Name: Town of Kitty Hawk - Town Council Meeting August 3, 2026
Uploaded: 2026-08-03T00:00:00Z
Duration: 1 h 3 min 45 s
Description: We need to go into public hearing to consider a zoning text amendment. Section 42, dash 528 on the side setback requirement for accessory dwelling units.

[0:04] Good evening everyone, and welcome to the August 3rd, 2026 Kitty Hawk Town Council meeting. And if you are able to stand, we'd like to have a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.

[0:31] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[0:50] Thank you.

[0:54] Counsel, do I have a motion to approve tonight's agenda?

[0:57] So moved. Second.

[0:59] Okay. Thank you.

[1:01] All in favor? S3:

[1:05] Um, Melody, you have a presentation on the trail, please. Yes.

[1:17] Yes. And, um, Leilani Baker, our, um, firefighter that was on the agenda. She is.

[1:25] Not.

[1:25] Available tonight. Uh, evidently, a new member of her family has been born. Oh.

[1:30] So cool.

[1:33] She. We gave her a pass.

[1:52] Good evening, Council time. Any of you are here? Um, tonight I'm going to talk a little bit about our regional trail grant application and council on their consent agenda has a resolution that they are going to hopefully going to pass, um, to support us as we apply for this grant. The other part of this is bringing it up in the public because we need public support. So in the in the end of this, I will say how you can show your support for this project. Um, so the Regional Trails Grant program, we call it the RTP, um, is a federal grant administered by the US Department of Transportation. The funding for development, improvement and maintenance of recreational trails. And that's one of the things that we feel makes people special is the trails and our coastal reserve, our maritime forest. And access to that is very important to the town. This grant supports both non-motorized and excuse me and motorized trail projects. It's a $1.5 million is available to North Carolina. The applications are reviewed by the NC Trails Committee, and the NC Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources makes the final determination.

[3:20] Um, we really started this project back in 2019. 2020 we received an RTP grant in 2020 for what we considered phase one. And you will see on your screen, the green line is what we call the Birch Lane Trail. Birch Lane Trail runs from Kitty Hawk Estates to basically close to the bypass all the way to Kitty Hawk Park, which is Kitty Hawk Road, so it pretty much cuts the long main portion of the of the town. Um, the initial phase was to connect Birch Lane to Bear County Park, and we accomplish that in 2021. And it was completed and opened. And we've had some good, good feedback and good success with that. Um, the next part is what we call phase two. Um, we are now hoping to connect Sandy Run Park, which is probably by far our most popular park in Kitty Hawk. Um, to you, the branch line connector. So essentially, you could go from Birch Lane or Kitty Hawk Estates to Samuel and Park, cut back to, um, Kitty Hawk Park or the Dare County Park, and it would just have a lot more access. Uh, this trail will stand for Kitty Hawk Heart to the west, Kitty Hawk Road. So, fortunately, you think about the state.

[4:55] We want to construct a multi-use trail and elevated boardwalk to create a safe, accessible connection between Sandy and Park and the Birch Lane Trail. Because this is part of the coastal reserve, we do have to have state approval on. The state has already given the approval, so we're hoping that will be in our favor. Um, again, to establish a non-motorized route within Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve and also to increase safe connectivity within the town without using the roadways. So again, phase two, we'll start at the natural surface trails in Sandy Run Park and extend about 400 linear feet across low lying wetlands. Even an elevated boardwalk that will connect directly to the higher ground of the Birch Lane Trail. Um, the grant is due with. The application is due September 4th. We are asking for the maximum grant of $100,000. Um, the town match is 25%. And tonight the town council, if they approved the resolution, would be agreeing to that 25% match and that the project is completed in three years. We have also applied for other grants, the part of grant, and will probably also apply for a tourism board grant. And all of these things can be used together so that they can. One can be the match and the other one doesn't have to be the match. And so we feel like we have a pretty good chance of of getting the funds that we need to do this. Um, my purpose for doing this presentation tonight is we need public support. We need council support. Um, if you are selling time, you still haven't had public comment yet. You would like to provide a verbal support for this project. We appreciate it. You can also email us at info at Kittyhawk and seeing that Doug was support. And we also have a post on our Facebook account of Kitty Hawk. You can put support there or you can even call us. Um 25222613452.

[7:08] So do you have anybody on council? Have any questions?

[7:17] Okay. Thank you. Okay.

[7:24] Would Willie Midget please come forward?

[7:29] We have a special award for you tonight. On August 14th, Willie will have served the town of Kitty Hawk for 20 years.

[7:47] What do you happen to happen? Okay. Do you want to move? Okay.

[7:58] So this is a resolution recognizing the service of Public Works director Willy Midget on his 20th anniversary of employment and declaring August 14th, 2026 as public works director. Willie Midget day in the town of Kittyhawk.

