County Commissioners - Regular Meeting

Okay. Wow. Welcome everybody to our regular meeting for August 18th, 2025. Commissioner Walder, will you lead us in the pledge of allegiance? I will. My honor. I pledge algiance 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.

Commissioner Quinn, will you uh lead us in the invocation?

Yes, sir. Let us bow our heads. Almighty God, we come before you today as humble servants of the people of Carter County. We ask for your wisdom and guidance as we gather to make decisions that affect our community, our neighbors, and our future. Lord, on this day, our hearts go out to the families along the Outer Banks and coastal communities who are evacuating their homes in the face of Hurricane Aaron. We pray for their safety and protection. Surround them with your peace as they leave behind their homes, their possessions, and familiar places. Watch over the first responders, emergency managers, and volunteers who are working tirelessly to safeguard lives. Grant strength to those who are displaced, comfort to those who are fearful, and courage to all who must endure uncertainty. May our county, state, and nation unite in compassion, extending hands of support to those in need. We ask that you bless this meeting with clarity, civility, and purpose so that the work we do here today may honor the trust of those that we serve. In your holy name we pray. Amen.

Amen.

Thank you, Mr. Quinn. If everyone will silence their electronic devices and uh I'll read this state government ethics act conflict statement. In accordance with the state government ethics act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts. Does any board member have any known conflict of interest or the appearance of conflict with any manner coming before the board this evening? If so, please identify the conflict and refrain from any undue participation in that particular matter. And I do have a conflict with the naming of some roads in Atlantic on item number eight. I'd like to recuse myself from. Do we need that in the form of a motion?

When we get to that item, when we get to that item. Okay. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? So moved. Motion by Commissioner Quinn. Second. Seconded by Commissioner Moore. All in favor? All right. Passes. Is there a motion to approve the agenda as presented? So move motion by Commissioner Waldrip, seconded by Second Commissioner Moore. All in favor?

Okay. Next we have public comment. Light night. We only have one person signed up. Mr. Chuck Lender. Yeah,

Chuck Linder, 123 Center Drive, Atlantic Beach. And I'm just one of those guys that keeps coming, coming, coming. Like to have discussions and appreciate everything you guys do, ladies. And hope everyone's safe and air. And I know I've got to travel to go take care of a boat up in Der County, but uh youth athletic fields, we've got a growing youth population. We're getting ready to do fall. If there's any way we can start having a few discussions and get back to where we talked about in February and March to see if that opportunity may still be available, we just like to continue the conversation and see what we can do to provide for the youth of our county and for those that come here to visit. Also, we we've got a little project we're going to try to start at Swinston Park with the county's blessing that would help alleviate some of the weather problems that we deal with with fields and possibly increase the availability of more tournaments to come here and be able to play without weather being a factor. So, that's that's it. Light night. Good luck to everybody tonight. Hope you make it through Wednesday, Thursday and the rest of the hurricanes stay ready for the rest of the season.

Thank you, Mr. Chuck. That's all signed up to speak. Is anyone else here would like to speak during public comment? Slipping on down the line now. Next, we have a resolution honoring Miss Patricia Suggs of the Bowfort Historical Association. You've been here a long time. [Laughter] How you doing? Good. Good to see you.

This resolution of appreciation honoring Miss Patricia Suggs, executive director of the Buffer Historical Association. Whereas Patricia Suggs have faithfully served as executive director of the Buffer Historical Associ Association since 1999. And whereas under her leadership, the association and Buffer historic site have both increased in scale, reputation, and impact, helping to position Buffer, North Carolina, as one of the state's most beloved historic towns, and one of its most explored by countless visitors. And whereas Miss has spearheaded numerous events and initiatives including the annual Christmas candle light tour, the old home tour, the summer and fall party fundraisers, as well as a curation of the Maddie King Davis Art Gallery, and the preservation maintenance of the iconic double-decker bus, all of which are invaluable benefit to the association in the town of Boer. And whereas whereas the reverence and care of the twoacre historic site resulted in the completion of many significant restoration projects including the award-winning Hansen House circa 1825, the Clark County Courthouse 1796, oldest Woodframe courthouse in North Carolina, and the Old Jail circuit 1829. And whereas her dedication has been recognized with awards such as the 2014 Jack Goldstein award that promotes tourism in Carter County. And at the ceremony, she was quoted as saying, "The best part of my job is meeting people from all over the world and seeing how much they've enjoyed both in Carter County." And whereas Miss Suggs has increased the membership and volunteers of the Buffer Historical Association 10fold during her tenure as executive director, making it one of the most successful organizations in our county. And I'll therefore be it resolved that the Carter County Board of Commissioners expresses his heartfelt gratitude and honors Miss S for her years of tireless service to the Buffer Historical Association and Carter County and wish

her joyful retirement after a quarter century of leadership. [Applause] So today I just want everyone to know the double decker bus is out of the garage and and he was the best one and also thank you to all the commissioners Mr. Whaleman. Thank you sir.

