[0:00] Thank you for joining us tonight. It's August 11th. Um we'll go ahead and get

[0:04] the town of um the golf board of commissioners meeting started.

[0:09] » Lindsay, >> Mayor Logos

[0:11] » here. >> Mayor Pro Tim Holland

[0:12] » here. >> Commissioner Brownlow

[0:14] » here. >> Commissioner Plum

[0:15] » here. >> Commissioner Sanderson

[0:17] » here. >> Commissioner Wood

[0:18] » here. >> Okay. Commissioner Brown, would you like

[0:21] to lead us in opening prayer? Let's >> please bow our heads in prayer, please.

[0:25] Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts for the privilege and

[0:29] responsibility of serving the people of Emerald Isle. We ask for your wisdom as

[0:34] we consider the matters before us this evening. Help us to listen with open

[0:38] minds, speak with humility, and make decisions that are fair, thoughtful, and

[0:42] in the best interest of our community, both for today and generations to come.

[0:46] Tonight, we especially lift up the Lind family as we remember Trenton and the

[0:51] remarkable example of courage, kindness, and love that he shared with our

[0:55] community. May your peace and comfort surround them. We ask your continued

[0:59] protection over our first responders, our military, our law enforcement

[1:02] officers, town staff, and the many volunteers who faithfully serve our

[1:06] community each day. Bless their work, and keep them safe.

[1:10] Dear Lord, we ask these things in your holy name. Amen.

[1:13] » Amen. Amen. >> I'll rise for the pledge of allegiance.

[1:20] » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the

[1:26] republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and

[1:32] justice for all.

[1:40] » Okay, now it's time for public public comment. Lindsay, has anyone signed up

[1:44] today? >> Yes, Carol Peoples.

[1:52] » Hi, I'm Oh, it is on. I'm Carol Peoples, 401 Hickory Street. Um, I just wanted to

[1:57] make a comment about a topic that was discussed a little bit last month about

[2:03] reappointing city members on the planning board. and I've emailed all of

[2:06] you, so none of this is a surprise, but I just wonder if it would be a good idea

[2:10] because we have other residents who are interested in serving to consider term

[2:14] limits for the planning board. Um, and I think if two consecutive term limit

[2:19] limits would give you six years and then if you're still interested, you could

[2:22] sit out for three years and then come back and be considered with all the

[2:26] other applicants. That was just a suggestion because I think a lot of

[2:29] people are highly qualified and very interested in serving.

[2:32] » Yeah. Thank you, Carol. That's it.

[2:36] » That's it. Okay. Um, if anyone else forgot to sign up but has a comment. No.

[2:42] Okay. Well, um, you guys, everyone knows that you can all email us at any time

[2:46] and we're happy to read and respond. Um, so moving on, um, to the we heard you

[2:53] from last month. Um, if there were any comments from that section or followup

[2:58] needed, we have printed them and they're on the back.

[3:02] Would you like to do the >> any conflict of interest? Mayor Logos.

[3:06] » No. >> Mayor Pro Tim Holland.

[3:08] » No. >> Commissioner Brown?

[3:09] » No conflict. >> Commissioner Plum?

[3:11] » No. >> Commissioner Sanderson?

[3:13] » No. >> Commissioner Wooten?

[3:14] » No. >> Okay, great. So, now we can move on with

[3:17] the adoption of the agenda tonight as written. May I have a motion?

[3:21] » So moved. >> All those in favor?

[3:23] » I. >> Okay. Um, so next we have our public

[3:27] announcements. Um they were rolling through as everybody arrived this

[3:31] evening. Um there are some larger festivals and things coming up. We have

[3:35] Kidfest, um Labor Day weekend, we have Emerald Fest. Um is this the last

[3:41] concert coming up in August or is there another one?

[3:47] » We had a cancellation earlier, so we rescheduled that to August 20th. So

[3:51] that'll be the last one. So we'll have one on the 13th and the 20th.

[3:54] » Okay, great. So, everyone get out and watch some music on the beach. Um, we

[3:58] have a blood drive coming up on the 21st and youth at the Youth Advisory

[4:03] Council's first meeting will also be in August. Um, there will be a a

[4:07] proclamation tonight. Jason, if you would please read it for us.

[4:10] » Absolutely. And, uh, uh, first off, um, thank you to Transparents for being here

[4:15] tonight. Uh, means a lot. Thank you for allowing us to do this. And uh thank you

[4:20] Mayor Logos for allowing me um to u break protocol a little bit and and read

[4:26] this proclamation means a lot. Thank you so much.

[4:30] The town of Emerald Isle proclamation honoring Trenton Linds. Whereas Trenton

[4:35] Linds was a beloved member of the Emerald Ale community and a ray of light

[4:38] to everyone who knew him. And whereas Trent had a profound love for Emerald

[4:42] Isle and embodied the family beach vibe. Trent enjoyed body boarding, surfing,

[4:48] the outdoors, spending time with his family and friends, serving patrons at

[4:53] Southwell Surf Shop and Fish Hut Grill, his work homes. Whereas Trent was always

[4:58] a joy to be around, bringing smiles to his friends faces simply by being

[5:02] himself. Whereas Trent was diagnosed with

[5:05] cranoparangioma in 2013 and courageously battled

[5:10] numerous health challenges stemming from this rare brain tumor. Whereas despite

[5:15] these challenges, Trent never releas relinquished his innate joy, his

[5:20] positivity, and love for life. Whereas Trent passed away on July 25th at the

[5:25] age of 28 years old, Trent touched countless lives in Emerald Isle with his

[5:31] infectious personality, strong character, and giving spirit and set a

[5:35] positive example for all in the face of significant challenges.

[5:40] Now therefore, I, Jason Holland, Mayor Pro Tim of the town of Emerald Isle, by

[5:44] virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby issue this proclamation honoring

[5:49] Trenton Linds for his kindness, positivity, courage, strength, and love

[5:54] of community and urge all residents to reflect on these qualities that he

[5:58] embodied. May we all live our lives forever stoked. Proclaim this 11th day

[6:03] of August, 2026. Jason Holland, mayor pro Tim Emerald.