[8:19] I got to do all the whereas. And therefore. Whereas Willie Midget was employed by the town of Kitty Hawk on August 14th, 2026, beginning a distinguished career of public service dedicated to the maintenance, improvement and stewardship of the town's public infrastructure. And Whereas, throughout 20 years of faithful service, Willie Midget has consistently demonstrated professionalism, integrity, leadership and an unwavering commitment to the residents of the town. And Whereas. Public director. Public works director Billy Mitchell has overseen the planning, construction, maintenance and operation of the town streets, utilities, parks, facilities, equipment and other essential public assets, ensuring the safety, health and quality of life of our community. And Whereas Willie Midget has earned the respect and admiration of elected officials, fellow employees, contractors and citizens alike. Throughout his exceptional work ethic, sound judgment, and commitment to excellence in public service. And Whereas, the Town Council finds it fitting and proper to recognize the significant contribution contributions of Willie Midget and to commemorate his 20 years of exemplary service to the town. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Town Council of Kittyhawk hereby expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Willie Midget, Public Works Director for 20 years of outstanding, dedicated and faithful service to the town of Kitty Hawk. The Town Council hereby declares August 14th the anniversary of his date of hire as Public Works Director Willy Midget Day in the town of Kitty Hawk, in recognition of his enduring commitment to the citizens and the lasting impact of his service to the community. The Town Council encourages all citizens and town employees to join in, recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions made by Willy Midget and honor his professionalism, dedication and spirit of public service exemplified throughout his career. Adopted this third day of August 2026.

[10:32] Thank you.

[10:33] Can I get a picture of all of those?

[10:44] Oh, yeah. That's right. All right. I will.

[10:50] I like you. I would like a picture with all of you, if you don't mind.

[10:55] Y'all don't go anywhere.

[10:59] There you go.

[11:01] You ain't been here.

[11:02] That's right. If anybody in the audience says Willie. He is our go to guy for the town. People ask me questions. I said out there, let's call them.

[11:14] Don't forget. Oh, yes. Yes, yes. I think a boy.

[11:21] Is going to be in the.

[11:22] Middle.

[11:26] Are you okay?

[11:27] I'm fine.

[11:28] Here. Do you want.

[11:31] To pretend like you like each other. Let's do.

[11:35] It together.

[11:37] Okay.

[11:37] Smile. All right. Don't.

[11:41] Thank you. Thank you.

[11:46] Come on.

[11:47] Yeah. Okay.

[11:53] Oh, yeah. He's fine.

[11:56] I can see that.

[11:57] Yeah. Really? I found this to call you back when he should. However.

[12:05] We have learned he's going to be off that day.

[12:07] Yeah.

[12:09] It's just day to day.

[12:11] We didn't give him the day off, but I heard that. Thank you.

[12:16] Thank you very, very much.

[12:19] Thank you.

[12:25] Thank you very much for your time. You know.

[12:31] I started in nine over.

[12:35] Ten through a day.

[12:43] They sprawled us out here a little bit.

[12:45] We used it for this morning. All the chairs are kind of slid out.

[12:52] Okay.

[12:56] It's now time for public comment. Mayor. Madam clerk, do we have anyone signed up for public comment?

[13:12] Hi, I'm Laura Strickland and I just wanted to come and say thank you so much for working on the grant. I walk at the park every single day, and it's wonderful that we have a park that our town keeps in such great condition. So whoever does that work.

[13:28] I really thank you.

[13:29] Thank you.

[13:30] And I do know that.

[13:33] The only concern that I had was when the email came out. It said for biking. And right now there is no biking allowed at Sandy Run Park. And I would like to make sure that we keep it that way when we open the trail to connect, because the trail is too small and we're not right now have no biking. And I think that's a really big concern that we would have bikes on that trail. It's too small. And occasionally we do get someone who does ride a bike, even though the signs say no biking, and when they come around the corner, it's really dangerous to try to get out of the way, especially as we get more mature. So thank you so much and I really hope you get the grant.

[14:14] Thank you. Thank you very much, Laura.

[14:19] Anyone else? That's all we have.

[14:20] Signed.

[14:21] Up right now.

[14:21] All right.

[14:26] Counsel, do I have a motion to approve tonight's agenda?

[14:31] So move. Madam mayor.

[14:32] Thank you.

[14:33] Second.

[14:34] Thank you.

[14:36] All in favor? S3:

[14:37] Thank you. The consent agenda at regular.

[14:40] Okay. Oh, I said, did I say agenda? Just tonight's.

[14:44] Agenda. Yeah.

[14:45] Consent agenda. Excuse me. Um. Let's see. There be no items removed from the public hearing. We'll move to the public hearing.

[15:00] We need to go into public hearing to consider a zoning text amendment. Section 42, dash 528 on the side setback requirement for accessory dwelling units.

[15:14] Do I have a motion? S8:

[15:16] Second.

[15:18] Did you. Were you going to present?

[15:21] Yes.

[15:21] Is that okay? Well, why don't we wait? After going into, uh, into the, um, public hearing. Okay, good. All in favor? All in.

[15:31] Favor? Hi.

[15:32] Thank you.

