Thank you for joining us tonight. It's August 11th. Um we'll go ahead and get
the town of um the golf board of commissioners meeting started.
» Lindsay, >> Mayor Logos
» here. >> Mayor Pro Tim Holland
» here. >> Commissioner Brownlow
» here. >> Commissioner Plum
» here. >> Commissioner Sanderson
» here. >> Commissioner Wood
» here. >> Okay. Commissioner Brown, would you like
to lead us in opening prayer? Let's >> please bow our heads in prayer, please.
Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts for the privilege and
responsibility of serving the people of Emerald Isle. We ask for your wisdom as
we consider the matters before us this evening. Help us to listen with open
minds, speak with humility, and make decisions that are fair, thoughtful, and
in the best interest of our community, both for today and generations to come.
Tonight, we especially lift up the Lind family as we remember Trenton and the
remarkable example of courage, kindness, and love that he shared with our
community. May your peace and comfort surround them. We ask your continued
protection over our first responders, our military, our law enforcement
officers, town staff, and the many volunteers who faithfully serve our
community each day. Bless their work, and keep them safe.
Dear Lord, we ask these things in your holy name. Amen.
» Amen. Amen. >> I'll rise for the pledge of allegiance.
» 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.
» Okay, now it's time for public public comment. Lindsay, has anyone signed up
today? >> Yes, Carol Peoples.
» Hi, I'm Oh, it is on. I'm Carol Peoples, 401 Hickory Street. Um, I just wanted to
make a comment about a topic that was discussed a little bit last month about
reappointing city members on the planning board. and I've emailed all of
you, so none of this is a surprise, but I just wonder if it would be a good idea
because we have other residents who are interested in serving to consider term
limits for the planning board. Um, and I think if two consecutive term limit
limits would give you six years and then if you're still interested, you could
sit out for three years and then come back and be considered with all the
other applicants. That was just a suggestion because I think a lot of
people are highly qualified and very interested in serving.
» Yeah. Thank you, Carol. That's it.
» That's it. Okay. Um, if anyone else forgot to sign up but has a comment. No.
Okay. Well, um, you guys, everyone knows that you can all email us at any time
and we're happy to read and respond. Um, so moving on, um, to the we heard you
from last month. Um, if there were any comments from that section or followup
needed, we have printed them and they're on the back.
Would you like to do the >> any conflict of interest? Mayor Logos.
» No. >> Mayor Pro Tim Holland.
» No. >> Commissioner Brown?
» No conflict. >> Commissioner Plum?
» No. >> Commissioner Sanderson?
» No. >> Commissioner Wooten?
» No. >> Okay, great. So, now we can move on with
the adoption of the agenda tonight as written. May I have a motion?
» So moved. >> All those in favor?
» I. >> Okay. Um, so next we have our public
announcements. Um they were rolling through as everybody arrived this
evening. Um there are some larger festivals and things coming up. We have
Kidfest, um Labor Day weekend, we have Emerald Fest. Um is this the last
concert coming up in August or is there another one?
» We had a cancellation earlier, so we rescheduled that to August 20th. So
that'll be the last one. So we'll have one on the 13th and the 20th.
» Okay, great. So, everyone get out and watch some music on the beach. Um, we
have a blood drive coming up on the 21st and youth at the Youth Advisory
Council's first meeting will also be in August. Um, there will be a a
proclamation tonight. Jason, if you would please read it for us.
» Absolutely. And, uh, uh, first off, um, thank you to Transparents for being here
tonight. Uh, means a lot. Thank you for allowing us to do this. And uh thank you
Mayor Logos for allowing me um to u break protocol a little bit and and read
this proclamation means a lot. Thank you so much.
The town of Emerald Isle proclamation honoring Trenton Linds. Whereas Trenton
Linds was a beloved member of the Emerald Ale community and a ray of light
to everyone who knew him. And whereas Trent had a profound love for Emerald
Isle and embodied the family beach vibe. Trent enjoyed body boarding, surfing,
the outdoors, spending time with his family and friends, serving patrons at
Southwell Surf Shop and Fish Hut Grill, his work homes. Whereas Trent was always
a joy to be around, bringing smiles to his friends faces simply by being
himself. Whereas Trent was diagnosed with
cranoparangioma in 2013 and courageously battled
numerous health challenges stemming from this rare brain tumor. Whereas despite
these challenges, Trent never releas relinquished his innate joy, his
positivity, and love for life. Whereas Trent passed away on July 25th at the
age of 28 years old, Trent touched countless lives in Emerald Isle with his
infectious personality, strong character, and giving spirit and set a
positive example for all in the face of significant challenges.
Now therefore, I, Jason Holland, Mayor Pro Tim of the town of Emerald Isle, by
virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby issue this proclamation honoring
Trenton Linds for his kindness, positivity, courage, strength, and love
of community and urge all residents to reflect on these qualities that he
embodied. May we all live our lives forever stoked. Proclaim this 11th day
of August, 2026. Jason Holland, mayor pro Tim Emerald.