[6:13] » Thank you, Jason. Thank you. Um, moving on to the consent agenda. May I ask

[6:19] approval [snorts] or motion to approve? >> So move.

[6:25] » All those in favor? I

[6:38] as we move on to um item number 11 on the agenda, I do want to make an

[6:44] unofficial announcement. official, unofficial, I don't really quite know,

[6:48] but I want to make the announcement that our planning director here um was the

[6:53] zoning official of the year for the second time in the row from the North

[6:57] Carolina Association of Zoning Officials. So, Mr.

[7:02] [applause]

[7:06] You will please lead us in um talking about the ordinance amending the UDO to

[7:11] clarify that contractors may also be subject to penalties. Sure. Now I got to

[7:16] do it perfectly. >> Yes, you do.

[7:19] » Good evening everyone. Today we are holding a public hearing for a proposed

[7:23] UDO UDO text amendment in section 9.2 of the ordinance. The ordinance of this the

[7:29] purpose of this ordinance amendment is to clarify that fines may be incurred by

[7:33] both the owner of a property and or the contractor that performed the

[7:36] non-compliant work. The UDEO currently states that the owner of a property is

[7:42] the responsible person when non-compliant work is performed. But

[7:45] there are many situations in which the contractor who performed the work should

[7:49] also be responsible. We are proposing the section to read,

[7:53] "The owner of and any contractor, subcontractor, equipment operator, or

[7:59] other party performing or directing work for each property located within the

[8:04] town is responsible for ensuring that the development, redevelopment, use of

[8:10] the land, and improvements to the land on that property occur and are

[8:14] maintained in compliance with this ordinance.

[8:18] Notice of violation shall be issued to both the owner and any contractor,

[8:22] subcontractor, equipment operator, or other party

[8:26] performing or directing work. Fines may be incurred by both the owner

[8:31] of a property and or the contractor, subcontractor, equipment operator, or

[8:37] other party that performed or directed the non-compliant work.

[8:41] The proposed amendment would apply to any violation of the UDO in the future.

[8:45] [clears throat]

[8:48] On July 27th, the planning board reviewed the amendment and voted 5 to

[8:51] zero to recommend adoption of it. They also completed a plan consistency

[8:56] statement stating that the amendment is consistent with the comprehensive plan

[9:01] and reasonable and in the public's best interest because on page 1-9 it states

[9:07] we will review, modify as appropriate and enforce zoning consistent with local

[9:12] municipal efforts and the capability to charge contractors in addition to

[9:17] property owners in specific situations may help deter land use violations from

[9:22] occurring in the future. All required public hearing procedures

[9:26] have been performed as directed by our ordinance and state statutes. Within the

[9:31] public notification period, we did not receive any calls, emails, or citizens

[9:35] that visited the planning department requesting more information about the

[9:39] proposed amendment. At this time, I ask the board to make a motion to begin the

[9:44] public hearing before making a final determination. Thank you.

[9:50] » I'll make a motion to open the public hearing. All those in favor?

[9:53] » I I excuse me.

[9:58] You >> want me to speak from here? Uh

[9:59] » oh, just come over. >> I'm sorry. I'll try not to get up here

[10:06] too much. Carol Peoples, 401 Hickory. Um I support this amendment and I'm asking

[10:11] you to as well. I see it as an easily implemented step, especially with our

[10:16] new building inspectors on staff to better protect our coast. um the

[10:21] contractors who are the people maybe the little guys actually doing the work um I

[10:26] think rely on their reputations and word of mouth and I think having them be sure

[10:31] that they know the rules is just another layer of protection that we can build in

[10:36] and if someone above them is asking them to do something that does not is not in

[10:40] line with the ordinance then that's the place where it should stop. It's just to

[10:43] me another layer of protection. So I hope you'll consider it.

[10:48] » Thank you Carol. Any

[10:53] that's it? Okay. A motion >> make a motion to close the public

[10:56] hearing. >> All those in favor?

[10:58] » I Anyone have any questions for John?

[11:05] » Yeah, John. We um I think shortly before the meeting we we revised the language a

[11:11] little bit that so that it was clear that it doesn't pertain just to a

[11:15] contractor like a licensed contractor. Could you clarify on that for the

[11:18] audience please? >> Right. Yeah. So that's that's absolutely

[11:21] true. Is there a certain wording you wanted to

[11:25] » have that in or so so we have placed at your places tonight the revised agenda

[11:31] item which is substantively similar to that was included in the original agenda

[11:35] packet. We have actually included copies of the replacement item on the table in

[11:39] the back as well, but we've just expanded that and clarified that it's a

[11:42] contractor, a subcontractor, really any representative of an individual who's

[11:47] performing the work or directing the work there. So, we think that's a

[11:50] helpful change to further clarify the the requirements.

[11:57] » Thank you. I'll make a motion to amend the unified

[12:01] development ordinance to clarify the contractors and their entities may also

[12:06] be subject to penalties for UDO violations.

[12:10] » All those in favor? >> I

[12:14] [clears throat] excuse me.

[12:20] » Thank you. >> Thank you.

[12:22] » Thanks, John. >> Zoning officer of the year is everybody.

[12:27] » Yes.

[12:33] Okay. Agenda item number 12. Um, this is regarding amending chapter 2 from

[12:39] administration, the code of ordinances to extend certain lifetime recreation

[12:43] benefits to planning board members with 20 years or more of service to the town.

[12:48] Frank, >> Mayor Logos, commissioners, um the town

[12:52] has for many years provided lifetime recreation benefits to uh any elected

[12:57] official uh who currently serves or has served the town in the past or will

[13:01] serve in the future. [clears throat] Um that's a nice benefit to recognize the

[13:05] dedication and the commitment of your yourselves and those who've come before

[13:09] you and come after you. Um we also provide uh a benefit for employees

[13:14] who've worked for the town for 20 years. uh the identical recreation benefits.