[15:35] All right. Um, if council will remember back in April, uh, this group of text amendments dealing with Aids first came in front of you. There's several being addressed due to some kind of vagueness in the existing ordinance. Just trying to clean it up, get some codified direction in it. Uh, those were, um, as recommended by the Planning Board, removing the, uh, 50% of the, uh, primary residence, uh, limit on the Adu size. So it would be capped at 800ft². Um, it does specify that it's 800ft² of conditioned space. Um, additionally, there was going to be a 15 foot, just a standard 15 foot side yard setback applied to detached view. And one of the recommendations from the planning Board was that there was no not to be any specific limit on unconditioned space. Um, that was the one that it seemed. Council had concerns with and kicked it back to the planning board to take another look at it. Uh, we recently did that. And the planning board? Um, they did spend a good amount of time discussing it whenever. A few different options. Um, they still determined that their recommendation was to not put any specific limit on it. Um, reason being that the, uh, existing development regulations like block coverage, setbacks, height, separate capacity already put practical limits on how big the structure itself can be. Um, especially on those smaller lots in town. Um, they're also worried that a hard cap would unfairly penalize owners of larger lots who might want to build an Adu over a larger garage or workshop or storage space. Um, so that was the kind of the basis for their recommendation of not having a specific limit on unheated space. Um, they did had it in their motion pre like a fallback. I guess that if council does not agree with that stance, that they would recommend 800 square foot to be the limit of unconditioned space as well. Um, so it would be 800 unconditioned 800 conditioned space. Um, two things I do want to kind of highlight. I guess it just came in. It's not in the staff report because I just came in today. Um, one, I had an owner, a property owner who's got a, um, a storage unit or a storage shed at the ten foot setback line, and they are considering building an Adu above that. So if the, uh, proposal to have 15 foot side yard setbacks went into place, that would create some challenges for them trying to make that compliant. So there could be a way to potentially create, like a carve out or exemption for ADUs built on existing accessory structures that could stay within that ten foot. That might be something to, to hash out. Um, so it just came in from me today. So I haven't really had time to think that one through so much. And another one that came through a phone call, um, is owners that are currently in the design phases, um, planning around the current regulations like a ten foot setback. If we change a 15 foot tonight, they have to go back to the drawing board and revise their plans. And, um, the person I spoke to today, it sounds like it would set them back quite a bit. So. One possibility I was thinking would that consideration would be if council decides to adopt it, if they wanted to set a, uh, an effective date sometime in the future, to give to those folks who are already in the planning phases, um, time to get their stuff in it before it comes in. Um, with that, uh, that's kind of really all I have if you're asking questions for me, and I think there's public comments lined up.

[19:16] Uh, Rob, I got a question for you. So you mentioned that those people that reached out talking about the ten foot setback, I'm assuming that's a side yard setback. Okay. And then this would make a what's proposed is a ten foot front, sides and rear setback.

[19:32] The 25 front rear.

[19:34] That still remains okay.

[19:36] The standard 15. And the reason we came or we were we started discussing this. And, you know, our side yard setbacks are dependent on dwelling size. Correct. Um, and it was not really addressed at. You know, if you've got a primary dwelling and an accessory dwelling, um, does that square footage over to next hire side yard setback. And as the planning board discussed it, um, they felt they recommended that it would be easier to track just by having a set standard side yard setback rather than some of the other options that were brought forward to them.

[20:08] So the Adu size is also, uh, it regulates the side yard setback, not just the primary dwelling.

[20:17] That's what's not defined.

[20:19] Okay.

[20:19] Right. In practice, we haven't been doing it just because.

[20:22] You had not.

[20:23] Right. Because it didn't specifically call it out to count those in the calculations. Right. We didn't want to take the more strict approach in practice.

[20:31] What have we been doing.

[20:32] Was.

[20:33] That if we haven't been using the size regulation or size differences for the setbacks.

[20:40] What have we been doing in practice? S3:

[21:01] And if we changed the, uh, the proposed tonight to take out the 15 foot side yard setbacks, we can keep doing what we've been doing in practice. That would be that that would satisfy what these folks are calling in about.

[21:16] And yeah, I would probably recommend that we specifically put it in the so it was not left up to interpretation in the future. Um, just, you know.

[21:26] Ten foot.

[21:26] Coming from a line saying that the, you know, the side yard setback as determined by the dwelling size.

[21:32] Applies.

[21:33] To us as well.

[21:35] As determined by the primary dwelling size. Correct. Okay.

[21:37] Yeah. If we wanted to specify, that would be okay.

[21:45] All right.

[21:46] So I have a couple.

[21:48] Here we go again on the ADUs. Right. But, um, I agree with the planning board and their decision on the, um, the setbacks staying the same. Okay. On the ten feet. So that's what I'm in favor of for, uh. Then you have other areas to like. If you have a low density stormwater permit, you have to get that changes a lot. Coverage calculations in and of itself, too. Right. For me to you.

[22:12] Don't know that we typically deal with that for single family residential though.

[22:15] Okay. So you don't know if any of that is existing.

[22:18] I don't.

[22:19] Okay. Um.

[22:25] As far as the unconditioned space, I mean, don't you think? I mean, I think that kind of takes care of itself. I don't think there needs to be a restriction on that. I mean.

[22:34] That's kind of what the planning board came to, um, you know, thinking on some of the smaller lots that we have in town that, you know, their footprint of that ad is going to be limited anyway because of the, you know, the size of the lot. But then, um, you know, back in the military, we do have these larger lots. Um, you know, somebody wants to put a three car garage or a workshop and have a little Adu above it. They felt that that would be unfairly penalized, and they would be limiting how much they would be able to do under that, that Adu. Right.

[23:07] Well, I tend to agree. Um, the way it sits now is half the square footage is what the ordinance says now for the ADUs. So if you have.

[23:15] A it's either 50% or 800ft², uh, whichever is smaller. And they can take out 50% part. So it's just 800ft² regardless of what the size of the primary building is.

[23:28] Okay. All right. That's it for me.

[23:33] Is there anyone else that wishes to speak about on this?

[23:37] Do you have someone?

[23:39] Okay. Thank you, Madam Clerk.

