City Council - Regular Meeting

Hey, sweetheart. I'm good. How about you, man? You must have all kinds of hours working. I got you.

Thank you. So, we'll call the meeting to order and ask the clerk to call the role. Mayor Baldwin here. Mayor Pro Tim Thomas here. Councilman Collins here. Councilman Coin here. Councilwoman McCumby

here. Councilman Skidmore here. Councilwoman Wber here. Mayor, you have a quorum. Thank you. So, I need a motion to move into executive session for a discussion regarding a potential appointment to the tree board. So moved. Second. The motion is second. All in favor say I. I. I. We'll move in executive session. We'll continue our meeting when we come back.

So, council met in executive session and no votes were taken. We will move into the invocation. Is Pastor Tom Holloway here with the um Faith Wesland Church? Yes. Would you please lead us in the invocation?

Thank you, dear heavenly father. Lord, we thank you for this opportunity to be here today. We know that you ordained us to be here for this time. And so Lord, we pray that you would uh come and pray that you would give wisdom to those that would be making decisions. And Lord, as a community, we thank you for such a beautiful community. We pray for protection and peace. And Lord, we just thank you for all you've done for us and what you're going to do in and through us. And we pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Please stand for the pledge of

allegiance. United States of America and to the stands one nation indivisible with liberty andice for all. Okay, we'll move into item two is minutes. Um, city council meeting Monday, May 4th, 2026. Do I have a motion to approve the minutes? Motion. Second.

Favor say I. I. All oppose. Eyes have it. We'll move into communications and we will go to item A, swearing in of fire chief John Galansk. Galanski. Galanski. Uh good evening everybody.

Uh before I get uh you know start move towards the future and talk about the future, I want to take uh a moment to recognize and show appreciation for our retiring fire chief uh Billy Floyd. has uh dedicated years of service to the city of North Myrtle Beach. um you know leading with integrity, always ensuring the safety uh of the community and I just want to say thank you not just from the organization and the city as a whole but as a friend uh and say thank you and uh wish you well uh in your future well-deserved retirement. Um and with that I will move on to the future. Um, John, me and John started about the same time. I think you started about two months after me. So, uh, I've had the pleasure of working with him side by side for three years. So, I can vouch for um his integrity. I can vouch for the way he uh is committed to this this community and the residents. Um, the way he respects our men and women in uniform. Um, and uh, he's he's the right he's the right guy for the job. So, one of the things that uh or probably the most important thing that I do uh as city manager is making key leadership hires. So, I take that seriously. Um so, John um coming coming to the city um you know again we've worked together. I can see I can see his commitment to the city and uh I interviewed him knowing that uh after that process was was done that he

was the he was the right guy for the job. So um I feel I feel great about it. I know he's the right guy for the job. And um with that, I want to say congratulations. And uh we will bring Crystal up here, Dun's partner, and our city attorney, Chris Nuri, will uh administer the uh the oath of office. All right, chief. If you will get the microphone,

if you'll repeat after me, I solemnly swear I solemnly swear that I will well and truly perform the duties of fire chief that I will well and truly perform the duties of fire chief to the best of my ability. To the best of my ability, I will obey and uphold I will obey and uphold the Constitution of the United States the Constitution of the United States the laws of the state of South Carolina. the laws of the state of South Carolina. the ordinances of the city of North Myrtle Beach the ordinances of the city of North Myrtle Beach and all the laws and regulations and all the laws and regulations of the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department. of the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department. I do solemnly swear. I do solemnly swear.

Congratulations.

Thank you, sir. Thank you. That's what I'd like to take a minute to uh thank the city council for their trust in me and Mr. Fabri of course for his trust in me. Thank some of my good friends for being here tonight. Um, but I'd like to ask something of all the folks in the audience, and that is to stand up for a minute and turn around and give our folks in uniform a round of applause for what they do for us every day.

We have a fire department and a police department that are full of absolute rock stars and I will absolutely not miss an opportunity to highlight that in a public forum. So, thank you for the recognition. I look forward to seeing all of you in our community and again thank you all. Thank you all our people for being here. Appreciate it. Thank you. So, we have um a couple more items. I'll read them off and then I'm going to come down because we have some recognitions and some proclamations. The first one is u a recognition to the North Point Beach Poly Club. I'll come down and read that. And then we have a proclamation of National Public Works Week and then the proclamation of the National Garden Week, which is actually for the Driftwood Garden Club, Yopon Garden Club, Seios Garden Club, and North Beach Dunes and B and Blooms Garden Club. So I'll come down and read those. Anybody here on behalf of the pilot club, please come down. Anybody else?

Okay. Thank y'all for being here. Thank you so much. Okay. I have to put my glass on here. I didn't quite print as big enough. So whereas this North Myrtle Beach Pilot Club has proudly served the North Myrtle Beach community for 31 years through dedicated volunteerism, advocacy, and charitable support. Whereas the pilot club's mission is to provide or promote awareness, prevention, and support for brain related disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injuries, and autism. improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by these conditions. And whereas the Northville Beach Pilot Club has proved meaningful has provided meaningful support to numerous organizations and initiatives throughout the community including the Alzheimer's Association, Coastal Carolina Adaptive Sports, Project Lifesaver, Destination North Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad, and local caregiver and educational programs. And whereas the organization's work and community dedication, caregiver support, brain injury awareness, and Alzheimer's research funding continues to make a lasting and meaningful impact across the region. And whereas the pilot club has demonstrated an enduring commitment to accessibility and in incl and inclusion by donating to the city handicap beach wheelchairs for use by residents and visitors in North Myrtle Beach, helping ensure that all individuals can enjoy the beauty of our coastline. And whereas the city of North Mr Beach recognizes and appreciates the compassion, leadership, and service

demonstrated by the members of the North Beach Pilot Club over the past three decades. Now therefore, I J Baldwin III, mayor of the city of North Beach, South Carolina, along with city council, do hereby recognize the honor and honor the North Beach Pilot Club for 31 years of outstanding service, dedication, and contributions to our community and extend sincere gratitude for their continued commitment to improving the lives of residents and visitors alike. Absolutely. Absolutely. Y'all come up here and let's get a picture.