[13:19] Essentially, what that is is a free beach driving permit, a free community

[13:22] center membership. Uh it's also a free regional access parking permit. And you

[13:28] might ask, well, why do they need that if they live in Emerald Ale? Well,

[13:31] perhaps if they're former, they may move to another community and so forth. And

[13:35] then the other benefit that's provided is free access to a future public

[13:39] fishing pier. And obviously we don't currently have any public fishing peers

[13:43] in the town, but this provision was enacted years ago when the town

[13:47] contemplated having a public fishing pier. So it was written to incorporate

[13:51] that in the future as well, probably 20 years ago. Um we provide that benefit

[13:56] for current uh past future elected officials and town employees with 20

[14:00] years or more of service. The proposal for your consideration tonight is to

[14:04] also extend that same benefit to long-erving planning board members. Um,

[14:08] and essentially the 20 years mimics the 20 years that's available to full-time

[14:13] town employees. Uh, we currently only have one individual that would qualify

[14:17] for that. That's our chairman, Kenny Sullivan, right now, uh, who has been

[14:20] serving for a little more than 20 years. Um, this amendment was requested by

[14:24] Commissioner Wooten. Um, and again, it's just another effort to, uh, recognize

[14:29] and show appreciation for those who are willing to provide that kind of service

[14:32] to the town going forward. So, happy to answer any questions you may have about

[14:35] it. board.

[14:41] » I would just say that I I suggested this and again it mirrors the um long-erving

[14:47] employees. I think that um it's great to have a commitment and and folks that are

[14:53] willing to serve the town for that length of time and it's not a huge uh

[14:58] expense necessarily to grant these privileges, but I think it's a a great

[15:02] recognition. Um, we do have as the town has grown and evolved and to Carol's

[15:09] point, I think we have so many people that are willing to serve now, I don't

[15:13] know that we would be granting these to a lot of folks going forward. So, I

[15:18] don't think there's a big expense to it, but I thought it was a a [clears throat]

[15:21] nice recognition of for the time served for um,

[15:26] Mr. Sullivan and anybody else that was say, you know, similarly situated.

[15:31] One one thing I neglected to mention just to clarify for everyone's sake, we

[15:34] also provide those same benefits for current planning board members and we

[15:38] have for many years. That's not actually codified anywhere in the ordinances or

[15:43] the town policy. So this ordinance would also rectify that issue as well.

[15:48] » Frank, I recall as a staff member there being questions oftentimes at the

[15:52] community center. Is this for a board member, a planning board member, a

[15:58] retiree alone and their immediate families?

[16:04] » Yes. >> Or I think we need to define that

[16:08] because immediate family would be defined as any other legal definition of

[16:13] immediate family. >> Yeah. And I will tell you the intent is

[16:17] for the member himself or herself. >> Okay.

[16:20] » We can certainly revisit that if you all would like to, but that's

[16:22] » No, I'm fine with that. I just think it needs to be clarified.

[16:25] » Sure.

[16:29] » I was just wondering too about the um just the recognition of longevity

[16:34] because that's [snorts] that tells us how long someone has occupied a

[16:38] position, but it doesn't by itself tell us like the quality, the impact or the

[16:43] character of that service. And I just want to make sure that if you're going

[16:48] to throw a bestow upon someone a special privilege, then um certainly I would

[16:54] hope that it it that service would merit that other than just

[17:00] longevity. >> Well, if they retire, apparently they've

[17:03] been in good standing.

[17:07] » They would have to been reappointed numerous times, right?

[17:11] » Yep. >> Well, for planning board. that pops.

[17:13] I've seen it just repointing itself as that can happen

[17:20] regardless of merit [snorts] of anything else.

[17:24] » Yeah, I think you know as as I've been alluded to before, I think it's highly

[17:27] unusual, right? I think you're very unlikely to have this situation um many

[17:31] times in the future, if at all. And so >> I I am fine with this, but I do want to

[17:40] revisit term limits. >> Okay.

[17:44] » Well, tonight, do we want to make a motion to adopt this ordinance amending

[17:49] chapter 2? I'll make a motion to adopt the ordinance amending chapter 2

[17:54] administration of the code of ordin ordinances to extend certain lifetime

[17:58] recreation benefits planning board members with 20 years or more of service

[18:02] to the town. >> Okay, great. All those in favor

[18:05] » I >> we will um we'll certainly bring you

[18:10] something on term limits for planning board members and probably board of

[18:13] adjustment members also going forward. Um, one thing that I think we're going

[18:17] to have to research is um, whether that should go through the general code of

[18:22] ordinances or whether that should go through the UDO. If it has to go through

[18:26] the UDO, which is where those terms are currently codified, that requires review

[18:31] by the planning board first and then advertising public hearing, same process

[18:34] you just went through a few minutes ago. So, I want to get clear and I'll talk

[18:38] with the town attorney and others and make sure we've got the right process

[18:41] outlined. So that may come back directly to you all or it may go to the planning

[18:45] board depending on what we learn. >> Okay. Thank you. So moving on to agenda

[18:51] item number 13. Um this is regarding the resolution requesting um NC do

[18:58] designation of MC58 as a new parking zone.

[19:04] Um, Mayor Logos, commissioners, um, I did want to point out that I actually

[19:08] placed a replacement item uh, at your places tonight and apologize for the

[19:12] number of those this evening. There's also a copy of this on the table uh, in

[19:16] the rear of the room as well. Um, the replacement item uh is the same

[19:20] substantive consideration for the board of commissioners. Um, it's just in the

[19:24] form of an ordinance as opposed to a resolution. Uh, last week when we put

[19:28] the agenda packet together, it was under the impression that it would need to be

[19:31] a resolution. uh learned earlier today that it should be an ordinance. So, you

[19:35] actually have the authority to establish a no parking zone on Highway 58 if you

[19:40] should choose to do so. Uh the recommendation that's presented for you

[19:44] is to name the entire length of 58 in Emerald Isle as a no parking zone. Um

[19:50] historically, the perception has always been that uh it is a no parking zone. Uh

[19:56] it was really never an issue over the many many years. um until recently we've

[20:00] had folks parking near the intersection of Mangrove and Highway 58 in kind of a

[20:05] haphazard manner there and potentially presenting a safety consideration at

[20:09] that intersection. Um obviously it's the most heavily traveled road in the town.