[23:49] My name is Duke Gerardi and the Outer Banks Homebuilders Association, government affairs director. I got an email Friday night. I didn't look at it until today. Come from Raleigh. The Senate passed their Adu bill last week. Passed 37 to nothing. It's a very similar to what? What Rob has proposed. I looked at it. It was just a couple of small things. The 800 square foot is the minimum. It's the smallest you're allowed to regulate under the new. This builder that hasn't gone through the House yet or the governor. So I don't know if it'll change again. If the House changes it, they'll have to go to Kaikoura. And she'd been working on it two years. I don't know what's taking so long, but 800ft² for the Adu is the minimum that you're allowed to regulate. Also, the setbacks are the way it's written in here has to be the same as the zoning district that it's in. And you can't make special setbacks just for the Adu or the accessory structure. Um, I looked at the accessory structure and I feel there's been a lot of talk, but like the planning board said, um, the accessory structures sometimes, not just the garage. It's a barn. A lot of people have horses here, have car collectors here. These are used more now than it used to be, or just a storage room. It's a little bit more. And there's people do more. Um, I have a 900 square foot garage attached and that's the highlight of my house. I love that 900 foot garage I live out there. Um, I put a TV in there and and a refrigerator and upset. Um, the other thing was, um, and I don't know if I agree with this, but it it's, um, there can be no parking restrictions. I don't understand why they put that in there. Why? But they like to get away from restrictions in in Raleigh. They are having a hard time, just like the township with ADUs. And I always think about Kitty Hawk when they were the first ones to put the accessory dwelling units into your ordinances and allow it. It is something that we need. It's long overdue, but sometimes 800ft² is small. Single parent or any parents will have a child and 1 or 2 bedroom adu. They need a separate bedroom for their child. It's 800ft is too small to have for two bedrooms. Um, you take a stairway out of it and all going to it. Um, we trying to have a place that people can rent and live and you're uncomfortable, if it's too small or it's not comfortable, they're going to find. Just keep looking for another place and move out and become transient. Let me ask you to think hard about that. Um, just a little bit more of that. And the counties is 1200 square foot. Um, 800 foot. Just a little bit too small to be. You don't want to live in there, you know, to make it permanent. So it'd be nice to be able to put a two bedroom in there. Would it would solve a lot of things. I don't know how that would work out with your ordinance, with the long term, uh, short term rentals. Most of the town and the county have not allowed the short term rentals in the ADUs. And just to solve some of the crisis and some of our our workforce have a place to live. So I'm asking you to think about that a little bit more before you pass it. I was at the hearings, uh, for the planning board, too. Um, they they discussed it just like you've discussed at the meeting two months ago. Um, so it's a good one. It matches everything.

[27:40] It's done a good job to rush it to me last week after we took a sabbatical, S12:

[27:47] Thank you, thank you.

[27:51] Susan Nelson.

[27:53] Okay. Okay. So Rob pretty much.

[27:56] Said, um, what I, I was one of the people that called him.

[28:01] Today. I'm in the.

[28:02] Middle of the.

[28:03] Design phase of an Adu. And so basically I have it to the ten foot setback and we would have to start all the way over. We've been doing this for like six months, so just having that little extra window would really help. Um, so that I could for just having a ten foot side setback would be the ultimate, Um, but I think he said it at all. So that's what I was here for.

[28:33] Thank you, Madam Clerk.

[28:34] Do you have her address and her phone number and everything? Okay, good. Thank you. All right.

[28:44] Anyone else want to speak? S9:

[28:50] Counsel, do you have anybody else have questions?

[28:53] I did have one more comment. I forgot that in there. You know, I feel like.

[28:56] Is this a comment or a question? Because you can save it for discussion.

[29:00] Well, it's more of a little bit of both, but.

[29:02] Okay.

[29:02] Okay, I'll wait though.

[29:04] Just up to you if you need to talk to Rob or any of the folks a little bit about okay.

[29:09] So I can wait though.

[29:10] Okay, okay.

[29:12] Okay. I need a motion to go out of public hearing.

[29:15] So move second.

[29:17] Thank you.

[29:18] All in favor?

[29:19] Aye.

[29:21] All right. Now, is there any further discussion?

[29:24] So I'll tell you. I'll say I'll shorten my down a little bit. I have a hard time being restrictive on people's personal property rights, and I feel like the more we try to add a 15 foot setback versus a ten when our ordinance is already at ten, I think if it's under 3000ft² as a dwelling. Um, it really bothers me to be over restrictive. On what, again, if we're going to have ADUs. I'm not saying they should be able to build a 3000 square foot one. I'm just saying I don't want to get too tight tacky with it. Tell us what they can and cannot do with their real estate. That's all I have.

[30:05] Okay.

[30:06] I agree a lot with what David saying. Um, I put a lot of thought to this. Pete and I have had a lot of conversations about this. Um, the more I thought about it, the more I felt, you know, Kittyhawk history, wood building, boat building. Um, sort of large sheds are some of our history. You can go through the whole village, and I can name off at least five different large shops that, um, probably had a little apartment up top or a little hangout spot. Um, I don't I'm not comfortable putting a capping of unconditioned floor area on the 80 years. I if these people.

[30:52] You can you can you could you could apply for a. I'm starting to ramble now.

[31:02] I'm good, I'm good.

[31:04] I'm good.

[31:05] All right.

[31:07] Are you sure? S10:

[31:16] Concur.

[31:19] Okay.

[31:21] Any other questions? The comments.

[31:25] I've got.