So I just want to say one thing about the commissioners. Y'all have been not the people in your seat, maybe not especially you personally, but have been so supportive of the Bowford Historic Site for years. And one of the best things I ever had happen in this room was when um I brought Gardner Gu. He was 15 years old at the time. Were you?

And um he was so excited about helping promote a grant for the jail that we were working on. And um the board said, "Well, what about 5,000?" And Gardener was jumping up and down. Sure, sure. And I'm like, "Wait a minute, Gardener. I think they can do more." And so then we got 20,000 for the restoration. So that was the best one of the best things ever to see. Now he's at NC State. Good choice. Yeah. Well, I'm not sure about that, but I'm not sure.

I went to Carolina, so But thank you. Thank you again so very much. [Applause]

See you. Okay. Next, we have a presentation from the Carter County Port team, Miss Brook Lane.

I apologize for that. Is there a motion to adopt the resolution honoring Miss Suggs? Second. Motion by Vice Chairman Mansfield, seconded by Commissioner Quinn. All in favor? It carries. Now, Brooke, take it away. All right. So, thanks for having me tonight, y'all. Uh, really excited to talk about what the Port Team's been up to the last two years. Our port team is funded through opioid settlement money for those who don't know. So, everything I'm going to be talking about tonight has been made possible through our county commissioners. All right. Oh, I don't know if it's the right presentation. It's not the right presentation.

No,

it's okay. I can talk without it. Go right ahead. We can always get We got email, I think, too. In our packet. Yes, we do. Yeah. Okay. We've got it. I'll just go without it. It's okay. You want a copy of it?

I have one. Awesome. Thanks. Okay. So, uh, Carter County Commissioners in 2023 approved, uh, the post overdose response team. I want to take y'all back to where we were in 2022 before the post overdose response team started. So, in 2022, we were ranked number 21 in the state for overdose deaths throughout North Carolina. And there's 100 counties in North Carolina. So, we were in the top 25% for overdose deaths throughout the state. In 2022, Carter County also saw about 56.3 overdose deaths per 100,000 residents compared to the state average being about um 40.6 indiv overdose deaths per 100,000. So we saw quite a few more overdoses every year in our county than the rest of the state average was seeing as well. We had 39 overdose deaths in Carter County at the time as well. 39 Carter County lives that were lost in 2022. And our emergency department had about 183.9 overdose visits uh per or per 100,000 residents compared to the state average. That was 161.8 per 100,000. So again, we were well above the state average for emergency department visits uh related to overdoses. And then we also had about one in 11 overdoses, fatal and non-fatal in Carter County or or one in 11 were fatal in Carter County at the time as well. So for those who don't know uh what a post overdose response team is and what we have been working with the last two years is that it is an overdose follow-up program. We do not only see individuals in uh Carter County that have experienced an overdose, but we also engage with individuals who have substance use disorder or struggling

with substance use in some way. Some of the individuals we see have experienced overdose and we do work with our EMS and law enforcement to respond to the scenes. Uh we have team members uh that I work with. So it's myself and then four other individuals on the team who are certified peer support specialists. Certified peer support specialists are certified through the state of North Carolina through UNC Chapel Hill. And these are individuals that use their lived experience to be able to help others that are struggling and going through substance use disorder and their families. Uh the program that we have uh created here in Carter County helps connect individuals to detox, treatment, food and security resources, employment opportunities, uh housing, and really just any other kind of resource that they could need that would either reduce or stop their substance use disorder. So, I'm going to be reading here just because it's a lot of small uh numbers, but so I'm going to share with you guys what our results have been over the last two years. So, over the last two years, we've seen a 77% decrease in our overdose deaths in Carter County. I had a nice visual that you would have been able to see this on. Uh so, sad you guys can't see that. Uh but we were able to help 400 or 521 total clients in Carter County in the last two years. We had about a 14% recidivism rate. So these are not all individuals that either started working with us and then experienced an overdose again. These are also that is some of the individuals but it's also individuals who were working with our team and then maybe thought they didn't need to work with our team anymore and then ended up coming back to us because they realized that we were a helpful resource to them uh or were referred back in some way. Uh we make contact with about 96% of individuals