[20:13] Uh obviously people are traveling um faster [clears throat] speeds on Highway

[20:16] 58. Uh we've got a lot of bicyclists and pedestrians milling around with the bike

[20:21] path and the sidewalk. Um, and as you know, and I'm very proud of and our

[20:25] staff, I think, should be very proud of is we invest a lot of resources in

[20:28] trying to keep the whole Highway 58 right away looking attractive and and um

[20:33] very wellmaintained. So, if you're going to have people parking on that, it kind

[20:36] of is contradictory to that goal. So, the recommendation presented for you

[20:41] tonight is to consider the ordinance, [clears throat] um, if the board adopts

[20:45] the ordinance, >> [snorts]

[20:46] » um, it will be conveyed to the NC DO. um they ultimately would be responsible for

[20:52] placing future signs uh on Highway 58. And I will be working with them to

[20:56] hopefully find the right balance between uh effective signage to communicate the

[21:02] requirement and also avoiding sign clutter because I think we're very

[21:05] sensitive to having too many signs out there. Um it's really intended to just

[21:10] kind of formalize what the actual perception has been over the years. Um

[21:15] and hopefully it would be helpful going forward. So,

[21:19] » Frank, it exempts uh festivals, right? I mean, special events or

[21:24] » Yeah, that's right. We have we have language in the current code of

[21:26] ordinances that allows the town manager and the police chief to allow parking

[21:30] for like things like St. Patrick's Festival or the marathon and those kind

[21:33] of things. So, that would not change. >> And if a car is broke down on the side

[21:37] of the road, um does it get stickered or does it uh I mean, is it is that just

[21:43] going to be kind of like a common sense employment there?

[21:45] » Yeah, absolutely. And there are other provisions in the code of ordinances too

[21:48] that talk about those kind of emergency situations. Certainly if it's a bonafide

[21:52] situation like that, we're going to be um apply common sense. Excuse me.

[22:00] » I'm not opposed to it. U I I do have one excuse me question SL request uh because

[22:07] it's not formal now. I just in my experience driving up and down the road

[22:10] all the time. I don't see it on a regular basis. I have seen it before.

[22:15] excluding excluding festivals and things like that. Um I think if we were to pass

[22:19] this um I don't know if it needs to be written in

[22:26] hard hard language or whatever because it's not formal now if we decide to make

[22:30] it formal tonight. I agree with you on limited uh sign clutter but at the same

[22:37] time uh one concern would be that it's not formal. There's no signs. Uh, I

[22:44] don't think it would be uh fair and just if we see if we do pass it, excuse me,

[22:49] to see someone parked there and for it to be a a ticketable offense uh the

[22:54] first time. I would encourage admin, LEO, staff, everybody.

[23:02] There's a a one time warning u I didn't know. I know ignorance is an excuse for

[23:07] not knowing the law, but if it's not posted or if it's posted uh

[23:13] a little bit without sign clarity, a little bit of leniency,

[23:19] teachable moment kind of a thing. I don't want to pass something like that

[23:22] and then all of a sudden someone decides to park there, they didn't know any

[23:25] better and they're out 50 bucks, 100 bucks. I just just there's some kind of

[23:29] happy medium there. That would be my biggest concern there. Yeah, I I I share

[23:32] your concern and share your approach on those kind of things. That's generally

[23:36] how we operate on these things. If there are areas where it's clearly established

[23:39] you shouldn't be parking there, obviously they're going to issue a

[23:42] citation um early on in that process. My my intent on this going forward and

[23:46] obviously can adjust in any way that you would like to, but my intent is to place

[23:51] as few signs as necessary to accomplish the goals that I outlined before. Um and

[23:56] then certainly if someone parks in an area where there's not a sign and

[24:00] technically it's no parking violation, certainly don't want to write that

[24:03] person a ticket. Want to use it as an educational opportunity as you

[24:07] described. So um you know I want our staff whether it be law enforcement

[24:11] officers or planning um zoning enforcement um to be able to exercise

[24:15] judgment, right? To be able to exercise discretion, [clears throat] consider

[24:18] those kind of things. So >> excellent.

[24:21] » And this is applicable for the entire stretch from

[24:24] » the way that it is written now. it's applicable for the entire stretch of

[24:27] Highway 58. You know, if you would like to consider some other subset of that,

[24:32] we certainly can do that. You know, initially contemplated just making it

[24:36] effective through the main stretch where it's 200 foot wide rightway basically

[24:40] from the bridge up to the uh welcome center, but then started contemplating

[24:44] more whether or not do we really want people parking say along the bike path

[24:48] um in central eastern Emerald Aisle. Do we want people parking near the sidewalk

[24:53] in those areas? So the the draft that's before you tonight makes it the entire

[24:57] section of Highway 58, but that's certainly a reasonable conversation to

[25:01] have. As it stands right now, as you probably know, there's a short segment

[25:05] down there by the bridge that says no parking, stopping, standing, etc.

[25:09] Probably a few hundred feet or so in that area. So, but to be clear, this

[25:13] would be the entire length of 58. If you want to consider something different, we

[25:16] certainly can. Yeah, I' I've seen some instances on the east end of town where

[25:22] it's it's narrow and some of the uh uh vacation rentals are right on Highway 58

[25:27] and I I don't and I've seen like well maybe they were having a party and

[25:30] people temporarily parked on the side of the road or either sometimes the house

[25:34] was over overflowing and they had you know weekend parking there. So I don't

[25:38] know how you would break that apart or just kind of keep an eye on it and

[25:42] monitor it or >> Yeah. So, and so we obviously have those

[25:45] situations occasionally on other town streets. Um, if people are having a

[25:49] special gathering or something like that, particularly if there's a new home

[25:51] under construction and the contractors really just don't have anywhere else to

[25:55] park. So, you know, we try to apply common sense and make sure that there's

[25:58] no safety concern there. Clearly, if there's a safety concern, we're going to

[26:01] make the person move the vehicle. If it's a a poor attitude or poor response,

[26:06] then perhaps they would get a citation in that. Or if it's a repeat offender,

[26:09] those kind of things. So, you know, again, I think our law enforcement

[26:12] officers are going to use discretion and judgment and try to be reasonable with

[26:15] people. >> Was stopping and standing always just a

[26:21] given or now it's in black and white? Like, can you elaborate on that a little

[26:27] bit? Yeah, that that's the current language in the ordinance, the header on

[26:31] that particular section, and it lists 13 other um instances um that qualify under

[26:36] that, things like a loading zone or a turning lane and other things like that.