Thank you. so much.

So now we'll move into a proclamation for the National Public Works Week. Whereas public works professionals provide essential services that support the health, safety, and quality of life for residents and visitors of the city of North My Beach. And whereas public works employees are responsible for maintaining and improving the infrastructure and services that residents rely on every day, including streets and drainage, storm water systems, water treatment and water supply and sanitation. And whereas the dedicated employees of the public works department work year round, often behind the scenes and in all types of conditions to ensure the city remains safe, functional, clean, and resilient. And whereas the public works staff play a critical role in emergency response and recovery efforts, helping our community to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters and other emergencies. And whereas public works week sponsored annually by the American public works association recognizes the importance of public works services and honors the individuals who plan, build, manage, and maintain the infrastructure that serves our communities. And whereas the 2026 National Public Works theme rooted in service, powered by community, recognizes the deep commitment of public works professionals whose visible behindthe-scene efforts help build, maintain, and strengthen the infrastructure that supports thriving communities and enhances the quality of life for all residents. Now therefore, I, J. O. Ballwin thei third, mayor of the city of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, along with city council, do hereby proclaim May 17 through May 23rd, 2026 as P National Public Works Week in

the city of North Myrtle Beach and encourage all residents to recognize and thank the public works department who efforts whose efforts help keep our community running smoothly each and every day. Anybody? Mayor Baldwin, just on behalf of the public works department and the 130 or so employees we have, we appreciate your continued support and council's continued support. Thank you.

Thank you so much. Okay, this is a proclamation for each garden club below or each garden club. Driftwood Garden Club, Yopon Garden Club, CX Garden Club, North Beach, Dunes and Booms Garden Club. Is there people here to accept this? Oh, come on up and gather around.

How are you? I'm ready. I'm ready. Hey, how are you? Yes. Hey, J. How are you? Good to see you. Good. Wow, we got a big crowd.

Yes. Yes. Anywhere. You going to be able to get a picture? We'll we'll figure it out. Where are the flower?

Thank y'all all for being here. Y'all, this is great. I think that's most people we've had up here that I can remember, but this is good. So, National Garden Week, June 7th through June 13, 2026. Whereas gardeners demonstrate a deep commitment to cultivating the earth's beauty beauty and resources through the planting of seeds, the careful tending of plants and the abundance yielded by their efforts. And whereas gardening enriches our lives by adding beauty, splendor, fragrance, and nourishment through the cultivation of herbs, vegetables, foliage, and flowers. And whereas gardeners embody and uphold our nation's enduring spirit of indep independence, initiative, and innovation through dedication and hard work. And whereas gardeners promote environmental stewardship by recognizing the vital roles of all living creatures, large and small, and maintaining a balanced and thriving ecosystem. And whereas gardening provides a rewarding and meaningful activity for individuals of all ages and experience levels from beginners to seasoned experts. And whereas gardening encourages healthy lifestyles, reduces stress, and instills appreciation for the value of patience, diligence, and substained effort. And whereas gardening organizations and gardening clubs both locally and worldwide contribute significantly to the beautifification and well-being of communities in which they serve. And therefore be it resolved that in an effort to acknowledge it the importance of gardening and the nu numerous contributions of gardeners I J O Ball the third mayor of the city of North Mal Beach South Carolina along with the North Mr Beach city council designate

the week of June 7th through June 13 2026 as national garden But we'll hold them up and get a picture. I don't know where to get

it. Thank you for what you guys do. Jan, how you doing there? Good to see you.

You guys do an amazing job. You keep our city looking pretty. That's a great Okay, we'll move into item E is dear department monthly reports for 2026 are available online. I'm sorry.

What is Oh, paper slip. Okay. Well, thank you. And we'll now we'll move in item four, announcements by mayor and counsel. Are there any announcements by mayor and counsel?

I'd like to say something real quick. One, I want to congratulate the chief of fire. And two, I'd also like to recognize Dana's department. A lot of people don't realize and y'all don't normally get the credit you deserve because with sanitation and public works until you have a water leak or a major problem like that and see how great our department really is, you really don't realize it or if your trash didn't get picked up, you know. So, I wanted to thank y'all and thank our police and fire as I always do. We appreciate all y'all. That's all I have.

Anybody else? Okay. So, we will move into consent agenda and um if it's okay with council, we can take everything uh there is one item or take everything, you know, I can read them by title and take everything together. Uh except for item E. There was um something brought up to our attention today with some concerns about item E. Even though we've had a a it's been through the planning commission first reading, second reading, and through city council first reading. We got some emails today before the second reading. So, it was on the consent agenda, but some concerns came up we might want to talk about. So, we'll take that off if that's okay with council. We'll keep everything else together. Is that okay?