that we either connect with through overdose or referral. So if individual is referred to the port team, 96% chance that we are going to be responding to them. Uh we're really proud of this number because other counties in North Carolina that have similar teams uh do not see as high of a connection rate and we really credit that to our our real-time response uh in these situations. Uh we have uh distributed over 1,800 nlloxxone doses in the community. Those are going to individuals that again do have substance use disorder, their family members, to businesses throughout the community. All of our libraries in the community have uh access to Narcan, restaurants, and various different resources throughout the community. Uh we have conducted almost 27,000 follow-ups or tasks completed for individuals that we are serving and working with. Uh, so that's every time a peer goes out to somebody's house, every time they meet them at the courthouse, every time they meet them at a doctor's appointment, and various other resources that they do for them. Uh, we've attended over 350 outreach events throughout our community and surrounding areas, spreading word about what the port team does and how they can help individuals, getting our face out there and and connecting with our community directly. We have had almost 300 individuals enter into treatment which is a 57% uh rate. So about 57% of our clients that we work with will enter into some form of treatment while we are working with them. We uh again have seen a 77% decrease in overdose deaths from 2022 to 2024 in Carter County. But when you look at those overdose deaths specific to elicit opioids and elicit fentanyl, we've seen a 91% decrease uh and overdose deaths specifically related to

opioids. Uh and then we've seen an 87% decrease in our 911 calls related to overdoses as well. So allowing our EMS first responders to respond to the various other calls and resources that they are needed for uh throughout our county. And we've seen a 52% decrease in overdose emergency department visits as well. Uh so this year in Carter County, uh we have unfortunately had four overdose deaths. Uh but again, when we look at that 77% rate, one overdose death is too much in our community. But we are heading in the right direction and we hope to keep trending in that direction. Uh with our 52% decrease in overdose visits to the emergency department. Again, uh it's about saving people's lives and helping our families, but we see about a $50,000 savings from our emergency department every year just with seeing that decrease. Uh and we also have uh been recognized by the North Carolina County Commissioners Association for Excellence and Innovation Award uh that we uh received around this time last year. And then we also are having uh many site visits throughout uh the state. People reaching out wanting to come and see what we are doing here in Carter County. Uh on Wednesday I have Burke County and Union County coming to spend the day with our port team just to learn how to be able to do in their communities what we've been able to do here in Carter. And there are a few keys to the success that we are seeing. A lot of that has to do with the real-time response that our port team has. Uh being able to respond along EMS and law enforcement responding in those moments of crisis and not waiting days after that crisis has already happened to engage with that individual. We have peers on seven days

a week, 365 days a year. Uh we work with our our peers to make that possible. We have great uh relationships with our county leadership, our very supportive county commissioners and uh other personnel throughout the county. We have great relationships with our EMS, with Steven Ray and his team, uh with law enforcement, Sheriff Buck's team, uh and our hospital. Uh we work very closely with all three of these agencies, all three of these agencies, and they have been supportive of us from the beginning and and allowing us to come into their space. uh and try to provide as much help as we can. We are a multiaceted whole person approach. Uh when we are working with individuals, we don't just look at the substance use disorder and what's right there. We look at what is causing the substance use disorder and what various resources are able to help that individual. And then I think probably one of the top uh keys to success is our certified peer support specialists. They do an absolutely amazing job working with our clients. They're able to break down walls and barriers uh that others may not be able to. Uh and we've got to the point where we have our law enforcement, EMS thanking us for for being there at the scene. Uh because they don't have to just leave somebody behind knowing they're in crisis if they refuse transport to the emergency room or something like that. they know they're leaving them with somebody in good that's going to take care of them and make sure they get connected to what they need to. And then about a year ago, we implemented a software called Goldie. We were a pilot site for this software. So, we were the first uh county in the state uh and I think the country as well to uh pilot this this software and it's been able to reduce the amount of time that we spend notetaking that we spend uh getting all that information collected. So, we are able to report

these numbers to y'all and we're able to spend more time with the clients. So, that is all I have for y'all tonight. I'm happy to answer any questions that uh you may have. Um, but again, I just want to thank our commissioners and everybody that we work with for making this this possible uh and helping our community with a disease that has riddled so many of our lives. So, thank you. Thank you, Brooke. and do a great job for us. Thank you. Thanks. So, you want to show that cool slide? Yeah. Go. You give it back. Which one? The 77 with the graph. Yes. The 77% decrease. Well, they're all they're all cool.

