then we're talking about this

[1:10:19] one issue right now concerning plastic bags.

[1:10:23] » Once we finish that, we'll open up to public comment.

[1:10:27] I got kind of confused here for a second because thought we were talking about

[1:10:31] something else before, too. But anyway, is anybody else got public comment

[1:10:37] regarding this issue on plastic bags? Is there any other comment from the public

[1:10:42] regarding this issue? Hearing none, we'll take our vote. All in favor say I.

[1:10:47] » I. >> I. All against. Eyes have it. Now we'll

[1:10:51] move into public comment. Sir, please. You come first. Sorry.

[1:10:55] » Thank you. >> All right. Again, my name is Bob Silki.

[1:10:58] I live at 5045th Avenue South and I am here uh to address safety and quality of

[1:11:05] life concerns created during 10-month and continuous construction at the

[1:11:10] neighboring property at my home at 504th Avenue South. We have had an ongoing

[1:11:17] unresolved decimal problem since two HVAC top discharge units were installed

[1:11:22] in a 5-ft setback corridor area using our setback as their clearance.

[1:11:29] These older condenser models emit low frequency structural vibrations and

[1:11:34] decimals near four large windows when there is 15 foot available on the other

[1:11:39] side of the home and in the rear of the home. These units destroy the quiet

[1:11:45] enjoyment of our home and vibrations over time can actually damage a home.

[1:11:51] Our main concern tonight is a stickbuilt propane fireplace and chimney built

[1:11:57] inside the 5-ft setback less than three feet from our six-foot vinyl fence. The

[1:12:02] heat and exhaust from the back of the chimney is located less than three feet

[1:12:07] from my property line lower than my vinyl fence and located under a canopy

[1:12:13] of trees. The fireplace flattop will be directing heat and carbon monoxide gases

[1:12:19] towards my vinyl fence, my backyard, my pool and outdoor area.

[1:12:26] All involved city departments have stated that the installations is

[1:12:30] compliant. The city also indicated that absence of

[1:12:34] records in response to foyer requests does not mean that the required checks

[1:12:39] were not performed. I am requesting assistance and

[1:12:43] transparency since I want to ensure that the installation was permitted and

[1:12:49] inspected appropriately and that it meets state LP gas safety standards

[1:12:54] because safety is our biggest concern. And I want to leave council with one

[1:13:00] final thought. The amendments were surely not intended to grant new

[1:13:06] construction the unilateral power to place loud equipment and potentially

[1:13:11] dangerous structure near an existing neighbor's property line when viable

[1:13:16] alternatives exist. In practice, this allows one property

[1:13:22] owner to maximize their part their project at the expense of their

[1:13:25] neighbors peace and well-being. especially when loud and potentially

[1:13:29] dangerous equipment is in installed without consequences.

[1:13:35] We urge council to enforce safeguards to correct these failures and protect our

[1:13:40] most at risk residents from these unreasonable consequences. I have a

[1:13:46] picture that I could pass around that would be self-explanatory of the

[1:13:51] fireplace if I could do that or >> Sure. if you can bring it over here to

[1:13:56] council skill and then we'll give it back to you.

[1:13:57] » And I would like to thank you so much for your time and

[1:14:00] » Thank you. Thank you, too. Have you sent an email out to us about this?

[1:14:04] » Have you sent an email to us about this? >> You have?

[1:14:08] » Several. >> Okay. Yeah, I think I've been to your

[1:14:10] house, but not since this situation, but um I think we met one time. But

[1:14:17] » thank you, too. Are there any other comments by the

[1:14:22] public?

[1:14:32] Is there a um

[1:14:48] Shannon Robinson

[1:14:53] It's my time.

[1:15:07] » Good evening. Due to the time limit, I'm going to Chuck Schumer this and read

[1:15:10] straight from my notes. This meeting is regarding 13th Avenue North and Windle

[1:15:14] and Windle Drive. I'm here to discuss the disregard to our several emails and

[1:15:18] lack of action from city manager Fabri is not just disappointing, it's

[1:15:23] unacceptable. I have maps illustrate an area view of the critical area with

[1:15:30] links legal owners stated per county record.