Yep. Is everybody okay with that? Yep.

Okay. I'll read I'll read them by title. So item A is a motion to approve the Anderson Eastep Surfing Championship to be held on June 6, 2026. Item B is a motion to approve Shepard Center Day of Adaptive Surfing to be held on June 13, 2026. Item C is a motion to approve North Mortal Beach Ocean Rescue Junior Lifeguard Camp to be held June 16, 2026 to August 13, 2026. Item D is a resolution to amend the terms for the city's option to extend the parasale and banana boat franchise agreement between the city and Aaron Lewis for additional five-year term. We will skip item E and move to item F is ordinance second reading amendment to the Pepper Tree Ocean Club Planned Development District PDD allowing additional building signage. Item G is an ordinance amendments to chapter 23 zoning of the code of ordinances of North Porto Beach, South Carolina adding place of worship to be allowed and uses allowed uses in R 2A. Item H is an ordinance second reading amendment to chapter 23 zoning of the code of ordinances of North Beach South correcting terms for the board of zoning appeals. And item I is ordinance second reading amendments to chapter 23 zoning of the code of ordinances of North Podifying staggered terms for the planning commission. Is there a motion to approve?

So moved. Second. Is there any discussion by council? I think the only question I had was on the um adapt the 5A and 5B. The only thing I noticed was the parking. They wanted to make sure that they were allowed to park in public parking. And I just wanted to know how that was going to be how we were tracking that. Um both of them said they're requesting free use of the parking lot for the organizers, the first two rolls of parking space spaces. How how are we going to know that they're okay to park there? Ryan, is anybody from staff here that can address that? Okay. You already let the parking company. Okay. Oh, so I'm sorry, Matt. What did you say?

Oh, the parking. You'll let the parking companies know so that they'll be allowed to park. Okay. Thank you. So, I think everything's kind of self-explanatory. Uh, but does is there any comment from the public? Any concerns, comments, questions? Hearing none, we'll take our vote. All in favor say I.

I. All against. Eyes have it. We'll move into still on the consent agenda. We'll bring up item E. Ordinance second reading amendment to the towers on the Grove Plan Development District PDD creating an oceanfront paid parking lot. And I'll need a motion to approve. Motion to approve. Um, and I'd like second once we get into into it. I' I've got like to amend them. Amend it. Yes, absolutely. Is there a second? Second. Okay. There's a motion, a second. We'll bring it up and I think Jim um has got some is going to elaborate on the concerns here.

Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, thank you. Um, as you know, this is second reading in front of council and uh at the sort of the last minute we had some correspondence from the um a resident of the the uh adjoining midstrand condo HPR that's over here and they brought up some very excellent points that uh to consider about this parking proposal and uh so staff has been working all morning and afternoon trying to come up with a a uh a solution for for their concerns. And one of the things they expressed was uh that they felt that the the location of the Port of John's was probably not ideal because then that would be something that their condo project would have to look out on. So, we're advising the applicant to to move those to this corner over here to get it away from Midstrand condos and the applicant has agreed to to make that change. So that will resolve that issue. Um they also further suggested that it would be useful to have a landscape buffer along this edge of the you know there's the the public walkway right here uh the public access point. And to accomplish that we would take this row of parking spaces right here that are standard full-size parking spaces and and allow those to be converted to compact car parking spaces. that would give us four feet along this edge that uh a landscape buffer could be planted uh with native salt tolerant species. So um we think that that's a a very useful thing for a good suggestion by them. The other thing they can express concern about is on on their project they have a um a foot wash station. They have a fence along here uh with a gate and the gate has a sign on it that says uh private property no

trespassing. But still evidently according to to them they've had instances in the past where people have gone onto their private property to use their footwash station and for people that don't belong there. Um I they I sent some photographs earlier today to you and one of the photographs showed that the existing footwash station is approximately 20 feet 20 to 30 feet away from that fence line. Um, but in order to make sure that that concern gets addressed and that we don't have any further intrusion onto their property, I would recommend having a sign placed right here where that little pedestrian access funnel is that that get people from the parking lot to the public access point. Put a sign on there that directs people using the parking lot that they have the right to use the footwash station um that's located near the gazebo on Towers of the Grove. Uh so that that will help allay that situation. Um another question that came up with it was you know what does temporary mean in terms of uh the approval and the applicant has indicated that they have a two-year lease uh agreement uh worked out with the property owner. And what we've done in in some temporary parking lots in the past is that we have issued a time limit on the approval. So I recommend if that is a concern by council that um you can put a time limit on this approval and that they and if they want to extend that lease to another term, they would have to come back to council and ask for another amendment uh to make sure that uh it everything is still good. that that would open that up to the public and and whatever date that you establish, I I put on your suggested motion September 30th of 2028, that gives them two years and in a few

months. Um and then if if that date is acceptable to the applicant and the applicant is here and uh to answer any further questions and uh so if that date is acceptable then I I I would advise the applicant to reapply for approval if they want to do an extension approximately 3 months before that expiration to give it time to work through the process. So we we really appreciate the comments that we got from the folks at Midstrand. They were excellent, excellent comments and uh we're we're happy to work with them. And I believe you also got a late email from them saying that they appreciated our, you know, taking their concerns seriously and and they they were in favor of those changes.