The one with the big the one with the big drop. That one right there. This is the one. Yeah. So, you see our 77% decrease uh in just two years. So, um, when you look at other counties that don't have a that are similar to us but don't have a team responding in real time to overdoses and to substance use related crisis, we have about a 14% more decrease than those other counties. So, um, yeah. So responding with the EMS and the fire department all you feel that's uh where you get your foot in door with those folks immediately and then you follow up with them the next day and and so days after correct

we'll keep up with them for at least three months after that initial interaction to try to connect them to resources. somebody's not interested in getting connected to resources, that's that's fine. But we're still going to check on them. Um, and let them know that there's somebody out there that that cares about them and cares if they get help or not. So, do you feel like you get a do you get a good response from those folks most of the time or a lot of them just say, "I don't want you coming by." Or

most of the time we do get a really a good response. Uh, again, we we have those individuals that are interested. Uh but most of the time after that initial interaction they kind of start to come around and and are more willing to talk and you know build that relationship and again even if that's just helping them get a voucher for the thrift store for the food pantry something that's connection and that's building that relationship with that person for so when they are ready they know who to call. Great.

Any questions for Brooke M? Um could you comment on um the use and the distribution of Narcan just so that people understand what that is and can you talk about your monthly um round table please?

Uh so uh Norin Nlloxxone it's the same thing but it is a life-saving medication that will rapidly reverse an opioid overdose if given within an appropriate amount of time after somebody has used opioids. uh we're able to give this out to the communities. It's an over-the-counter medication now and it's we're able to give it out for free uh to those that are in need. So instead of somebody having to go to the pharmacy and spend $50 on a dose, we're able to put this this medication in the hands of family members, uh, individuals who need it, and it buys time for EMS to get there, uh, and try to get them to the hospital, do CPR, uh, and save more people's lives through it. Uh, and then monthly we do have a round table. It is hosted at the health department and uh anybody is invited. Anybody that is in the space of substance use, treatment, uh social services is welcome to come and attend. And it's really just an opportunity once a month for everybody to kind of get in the same room, connect, stay up todate on what's going on, learn about different resources, ask questions. And nine times out of 10, if somebody has a question, there is one person in that room that's going to be able to answer that question. So they've uh we've been doing them about a year and a half now. And I think every round table we've had, there's been at least one positive breakthrough that's come out of it where an individual who needed a resource was able to get connected to it because of somebody else in that room. So

thank you, Brooke. Great. Thank you. Okay. I'm gonna turn item number eight over to Vice Chairman Mansfield. Um I would like to make a motion to recuse Commissioner Chadwick from this item on our agenda. I second it. All those in favor. All right. M Comm Mr. Chadwick, you're excused for this one item. We're going to move on to the road name change for uh the Down Atlantic RV Resort and see We're going to do a presentation first.

Good evening.

I'm filling in for Mr. Kahardo this evening, but um this is to facilitate emergency response for um Atlantic RV Resort. We're requesting to add nine new streets and the map should be coming up in a moment, but it's at the end of um Morris Marina Drive in Atlantic. And the nine roads are Rumley's Hammock Drive, Billy's Pond Drive, Thoroughfare Way, High Hills Drive, Wellbone Drive, Wayights Drive, Wild Wills Circle, Halls Point Drive, and Berry Bay Lane. As you can see on the map, it's at the end of Morris Marina Road in Atlantic. And if these are approved, then we would add them to 911.

Anybody have any questions? I will entertain a motion to go into public hearing. Seconded. I'll make the first. Oh, sorry. Commissioner Conr makes the motion to go into public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Waldrip. All those in favor, please raise your right hand. We're now in public hearing. If anybody would like to come to this podium and speak for or against these name changes, seeing no one or hearing no one, I will entertain a motion to go out of public hearing. So moved. Second.

Motion by Commissioner Quinn to go out of public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Clark. All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Any discussion by the commissioners? I would make a motion to approve the road named additions to Atlantic RV Resort and the official Carter County street index and 911 addressing system with Rum Rumley's Hammet Drive, Billy's Pond Drive, Thorfair Way, Hills Drive, High Hills Drive, Whale Bone Drive, Wayne Rights Drive, Wild Circle, Halls Point Drive, Barry Bay Lane. That could be a tongue twister. Well, if I could get a second. Seconded by Commissioner Clark. So, we have a a motion and a second. All any other discussion. All those in favor, please raise your right hand. All right. Passes. I will make a motion to bring Commissioner Chadwick back into the meeting.