[31:26] One comment. Madam mayor, um, so I guess I've got a little bit of a different take on this. Um, to me it seems non congruent to cap at 800ft² for a primary dwelling, but, um, allow unconditioned spaces largely. And I understand the discussion of a large size barn and, and that sort of thing. But, you know, people have the right to build as much barn as they want anywhere. But but when it comes to an Adu, the concept of any of you is for housing. And so if you keep it at 800ft, some people are saying 800ft is not big enough, but we let them have tremendous amount of unconditioned space. Um, my experience from living in different towns all over the country, being in the military, coming and going 80 years have been a real big thing in many cities, and I've seen it out of control. I've seen complete neighborhoods change places where I lived and moved back to. So, just because everybody was trying to get on top of affordable housing and stuff, but I've seen neighborhoods that I've lived in completely changed in front of my eyes, you know, as the Adu policies got so loose and so out there, that next thing you know, there's Aids everywhere. So it can it can significantly change the culture and the way things look for sure. I've seen it firsthand many times. So I'm a little bit I just can't understand why you would allow a structure to be 800ft, but then say you can build whatever else you want next to it. And I know some people have large properties, but there's a lot of people that have small properties, and it's going to change the look of some of those properties big time. So I just it just doesn't seem congruent to me. I'm with the 800 square foot capital and unconditioned space. And I'm also I agree with the setback as as Councilman Tillet just said. And Councilman.

[33:15] What do I have a motion for this text amendment?

[33:33] Are we sure this is what we want to do? Are we going to table it again? Or do we have a motion?

[33:41] I don't think it needs to be tabled again. I think it needs to be decided on tonight.

[33:46] Right.

[33:48] Is there a motion in here?

[33:52] And I see recommended a motion. But I'll go ahead. I'll go ahead. Go ahead.

[33:56] I moved to approve the proposed tax amendment to section 42-528 of the Kittyhawk zoning ordinance. Town council has found this. This proposal will be consistent with the Town of Adopted Use plan.

[34:09] I'll second that.

[34:10] Do we?

[34:11] Before we do, we have to add.

[34:15] Yeah. What do we spell out? Spell out the.

[34:19] Setback.

[34:19] Issue with the setback, right? If you wanted to be congruent with the size of the house and what applies to the primary dwelling, just specify that. Jeff, I think just say, um, to include provisions on setbacks relative to primary dwelling.

[34:37] Well, and also with the unconditioned space. No, we cap an unconditioned space at 800ft.

[34:45] Or are we saying it's unlimited? S8:

[34:46] Yeah, yeah. That was the motion is unlimited. And then but.

[34:50] Because there were kind of some options I guess there it was.

[34:53] Yeah. Yeah. This is that's why I'm asking to clear it up. And so.

[34:58] Um, how about this, Rob, you've heard them speak. You pronounce what you think you're hearing as far as what the motion should be.

[35:10] So you're going to be the one administering it, right? S3:

[35:27] I think I make motion as, uh. Rob.

[35:31] Good job. Good job.

[35:32] Yeah, I don't.

[35:33] Rob comments that to a motion and it's council. Everyone on the same page. Now, as far as.

[35:39] The second.

[35:39] That okay.

[35:40] Yep.

[35:42] All in favor, huh? Okay.

[35:46] Opposed?

[35:47] You got all of those opposed?

[35:48] I for one.

[35:50] For one.

[35:51] Okay.

[35:52] Okay.

[35:53] Thank you.

[35:54] Lauren, did you get all of that? Okay, good. Thank you.

[35:57] Thank you. Casey.

[35:59] They're perfect. Rob.

[36:01] Rob, you have a site plan you'd like to review with us?

[36:14] Um, this one is 109 West gateway. Um, it's a commercial site plan for Hopkins as well. Um, it is an administrative decision type, meaning that it meets all the minimum requirements that it's intended for. Uh, but the way our ordinance is written out is multifamily dwellings. Follow this commercial site plan review process. Um, so existing on the site right now, there is a duplex. The proposal is to construct two more dwelling units on the south side. And then there's a I think it's a 12 by 25 kind of storage area connecting the two areas that contain the dwelling units. Uh, so to create one singular, uh, multi-family dwelling, um, it's in the Br2 district. Multi-family dwellings are permitted by. Right. Um the planning board reviewed this last week unanimously recommended approval. Um, going through all the different zoning requirements, it appears that, um, all the zoning is met. Um, the maximum density in that area is four dwellings per acre. And the the parcel is like 1.06 acres, I think. So, uh, it compliant with the density requirements? Um, building height is not shown on the site plan, but we'll confirm that the building permit comes in and it's not exceeding 35ft in height. Um, that's really the best. It's fairly straightforward and simple. Um, proposal. The applicant is here if you have any questions for him. Um, I did speak with Councilman Tillett earlier this morning, I guess. Um, he had a question about whether the the drive aisle is, uh, sufficient for, uh, fire, fire safety protection. Um, I had, after speaking with Councilman Tillett, I emailed that question to, uh, Deputy Chief Rogers. I have not gotten a response back yet. You may not have seen it at this point, but, um, my suggestion to the council until it was if council agrees that it meets the zoning requirements, that it would just be a condition of approval, that that gets verified, that it's compliant with fire requirements before issuing building permits.

[38:36] Do we have a sufficient buffer between that?

[38:40] There's no.

[38:41] Quiet.

[38:41] Here.

[38:42] There's no vegetative buffers required for this.

[38:46] Okay.

[38:48] Thank you.

[38:51] And Rob, just to add on a little bit more, it was emergency service access and vehicle turnaround. Correct. Yep.

[39:10] All right.

[39:14] Does anybody have any other questions for Brad?

[39:16] I do not know. Yes.

[39:20] This needs approval.

[39:25] I need a motion to approve.

[39:26] Okay.

[39:28] I'll make a.

[39:28] Motion.

[39:30] I move to approve the commercial site plan for multifamily dwelling at 109 West Gateway Road, and find that the proposed. The proposal is consistent with the BR two district standards, with the condition that the fire department is has reviewed and approves the vehicle access and vehicle turnaround.