Yeah, they did. They sent an email, thank staff, thank the applicant, thank council members for uh addressing their concerns and um and I spoke to the HOA president this afternoon before she sent that final email. And in that final email, there was only one request. She was pleased with everything as long as the applicant's okay with everything we just discussed. There was one tree she wanted to save. I don't know where that stands, but that was the I saw that about 50 minutes before I walked in this room. So,

yeah, we'll we'll certainly work that out um to make sure that that happens when we get the revised plan. So, you know, being that this is an amendment to the PDD, it'll still have to go through site plan approval and TRC. So, we'll when it does that, we'll make sure that all of those changes are made before the final approval is given. There was a small trees, not any other trees on the site. It's all vacant. Yeah. But I I feel sure we can work that out. Okay. All right. And I'd like to ask the applicant, are you okay with all these changes because we're going to amend the motion to include these?

Well, I'm I'm fine with it. You know, on the on the beach side here, uh we've got a beautiful wooden fence that we were going to straighten up, which I think is very nice. I can close off that beach access right there because that's our gazebo and we have a beach access with a shower and everything so we can eliminate that. Those porter johns there are going to be there just during our peak of the season and I've got it there for the women and the and the kids the men too but mainly for the kids. Um so you know let's not forget I mean the bu they could build a 20s story building on here. So would those guys want a 20s story building or just a parking lot? I understand. Yeah. So, yeah. So, for a two-year lease,

you know, he was hoping to keep it as a parking lot and then eventually build on it. So, and they were even talking about leaving it as overflow parking, which if that's the case, you know, you got 24 hours a day someone's going to be there. I think one of the concerns was uh will there be parking overnight? It is a 24-hour parking lot. All my parking lots very rarely you get somebody that stays overnight. They don't want to spend 45 bucks to stay overnight. So, uh, but but you know, the only way we're going to make this work is make that economy parking, then, you know, I guess so be it. Okay. Okay. Are you saying you're going to close off this? Yeah. I don't Yeah, we I don't need that. I mean, okay, that Listen, that beach access, it's very rarely used, right? From what I see, so you were just

I mean, our property line actually goes right in the middle of that beach access. Uh our fence is actually probably about maybe three or four foot from the property line. So uh what we were going to do was um right around uh 16 17 181 19. We were just going to uh clean that up really nice and just bring the fence to match the front fence right there. Uh which will keep that real private from over there. So um that a dedicated public access. The this access is a public access. I think he's talking about closing off the the little funnel that goes from the parking lot to that access. But I'm hoping that our fence right there is nicely done that that would help.

So, we would save the cost in doing whatever type of shrubbery you're wanting us to put in there. Well, I the the residents expressed a concern that that the shrubbery if if there were a landscape buffer planted there, it would also help keep dust down from from mic. There's not going to be dust in there. This this is going to be a 57 stone parking lot. So we we're not going to have the this dust plume that you're seeing at some of the parking lots in town. We're not going to have that. Uh my parking lot in the mountain end of seat mount highway. You never see that dust flying around my lot ever. But regardless, we we're talking about a landscape buffer here and I think that's important.

There there's um an existing split rail fence that runs down all the way down. Um some of it is a little bit in disrepair. There are sections that are broken. Clean that up. straighten that up. We're going to have some more on the other side that we can use and I can close off that beach access right there. So, the the um the folks at Midstrand did express one of their concerns they expressed was that they thought that this would increase the usage of this public beach access if it were done that way. So, that you know closing that piece off right there would help with that concern as well. And I I feel sure they would probably be in favor of that. Okay. Are there any other comments by council?

Just uh one to the applicant. Would you rather lose 25 26 and 27 and go back to 9 by 19 on 16 through 24? I'm sorry. Say again. I said, "Would you rather lose 25, 26, and 27 and go back to a standard 9 by1 19 on 16 through 24, which means you'd probably lose a space there. So, you're losing four spaces, but you're getting four uh you're getting the balance of regular spaces." And and let me say is that that that plan is uh that's an old that's not the updated plan.

You like that? If you like that, I'm fine. Yeah, that that I shipped that over. Um, yeah, you may want this, brother. That's that that is that's a uh this is not the this is the updated plan right here. I said that gave it to the dawn the other day. So, our interest is going to be right here. So, we're going to eliminate all of this right here. You only got four parking four four parking spots right here. Yeah. I gave that don on Friday or Thursday or Friday. we're going to come through this entrance right here because if I come through here um we were going to have to widen the driveway which in that case I have to go in front of DOT and fight with Lindsay and all that kind of crazy stuff and then we'd have a problem with Santi Cooper with their pole being right in the entrance at our so we we came down here and I sent that memo from Santi Cooper saying this is this is you know we we we can take cars across that that vault.

Okay. I I don't I have not seen that plan that he's referencing that that he sent to Dawn. Uh I don't know if Don has seen it. Um but it is significantly different. We we can't we would not be able to pass a new plan. I at this point we've been through the planning commission. We've been through right

uh one reading on city council. I know you're anxious to get this done, but we can't plan change a plan at the last minute. told it was it made it everybody went through it and and even public works everybody said we're good with it so uh with the new plan I mean all we're doing is we we we just switched the driveway over but everybody all the emails I got said everybody was fine with it so like and like I said I brought it over to Dawn on Thursday or Friday and um Daniel do you know if y'all seen the new plan This is the first I'm seeing it. I you know, but

does it eliminate any parking places or is the same amount? It appears to have uh three 33 parking spaces as opposed to 27 27. Yeah. Yeah. But the help the folks on the left side over here, they've only got four parking spots that gonna be up against their property line. Yeah. Jim, let me ask ask a question. Okay. If Being that this is what it's already been approved by planning commission and we've already had one reading on it.