Thank you. Second. Second. Seconded by Commissioner Waldrip. All those in favor, you have the com. Thank you. Thank you. And just for the record, that was not a name change. That was a new road names changing from nothing. Paining from nothing to something. Okay. Next, we'll have a public hearing to adopt and apply the Carter County development regulations for 331 properties located within the former Cedar Point ETJ. Assistant County Manager Matt Renal.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, Commission members. Uh tonight is a very unique reasonzoning case as it impacts 331 properties that were formerly in Cedar Point's ETJ. Uh this whole case started upon the action of the town of Cedar Point when they decided to dissolve the majority of their ETJ except for one parcel that they kept in which then turns over these properties back over to the county uh for jurisdiction. Per state statute from the point of the town's um action the county has 60 days to either apply development rules to it or let it go unzoned. Uh the recommendation of the planning commission uh which was 5 to zero last Monday was to apply the same zoning districts that they currently had under Cedar Point zoning. So there's zoning districts such as R15M and so on mirror the counties to apply those zoning districts to the 331 properties. For reference, uh out of the 331, 320 of them are R15M, five are R20, four are B1, one is IW, and one is MC. What this does for the actual property owners is not much for their day-to-day except delivery of services will be consolidated under the county versus going to the town for some services and the county for others. So everything within planning development now falls under the county assuming you all approve what was recommended by the planning commission. At the planning commission meeting there were two speakers there. They were in support of it of the proposal. Um happy to take any questions you all have or step back for the public hearing. Any questions for Matt from the board?

Okay. Is there a motion to go into public hearing? So moved. Motion by motion by Vice Chairman Mansfield. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Commissioner Quinn. All in favor? We are now in public hearing. Is there any member of the public would like to speak on this matter? Okay. Hearing none. And seeing none, is there a motion to close public hearing?

Motion to go to close public hearing. Motion by Vice Chairman Mansfield, seconded by Commissioner Walp. All in favor? Okay. Is there a motion to adopt? I move to adopt and apply all current Carter County development regulations, including zoning of the 331 properties located within the former extr territorial jurisdiction or ETJ of of Cedar Point. Is there a second? Second motion by discussion motion and a second is discussion.

Uh Matt is uh has there been any uh dis uh highlighting as to what the advantages are to leaving it versus leaving them unzoned. It allows a little more control over what um the neighbors can and can't do. So, for instance, the speakers who came to the planning commission meeting were concerned that if it went unzoned, because their neighbor sits on a corner lot, they may be able to construct something or do something that they wouldn't be able to do if it was R15M. So, because a lot of the properties are already developed, they were in favor of keeping those development regulations so that there was some uniformity to it.

Yes. Yes. I mean, they've currently been already been zoned under nothing's changing the way they were zoned from before under the Cedar Point ETJ. We're just keeping the same zoning.

And that's and I I haven't argued with that. I'm just my thought is if you start fresh, maybe give people more of an opportunity to maximize the value of that property. So, if we let it go unzoned, then it is challenging to do it later because of the downzoning rules set by the state where the county could get into um some messiness on it. This is honestly one of the first cases of just relinquishing ETJ in general in the state. So, this is new territory. But if we don't take action within the 60-day window, which ends this month, then it could expose us if we ever try to do something in the future to uh claims of downzoning. Well, the other potential is it would open up the county if we're going to allow it to be un if we're going to take it back over. We're going to let them do it at their ETJ. We've got some liability because these people bought houses with pretense that it was zoned that way.

Exactly. If they if they if we keep it the way that it is and somebody wants to change the zone and we have the right and the power to grant that or not, but it it keeps things consistent and reduces our liability because it could be a huge lawsuit, right? from a real estate perspective.

What we're hoping to do, now keep in mind and and what Matt said is correct. Right now within the 60 days, we have statutory authority just to try to replicate what these folks thought they bought when they bought it. We don't want their expectation to have to change. When you buy your home and it's in a residential area, you kind of expect it to stay in a residential area or you'd want to have notice of it. if we allow it to go unzoned. Now, with the new statute that was passed last year, it would be downzoning if we go back in and try to restore that after this month. So, we have to do that now and try to adopt and what Matt said, he's worked very hard to make it it's almost identical to what Cedar Point had for these folks. So, that they're having continuity of what their expectation was about how to use their property. What can be changed if it's not exactly identical?

Our table uses are slightly more lenient than the towns are. Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? Commissioner Walder.

Um, and this was actually initiated by a conversation I had with one of constituents in the ETJ. Um, and I uh got the town manager from Cedar Point and um luckily when Sharon came in um the county manager had a conversation with the town manager. I'm going to get the words wrong right now because I'm not really a planner, but there was a problem between the county and the municipality in the ETJ about policing authority.