» Thank you, Jason. Thank you. Um, moving on to the consent agenda. May I ask
approval [snorts] or motion to approve? >> So move.
» All those in favor? I
as we move on to um item number 11 on the agenda, I do want to make an
unofficial announcement. official, unofficial, I don't really quite know,
but I want to make the announcement that our planning director here um was the
zoning official of the year for the second time in the row from the North
Carolina Association of Zoning Officials. So, Mr.
[applause]
You will please lead us in um talking about the ordinance amending the UDO to
clarify that contractors may also be subject to penalties. Sure. Now I got to
do it perfectly. >> Yes, you do.
» Good evening everyone. Today we are holding a public hearing for a proposed
UDO UDO text amendment in section 9.2 of the ordinance. The ordinance of this the
purpose of this ordinance amendment is to clarify that fines may be incurred by
both the owner of a property and or the contractor that performed the
non-compliant work. The UDEO currently states that the owner of a property is
the responsible person when non-compliant work is performed. But
there are many situations in which the contractor who performed the work should
also be responsible. We are proposing the section to read,
"The owner of and any contractor, subcontractor, equipment operator, or
other party performing or directing work for each property located within the
town is responsible for ensuring that the development, redevelopment, use of
the land, and improvements to the land on that property occur and are
maintained in compliance with this ordinance.
Notice of violation shall be issued to both the owner and any contractor,
subcontractor, equipment operator, or other party
performing or directing work. Fines may be incurred by both the owner
of a property and or the contractor, subcontractor, equipment operator, or
other party that performed or directed the non-compliant work.
The proposed amendment would apply to any violation of the UDO in the future.
[clears throat]
On July 27th, the planning board reviewed the amendment and voted 5 to
zero to recommend adoption of it. They also completed a plan consistency
statement stating that the amendment is consistent with the comprehensive plan
and reasonable and in the public's best interest because on page 1-9 it states
we will review, modify as appropriate and enforce zoning consistent with local
municipal efforts and the capability to charge contractors in addition to
property owners in specific situations may help deter land use violations from
occurring in the future. All required public hearing procedures
have been performed as directed by our ordinance and state statutes. Within the
public notification period, we did not receive any calls, emails, or citizens
that visited the planning department requesting more information about the
proposed amendment. At this time, I ask the board to make a motion to begin the
public hearing before making a final determination. Thank you.
» I'll make a motion to open the public hearing. All those in favor?
» I I excuse me.
You >> want me to speak from here? Uh
» oh, just come over. >> I'm sorry. I'll try not to get up here
too much. Carol Peoples, 401 Hickory. Um I support this amendment and I'm asking
you to as well. I see it as an easily implemented step, especially with our
new building inspectors on staff to better protect our coast. um the
contractors who are the people maybe the little guys actually doing the work um I
think rely on their reputations and word of mouth and I think having them be sure
that they know the rules is just another layer of protection that we can build in
and if someone above them is asking them to do something that does not is not in
line with the ordinance then that's the place where it should stop. It's just to
me another layer of protection. So I hope you'll consider it.
» Thank you Carol. Any
that's it? Okay. A motion >> make a motion to close the public
hearing. >> All those in favor?
» I Anyone have any questions for John?
» Yeah, John. We um I think shortly before the meeting we we revised the language a
little bit that so that it was clear that it doesn't pertain just to a
contractor like a licensed contractor. Could you clarify on that for the
audience please? >> Right. Yeah. So that's that's absolutely
true. Is there a certain wording you wanted to
» have that in or so so we have placed at your places tonight the revised agenda
item which is substantively similar to that was included in the original agenda
packet. We have actually included copies of the replacement item on the table in
the back as well, but we've just expanded that and clarified that it's a
contractor, a subcontractor, really any representative of an individual who's
performing the work or directing the work there. So, we think that's a
helpful change to further clarify the the requirements.
» Thank you. I'll make a motion to amend the unified
development ordinance to clarify the contractors and their entities may also
be subject to penalties for UDO violations.
» All those in favor? >> I
[clears throat] excuse me.
» Thank you. >> Thank you.
» Thanks, John. >> Zoning officer of the year is everybody.
» Yes.
Okay. Agenda item number 12. Um, this is regarding amending chapter 2 from
administration, the code of ordinances to extend certain lifetime recreation
benefits to planning board members with 20 years or more of service to the town.
Frank, >> Mayor Logos, commissioners, um the town
has for many years provided lifetime recreation benefits to uh any elected
official uh who currently serves or has served the town in the past or will
serve in the future. [clears throat] Um that's a nice benefit to recognize the
dedication and the commitment of your yourselves and those who've come before
you and come after you. Um we also provide uh a benefit for employees
who've worked for the town for 20 years. uh the identical recreation benefits.