[26:41] Um but the stopping or standing, it's intended to apply to parking or leaving

[26:45] your car there for some prolonged period of time. So, I mean, I think, you know,

[26:48] again, if someone pulls over because they are lost or they're looking at

[26:52] their phone or they're trying to call someone, I mean, we're going to be

[26:55] reasonable about those kind of things. It does make a Commission Brown does

[27:00] bring up an interesting point. I've worked down on the east end a lot,

[27:03] especially down toward the east end when it does narrow up. um uh specifically to

[27:09] construction, not necessarily uh rental over overflow, which obviously can be a

[27:13] problem uh at any house anywhere on the island, but u you know, if a house is

[27:19] under construction or a house is being remodeled, a lot of those driveways uh

[27:24] especially down towards the east end of the island, um they're narrow and some

[27:28] of the ones I work, I wait until nobody's coming and I back in because I

[27:32] I wouldn't be able to back out. And if you've got a crew there with three,

[27:36] four, five, six uh machines or or vehicles or a trailer with, you know, a

[27:42] piece of heavy equipment on it, they can or won't be able to get down the

[27:45] driveway. That would be a a big concern to for me to not ticket

[27:53] or not sight workers there. If they have a crew there with eight people and four

[27:59] vehicles in a trailer, a heavy equipment trailer, there is nowhere else for them

[28:02] to park to get their work done. other than the rightway. I I wouldn't want to

[28:05] create um angx between contractors and and subcontractors,

[28:12] employees of those contractors, you know, to where they're they're getting

[28:15] citations. It might be a bad look. Open up a can of worms. That would I hadn't

[28:20] thought about it that way um until now, but that that's something to consider.

[28:25] » Yeah. And absolutely 100% agree with you. Um that concern is in place

[28:30] currently. We're not going to write someone a ticket if it's a bonafide

[28:33] worker there and as long as they're safe, right, we're going to work with

[28:36] them and try to get them to move. But, um, that's a fairly common concern that

[28:40] we hear from people. Sometimes, you know, a neighboring resident calls up

[28:43] and says, "Hey, the the painting contractor or the landscape contractor

[28:47] or the construction guys are parking in the street." And, you know, we look at

[28:51] each situation on a case-by case basis. Obviously, we want those folks to be we

[28:55] want the our residents to be able to get the work done for their homes, first of

[28:58] all. We want those people to be able to make a living and perform work. And so

[29:01] we consider all those things. I don't want to I don't want our guys going out

[29:04] there writing a bunch of tickets for that kind of situation as long as

[29:08] they're being safe and you know parking as safely as they can.

[29:11] » Right. >> I feel like we've addressed the

[29:17] situation that's probably brought this up to light. Are we being I don't want

[29:23] to say forced by NC DOT to put this ordinance in place or

[29:29] » so so the to be clear um this action would essentially formalize what we've

[29:35] done at the intersection of Mangrove and NC58 absent an action like this or for

[29:42] that specific location that's technically invalid. Um, I ultimately

[29:47] decided it was a big enough safety concern and took the step to ask our

[29:50] staff to put the no parking signs up there. And DT is comfortable with that

[29:54] and I certainly consulted with them on these things. But absent you all

[29:59] adopting an ordinance like this for whatever area of 58 you wanted to be, we

[30:04] would have to take down those signs. >> Okay.

[30:09] » So, this is essentially bringing us into compliance with DOT is maybe a better

[30:13] way to say it. Just making the rule.

[30:16] » That's right. >> Yeah. Okay.

[30:19] » Would you guys like to move forward with making

[30:21] » and and let me say this also. If you think that was an overreach on my part

[30:25] or if this is not something you're comfortable [clears throat] with,

[30:27] absolutely respect that and we'll adjust accordingly and and remove the signs.

[30:32] But um I know uh we received several complaints about people parking on the

[30:36] highway down in that area. I think it is a safety concern. We've had some

[30:40] concerns from law enforcement about that. And I want every business here to

[30:44] be successful. I also actually discussed this issue uh with the business owner in

[30:48] that area. He was comfortable with putting up the no parking signs in that

[30:51] area. So, it's as you can probably tell from this conversation, it's all

[30:55] basically a big balance, right? And trying to keep the peace and keep safety

[30:58] in mind. So, >> I think as long as we're applying some

[31:02] common sense and some reasonleness and application of the the ordinance, I'd

[31:06] make a motion to adopt the resolution requesting NC DOT designation of 58 as a

[31:11] no parking zone. Um, Commissioner Brown, >> we have to amend the um

[31:16] » if if we could revise that, Commissioner Brown to

[31:20] » What we need to do is amend chapter 11, transportation of the code of ordinances

[31:25] um by adding the the following section 1128, stopping, standing, and parking.

[31:31] No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle in the following locations at

[31:36] any location in the North Carolina 58 right away in the corporate limits of

[31:41] the town of Emerald Isle. >> As amended, [laughter]

[31:46] » all those in favor? >> I

[31:48] » I >> So, was that three? Yes,

[31:53] » three. I'm I'm Excuse me. I'm going to vote no just because I feel like there's

[31:58] a little more talking to be done, a little bit more working to be done. like

[32:00] contractors, things like that. I think that um there's there's a little bit too

[32:06] much room for um interpretation. Uh I'm not totally opposed to it, but based on

[32:12] the information I have now, my my vote would be a no vote for just just for

[32:16] right now. >> Okay.

[32:17] » We can come back and visit it and and refine it.