Right. So there the overlap of how the town's zoning ordinance and how our solid waste ordinance over overlapped made it difficult for the town to do what they needed to do in that particular case. But towns in North Carolina can just give away their extr territorial jurisdiction now and we have no choice. We have to take it. Counties just take it back. The only choice tonight is do we put upon these same residents the same zoning or a little bit more lenient the same zoning that they bought into.

Anyone else? All right, there's a motion and a second on the floor. All in favor? That passes. Matt, would you read the uh statement consistency, please? Yes. So this is what the planning commission adopted was they find and determine that case number 2025-000037 is consistent with the goals objectives and policies of the camel land use plan because it is identical to the current plan and and with that the zone district designations align as formally applied by the town of Cedar Point and then it is reasonable and in the public interest because it will enhance service to the property owners by the county assuming all development services and effectively streamlining local government. Is there a motion to adopt the plan of consistency? So moved.

Second. Motion by Commissioner Waldrip, seconded by Commissioner Quinn. All in favor? That passes. Thank you, Matt. Thank you. Next is the manager's report. Mr. Griffin.

Well, good evening again everybody and commissioners and thank you um for everything this evening. Um and thanks to all of the folks who have spoken so far. I just have a couple of things. The first thing um I know everybody's looking forward to this. The property tax bills are going to be mailed. Wanted to let everyone know by the end of August. So look for those um when they come in your mailbox. We do appreciate all of our citizens um supporting services like emergency services, our sheriff's office, our school system, um our county services that make sure that restaurants are not passing disease, our building inspections. All of these things are important services that are supported by um our property taxes and we appreciate um our tax department working diligently to make sure that those are accurate and detailed for you this year. Um and our our new tax administrator, Harry, has been actually previewing those today to make sure they're correct. Um the important issue tonight that we want to update you on um is of course Hurricane Aaron. We have been monitoring this very closely. It appears it's going to stay offshore, but we do think we'll have some coastal impacts. And I'd like to call Stephen Ray, our emergency services director, up to give us um a short um summary of where we stand right now. And just to remind citizens of some of the precautions we hope that you'll take. Um, of course, not driving through water, making sure that you're prepared for hurricane season and can take care of your family if your power goes out. Go ahead, Stephen.

Good evening, Stephen.

How are you? So, um, we did just get a new update from the National Weather Service there. Um, we do have a a storm surge watch and that's going to be from the down east Cedar Island area all the way up to Duck and also a tropical storm watch um throughout the coast. Um really they're looking at a lot of the concerns being more oceanside. Um our concern is our Pamco sound side uh because that that gets into our vulnerable vulnerable areas. Um they are looking at the coastal flooding being more towards Topsill to Atlantic Beach now with more significant damage going up into the Outer Banks. Um, right now we have our emergency services team that will be continuing to monitor the storm and working through EOC activation um, opportunities. We do have a meeting tomorrow morning with all the fire, EMS, and law enforcement chiefs just to see if they have any needs or concerns with the storm. And um, I'll answer any questions you have at this time.

Anybody have any questions for Stephen? and commissioners. At this time, we don't think we need a state of emergency. That's something that we are only going to ask for when we absolutely need that. Um, and in this case, we we think that we're going to be okay. We just really encourage everyone to stay aware of any flooding that occurs, um, flooding across roadways. And in the worst of if the storm does become severe, just please don't be out traveling so that our e crews can can take care of folks who need help. Thanks, Stephen. Thank you. Thank you.

Okay, next we have appointments. The first one is the adult home community advisory committee and the nursing home advisory committee, Miss Paige Taylor Ward reappoint to both boards for a three-year term. All in favor, Mr. Taylor. All right. Next, we have the Carter County Boofer Airport Authority. Chairman, I'd like to nominate Van Parker appointment to a two-year term for the Bowfort Airport Authority. Cor County Buffer Airport Authority. Yes. Sorry. Thank you. All in favor of Mr. Parker.

Next, we have the Carter County Scenic Byway Committee. Matt Renal, Carter County Assistant Manager to fill the re remainder of the former planning director's uh seat. All in favor of Matt. All told, another job for you, Matt.

I hope you're planning on sticking around for a long time because we've got you got a lot of jobs. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Brook Lane, to fill the unexpired term of our health department, Dexton, vacated by uh Mary Buckloo. term expires June 30th of 2027 and Chief Paul Bernett reappointment to a two-year term as the chief of police appointment. All in favor of Brooke and Paul. All right. Uh next is the Morhead City Board of Adjustments ETJ or all do we have three seats for that? No. Is there a nomination? Uh

yeah, it was the one that the town had recommended. There's three names on mine. Is there three?