Essentially, what that is is a free beach driving permit, a free community
center membership. Uh it's also a free regional access parking permit. And you
might ask, well, why do they need that if they live in Emerald Ale? Well,
perhaps if they're former, they may move to another community and so forth. And
then the other benefit that's provided is free access to a future public
fishing pier. And obviously we don't currently have any public fishing peers
in the town, but this provision was enacted years ago when the town
contemplated having a public fishing pier. So it was written to incorporate
that in the future as well, probably 20 years ago. Um we provide that benefit
for current uh past future elected officials and town employees with 20
years or more of service. The proposal for your consideration tonight is to
also extend that same benefit to long-erving planning board members. Um,
and essentially the 20 years mimics the 20 years that's available to full-time
town employees. Uh, we currently only have one individual that would qualify
for that. That's our chairman, Kenny Sullivan, right now, uh, who has been
serving for a little more than 20 years. Um, this amendment was requested by
Commissioner Wooten. Um, and again, it's just another effort to, uh, recognize
and show appreciation for those who are willing to provide that kind of service
to the town going forward. So, happy to answer any questions you may have about
it. board.
» I would just say that I I suggested this and again it mirrors the um long-erving
employees. I think that um it's great to have a commitment and and folks that are
willing to serve the town for that length of time and it's not a huge uh
expense necessarily to grant these privileges, but I think it's a a great
recognition. Um, we do have as the town has grown and evolved and to Carol's
point, I think we have so many people that are willing to serve now, I don't
know that we would be granting these to a lot of folks going forward. So, I
don't think there's a big expense to it, but I thought it was a a [clears throat]
nice recognition of for the time served for um,
Mr. Sullivan and anybody else that was say, you know, similarly situated.
One one thing I neglected to mention just to clarify for everyone's sake, we
also provide those same benefits for current planning board members and we
have for many years. That's not actually codified anywhere in the ordinances or
the town policy. So this ordinance would also rectify that issue as well.
» Frank, I recall as a staff member there being questions oftentimes at the
community center. Is this for a board member, a planning board member, a
retiree alone and their immediate families?
» Yes. >> Or I think we need to define that
because immediate family would be defined as any other legal definition of
immediate family. >> Yeah. And I will tell you the intent is
for the member himself or herself. >> Okay.
» We can certainly revisit that if you all would like to, but that's
» No, I'm fine with that. I just think it needs to be clarified.
» Sure.
» I was just wondering too about the um just the recognition of longevity
because that's [snorts] that tells us how long someone has occupied a
position, but it doesn't by itself tell us like the quality, the impact or the
character of that service. And I just want to make sure that if you're going
to throw a bestow upon someone a special privilege, then um certainly I would
hope that it it that service would merit that other than just
longevity. >> Well, if they retire, apparently they've
been in good standing.
» They would have to been reappointed numerous times, right?
» Yep. >> Well, for planning board. that pops.
I've seen it just repointing itself as that can happen
regardless of merit [snorts] of anything else.
» Yeah, I think you know as as I've been alluded to before, I think it's highly
unusual, right? I think you're very unlikely to have this situation um many
times in the future, if at all. And so >> I I am fine with this, but I do want to
revisit term limits. >> Okay.
» Well, tonight, do we want to make a motion to adopt this ordinance amending
chapter 2? I'll make a motion to adopt the ordinance amending chapter 2
administration of the code of ordin ordinances to extend certain lifetime
recreation benefits planning board members with 20 years or more of service
to the town. >> Okay, great. All those in favor
» I >> we will um we'll certainly bring you
something on term limits for planning board members and probably board of
adjustment members also going forward. Um, one thing that I think we're going
to have to research is um, whether that should go through the general code of
ordinances or whether that should go through the UDO. If it has to go through
the UDO, which is where those terms are currently codified, that requires review
by the planning board first and then advertising public hearing, same process
you just went through a few minutes ago. So, I want to get clear and I'll talk
with the town attorney and others and make sure we've got the right process
outlined. So that may come back directly to you all or it may go to the planning
board depending on what we learn. >> Okay. Thank you. So moving on to agenda
item number 13. Um this is regarding the resolution requesting um NC do
designation of MC58 as a new parking zone.
Um, Mayor Logos, commissioners, um, I did want to point out that I actually
placed a replacement item uh, at your places tonight and apologize for the
number of those this evening. There's also a copy of this on the table uh, in
the rear of the room as well. Um, the replacement item uh is the same
substantive consideration for the board of commissioners. Um, it's just in the
form of an ordinance as opposed to a resolution. Uh, last week when we put
the agenda packet together, it was under the impression that it would need to be
a resolution. uh learned earlier today that it should be an ordinance. So, you
actually have the authority to establish a no parking zone on Highway 58 if you
should choose to do so. Uh the recommendation that's presented for you
is to name the entire length of 58 in Emerald Isle as a no parking zone. Um
historically, the perception has always been that uh it is a no parking zone. Uh
it was really never an issue over the many many years. um until recently we've
had folks parking near the intersection of Mangrove and Highway 58 in kind of a
haphazard manner there and potentially presenting a safety consideration at
that intersection. Um obviously it's the most heavily traveled road in the town.