[39:51] Oh. Second. Second.

[39:53] All in favor?

[39:54] Aye.

[39:55] Opposed?

[39:59] Thank you. Rob.

[40:05] Willie, would you like to come back up and talk to us about, um, the the 25% plan.

[40:17] The 25% plan.

[40:22] It's hard to see.

[40:27] That's all we got.

[40:28] All right. This is about the multi-use path for 158 that has been in the works since 2011.

[40:37] We finally got the 25% plan from the from the engineer that the state has hired. And they are requesting our input on the pathway as it goes around the Aycock Brown Center, which is the welcome center in Kitty Hawk. Uh, there's a couple of options. One is for it to bury things. Right.

[40:59] It is tiny.

[41:01] So one is for it to curve around the welcome center. Uh, as the road does. And the path will just continued right down the bypass. There are other option is.

[41:21] We go behind.

[41:22] It.

[41:25] And the other option is for it to come into the welcome center and then utilize the existing sidewalk that goes around the welcome Center. And it would come back out in front of the police department. And that's if you see the open area there. That is where the, uh, the gas regulators are. So, uh, it really depends on what we prefer. If we want to keep people away from the road or worry about them being safe, walking through there after hours of the when the welcome center is closed, I will say the welcome center is well lit, so it wouldn't be in the dark. Uh, and that's really what they're looking for.

[42:17] That's quite a hill there, isn't it, Willie?

[42:19] I wish they'd provided us. If there's a cost savings or advantages of either. But they did not give that to us.

[42:31] I did speak with the engineers that are working on the, um, what do they call it, the gateway beautification project. And they have looked it over and they do believe that it all works together. There's no issue with those two projects, um, interfering with one another.

[42:58] So I guess, you know, we have to provide this feedback. By the fifth, I believe. So is there a preference among the town council, what you'd like to see or what I'd like to do.

[43:10] What would you your feedback be to Dot?

[43:13] How well do you think they would take the third option?

[43:16] That it's always a possibility. Third option just cuts in a little more, which is what Rob for everybody in the audience. Rob drew that sketch that real quick. So and you all have a copy of that in your packet. But it's just instead of going more with the road it cuts in a little bit and connects.

[43:39] That kind of follows the the existing road around the Welcome Center. Not not 158, but the service road.

[43:45] If you will.

[43:47] Our concern is if you have people going around the visitor center, that some people are just going to make their own path and go in front of the visitor center anyway. So it's an effort. Obviously going around is the safest option, but whether people will do that is a whole nother question.

[44:09] And we don't have any indication on how folks would know that the path is supposed to go around the backside.

[44:17] Would it be labeled or signed? S16:

[44:19] I think it.

[44:20] Is.

[44:21] I'm sure they probably mark the crosswalk to across the parking lot. You know, for a safety piece too, you know.

[44:26] But.

[44:27] And everybody would find out about Icarus. That's it.

[44:30] That's right. But if I'm.

[44:31] Under utilized.

[44:32] If I don't know anything about that sidewalk, and I'm going down the highway following the bike path, and I see it part of it going into the welcome center, I'm not going to know that it exits as well and goes back into the highway.

[44:43] Right. Maybe not.

[44:45] But I like the idea of walking around the Welcome Center for multiple reasons. We talked about there's a better crossing on that merge lane. Further inside.

[44:58] There, restrooms.

[44:59] There, restrooms there. Um, melodies. Points of parking for folks who want to park and exercise.

[45:09] Now you go from three crossings with the original plan to basically none. You get to cross over the parking lot, which is a little bit safer, but there's actually three crossing points the two, the merging in the acceleration lane out, and then the red light stop in the middle. So the current plan would have you hitting all three of those.

[45:28] So there is some question about people wanting to walk up that hill to go around and behind it.

[45:36] So it's.

[45:37] Not that.

[45:37] High. I don't think so.

[45:39] But it was brought up to me, Willy.

[45:43] And it's not like they're missing out on anything along the road if they have to go around. There's not an intersection that they miss. There's not a crossing that they miss.

[45:53] Maybe anything that keeps them away from the intersection.

[45:56] Yeah. The only.

[45:57] Thing.

[45:57] That intersection.

[45:58] The only thing I see is, you know, if you got people going to work and stuff like that, it's just, you know, they're going to start A to B, we're kind of taking them on.

[46:08] It's like, what's the use of the path? Is it to get somewhere? Yeah. Or is it just.

[46:12] If you're going to take them to, to or or Icarus and all that? You know, the main thing is to try to get them to food line to work and all that. So, you know, I, um, you know, when we did the, the bike path on the woods Road, we tried real hard, you know, it took a lot of effort to let the state have the property. I even gave property away on 12th Street to get it off the road. Um, getting it off the road. I think if we could go with Rob's plan, I once again. Um, but I'm. I'm good with any of them. But I personally would like to to see it off the road, but not really that far out of the way, because I do agree with the days of these, uh, the bikes that they're going to connect the dots here, they're not going to do the loop.

[47:03] I see it on the road now.

[47:04] Yeah.

[47:05] That will go around the trees.

[47:07] Yeah yeah.

[47:08] Yeah. They're going a straight line and so. But I think if you get them off a little bit because that's fairly straight, the woods road is, you know different because they're kind of hard to go around. They're 70 on a bicycle.

[47:23] Route anyway.

[47:25] Okay. So it's far off from the road as possible. Please consider our third option that we've asked about and go from there. And there'll be this is only 25% so there'll be more opportunities coming.

[47:38] Okay. Thank you.

[47:41] Okay. Thank you all.