[32:20] » Correct. >> Y

[32:21] » Okay. As it stands now, it passed, >> right?

[32:25] » Yes. >> There's three. Yes.

[32:26] » Okay. >> Thank you. Yes. Moving on to the

[32:30] appointments for tonight. Um we will need to

[32:36] have a roll call vote to appoint three individuals to the bike and pedestrian

[32:41] advisory committee that would expire in 2028.

[32:54] I feel like I'm still new at roll call votes. So, does someone start off with

[32:58] an appointment or does do I call on every each

[33:01] » I would recommend that um each of you make any nominations that you would like

[33:05] to see move forward for that and then conduct a roll call?

[33:09] » Okay. Do I have any nominations?

[33:14] » Okay. For the this for the bicycle. >> Yeah.

[33:18] » All right. So, we got three the the four that's to be reaffirmed and three

[33:23] vacancies. Um, I'd nominate uh Jeremy Fowler, Jean

[33:30] Fries, and Christina Volater

[33:45] and the reaffirming I guess of Mike Taylor, Ary Daily, Ken Stewart,

[33:52] and Judy Stark. I don't think we have to do a roll call on those, do we?

[33:56] » To reaffirm. >> I don't think so.

[33:59] » No, >> I think we stick with the three and I

[34:04] don't have any to add to Ro as far as roll call goes.

[34:11] » Can you repeat who you said? Commissioner Brown.

[34:15] » Yes. Um Jeremy Fowler, Jean Fry, and Christina Volater.

[34:26] Okay, Commissioner Wooten, you want the same.

[34:47] » We need a B. >> Go ahead. You're back. No, I I I was

[34:51] just going to say I was fine with the reappoint of uh Gaye Stewart and Stark

[34:56] and Mike Taylor. >> Okay.

[35:00] » And we have to add three. >> Take it.

[35:04] » We have to add three. >> Add three. I think we're on that first

[35:07] step. >> The first step is the roll call vote on

[35:10] adding three. >> Oh, sorry. Sorry, sorry, sorry. And it

[35:13] was >> You need a ballot next time.

[35:15] » Yeah. And it was uh Commissioner Brown. It was

[35:18] fries. Can you repeat this please? >> Fowler.

[35:21] » Fowler fries and volier. Fowler fries and volunteer.

[35:27] » Agreed. >> Okay.

[35:33] » Alicia. >> Agreed.

[35:35] » Okay. >> Agreed. [clears throat]

[35:37] » Okay. >> Jay.

[35:40] » Oh, Jay. He agreed already. >> Oh, yeah. I agreed.

[35:43] » Yep. Okay. So, the I make a motion to reaffirm the appointment of current

[35:49] members Gaye, Stewart, Stark, and Taylor to terms on the bike and uh pedestrian

[35:54] advisory committee that would expire in December of 27.

[35:58] » All those in favor? >> I

[36:03] make a motion to reappoint Deb Mueller to a three-year term on the EIPR A, Inc.

[36:10] Board of Directors that expires in August 29th.

[36:13] » All those in favor? I >> I

[36:17] » And then we also need a roll call vote to appoint one individual to fill an

[36:21] unexpired term on the EI. >> I'll make a motion that this be tabled

[36:27] um until we have uh additional interest in this position and the town seek

[36:31] applicants for that position. >> Okay, [clears throat]

[36:35] sounds reasonable. All those in favor? >> I

[36:38] » I Okay,

[36:41] » is that all of it? >> Yeah. [clears throat] I just like to

[36:44] comment that um ask staff in the future that even if uh it's a

[36:49] » incumbents want to be reappointed that we get their applications um like I

[36:54] might not know who who the people are you know from previous years ago and so

[36:59] that'd be nice to know who they are and a little bit about their background. Um,

[37:05] and I think it also makes a level playing field for the other other people

[37:08] wanting to apply that they uh everybody has to submit an application.

[37:16] » I think that's a fair ask. >> We'll certainly do that in the future.

[37:20] » Okay. So, moving on from comments.

[37:26] No, nothing from you, Lindsay. Okay. Um, attorney kills.

[37:31] » No, ma'am. Thank you. All right. Great. >> All right. Um, several things. Um,

[37:37] mostly good. Um, we have, uh, now received, uh, actually three significant

[37:43] financial donations, uh, for the town's services for the departments. Um, we

[37:49] have uh, Emerald residents who have made a significant in excess of probably

[37:55] $10,000 donation for outdoor fitness equipment. Uh that's Ken and Sharon

[38:00] Ambrose here in Emerald. We are [clears throat] their son was killed on

[38:05] 911 in the plane that crashed into the Pentagons and we're working to

[38:09] memorialize him uh and also recognize 911 on the 25th anniversary. So we're

[38:16] still working to put together a um an actual date for that. will not be on

[38:21] September 11th due to other commitments by the Ambroes

[38:25] either in their hometown or in Washington DC on the 25th anniversary,

[38:29] but absolutely appreciate their generosity uh toward the town of Emerald

[38:33] Isle and the outdoor fitness equipment. So, we'll move forward uh with that and

[38:37] I'll certainly keep you informed as we make progress on that. We're hoping to

[38:41] secure the equipment and get it installed prior to the ceremony. Uh

[38:45] we're looking at early Octoberish time frame and it's going to be a little bit

[38:49] tight, but we'll do our very best to make that happen. Um we also had a

[38:54] resident uh Clifton Barkley uh made a very generous $5,000 donation to the

[38:59] fire department um simply to benefit the department and our community. So

[39:03] appreciate his generosity uh in Emerald. And then finally uh we received uh

[39:09] multiple donations. Um the final amount is unknown depending on the cost of some

[39:16] equipment, but probably in the range of $20,000

[39:20] uh from a woman named Nancy Frantel uh who is a frequent visitor uh to Emerald

[39:25] Isle and um uh just very appreciative of our community and our police department

[39:31] in particular and would like the funds invested in police department things.