Uh obviously people are traveling um faster [clears throat] speeds on Highway
58. Uh we've got a lot of bicyclists and pedestrians milling around with the bike
path and the sidewalk. Um, and as you know, and I'm very proud of and our
staff, I think, should be very proud of is we invest a lot of resources in
trying to keep the whole Highway 58 right away looking attractive and and um
very wellmaintained. So, if you're going to have people parking on that, it kind
of is contradictory to that goal. So, the recommendation presented for you
tonight is to consider the ordinance, [clears throat] um, if the board adopts
the ordinance, >> [snorts]
» um, it will be conveyed to the NC DO. um they ultimately would be responsible for
placing future signs uh on Highway 58. And I will be working with them to
hopefully find the right balance between uh effective signage to communicate the
requirement and also avoiding sign clutter because I think we're very
sensitive to having too many signs out there. Um it's really intended to just
kind of formalize what the actual perception has been over the years. Um
and hopefully it would be helpful going forward. So,
» Frank, it exempts uh festivals, right? I mean, special events or
» Yeah, that's right. We have we have language in the current code of
ordinances that allows the town manager and the police chief to allow parking
for like things like St. Patrick's Festival or the marathon and those kind
of things. So, that would not change. >> And if a car is broke down on the side
of the road, um does it get stickered or does it uh I mean, is it is that just
going to be kind of like a common sense employment there?
» Yeah, absolutely. And there are other provisions in the code of ordinances too
that talk about those kind of emergency situations. Certainly if it's a bonafide
situation like that, we're going to be um apply common sense. Excuse me.
» I'm not opposed to it. U I I do have one excuse me question SL request uh because
it's not formal now. I just in my experience driving up and down the road
all the time. I don't see it on a regular basis. I have seen it before.
excluding excluding festivals and things like that. Um I think if we were to pass
this um I don't know if it needs to be written in
hard hard language or whatever because it's not formal now if we decide to make
it formal tonight. I agree with you on limited uh sign clutter but at the same
time uh one concern would be that it's not formal. There's no signs. Uh, I
don't think it would be uh fair and just if we see if we do pass it, excuse me,
to see someone parked there and for it to be a a ticketable offense uh the
first time. I would encourage admin, LEO, staff, everybody.
There's a a one time warning u I didn't know. I know ignorance is an excuse for
not knowing the law, but if it's not posted or if it's posted uh
a little bit without sign clarity, a little bit of leniency,
teachable moment kind of a thing. I don't want to pass something like that
and then all of a sudden someone decides to park there, they didn't know any
better and they're out 50 bucks, 100 bucks. I just just there's some kind of
happy medium there. That would be my biggest concern there. Yeah, I I I share
your concern and share your approach on those kind of things. That's generally
how we operate on these things. If there are areas where it's clearly established
you shouldn't be parking there, obviously they're going to issue a
citation um early on in that process. My my intent on this going forward and
obviously can adjust in any way that you would like to, but my intent is to place
as few signs as necessary to accomplish the goals that I outlined before. Um and
then certainly if someone parks in an area where there's not a sign and
technically it's no parking violation, certainly don't want to write that
person a ticket. Want to use it as an educational opportunity as you
described. So um you know I want our staff whether it be law enforcement
officers or planning um zoning enforcement um to be able to exercise
judgment, right? To be able to exercise discretion, [clears throat] consider
those kind of things. So >> excellent.
» And this is applicable for the entire stretch from
» the way that it is written now. it's applicable for the entire stretch of
Highway 58. You know, if you would like to consider some other subset of that,
we certainly can do that. You know, initially contemplated just making it
effective through the main stretch where it's 200 foot wide rightway basically
from the bridge up to the uh welcome center, but then started contemplating
more whether or not do we really want people parking say along the bike path
um in central eastern Emerald Aisle. Do we want people parking near the sidewalk
in those areas? So the the draft that's before you tonight makes it the entire
section of Highway 58, but that's certainly a reasonable conversation to
have. As it stands right now, as you probably know, there's a short segment
down there by the bridge that says no parking, stopping, standing, etc.
Probably a few hundred feet or so in that area. So, but to be clear, this
would be the entire length of 58. If you want to consider something different, we
certainly can. Yeah, I' I've seen some instances on the east end of town where
it's it's narrow and some of the uh uh vacation rentals are right on Highway 58
and I I don't and I've seen like well maybe they were having a party and
people temporarily parked on the side of the road or either sometimes the house
was over overflowing and they had you know weekend parking there. So I don't
know how you would break that apart or just kind of keep an eye on it and
monitor it or >> Yeah. So, and so we obviously have those
situations occasionally on other town streets. Um, if people are having a
special gathering or something like that, particularly if there's a new home
under construction and the contractors really just don't have anywhere else to
park. So, you know, we try to apply common sense and make sure that there's
no safety concern there. Clearly, if there's a safety concern, we're going to
make the person move the vehicle. If it's a a poor attitude or poor response,
then perhaps they would get a citation in that. Or if it's a repeat offender,
those kind of things. So, you know, again, I think our law enforcement
officers are going to use discretion and judgment and try to be reasonable with
people. >> Was stopping and standing always just a
given or now it's in black and white? Like, can you elaborate on that a little
bit? Yeah, that that's the current language in the ordinance, the header on
that particular section, and it lists 13 other um instances um that qualify under
that, things like a loading zone or a turning lane and other things like that.