[47:51] For coming out here. Could you please review our town priorities for everyone tonight?

[47:59] Okay.

[48:11] Hello again everyone. I got really to do the traffic thing because I didn't want it to be the whole show. Um. Planning for success, our strategic priorities. And, um, our council has been working really hard during their workshops and budget planning and so forth to develop a strategic priorities for our town. So this sets priorities. That represents the commitment the Town Council has to the thoughtful, transparent and proactive government establishes a shared vision, provides clear direction for staff. It creates accountability. We're all on the same page and we know where we're going. It guides our budget and resource allocation decisions. It strengthens the public trust because, you know, what we're trying to do and why we're trying to do it. Um, it positions us for funding opportunities such as grants and so forth. It encourages organizational alignment. Again, we're all on the same page singing from the same song. And the focus is on long term success and provides a framework for our next step, which is to formulate a strategic plan. So council have come up with this draft strategic mission. The town of Kitty Hawk is dedicated to sustaining a community focused, family oriented coastal community about youth stewardship, natural resources, and heritage. We work to enhance public safety and preparedness, practice transparent and effective governance, and actively engage our community in shaping the town's future by protecting our natural resources, strengthening environmental resiliency, and preserving our unique cultural history. We support a vibrant coastal lifestyle. The collaboration, thoughtful planning, balancing the needs of residents and visitors and continue enhancing the quality of life in our Outer Banks community. Um. The priorities. In short, the the town council has come up with a public safety, coastal resiliency, investment in our community, financial responsibility, responsible development, and our cultural heritage is serving that.

[50:34] Um, so just a little bit of a road map. We've done the first step. We've got our core vision and our priorities. Next, we're going to kind of analyze where we are on those priorities and determine where we can best have impact. Uh, step three, we're going to start setting goals and action plans with the strategy. And uh, they will be measurable. And we'll have a step by step action plan to go with them. And then lastly, we'll continually evaluate our plan, how we're doing on our goals, making corrections if we need to, um, and and sharing that with everyone in our community. Um, so Council, tonight I ask you to formally approve the strategic vision and priorities you have defined at your previous meetings.

[51:34] Um, do you have any questions? S16:

[51:37] There's not a priority on these. They're all equally. They're just. The way they're listed is just the.

[51:43] That is my understanding.

[51:44] Okay?

[51:45] Mine as.

[51:46] Well. Okay, I like that.

[51:51] So motion won't be ignored.

[51:55] Do we? Okay.

[51:56] Um, do I have a motion to approve the town priorities.

[52:01] Um, Madam Mayor, I'll make a motion to move to adopt the town council. Strategic priorities as a guiding framework for development of town strategic plan and direct the town manager to prepare a comprehensive strategic plan, including measurable goals, implementation strategies, performance metrics, and recommended timelines for council consideration.

[52:22] Second.

[52:22] Thank you.

[52:24] All in favor?

[52:25] Aye.

[52:26] Thank you guys.

[52:27] Thank you.

[52:28] Thank you. My job is I'll get on this okay. All right.

[52:33] Council, we need to point to applicants to the recreation committee.

[52:40] Do I have any any nominations? S10:

[52:49] I'd like to second that.

[52:50] Thank you.

[52:53] All in favor?

[52:54] Aye.

[52:58] And I'm going.

[52:58] To abstain from that. So I'm very close to her.

[53:02] Madam mayor, I make a motion to appoint Mr. Derek Wineland as a member of the Recreation Committee, with the term of office to expire on June 30th, 2028.

[53:12] I'll second that.

[53:13] All in favor?

[53:14] Aye.

[53:16] Okay, we have it.

[53:18] Do I need to amend Katie Jones to have a term to expire June 30th, 2028?

[53:24] That would be her term limit.

[53:26] All right.

[53:27] That's fine. Yeah. I mean.

[53:28] I didn't specify that on the nomination.

[53:31] If you want to redo it, you can. But otherwise Lauren's got it. I mean, taken down, but it's as presented as presented the materials.

[53:39] Thank you. Dylan. Town manager, do you have anything for us tonight?

[53:47] Yes.

[53:48] I wanted to report to town council, um, that we had a very productive discussion this morning with the town of Duck and Southern shores about enhancing our collaboration and providing fire services to Italy, did an outstanding job leading the group, presenting an overview of our current services and also options and suggestions for improvement. Um, the towns have committed to move forward in identifying ways that we can improve this process. Um, next week, the town managers and I are going to meet and establish a framework so that the chiefs can then work on ways and have suggestions to deliver more consistent fire response, improve firefighter safety, standardize operating procedures and training activities, and promote better fiscal management through a regionalized model. So we are starting the process.

[54:55] That was an exciting meeting.