[1:15:38] Back in early June, we met with three members of the city, including Mr.

[1:15:41] Aubrey to address how tenants on Wendle Drive were losing access to their

[1:15:46] parking spaces to people who have a right to be have no right to be there.

[1:15:50] We described the unsafe conditions for pedestrians, poor visibility, and the

[1:15:54] daily risk that families and residents face of the ongoing parking violations

[1:15:59] and pedestrian safety hazards along 13th Avenue along with the impact on tenants

[1:16:05] living on Windle Drive. During that meeting, we laid out our problems very

[1:16:09] clearly and Mr. Fabri ask us to provide photographs documentations

[1:16:15] and contact the police which will um provide recorded documentation of the

[1:16:22] violations and safety concerns. We did exactly that. We sent multiple emails,

[1:16:27] each with clear photographic evidence showing cars along and mostly in the

[1:16:31] street of 13th Avenue North, vehicles ignoring

[1:16:36] the signage, and pedestrians navigating unsafe

[1:16:40] conditions. And yet, despite the meeting, evidence, and following every

[1:16:44] instruction we were giving, we've heard nothing from Mr. Fabrey. Let me be

[1:16:48] clear, this was never a restaurant issue,

[1:16:53] nor a business related issue. This is and always has been a city

[1:16:57] manner. Matter of fact, one of the establishments has used their own time

[1:17:01] and co and cost to assist in alleviating some of the burden, but this was never

[1:17:07] an issue that was pushed towards them due to the legalities that is a city

[1:17:11] matter. The role of the city manager is to serve as chief financial officer. And

[1:17:18] this girl right here was walking in the middle of the street putting a purse

[1:17:21] around her neck. Um, and here we are months later and we have nothing has

[1:17:27] we've not received not one email from you.

[1:17:32] Um, this has left a hardship between

[1:17:38] myself and a business establishment and I do not take that lightly.

[1:17:44] Our community deserves leadership that follows through, shows up and takes

[1:17:48] responsibility for city he serves. I'm asking the council to ensure that the

[1:17:52] city manager addresses these issues. Residents and owners have as you um are

[1:17:58] the ones who appointed them. The residents in the media area that utilize

[1:18:02] 13th Avenue North and Window Drive should not have to keep fighting for

[1:18:05] basic safety and access to their property. This includes residents along

[1:18:10] Waterway Drive and into Sunset Harbor. That's another one with the guys walking

[1:18:16] down the middle of the street. These are pictures

[1:18:23] of >> Chan, I don't want to cut you short. We

[1:18:25] do have a threem minute limit to give everybody respect to um to speak and uh

[1:18:30] I know you're close and I I've already seen

[1:18:32] » and that's my Yeah, you you've responded to one email from from Yeah,

[1:18:38] » I I I understand and I I have seen and I'd like a chance to certainly respond

[1:18:44] because I've seen your pictures, a lot of them and and we I I thought we had

[1:18:49] this issue fixed actually. I thought we had addressed it and fixed it and but

[1:18:53] since you brought it up that Um, our city manager had emailed you

[1:18:58] back. I mean, I feel like I should turn it over to him because I know you had a

[1:19:03] lot of stuff you shared with me and Councilman Skidmore, and we've been over

[1:19:08] there multiple times in person, witnessed what's going on, and we took

[1:19:12] action. And I think you met with the owner um and and the manager of the

[1:19:17] restaurant or your husband did. And I thought y'all had this worked out. I

[1:19:21] really thought until today. Well, >> right now we had been going on for a

[1:19:26] long time. But just like I said, >> the issue is

[1:19:33] » they don't own that lot right there. >> Okay. What what I'd like to do and and

[1:19:38] in and in in order to be transparent and and consistent with everybody here, we

[1:19:43] allow three minutes. So, what I'd like to do is schedule a meeting with you.