Yeah. How many seats do we have available for that, Lauren? I'm sorry. I'm trying to get the sheet for you. It's the way to do it is um they wanted to fill the alternate seats along with the regular seat. So, um Taylor Ricketts, he's a current alternate. He wants to be appointed as a regular member. Yes, sir. To a three-year term. So, so you need to pass that. And then Christopher Masters is going to feel the alternate seat left by Mr. Rick. Yeah. And then um Nathan Clay Frank will be appointed to a new seat. A new alternate seat. So there's one regular member and two alternates available.

All right. So So moved.

Yeah. All in favor of Mr. Ricketts uh for the term and Mr. Masters and Mr. Frank for the two alternates. Okay. And that takes care of all the appointments. Next is Commissioner comment. Commissioner Walder. Well, it's been a uh a very eventful meeting. Uh we appreciate Senator Sanderson and Representative Kairens uh for coming tonight uh to be recognized for all their hard work. Um thank you Brooke for providing your outstanding annual update on port and it's a joy to work with you and it's a joy to be with you and Miss Oliver for uh the monthly roundts. Um and uh Mr. Linder, I'm on I'm on your side as I know they are. So, I we look forward to having meetings with you to see how we can improve and create bigger tournament opportunities here in Carter County.

Thank you. Yes. Yes. So, they don't turn into stats with um Brook Lane and uh the Department of Health and Human Services. Thank you. That's all I have. Thank you, Commissioner Wer. Commissioner Moore,

I'd just like to uh echo uh what uh Commissioner Walker just said also uh with the storm that's possibly that's going to be moving up our coastline. Um I just like to um just tell the our first responders and our you know, law enforcement, everybody out there that's working, be safe. Um, a lot can happen out on that road when you got water crossing the roads that I've seen over the years. Um, it happens quick. I've gone through time I go back, it's already cross and it's moving and it can move vehicles and we can get in trouble quickly. So, that kind of employees that's going to be out there in this uh be safe, think what you're doing and uh you main thing is making it back home to your families. And uh with that said, uh, Commissioner Ch. Thank you, Commissioner Moore. Commissioner Quinn.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes. Again, thank you to Senator Norm Sanders, Representative Celeste Karens for opposing the shrimp troll ban. And uh enough can't be said about the the port program, the the vision that Dr. Randanda Williams had and and forming the port uh the port team I guess is kind of not the thing to say but it's really to hash over those numbers again 91% decrease in opioid deaths that is just simply remarkable and as Miss Lane said who's done such a wonderful job and her hard work has made this successful one death is too many uh but u the work that they have done has made a real difference in our community again what can local government do for me and this is the thing that that does for you on a day-to-day basis. Um, again, congratulations to Miss Suggs on her retirement. She's done a just an excellent job as the leader of the Vote for Historic Association. I've had the privilege and uh and and several opportunities to work with her and she's just absolutely fabulous as really can't commend her enough. Uh, school's going to start again. Public schools are going to start before our next meeting. So, uh, be careful when you're out driving when the school buses are out on the road. Uh, these young students that are eager to get on board the school truck and go to school, uh, should be, uh, be be cautious when you're out there driving, uh, when those school buses do get back out on the road. and want to um offer support for our teachers and I'm going to continue to challenge this board uh to increase the county supplement uh for our teacher salary and um so good luck to all of the students, all of the teachers, and all of the supporting staff at our public schools. Um Aeron's uh going to brush us by hopefully. Uh it's a it's a good reminder. This is if we're going to have a hurricane, this is the best way to have one. It's just kind of brush on by,

but it's a good reminder, you know, to be prepared, to have a plan, to communicate with your family, to communicate with your neighbors on what to do in case we do have a major hurricane impact like we had with Florence. Uh, so please keep that in mind. And thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. That's all I have. Thank you, Commissioner Quinn. Commissioner Clark, I'll relinquish my time to Commissioner Mansfield. All right, Vice Chairman Mansfield. May not be as short tonight. It's not it's not starting out too good until you got the floor.

I'd like to thank Norm and Celeste also. Well, like everyone else has. May they do a tremendous job for our county and for the municipalities. That's what I said earlier in our first segment of our meeting. Um I'd also like to recognize Norm's wife, Linda. Again, she has also done a lot. She didn't necessarily run for that position, but he drugg her in and she does a great job helping him and assisting u when you do visit Riley. And I do encourage you to go up and visit Riley. They have a numerous legislative days for all kinds of groups. Um, and lobbying is always a good thing. Um, and I would like to once again wish Linda a happy birthday. Um, like uh, Commissioner Waldrip said down there, I thank you, Chuck, for coming out and sharing with us. I hope you'll keep coming back. I don't know if you can break Brian's record. I want to make sure he's okay tonight. He's not here.