[54:57] That is exciting. And again, thanks to Chief Talley for doing such a nice job. Um, Three Oaks Engineering has been working with the steering committee and the staff to develop a plan, our multimodal plan, as we call it, to better connect the town with safe pedestrian and bicycle access. We expect to see their recommendations in the next several weeks. Um, after the recommendations have been vetted, we will have a public forum where everybody can see the recommendations and invited to provide their input on the options and suggestions provided. Um, we think that will probably happen in early fall. That public forum, uh, as they hope to have the plan completed and adopted by December here. And this will provide a plan. And then the town can pick projects and tackle things, you know, as we go forward. It'll be a long term process. Tomorrow is National Night out. It will be held at Lowe's and Kill Devil Hills. Our public safety staff will be out there and it's a nice, family friendly event. A lot of fun usually, and it's between 5 and 8:00. So if you have kids or want to go check out all their gadgets and things that they have, you'll be welcome to do so. I'm also, excuse me, happy to announce that, um, LabCorp is coming to Kitty Hawk. Um, we leased them a space several months ago, and they are now, um, getting ready to up the up fit their space for their uses. Um, it will be in the medical building next to the police department. Um, so we hope that they will be open soon. Maybe September. We we hope. Um, The hurricane form that we had here last week was very well attended. I think the best attended of any of the ones that they have. Um, so it was a great success. It was actually fun and informational. Um, they discussed advancements in forecasting, emphasized the importance of relying on trusted sources, and not all the Facebook weather people out there and so forth. And, um, outlined the risk associated with being unprepared or disregarding the information that's given. And last but not least, um, if you would like to provide support for the connector trail. And I appreciate Miss Strickland doing that in public comment. Thank you. And, um, you can do it at info at Kitty Hawk and Sego Kitty Hawk Facebook page, or call us (242) 264-3552.

[57:47] That's it. Thank you. Melanie.

[57:52] David, do you have anything? S8:

[57:56] There you go.

[57:57] That's why I asked for the new vehicle. By the way.

[58:00] We're going to let Willie ask for all of our vehicles.

[58:04] Yeah.

[58:06] Are you fine?

[58:07] Do you have anything?

[58:08] Um. Yes, ma'am. I just want to very quickly. Um, thank Melody and team all the hard work on the, uh, vision statement, the strategic goals. Um, those are significant. And that they help this body, um, create a feasible roadmap forward, especially with, um, a time of limited resources. Um, for instance, the Birch Lane Sandy run connector trail, that's a prime example. Um, and it can be a main argument that to hit every one of the six strategic objects, uh, goals and objectives. So that's that's a perfect alignment. And I can't thank you and team enough also for your alignment of not only the goals but the boards and workshops. Um, I think it's going to make us much more efficient and effective in our decision making process. And and that's like stuff behind the scenes and never gets no notice. But you guys are doing a great job on that. So thank you.

[59:00] Do you have.

[59:01] Something.

[59:02] Nothing else to add. Thank you Ellie. Congratulations.

[59:07] Yeah I'd like to thank Mr. Strickland for coming tonight. And thank you for your important input about the Sandy Run Park. I appreciate that. Chief Talley, thank you for trying to help out with the fire department situations. Long overdue. And I'm glad that you're a part of it. Willie.

[59:30] We rode out a mini storm together. There's no better man to do the job. There's no way the town could ever repay Willie for what he's done for this town. We've had a lot of storms. There's been a lot of branches on these trails. Every time we build a new connector. Willie's got more work. Um. He's done a fantastic job for this town. And, um, I can't imagine anybody better to have done that job. Thank you very much, Willie. I'd also like to introduce my great nephew, Sean. He's John Pruitt. He's in town. He came earlier back, um, for the summer, and he wrote a paper on the Outer Banks, and, um, he's going to Texas A&M, San Antonio, and this was his paper, and I hoped if he would, he'll let me bring it here and, and have it for display for people to read. And thank you for choosing our area. He interviewed a lot of really educated people, uh, Clark Twitty to my Aunt Mab and people that have been here for quite a while and, and knew and the paper's very well done. And so I just wanted to welcome Sean and that's all I have.

[1:00:45] Okay.

[1:00:46] Casey, do you have anything tonight?

[1:00:48] One quick thing. I hate it because Duke left the bill. I'd been following it. So the old Edu bill actually died. That reference coach community reference. The 800 square foot requirement, a new insertion into the Regulatory Reform Act did come forward. It did pass Senate reading. It is at the House. All that's true, but I don't think it applies to coastal communities. I think coastal communities are carved out, so it will not have any effect on zoning from the Adu perspective for coastal communities. Rob and I'll look more into it and confirm it. But that's what I was digging on my phone for. If anybody wondered what I was there. As soon as he mentioned it, I was like, I don't know how I missed that. So, but I don't think what Duke is talking about actually will apply to us.

[1:01:37] So William was very involved in getting that. The coastal counties an example of that.

[1:01:46] Yeah. Very good.

[1:01:47] He did? Um, well, if that's all that you have, I wanted you to know that Melody and I attended the senior leadership preparation meeting, and, uh, we hope to be more well informed to handle emergencies appropriately, not just hurricanes. There's lots of other emergencies that we would be dealing with. Could be. And also, um, Eric Hayden, uh, heading for Morehead National Weather Service and Drew Pearson from Dare County Emergency Management came and did the, um, hurricane preparedness in here. And we had, what, 50 plus people at 10:00 in the morning on Wednesday morning. So that was quite something to have that big a crowd for. Um, and he did say that we were the largest one. So, Um, I encourage everybody to sign up for the Smart Alert so that you get messages on your phone, and you'll create a profile, and they can contact you, and you can even give them your garage door opener. You know, your code so that if something were to happen in your house, you could they could get into your house without breaking your door down. And that's, um, that's kind of important sometimes.

[1:03:16] So.

[1:03:17] Um, just, uh, it's a service that they offer, and it's, um, and everybody should take advantage of that. So that's all I have tonight. Um.

[1:03:32] Anything else? S16:

[1:03:34] All right. Then I need a motion to adjourn.

[1:03:36] So move.

[1:03:38] Second.

[1:03:39] Okay.

[1:03:40] All in favor?

[1:03:41] All.

[1:03:44] Done.

[1:03:45] Yay! Thank.

Town of Kitty Hawk - Town Council Meeting August 3, 2026

Transcript