[39:35] So, um, I mentioned that tonight we we and certainly throughout the year, we

[39:39] also receive generous contributions from others, but I was just really struck by

[39:43] the dollar amounts involved with these and the fact that they all came

[39:48] literally within a few days of each other and I just felt like it was worth

[39:51] mentioning to you and really just representative of what a great community

[39:55] of people uh we're fortunate to have here in Emerald Isle. So, um, to those

[39:59] who I didn't mention who have previously contributed, thank you also. But I just

[40:03] wanted to make you particularly aware of those three. Um, we are, uh, as I

[40:09] communicated in an email to you all, uh, we're set to meet with, uh, Senator

[40:14] Sanderson and Representative KS, uh, [snorts] next week, August 20th, um,

[40:19] hopefully to eventually secure state funding for a new fire station. um

[40:24] whether that be fire station 3 in the future or perhaps even something here at

[40:27] the town complex. So looking forward to that meeting. Um appreciate Commissioner

[40:31] Wooten and Brownlow agreeing to participate in that. I'll certainly

[40:34] update the rest of the board on how that goes. Um I I look at these things as um

[40:40] kind of the first step in the process and trying to educate them about the

[40:44] town's needs. Hopefully uh gather their support going forward and and be helpful

[40:48] in the future. Um, fire station 2, uh, as you know, we have not started yet.

[40:54] Um, we had hoped to start, uh, last week. Um, we are still waiting for the

[40:59] final approval from FEMA, uh, to go forward with that. Really just a

[41:04] procedural, um, approval. We are actually starting to see a little bit of

[41:09] movement on that. We reached out to Congressman Murphy and his staff has

[41:13] been helping us trying to move that. Um, I don't think there's any concern about

[41:16] it. But I think it's for just the bureaucratic process that these things

[41:20] go through. So we will get started on construction as soon as we get that uh

[41:25] that final word from FEMA. Um ironically that outstanding reimbursement of more

[41:30] than a million dollars is wrapped up in that same process that we've been

[41:34] waiting for that for about 15 months now. So uh anyway um appreciate

[41:38] everybody's patience on that. Look really look forward to getting that

[41:41] started. Um the youth advisory council uh the youth advisory council their

[41:45] first meeting uh is two weeks uh from today uh on the 25th at four o'clock. So

[41:51] be working on an agenda for that group uh and trying to finalize that and

[41:55] hopefully make that a very positive um rewarding experience for the 14 youth

[42:00] that you all appointed to that. Um several other things uh in the written

[42:06] materials. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about anything. Um,

[42:09] you know, my intent with the memo is to give you guys and the public, um,

[42:14] updates on things that don't rise to the level of board action at this point in

[42:18] time. Um, and sometimes it's really just to kind of give you an idea of what

[42:21] future agenda items might be coming down the pike. So, um, that's the intent

[42:25] behind that and hopefully that's helpful. Happy to answer any questions

[42:30] that you may have.

[42:34] I don't have a question, but I well I guess this is a question for um you had

[42:39] in your memo it was mentioned about or I guess it's a consent agenda about asking

[42:46] or applying for a grant from the Big Rock Foundation. Should we as a board or

[42:50] from the town draft a letter or anything else to go with that application?

[42:56] » Um you certainly can. essentially that resolution that you approved as part of

[43:00] the consent agenda is your letter of support so to speak. But to your point,

[43:05] I think if you are familiar and have relationships with anyone on the Big

[43:10] Rock board directors or anyone at all affiliated with the Big Rock

[43:13] organization, please put in a good word for us. Um, express your support for

[43:17] this. But that resolution is kind of your letter of support.

[43:21] » Okay.

[43:25] I really like the idea of the microchip scanner for lost pets because

[43:29] [clears throat] it happens here all the time. Is it um I don't know what your

[43:34] plans are for the funding, but is it possible to use the dog park money that

[43:38] we have sitting there to get this done? >> Oh, that's a good idea.

[43:42] » Yeah, I I think that would be a good use of those funds. Um I don't expect I

[43:46] don't know what the cost is at this point in time. I don't expect it will be

[43:49] a difficult number for us to achieve. The other thing I've asked staff to do

[43:53] is to see if there's some sort of app that does the same thing, right? That we

[43:57] can certainly do both and have a scanner here at the police department, but also

[44:01] just advertise there's an app and you can find it. I don't know if that exists

[44:04] or not, but that's the other angle that we're doing. So, should be a really nice

[44:07] thing and I think I think we can figure it out. Dog park fund would be I think a

[44:11] good source. So, another citizen had asked me, so now when our pets get um

[44:17] picked up by the police, they get put in those cages if we could use any of those

[44:21] funds to make that more of a pleasant area for them because it's just kind of

[44:27] just a cage now and probably getting old. I haven't been there for a while.

[44:31] My dogs haven't been in police jail for a while, but [laughter]

[44:35] » yeah, I I I think that's a worthy cause for us to

[44:40] pursue. I probably would want to go back. I just don't recall what the um

[44:44] commitment was of the people who contributed to the dog park fund. I'd

[44:48] want to just make sure that we're honoring their commitment on the

[44:51] microchip scanner. I'm expecting that'll be a pretty easy thing for us to

[44:55] accommodate. Um I would just want to make sure that we're honoring the wishes

[45:00] of the people who made the contribution. So, and I just don't I don't know. So,

[45:08] » any other questions for Frank?

[45:13] Okay. Thank you, Frank. Alicia, would you like to kick us off

[45:18] down there? >> Sure. Just thank everyone for coming out

[45:21] tonight. Uh, I appreciate all the response from the public that we

[45:24] received on the UDO amendment and appreciate everyone's input on on every

[45:32] aspect of town government. It's it's great to know your what you think and

[45:38] those are things that we obviously need to take into consideration very heavily.

[45:43] Thank you.

[45:47] » Um yes, thanks everybody that's here and everybody that's watching. But uh two

[45:52] things I wanted to touch on. One is the trolley. I had the opportunity about a

[45:57] week ago to do a full circuit of the trolley and had some friends join along

[46:03] the way and they got on and got off at different spots, but got the whole

[46:07] trolley experience. I got to tell you, the the route and the flow is so much

[46:12] better than what I would think just looking at it on paper. So, I would

[46:16] encourage everybody to go out and use that trolley and actually take a ride.