Yeah. Um, what are the what are the pluses and minuses of us tableing this to we can to to where y'all can have a chance to review that and we can take a look at it and we table to our our I'm not sure exactly when our next meeting is but I mean or if we may it it's a significantly different plan with with more parking spaces than were shown and and I have not had time, nor has the TRC to to uh vet this plan and evaluate it. So, I I can't recommend going forward with it tonight until that happens. But um

but let's say that we even took it to a workshop or we didn't pass it tonight. If with a new plan, does it not have to go back through the whole system? Go back to the planning commission back through I I'll have to Chris, could you answer that? Chris, and please get the microphone if you can, please. Chris, can you get that microphone? Thank you. My question to Jim was this is an amendment to the PDD and Jim indicated that it was and this will be a major amendment.

Yes, this this parking layout that was considered by the planning commission and at first reading at council is a major amendment to the PDD and I am now seeing this change revised plan for the first time and it is significantly different from this. So the question I believe is should this go go back to the planning commission or can council just approve the the revised plan at second reading procedurally. What about um going back to advertising back to planning commission then advancing to city council? I think the plan uh city council could probably refer it back to planning commission as opposed to having to readvertise it as a new application.

I I agree with that. Um the the question is is the change significant enough to to warrant that and it's pretty different. And it well it sounds like you're of the opinion that it is significant enough to warrant the referral back to the planning commission. I I do think that so I think that's the answer that it would um council would have to refer back to the planning commission and then it would come back from the planning commission to city council. And what's the timeline in getting that done? Well, planning commission meets tomorrow, so it can't be on that agenda, but it could be on the next planning commission meeting because it would not have to be readvertised. It's just referred back to them.

I mean, I would ask the applicant, would you want us to refer it back or you want us to vote on the old plan you submitted? You ask me. Yes. I'm sorry. Well, I mean, I'd like to get this approved and then let us come back in because I'm not sure what happened where the ball got dropped, but some of the emails that I received, they liked the new plan. So, I don't know. But since you didn't see it and a couple other ones maybe didn't see it, I mean, we what we could do is table it and then let and then go let staff go through the process and recommend and talk to you and discuss the options. I mean I mean this meeting,

right? I got I mean, you can't answer this question probably right now, but but I mean I think to me that's a better looking plan and I'm glad we are coming off on that left side over there. We have the 50 foot entrance right there. These folks should be real happy the fact there's only four parking spots and not 18 um or whatever it is you 12 15 over there. So, but whatever you guys think, but I would like to try to get this thing passed and get over by June 1st. But that don't let me happen now. Not not unfortunately with a change of plans, we can't have a second reading on if we pass this. It's the old plans. So, this has to go. We can't do this plan. Okay. because Dan said at public works he did not like the entrance right there over on that side right there. So I got you.

Yeah, we had we had to make a change. Yeah. And look, Jim, I'm what I'm thinking is we table this, get staff to try to go through what the options are, talk to the applicant, and then let us know back and and try to expedite expedite this if we can. uh whatever you know the options are, let the applicant know and then he can make that decision, get back to us. That's Yeah. And unless Chris disagrees, I would I would recommend that you refer it back to the planning table it for tonight and refer it back to the planning commission and then bring it back at the next possible meeting. Okay. All right. And to expedite matters, if council chooses, you could always have a special call meeting to accommodate that.

Sure, we could. And we could do that. We could have a special call meeting to try to help expedite it. Are there any other comments by council? Are there any comments by the public? Okay, we got a motion.

Okay, you go. Okay, need a motion by council. I'll make a motion that we refer this back to the planning commission to review the the revised plan and that which will give staff opportunity to to to see at what level you know whether it goes across the threshold uh to where it needs to be readvertised or not. But that would get you that'll get you going there as quick as we can through the process. Um, and that you would also take into consideration uh the changes that consideration how they see how they work into that plan that uh that staff has talked about um you know regarding the the Porter John's the and what a lot of this might be a moot point with your with your new plant but the Porter John's the um the stall those those parking stalls the size of them may you may not that may not be an issue may or may not be the 4oot uh landscape bus buffer between uh the public walkway and the stalls. The if you take out the the access to the public walkway then then the sign would be a kind of a moot point. But if you don't then we we'd want to see that and um that we would do this for a period of two years uh expiring on September 30th of 2028. And like Jim said, ideally you would um just because the way the the process the the way the law works and the process works that you know you start that renewal about three months in advance.

I know my lease is up. I know. Mark, please speak in the microphone. I couldn't hear you. I'm sorry. No, I'm just saying if if my lease you look, I'm 58. I'd love to have this for 20 more years. I'm good with that. But, you know, Casey, you know, once Casey sees the money that's rolling through there, he's gonna probably take it back over in two years. Okay. I mean, he he's I'm reason to build a 20 store building. I'm fine with the income I'm getting off of this. So, you know, Well, I understand. We're trying to accommodate, but we got a switch here that we're not we can't prove something we hadn't seen. No, no. I I don't know what happened, but but um yeah, I don't know what I don't know what happened there. I don't either, but we'll find out.

Well, if this new plan was submitted Thursday or Friday of last week, that that is not sufficient time for staff to evaluate. and we would we would want to refer it back to the TRC anyway. Sure. I understand. I understand. Okay. Thank you so much. So, I'll give Suzanne or do I call? Okay. Thank you. Okay. So, we have a motion. Is there a second? Second. Okay. All in favor say I. I. Eyes have it. All against.