Um but the stopping or standing, it's intended to apply to parking or leaving
your car there for some prolonged period of time. So, I mean, I think, you know,
again, if someone pulls over because they are lost or they're looking at
their phone or they're trying to call someone, I mean, we're going to be
reasonable about those kind of things. It does make a Commission Brown does
bring up an interesting point. I've worked down on the east end a lot,
especially down toward the east end when it does narrow up. um uh specifically to
construction, not necessarily uh rental over overflow, which obviously can be a
problem uh at any house anywhere on the island, but u you know, if a house is
under construction or a house is being remodeled, a lot of those driveways uh
especially down towards the east end of the island, um they're narrow and some
of the ones I work, I wait until nobody's coming and I back in because I
I wouldn't be able to back out. And if you've got a crew there with three,
four, five, six uh machines or or vehicles or a trailer with, you know, a
piece of heavy equipment on it, they can or won't be able to get down the
driveway. That would be a a big concern to for me to not ticket
or not sight workers there. If they have a crew there with eight people and four
vehicles in a trailer, a heavy equipment trailer, there is nowhere else for them
to park to get their work done. other than the rightway. I I wouldn't want to
create um angx between contractors and and subcontractors,
employees of those contractors, you know, to where they're they're getting
citations. It might be a bad look. Open up a can of worms. That would I hadn't
thought about it that way um until now, but that that's something to consider.
» Yeah. And absolutely 100% agree with you. Um that concern is in place
currently. We're not going to write someone a ticket if it's a bonafide
worker there and as long as they're safe, right, we're going to work with
them and try to get them to move. But, um, that's a fairly common concern that
we hear from people. Sometimes, you know, a neighboring resident calls up
and says, "Hey, the the painting contractor or the landscape contractor
or the construction guys are parking in the street." And, you know, we look at
each situation on a case-by case basis. Obviously, we want those folks to be we
want the our residents to be able to get the work done for their homes, first of
all. We want those people to be able to make a living and perform work. And so
we consider all those things. I don't want to I don't want our guys going out
there writing a bunch of tickets for that kind of situation as long as
they're being safe and you know parking as safely as they can.
» Right. >> I feel like we've addressed the
situation that's probably brought this up to light. Are we being I don't want
to say forced by NC DOT to put this ordinance in place or
» so so the to be clear um this action would essentially formalize what we've
done at the intersection of Mangrove and NC58 absent an action like this or for
that specific location that's technically invalid. Um, I ultimately
decided it was a big enough safety concern and took the step to ask our
staff to put the no parking signs up there. And DT is comfortable with that
and I certainly consulted with them on these things. But absent you all
adopting an ordinance like this for whatever area of 58 you wanted to be, we
would have to take down those signs. >> Okay.
» So, this is essentially bringing us into compliance with DOT is maybe a better
way to say it. Just making the rule.
» That's right. >> Yeah. Okay.
» Would you guys like to move forward with making
» and and let me say this also. If you think that was an overreach on my part
or if this is not something you're comfortable [clears throat] with,
absolutely respect that and we'll adjust accordingly and and remove the signs.
But um I know uh we received several complaints about people parking on the
highway down in that area. I think it is a safety concern. We've had some
concerns from law enforcement about that. And I want every business here to
be successful. I also actually discussed this issue uh with the business owner in
that area. He was comfortable with putting up the no parking signs in that
area. So, it's as you can probably tell from this conversation, it's all
basically a big balance, right? And trying to keep the peace and keep safety
in mind. So, >> I think as long as we're applying some
common sense and some reasonleness and application of the the ordinance, I'd
make a motion to adopt the resolution requesting NC DOT designation of 58 as a
no parking zone. Um, Commissioner Brown, >> we have to amend the um
» if if we could revise that, Commissioner Brown to
» What we need to do is amend chapter 11, transportation of the code of ordinances
um by adding the the following section 1128, stopping, standing, and parking.
No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle in the following locations at
any location in the North Carolina 58 right away in the corporate limits of
the town of Emerald Isle. >> As amended, [laughter]
» all those in favor? >> I
» I >> So, was that three? Yes,
» three. I'm I'm Excuse me. I'm going to vote no just because I feel like there's
a little more talking to be done, a little bit more working to be done. like
contractors, things like that. I think that um there's there's a little bit too
much room for um interpretation. Uh I'm not totally opposed to it, but based on
the information I have now, my my vote would be a no vote for just just for
right now. >> Okay.
» We can come back and visit it and and refine it.
» Correct. >> Y
» Okay. As it stands now, it passed, >> right?