[46:21] It's very well airond conditioned. the young lady that was driving was

[46:26] absolutely lovely. She was fun to to talk to. Um and it it drops you just

[46:31] about anywhere that you would want to go and I suspect if you wanted to stop

[46:36] somewhere and you raise your hand, she might stop and let you out. Um so I

[46:40] think it's a great thing. Uh I'm excited to find some way to fund it that isn't

[46:45] taxpayer dollars for the coming years because I think it's a tremendous

[46:49] service and a great idea. And um I think the more folks get out and try it, I

[46:54] think the more you would use it. So that's one. And the other one I was

[46:58] gonna say, I love the idea of the dog chip scanner. Um they and the dogs

[47:05] always turn up missing the day they're leaving. That's the one that really gets

[47:09] me. So it make it a whole lot easier to connect the dog with the people

[47:13] hopefully before they leave the island. So um I'm all in for whatever we need to

[47:18] do. I think the dog park money is a great idea if we can use it and if not I

[47:22] don't think it's going to be a huge lift. So I'd support doing whatever we

[47:26] need to to make that happen. >> I think I think think those dogs are

[47:30] pretty smart. They don't want to leave. >> Exactly.

[47:33] You got that right. >> Commissioner Bellow.

[47:37] » Yeah. Thanks, Mayor. Um, I just I want to go back and talk about that uh

[47:42] 20-year recognition thing. And uh um I agree too with with the term limits u to

[47:47] give other people opportunities to to serve also. Uh but I'd like to keep it

[47:52] on the broader recognition um of for immortal that it was shaped by not just

[47:58] one or or two or three people. It was it's been a cumulative effect of uh

[48:03] founders, residents, staff, volunteers, civic organizations, business owners,

[48:08] elected and appointed officials, and just generations of families that have

[48:12] shaped and molded Emerald Island to the family beach that it is today. And I I'd

[48:16] like to see us uh maybe honor and celebrate all these people with a maybe

[48:21] a Founders Day parade or Founders Heritage or a Emerald Celebration Day or

[48:27] something like that. Um, I think that that way it'd be inclusive of everybody

[48:31] that's contributed to the success and um to the beautiful home that we have

[48:36] today. Thank you. >> That sounds very interesting,

[48:41] » Mr. Holland. >> Uh, short and sweet. Thank you, Ambrose

[48:45] Barkley and Frantel family for your generous donations. That's uh uh

[48:49] remarkable. Uh, thank you Jennifer and Justin Lens. I know they had to leave,

[48:53] but thank you both for being here. Thank you for giving us Trent and uh grateful

[48:59] for the opportunity and and time that we got to share with him. Um

[49:05] that's it. Thank you, >> Commissioner Plum.

[49:08] » So, we still have the one opening on the rec board. Um we did not have any

[49:13] applicants, so please reconsider. Tell your friends, tell your family. We need

[49:17] to get that position filled. And second, this weekend on Sunday, Little Pink

[49:23] Houses of Hope where breast cancer patient survivors come to the island is

[49:28] happening on Sunday. Um, the trolley company has graciously donated the

[49:34] trolley to take them from the Watson House to Land's End for their lunch free

[49:38] of charge. Um, and the Emerald Garden Club supplies bouques of flowers for

[49:44] those folks that are coming in with their families. There's seven families

[49:47] this year. So, if you see them out, just give them the warm Emerald Ale welcome.

[49:52] Thank you. >> Great group of people there.

[49:54] » And mayor, I got got one more [clears throat] thing, too. Um, if I if

[49:57] I could, the um I'd like to recognize that public works department. Franken

[50:02] mentioned it earlier about how they maintain our streets, but uh there

[50:05] there's so much more other work they do that's not even it's what you don't

[50:09] notice [laughter] that that makes them a success. And that's the uh they do get

[50:14] rid of the trash and stuff, the tree limbs and collecting yard waste and and

[50:18] everything, but uh I mean they're up at the crack of dawn. I was you get on the

[50:23] the peer cam to check the surf and and there goes the public works truck and

[50:27] it's still they got their headlights on cuz it's not even daylights yet. And so

[50:31] I applaud these guys for for the work and dedication they do. Um they do a

[50:36] tremendous job. And I was asking someone the other day, I said, "Look on the side

[50:40] of roads here. What is it that you don't see? They're like like what? Like you I

[50:44] said you don't even recognize it, but you don't see the trash and litter, you

[50:48] know? It's just it's a really clean town that we have here and the roads are are

[50:52] maintained good and uh I just like to recognize our public works department

[50:56] and staff. They do a tremendous job. >> Thank you. Um I just have a few things

[51:02] as well. So it has come to my attention. Um, thank you, Mayor Commissioner

[51:07] Waldrip, about the um there's a public information meeting regarding the

[51:12] Highway 24 and 58 intersection on the other side of the bridge. Um, it's going

[51:16] to be happening on August 18th between 3:30 and 7 at the library off of Taylor

[51:22] Notion Road. Obviously, that's going to affect us all. So, if you want to know

[51:25] what that is going to bring to us, um, that's happening then. And then also um

[51:30] on Thursday the August 20th at 1:30 um the Civic Center Morehead City there's

[51:36] going to be an update on I7 and Interstate 42. Um I'm hoping to attend

[51:40] both. So I will try to you know share what I learned um from that. Um I also I

[51:47] think this summer personally has kind of taught me that we need to readress pack

[51:52] it in pack it out a little bit strongly moving into next summer. Um, and so I

[51:57] think and no, you know, not leaving holes on the beach and removing your

[52:01] beach gear. I think we need to kind of revamp that um those talking points to

[52:06] our customers and our guests and and our town members as we move forward into

[52:10] next summer. So, I have that on my ongoing list so we don't forget come

[52:14] April. But, um, yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing the school buses back

[52:18] on the road and school getting back in and seeing September come. So, thank you

[52:22] everyone for being here. Motion to adjurnn.

[52:26] » All those in favor?

Board Of Commissioners Meeting August 11 2026

Transcript