Okay. Eyes have it. So, we will move into unfinished business. Item A is an ordinance second reading amendment to the Gatorhole Plan Development District PDD revising the TGI Friday site to a new Chick-fil-A site. Is there a motion to approve? Motion. Second. There's a motion and a second. Is there any comment by council?

Yeah, I do. Um, on that, I would like I know we talked about some signage uh to help people get out of there, but I'd like if possible to see at the um at the intersection of Dietra Lane and Second Avenue North, it that there'd be a sign, you know, directing people back to 17 because by the time you get down, if you go around and get by Walmart and get down in there, you're almost you're you're kind of looking at a residential neighborhood on one side and another uh on the other side might be a little bit difficult to somebody may get spun around up in there and I don't know if that would be ideal to do the same thing where it hits on eighth

is here that could come up and speak about this you talking about a sign that says beach this way Highway 17 would probably be you know an ideal scenario and I I think it not only would be good for you but it would also be good for for you know everybody else in in the whole shopping center. You know we were out walking last night and I was walking through I said man it's kind of as you you kind of walk down through here you you may it'd be easy to get disorientated and try and figure that out.

Yeah. I believe the uh you know the the landlord is okay with us adding the signage that we need. They've given us preliminary approval for that and uh Interplan is watching right now. Uh and so we'll make a note of that and make sure we add that to the sign package. So I think it's a great idea. I will say that we've had two meetings on this and a workshop and the applicant has we had a lot of concerns on this uh on this situation for a long time and I believe the applicants I feel good about it. I feel better about it, a lot better than we did to begin with. And there also the DOT median plan is making changes that will enhance this, including ex potentially, but this is not cast in stone yet, but would eliminate that right turn at that stoplight, which would help increase the outflow traffic out um tremendously heading back towards 17 on that left-hand turn. That's going to accommodate, I believe, about 11 cars. Are there any other comments by council?

I have a few comments that I'd like to make. Um, one, we had some concerns with the traffic, including myself in that area. Um, and one of the concerns was what Walmart has going on right now with the uh remodel. It's not an actual addition outside of the foot footprint. It's a remodel inside of their uh building right now to accommodate online orders. And uh they've got a lot of their parking lot blocked off right now for construction. But I would feel pretty confident by the time this came online and the Chick-fil-A was finished that Walmart would be well and past their remodel of what they're doing and the parking lot would be back open. So I don't think that would be too much of a concern. Another that I would like to bring up is that we do have a lot of other commercial elements going on outside of our city. Um, we've got a Walmart going up in right outside Calabash. So, you got Little River and Brunswick Beaches that are not going to be coming to Gatorhole anymore to go to that Walmart because they're going to it's going to be a lot more convenient for them to stay in Little River and go that direction. And we do have a lot of commercial element going on out around the park that will keep people west side of the waterway shopping and the retail on that side. So, my hope is as time goes on that Gator Hole Plaza, the traffic will start to die down some and and relieve some of that area. So, I just wanted to say that. Are there any other comments by council? Are there any comments by the public? Please give your name and address.

Debbie Lumberino, 30949th Avenue North. I know you've addressed the M Walmart issue here. Uh but uh I guess I don't understand your process here. If I have a project going on and you've already approved me to do something else with the project and then I come back to you and ask to do something else, you don't include what I did the first time. How was that permissible? I'm asking the staff. Well, this is not a question and a Q&A. You know what we're doing is we want input. You have suggestions or

Yeah. What I'm saying is you're avoiding you've already approved something for Walmart and you're you're totally not even considering what you've already approved and you're going to approve something else without taking what you've approved previously. I mean, how is that permissible? Well, these are two different businesses. I mean, it might be in the same shopping center, but it's two different businesses altogether. And Walmart has been doing online shopping forever. They're just they're just putting space inside their building to accommodate it. They're just have some storage stuff outside of Walmart right now. They're blocking off of construction equipment. They're not expanding their footprint. And we've discussed that the traffic is going to be lower as we just brought up because of the additional

I'm assuming the traffic's going to be lower. Well, it will be because a lot of traffic that comes there now is from Little River and Brunswick County. But but your signage that you they're proposing and I'm just talking about process. I don't have a problem with with Chick-fil-A at all, but you're the signage they're putting at is taking them to Dietrich, which is in front of where Walmart is improving. Okay. So, I mean, I I guess what I don't understand is is I have a piece of property and I come to you and I say, "I want to do this change." And then I come to you and say, "I want to do another change." And you don't take in consideration what I what I what you've already previously approved. That's what I'm not understanding here.

Well, I get back to these are two different businesses. We're not approaching something, but it's the same development. It's a But the shopping center didn't come to us. The Walmart did and Chick-fil-A did. They're two separate two separate entities. They just happen to be in the same shopping center, the same location. Right. That would be like saying if somebody wanted to come into Chi Fridays, forget about Chick-fil-A. It's somebody brand new. They wanted to come in. We would say, "No, I'm sorry. You can't come in because Walmart's doing a addition." No, I'm just saying you should have considered what you approved for Walmart in your in the in the study. That's all I'm saying. Why is it not part of what you looked at?