» Yes. >> There's three. Yes.
» Okay. >> Thank you. Yes. Moving on to the
appointments for tonight. Um we will need to
have a roll call vote to appoint three individuals to the bike and pedestrian
advisory committee that would expire in 2028.
I feel like I'm still new at roll call votes. So, does someone start off with
an appointment or does do I call on every each
» I would recommend that um each of you make any nominations that you would like
to see move forward for that and then conduct a roll call?
» Okay. Do I have any nominations?
» Okay. For the this for the bicycle. >> Yeah.
» All right. So, we got three the the four that's to be reaffirmed and three
vacancies. Um, I'd nominate uh Jeremy Fowler, Jean
Fries, and Christina Volater
and the reaffirming I guess of Mike Taylor, Ary Daily, Ken Stewart,
and Judy Stark. I don't think we have to do a roll call on those, do we?
» To reaffirm. >> I don't think so.
» No, >> I think we stick with the three and I
don't have any to add to Ro as far as roll call goes.
» Can you repeat who you said? Commissioner Brown.
» Yes. Um Jeremy Fowler, Jean Fry, and Christina Volater.
Okay, Commissioner Wooten, you want the same.
» We need a B. >> Go ahead. You're back. No, I I I was
just going to say I was fine with the reappoint of uh Gaye Stewart and Stark
and Mike Taylor. >> Okay.
» And we have to add three. >> Take it.
» We have to add three. >> Add three. I think we're on that first
step. >> The first step is the roll call vote on
adding three. >> Oh, sorry. Sorry, sorry, sorry. And it
was >> You need a ballot next time.
» Yeah. And it was uh Commissioner Brown. It was
fries. Can you repeat this please? >> Fowler.
» Fowler fries and volier. Fowler fries and volunteer.
» Agreed. >> Okay.
» Alicia. >> Agreed.
» Okay. >> Agreed. [clears throat]
» Okay. >> Jay.
» Oh, Jay. He agreed already. >> Oh, yeah. I agreed.
» Yep. Okay. So, the I make a motion to reaffirm the appointment of current
members Gaye, Stewart, Stark, and Taylor to terms on the bike and uh pedestrian
advisory committee that would expire in December of 27.
» All those in favor? >> I
make a motion to reappoint Deb Mueller to a three-year term on the EIPR A, Inc.
Board of Directors that expires in August 29th.
» All those in favor? I >> I
» And then we also need a roll call vote to appoint one individual to fill an
unexpired term on the EI. >> I'll make a motion that this be tabled
um until we have uh additional interest in this position and the town seek
applicants for that position. >> Okay, [clears throat]
sounds reasonable. All those in favor? >> I
» I Okay,
» is that all of it? >> Yeah. [clears throat] I just like to
comment that um ask staff in the future that even if uh it's a
» incumbents want to be reappointed that we get their applications um like I
might not know who who the people are you know from previous years ago and so
that'd be nice to know who they are and a little bit about their background. Um,
and I think it also makes a level playing field for the other other people
wanting to apply that they uh everybody has to submit an application.
» I think that's a fair ask. >> We'll certainly do that in the future.
» Okay. So, moving on from comments.
No, nothing from you, Lindsay. Okay. Um, attorney kills.
» No, ma'am. Thank you. All right. Great. >> All right. Um, several things. Um,
mostly good. Um, we have, uh, now received, uh, actually three significant
financial donations, uh, for the town's services for the departments. Um, we
have uh, Emerald residents who have made a significant in excess of probably
$10,000 donation for outdoor fitness equipment. Uh that's Ken and Sharon
Ambrose here in Emerald. We are [clears throat] their son was killed on
911 in the plane that crashed into the Pentagons and we're working to
memorialize him uh and also recognize 911 on the 25th anniversary. So we're
still working to put together a um an actual date for that. will not be on
September 11th due to other commitments by the Ambroes
either in their hometown or in Washington DC on the 25th anniversary,
but absolutely appreciate their generosity uh toward the town of Emerald
Isle and the outdoor fitness equipment. So, we'll move forward uh with that and
I'll certainly keep you informed as we make progress on that. We're hoping to
secure the equipment and get it installed prior to the ceremony. Uh
we're looking at early Octoberish time frame and it's going to be a little bit
tight, but we'll do our very best to make that happen. Um we also had a
resident uh Clifton Barkley uh made a very generous $5,000 donation to the
fire department um simply to benefit the department and our community. So
appreciate his generosity uh in Emerald. And then finally uh we received uh
multiple donations. Um the final amount is unknown depending on the cost of some
equipment, but probably in the range of $20,000
uh from a woman named Nancy Frantel uh who is a frequent visitor uh to Emerald
Isle and um uh just very appreciative of our community and our police department
in particular and would like the funds invested in police department things.