Somebody better call him. Uh but um I think it's important for the public to have a voice and that's why we give that three minutes every night before every meeting and we thank you for sharing. Um

Patric Patricia Suggs, I I've never dealt with her or worked with her on the Buffer Courts Historical Society, but to serve any organization for 25 years, you have got to be a trooper. And I don't care what organization it is. So God bless her and I wish her a happy retirement and a great rest of her life. um hope she enjoys it and uh continues to do other great things. Um the uh hurricane, I think we need to be vigilant. I think you need to stay tuned to the announcements and the the advisories that are going on. I think the most of the effects will be at the eastern end of the county. I don't like the way storms are hyped sometimes because then when people don't see anything the next time, they don't tend to listen to you. So, I don't think there's going to be much with this storm, but I can't guarantee that. So, you need to stay tuned to your local television stations, the Carter County Facebook page, and any other outlet that covers the weather and be ready to act quickly. The down east area will see significant items and there could be flooding. And Commissioner Moore's correct, if you're on your way to Atlantic and need to cross the bridge, it could get interesting. And the ferry will be closed starting today, I believe, for

tourism evacuating today. the the locals tomorrow, right? Correct.

So, um, be vigilant with the storm. This probably isn't the last one we're going to deal with. So, you if you do want to get a generator, it's a whole lot cheaper if you get them now. So, uh, plan accordingly. Um, and we'll be there. Stephen does a great job in his response along with all the local agencies and we appreciate all that you do. Um, in the 11 years that I've sat up here, I've been proud of a lot of things that we've done. Um, but the Port team ranks up there at near the top, if not the top. And the numbers that we heard tonight are astounding. Um, my challenge to you now, Brooke, and your team is to keep them uh looking that way, which is a heavy feat. Um, but the Nina, your support, I mean, without you have a great director. I mean, and to have that department support you like they do, and Dr. Williams, y'all deserve a huge shout out. Um, and we thank you for all the hard work. I mean, like Commissioner Quinn said, that Brook said, I mean, if we save one life, it's worth it. And so, uh, say no to drugs. Don't do it. Can't get addicted if you never tried. Can't guarantee you much, but I can guarantee you that. So, um, I always like to recognize and thank our staff and our employees. We appreciate you. We thank you for all the hard work you do. Um, you make all of us up here look good and we thank you for that. I think we have some of the best and I always say that and I always support you. Um, God bless each and every one of you. We thank you for what you do. And with that, I'll close.

Thank you, Vice Chairman Mansfield. Uh, I too uh commend Mr. Chuck Linder for coming here and talking about the ball fields. We We got to get a plan together and someone needs to come up with how many fields we need and where would be a good place. Well, Chuck's not a guy for that cuz he we need a hundred. So, we I think the board is uh wants to do things for our youth and and that's but we got to start somewhere and we need some uh pointers on that. So, you were last time I told you that you were supposed to get with Mark and he was supposed to be uh putting that together for us. So, I think that was the forestry service guy that got the fire and it so something's happened. So, we'll get back on that.

But, we need to get back on that and see where where we're at. Uh certainly the hurricane uh offshore there. We want to be safe, especially folks down around Cedar Island, Marman, South River, the lower ends of the county where the Pam Co Sound can back up uh the water and uh it can certainly cross Highway 12 and Marman Road quickly there. Uh so be mindful of that. Congratulations to Brooke and Dr. Williams that the port team is a great thing you got going and the the stats speak for themselves. And uh I did try to help a lady one night that was having a a problem and the port team was able to visit her at the hospital and you know continued to follow up and it was a good thing and the situation could have probably going the other direction if it hadn't been for the port team. Uh tomorrow uh we are welcoming all 100 county clerks of court to Bowfort for their annual conference at uh 10:00 a.m. at the Buffer Hotel. And then at 12 o'clock, we're going to be at sea level with the ribbon cutting of the new medical clinic uh at sea level next to our mental health facility. Uh going to be a fullervice medical clinic where they'll accept walk-ins, be like a urgent care, and the doctor, I'm told, is even going to do house calls like back in the old days. So, going to be a fullervice clinic and it's going to be much needed in the eastern end of the county. Uh so, that's going to be good. Hopefully uh some of y'all can join us. I know a couple are coming already. That's all I have. If it's uh anything else come before the board, I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn.

Make a motion. Motion by Commissioner Moore, seconded by Commissioner Waldrip. All in favor? Thank you'all for coming. I think I got everything on my list. Chef dog.