[1:19:47] » Okay. if if we could come in um if you can call you you I think you

[1:19:53] have my cell phone number >> or email me let's schedule a meeting

[1:19:58] next few days let's come in let's all meet let's brainstorm together what

[1:20:02] we're going to do about this issue >> yeah like I said part of it has been

[1:20:05] done but again I didn't it wasn't an issue that was pushed on any

[1:20:10] establishment in that area >> I understand I'm glad to have a meeting

[1:20:14] but email me and we'll have a meeting >> some of this falls on me too because I

[1:20:17] think Ryan where I was communicating with your husband and then the property

[1:20:22] owner and and Ryan was helping me. >> Yeah. But this has been going on since

[1:20:27] June the 9th, I think. >> So, and and yeah, I I got some

[1:20:31] correspondence back from you, right? >> But I never got one from the city

[1:20:35] manager. Okay. Not one. >> Well, will me I mean, I just want to

[1:20:38] clarify is that so the whatever we've done to this point has not rectified the

[1:20:43] issue. >> Well, it kind of blew up one night. So,

[1:20:46] and I do not take that lightly. >> So, I don't know anything about that.

[1:20:50] But, uh, >> because we did the signs,

[1:20:52] » we moved the signs from the site of Right., you know,

[1:20:56] » there there are signs and the establishment was kind to put some

[1:21:02] wooden >> Yeah. Right. Right. So, I thought y'all

[1:21:05] would work this out anyway. >> Okay. But it did. It blew up.

[1:21:08] » Okay. >> And that was done. But everything that

[1:21:10] happened so fast in one day. >> Well, I did not know that it blew up.

[1:21:13] Will you please email me tomorrow or today and tell me whatever day you want

[1:21:18] to meet this week and we'll set it up. >> Okay.

[1:21:20] » Thank you. >> Let me say one thing.

[1:21:22] » Okay. Bill, >> if this would have been handled quicker,

[1:21:27] we wouldn't have got barred from boardwalk buildings. We got barred but

[1:21:31] 15 minutes later he retracted and let us come back.

[1:21:35] » Okay. >> But that should have never happened.

[1:21:38] » I got you. Well, thank you, Bill. I appreciate it. Are there any other

[1:21:43] comments by the public? Please give your name and address even

[1:21:48] though we know you. >> So, so Barb McKinnon 32359th Avenue

[1:21:52] North and you know all know I was very pleased to see the plastic bag issue

[1:21:56] come back on the agenda tonight and to see the vote tonight. Um I will remember

[1:22:01] once again that it was Jerry Ferguson who started this many years ago. There

[1:22:06] have been a lot of iterations and some angst on the issue, but I think now

[1:22:12] we're on a good path and I'm happy to see it go forward. But I will reiterate

[1:22:17] what Bubba said. The issue is bring your own bag. It's not no plastic bags. It's

[1:22:23] bring your own bag. But I'm glad. Thank you for tonight.

[1:22:26] » Thank you too. We finally got it done.

[1:22:33] » Please give your name and address. >> Uh Richard P.

[1:22:36] uh 1014 Ann Street, North Myrtle Beach. I just have a few things to clarify. I

[1:22:42] know I want to say I thank council for working with working with this and

[1:22:46] working with the tow companies in the city. We appreciate your input. We

[1:22:49] appreciate everything y'all done for us. Thank you. I just have a couple little

[1:22:54] things that I wanted to clarify and I didn't know whether to do it now or do

[1:22:57] it later on on the actually ordinancees wrote up. That's not right. And I could

[1:23:01] I walk over and see Ryan right quick if I could do that.

[1:23:05] » Right now would not be the time to come over and

[1:23:07] » Okay. >> I don't think it's going to be an issue,

[1:23:09] but I just wanted to make sure that everybody understands.

[1:23:12] » I recuse. Are you going back to the towing ordinance because I recuse

[1:23:16] myself. >> It's nothing. It's nothing uh to do

[1:23:19] that. It's just some some things should have been

[1:23:25] for instance, y'all got like an hour. There's 24 hours in a day. Y'all y'all

[1:23:28] got 34 hours. I would probably maybe set an

[1:23:34] » Yeah, set up time with Ryan. >> Okay. And there's a couple

[1:23:36] » or send an email to clarify those things. Get those clarified.

[1:23:40] » Yeah, that that's all. That's all. >> Okay. Thank you so much.

[1:23:42] » And and I just wanted to bring that to y'all's attention and

[1:23:44] » thank you. >> And I can

[1:23:48] Are there any other comments by the public?