I think proving it. Speaking for myself, I I did when we did the uh when I looked at the Walmart change when we did that back I don't know whether a year ago, 18 months ago,

October 201 when we did that or when I voted on that and chose on it, I I recognized that this was what Walmart did affected the Walmart shoppers and didn't spill outside of that envelope. And today, so it's I feel like it's okay. And when we when I made my decision that to move forward on that is because it was contained within their Walmart perimeter. It didn't spill over there to the parking lot across the road. And then now that we've got Chick-fil-A, Walmart's settled in my opinion and it was and for me taken into consideration. Now this issue with the Chick-fil-A came up and it took a lot of discussion because I had a lot of reservations about it. At the end of the day, it appears or more than appears, I think it's going to be a good move because the impact of what's happening in North Carolina is going to have an impact. The Little River folks on the north side of Little River definitely aren't going to come this way. They're going to go that way because that's a lot less traffic. So, I think we're I feel confident for myself that that we're not damaging I'm not damaging North Myrtle Beach. My my question has to deal with how you approve one thing for a a property. It's a PDD and you don't take that in consideration when you do something else. That's my issue is why is that not considered in your proposal? It could have easily been included in here, but it wasn't is all I'm saying on this. Okay.

Okay. Mayor, if I could, I I just want to remind council of what happened with the Walmart proposal. Um Okay. All they did is they took an existing garden area that where they used to set up the Christmas trees and the and the live plants um in that enclosed fenced area. And what they did is they uh uh enclosed just under 5,000 square feet of that area to give employees a place to process online orders.

Um and they restriped some of the parking lot a little bit. And what they ended up doing was uh in that restriping they lost a total of two parking spaces but they were already 266 parking spaces over the requirement. So they lost two parking spaces but they gained one handicap space and then they um increased the number of stalls dedicated for customer pickup of online orders from 18 to 33 in the restriping. So it was a an incredibly insignificant change to the Walmart and and it was a type of change that would just allow employees to process online orders. It wasn't adding retail square footage to Walmart that would draw in additional customers.

Yes. Thank you, Jim, for clarifying that. Are there any other comments but a public regarding this issue? Hearing none, we'll take our vote. All in favor say I. I. All against. Eyes have it. We'll move on to item B. Is I'm sorry.

Yeah. Item B is a ordinance second reading amendment to the Hope Point Plan Development District PDD replacing the previously approved town homes along Sanctuary Way with detached cottage style homes and the petitioner has requested to postpone. So, do I have a motion to postpone? Motion. Is there a second? Second. Any comments by councel? Are there any comments by the public? Hearing none, we'll take our vote. All in favor say I. I.

All against. Eyes have it. We'll move into item C. There's an ordinance second reading. Amendments to chapter 11, fire prevention section 11-9 of the code of ordinances of North Beach, South Carolina regarding open burning. Do I have a motion to approve? Second. Have a motion and a second. Any comments by councel?

So is it this is um first reading per is anybody want to describe what this is about? Ryan, you want to take that just so everybody knows understands? So this was before council um and it was postponed because um there's a little disagreement amongst the the fire department in terms of certain wording. They wanted to to clean it up a little bit. So that was a couple months ago. It's now before you uh for first reading, but essentially it just prohibits open burning um within the city limits. Okay. Would be the main I understand the main issue.

I got you. I got you. I recalled that somewhat but not exactly. Uh, are there any comments by council? Looks looks good. I mean, it makes it reads reads a lot cleaner and makes a lot more sense. And I like the the definition of a homemade uh burn burn barrel would not be acceptable. Are there any comments by the public? Hearing none, we'll take our vote. All in favor say I.

I. All against eyes have it. So we'll move into item D is an ordinance first reading amendments to chapter 22 vehicles for hire of the code of ordinances of North Myrtle Beach South Carolina regarding towing and private property. And and I would like to turn this over to Mayor Pro Tim Thomas because and I'd like to recuse myself because I have a potential conflict because somebody reached out to me about a week ago and I have a piece of property that could potentially they would like to potentially lease that would be conducive to this same type of business. So I do not want to vote on this. I just to avoid a u any potential appearance of a conflict. So, I'll recuse myself and turn it over to our mayor prom.

Okay, Mr. Mayor, I'll be glad to take this on on the um Did you read the title? It's the um unfinished business. First reading amendment to chapter 22 vehicles for hire of the code of ordinance of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina regarding towing towing from private property. Is there a motion? Second. Second. Okay. Is there any discussion by council?

I'll be happy to jump in there. Um, we've heavily workshopped this item, but I would like to just do a quick so everybody in the audience that wasn't involved kind of knows what's going on. So, a few years back, we uh revisited the tow fee schedule and decided to meet the state fee sheet, which made sense because they do the research to see what it costs to operate and do these standard toes. And at the last minute, some things got changed. Didn't really realize what was going on. Should ask questions. I didn't. But, um, we moved forward past it. a little while later had somebody reach out to me asking if we would revisit it and I of course looked into it and not only did that called other tow companies didn't just go off of the one toe company and all of them pretty much said yeah um we would be more involved if it was you know the fee was worth the liability um so then I knew that it was time to start really um digging into it a little bit and uh that's kind of the gist of it is how we've got to where we are today.

Any other comments?