So, um, I mentioned that tonight we we and certainly throughout the year, we
also receive generous contributions from others, but I was just really struck by
the dollar amounts involved with these and the fact that they all came
literally within a few days of each other and I just felt like it was worth
mentioning to you and really just representative of what a great community
of people uh we're fortunate to have here in Emerald Isle. So, um, to those
who I didn't mention who have previously contributed, thank you also. But I just
wanted to make you particularly aware of those three. Um, we are, uh, as I
communicated in an email to you all, uh, we're set to meet with, uh, Senator
Sanderson and Representative KS, uh, [snorts] next week, August 20th, um,
hopefully to eventually secure state funding for a new fire station. um
whether that be fire station 3 in the future or perhaps even something here at
the town complex. So looking forward to that meeting. Um appreciate Commissioner
Wooten and Brownlow agreeing to participate in that. I'll certainly
update the rest of the board on how that goes. Um I I look at these things as um
kind of the first step in the process and trying to educate them about the
town's needs. Hopefully uh gather their support going forward and and be helpful
in the future. Um, fire station 2, uh, as you know, we have not started yet.
Um, we had hoped to start, uh, last week. Um, we are still waiting for the
final approval from FEMA, uh, to go forward with that. Really just a
procedural, um, approval. We are actually starting to see a little bit of
movement on that. We reached out to Congressman Murphy and his staff has
been helping us trying to move that. Um, I don't think there's any concern about
it. But I think it's for just the bureaucratic process that these things
go through. So we will get started on construction as soon as we get that uh
that final word from FEMA. Um ironically that outstanding reimbursement of more
than a million dollars is wrapped up in that same process that we've been
waiting for that for about 15 months now. So uh anyway um appreciate
everybody's patience on that. Look really look forward to getting that
started. Um the youth advisory council uh the youth advisory council their
first meeting uh is two weeks uh from today uh on the 25th at four o'clock. So
be working on an agenda for that group uh and trying to finalize that and
hopefully make that a very positive um rewarding experience for the 14 youth
that you all appointed to that. Um several other things uh in the written
materials. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about anything. Um,
you know, my intent with the memo is to give you guys and the public, um,
updates on things that don't rise to the level of board action at this point in
time. Um, and sometimes it's really just to kind of give you an idea of what
future agenda items might be coming down the pike. So, um, that's the intent
behind that and hopefully that's helpful. Happy to answer any questions
that you may have.
I don't have a question, but I well I guess this is a question for um you had
in your memo it was mentioned about or I guess it's a consent agenda about asking
or applying for a grant from the Big Rock Foundation. Should we as a board or
from the town draft a letter or anything else to go with that application?
» Um you certainly can. essentially that resolution that you approved as part of
the consent agenda is your letter of support so to speak. But to your point,
I think if you are familiar and have relationships with anyone on the Big
Rock board directors or anyone at all affiliated with the Big Rock
organization, please put in a good word for us. Um, express your support for
this. But that resolution is kind of your letter of support.
» Okay.
I really like the idea of the microchip scanner for lost pets because
[clears throat] it happens here all the time. Is it um I don't know what your
plans are for the funding, but is it possible to use the dog park money that
we have sitting there to get this done? >> Oh, that's a good idea.
» Yeah, I I think that would be a good use of those funds. Um I don't expect I
don't know what the cost is at this point in time. I don't expect it will be
a difficult number for us to achieve. The other thing I've asked staff to do
is to see if there's some sort of app that does the same thing, right? That we
can certainly do both and have a scanner here at the police department, but also
just advertise there's an app and you can find it. I don't know if that exists
or not, but that's the other angle that we're doing. So, should be a really nice
thing and I think I think we can figure it out. Dog park fund would be I think a
good source. So, another citizen had asked me, so now when our pets get um
picked up by the police, they get put in those cages if we could use any of those
funds to make that more of a pleasant area for them because it's just kind of
just a cage now and probably getting old. I haven't been there for a while.
My dogs haven't been in police jail for a while, but [laughter]
» yeah, I I I think that's a worthy cause for us to
pursue. I probably would want to go back. I just don't recall what the um
commitment was of the people who contributed to the dog park fund. I'd
want to just make sure that we're honoring their commitment on the
microchip scanner. I'm expecting that'll be a pretty easy thing for us to
accommodate. Um I would just want to make sure that we're honoring the wishes
of the people who made the contribution. So, and I just don't I don't know. So,
» any other questions for Frank?
Okay. Thank you, Frank. Alicia, would you like to kick us off
down there? >> Sure. Just thank everyone for coming out
tonight. Uh, I appreciate all the response from the public that we
received on the UDO amendment and appreciate everyone's input on on every
aspect of town government. It's it's great to know your what you think and
those are things that we obviously need to take into consideration very heavily.
Thank you.
» Um yes, thanks everybody that's here and everybody that's watching. But uh two
things I wanted to touch on. One is the trolley. I had the opportunity about a
week ago to do a full circuit of the trolley and had some friends join along
the way and they got on and got off at different spots, but got the whole
trolley experience. I got to tell you, the the route and the flow is so much
better than what I would think just looking at it on paper. So, I would
encourage everybody to go out and use that trolley and actually take a ride.