[1:23:59] Please give your name and address and we have a threem minute time limit.

[1:24:03] » James Peas, 1221 Tidewater Drive, North Myrtle Beach. I am the immediate past

[1:24:07] president of the North Myrtle Beach Rotary Club and the chairman of our park

[1:24:11] of honor. Want to give city council first we'd like to say thank you to the

[1:24:15] mayor, city council, Matt Parks and Wreck for giving us MLAN Park for a

[1:24:19] month. This year we were able to do a little over $9,000 to our um local

[1:24:25] police and non first responder organizations with North Myrtle Beach

[1:24:29] Police Foundation receiving a good portion of that. And um over the last

[1:24:35] three years since we started this, thanks to Fred, we've been able to

[1:24:37] donate over $30,000 to those organizations. We know that we had a

[1:24:41] little bit of an issue with the grass. We were there for a month and we think

[1:24:45] we've got an issue. We've got a way to solve that for next year. We'll talk

[1:24:48] with Jim Granger and Matt about that. But on behalf of the North Myrtle Beach

[1:24:51] Rotary Club, I wanted to thank the city for everything you've done for us with

[1:24:54] the Park of Honor and to let you know how it went this year.

[1:24:57] » Great. Thank you so much. >> Are there any other comments by the

[1:25:01] public?

[1:25:06] » Uh Damen Trielair, 902 Parin Drive. Um, and I I just want to mention that if

[1:25:12] people can speak a little closer to the mic because it was it's a little hard to

[1:25:16] hear if you don't speak right into the mic.

[1:25:18] » Sure. >> Um, but just wanted to it's it's not a

[1:25:23] well-known as you know we've been working on preserving Wadies Island and

[1:25:28] Little River Neck for coming up on seven years now. Jay Jay

[1:25:33] was out there seven years ago right after we've got the Ingram Dunes

[1:25:37] preserved. >> Right. And then Mayor Hatley went out

[1:25:40] there and the governor has been out there twice.

[1:25:43] But the good news that and it's she didn't want it blasted all over social

[1:25:50] media, but Jackie Boyce, one of the family owners, Tilman Boyce

[1:25:55] family owners, she sold her land on July 9th to the state of South Carolina.

[1:26:04] It's momentous. Um it's it there's still more to go. Half the land is still to be

[1:26:11] sold, but this was huge and we're hoping that this was a big momentum shift that

[1:26:17] she sold her land. And then about two weeks ago, we were invited to the

[1:26:22] governor's office in Colombia, uh office of resil resiliency, and Ben

[1:26:28] Duncan, who works for the governor, spent the whole day with us honoring

[1:26:32] her. And she has a life estate. she can live there the rest of her life, but

[1:26:36] it's the land right before the causeway and uh as well as some of the land on

[1:26:41] the island itself. So, we are very hopeful and I just ask everybody here to

[1:26:47] really send your prayers. It's about half the land still needs to be bought

[1:26:54] uh sold to the state. Uh there's one large land owner, Riverstone, that is in

[1:27:01] negotiation with the state, but please just send your prayers. Prayers actually

[1:27:05] work. They worked on the Ingram Dunes. Um please send your prayers to that all

[1:27:12] of Wadies Island will be preserved and Little River Neck will be preserved.

[1:27:17] This is going to be one of the most beautiful state parks, a more restricted

[1:27:21] state state park, but one of the most beautiful pieces of land in all of South

[1:27:25] Carolina. I think anybody who has been on a boat knows what it is out there.

[1:27:31] » Absolutely. >> Um,

[1:27:37] so that that's pretty much the main thing I wanted to say. just um just

[1:27:43] let's let's hope it continues and the governor absolutely 100% would love to

[1:27:49] have this done before he leaves office in January. A

[1:27:52] » lot of headway made. Thank you Damian for about that.

[1:27:55] » Thank you all. >> Thank you too.

[1:27:57] Are there any other comments by the public

[1:28:03] hearing? None. Do I have a motion to adjurnn?

[1:28:07] » So move. >> Second.

[1:28:08] » All in favor say I. I oppose. Eyes have it.

City of North Myrtle Beach - City Council Regular Meeting 08/17/2026 5:30 PM

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