It's very well airond conditioned. the young lady that was driving was
absolutely lovely. She was fun to to talk to. Um and it it drops you just
about anywhere that you would want to go and I suspect if you wanted to stop
somewhere and you raise your hand, she might stop and let you out. Um so I
think it's a great thing. Uh I'm excited to find some way to fund it that isn't
taxpayer dollars for the coming years because I think it's a tremendous
service and a great idea. And um I think the more folks get out and try it, I
think the more you would use it. So that's one. And the other one I was
gonna say, I love the idea of the dog chip scanner. Um they and the dogs
always turn up missing the day they're leaving. That's the one that really gets
me. So it make it a whole lot easier to connect the dog with the people
hopefully before they leave the island. So um I'm all in for whatever we need to
do. I think the dog park money is a great idea if we can use it and if not I
don't think it's going to be a huge lift. So I'd support doing whatever we
need to to make that happen. >> I think I think think those dogs are
pretty smart. They don't want to leave. >> Exactly.
You got that right. >> Commissioner Bellow.
» Yeah. Thanks, Mayor. Um, I just I want to go back and talk about that uh
20-year recognition thing. And uh um I agree too with with the term limits u to
give other people opportunities to to serve also. Uh but I'd like to keep it
on the broader recognition um of for immortal that it was shaped by not just
one or or two or three people. It was it's been a cumulative effect of uh
founders, residents, staff, volunteers, civic organizations, business owners,
elected and appointed officials, and just generations of families that have
shaped and molded Emerald Island to the family beach that it is today. And I I'd
like to see us uh maybe honor and celebrate all these people with a maybe
a Founders Day parade or Founders Heritage or a Emerald Celebration Day or
something like that. Um, I think that that way it'd be inclusive of everybody
that's contributed to the success and um to the beautiful home that we have
today. Thank you. >> That sounds very interesting,
» Mr. Holland. >> Uh, short and sweet. Thank you, Ambrose
Barkley and Frantel family for your generous donations. That's uh uh
remarkable. Uh, thank you Jennifer and Justin Lens. I know they had to leave,
but thank you both for being here. Thank you for giving us Trent and uh grateful
for the opportunity and and time that we got to share with him. Um
that's it. Thank you, >> Commissioner Plum.
» So, we still have the one opening on the rec board. Um we did not have any
applicants, so please reconsider. Tell your friends, tell your family. We need
to get that position filled. And second, this weekend on Sunday, Little Pink
Houses of Hope where breast cancer patient survivors come to the island is
happening on Sunday. Um, the trolley company has graciously donated the
trolley to take them from the Watson House to Land's End for their lunch free
of charge. Um, and the Emerald Garden Club supplies bouques of flowers for
those folks that are coming in with their families. There's seven families
this year. So, if you see them out, just give them the warm Emerald Ale welcome.
Thank you. >> Great group of people there.
» And mayor, I got got one more [clears throat] thing, too. Um, if I if
I could, the um I'd like to recognize that public works department. Franken
mentioned it earlier about how they maintain our streets, but uh there
there's so much more other work they do that's not even it's what you don't
notice [laughter] that that makes them a success. And that's the uh they do get
rid of the trash and stuff, the tree limbs and collecting yard waste and and
everything, but uh I mean they're up at the crack of dawn. I was you get on the
the peer cam to check the surf and and there goes the public works truck and
it's still they got their headlights on cuz it's not even daylights yet. And so
I applaud these guys for for the work and dedication they do. Um they do a
tremendous job. And I was asking someone the other day, I said, "Look on the side
of roads here. What is it that you don't see? They're like like what? Like you I
said you don't even recognize it, but you don't see the trash and litter, you
know? It's just it's a really clean town that we have here and the roads are are
maintained good and uh I just like to recognize our public works department
and staff. They do a tremendous job. >> Thank you. Um I just have a few things
as well. So it has come to my attention. Um, thank you, Mayor Commissioner
Waldrip, about the um there's a public information meeting regarding the
Highway 24 and 58 intersection on the other side of the bridge. Um, it's going
to be happening on August 18th between 3:30 and 7 at the library off of Taylor
Notion Road. Obviously, that's going to affect us all. So, if you want to know
what that is going to bring to us, um, that's happening then. And then also um
on Thursday the August 20th at 1:30 um the Civic Center Morehead City there's
going to be an update on I7 and Interstate 42. Um I'm hoping to attend
both. So I will try to you know share what I learned um from that. Um I also I
think this summer personally has kind of taught me that we need to readress pack
it in pack it out a little bit strongly moving into next summer. Um, and so I
think and no, you know, not leaving holes on the beach and removing your
beach gear. I think we need to kind of revamp that um those talking points to
our customers and our guests and and our town members as we move forward into
next summer. So, I have that on my ongoing list so we don't forget come
April. But, um, yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing the school buses back
on the road and school getting back in and seeing September come. So, thank you
everyone for being here. Motion to adjurnn.
» All those in favor?