Well, this is concerning towing on private property and then they already have a relationship with the the company they're going to tow. It's not the city towing the car. This is um hotel owners that people parking their parking and go to the beach and there's signs that clearly state we're going to tow you if you if you park here. And um and in the past uh I think we've had a heavy hand in having to be on location. Um and now we're kind of are taking that taking that out of it that that we're not going to show up. Um and we'll see how this works out. If it becomes an issue, then we can of course always revisit it. Uh the only couple things that I had is that um there's a uh something about like has to have a contact person. So, if I've already given you permission to tow and you come to my lot to tow somebody privately at 4 in the morning, you're going to wake me up to tell me you're going to tow a car. I've already given you permission to tow. Um, if I read that right, if I'm I'm reading it wrong and you can tell me. And then I had a bit of a question about the credit card. Um uh

so I mean the two things are uh yeah I mean we have it written so that um as Trey said in the past we had our uh our police officers would go out there to kind of make sure that the the the whole um process went smoothly and everyone was on the same page and it was done in according with our regulations that we in place. One of those things being um that the toes when we're out there to tow, it's because that specific vehicle has been requested by the owner or the representative of the owner saying we want this vehicle towed. So, we're not changing that part. We're saying that we still require authorization from the owner and or the owner's representative saying they want it towed. That way, we're not leaving these towing companies to just go around towing whoever they believe needs to be towed. It's got to be at the uh request of the owners. So, we have not taken that out. What we have taken out is our involvement, police officers going out there to make sure that that that process goes smoothly because that is what's been requested of council. So, we've taken that out. Um and then in lie of us being involved, we've now put it in place much like I believe Myrtle Beach does it or a county does it. um they're still required to to um fill up get the signatures that that we required before. Um they're not going to uh you'd be required to to give it to us every time. I think within 24 hours, I believe is how we wrote it. They'd have to provide that uh that authorization form proving that they got the signature within 24 hours. But what we will do is uh we'll have the ability to audit them at any time to say let's go back in time show us everything with all these various toes that you called in to make sure that you did do it according with our regulations and if they are unable to do so then we're in a position where we can um find them. So it's it's as long as they're doing uh and operating in compliance with our regulations um that shouldn't be a problem. So instead of us doing it on the front end, being

there, being present for that interaction, we're we're going to give ourselves the ability to do it on the back end. And this this doesn't um shouldn't be shouldn't be a hindrance for their operations, which is what I believe that they've um I know during our workshop, we had some of the HOA members come up that did express concerns with the agent on record because or the homeowner theirelves because of the different time restraints. And then uh I mean you've got a private this is all private property owner business. Um if there is normally a situation this would go to the magistrate's court. So that part kind of you know I don't really understand why we're getting so involved there. And I' I've got a couple things jotted down. One is, and I'm jumping all over the place, but the signage they're asking for to have metal signs on the ocean front is where most of these properties are. So, I would think that they would rust pretty quickly. Most of the time, you have a composite sign. So, I don't know if that's something that we can change in. Well, I think in the uh in the old ordinance and even this ordinance that says metal, which is number section 2246A1 is just strike the metal because I don't know that we the intent was for it to be metal because it is uh you know rent signs everything. You don't see many metal signs out there. So, I think that's just a old carryover that we can fix right now. I didn't mean to cut you off, but I think I agree with you on that.

Yeah. that I was just looking at that when I was reading through the ordinance. I mean, I think the the intent was mostly the size, like make sure the size is consistent. I don't think we necessarily have a a real interest in what what material is used to to create the sign. Well, I get it, but you know what's in the ordinance. Yeah, we can strike it. So, let me just for clarification. Currently, the rep the with either the homeowner at a private residence or a rep for an association, they would contact the um towing company that's turn that's takes place right now. Right. The represent the representative still in is currently what the way it works today. Correct.

And what we're saying we're maintaining that into this new ordinance.

Correct. And now in um 2246B, paragraph 1, it says uh the record service shall not block the exit of a vehicle from parking lot or begin the act of coupling vehicles until after the private owner or agent of record has written the time of the towing and then signed a fully executed authorization for removal within 30 minutes prior to towing. And um I'm okay with that. I'm just thinking if the if they could digit digit digitally the person that's making the call if we could encourage them to digitally do that that way the towing company's got a record of it. Then later on in uh in five in compliance with South Carolina code 5652525 record service performing a non-consentual toe shall immediately telephone the police department no later than one hour of the time of the toe as set forth by the property owner of record. uh there again if they do that within one hour then they can attach potentially if the person that made the call the homeowner

so I think it it shows up in two places and Dana right and therefore so one is that we I mean you have to notify dispatch because naturally someone who comes if they come and they park and they are ignorant to that they've did anything wrong they park and they come out and their car is missing we need to have an accounting of whose car has been towed for what reason. So when they call dispatch say my car has been stolen, we can say no, it's been it's been towed. But we're not asking at that point for the signed authorization. We're saying you have 24 hours enable to give us that information showing that you've it's one he's one an hour seems like a long time. That was my um that's state law. Okay.

That's I mean we could we could make that a shorter time frame but that's state law gives them one hour to notify us. Well, that's pretty prompt. And that way you've got a record of it. So when the people call, somebody stole my car, y'all can you can look, I guess, and then let them know it's been towed. My mind is like, you know, if if you if you pulled in somewhere, you go in there for check in, go to dinner, whatever, and you come back out, and if it happened to be quickly, um, If you went in and said, "Oh, the the wait line's too long. We're going to go somewhere else and eat." You know, it it seems like that hour would be a long long time trying to figure out what's going on. And in the meantime, folks in dispatch are trying to figure out what's going on and send an officer out there for it. It just But I I understand if it's if it's the state law. I guess it's the state law.

Yeah, we we could make that more stringent. We couldn't um we couldn't make it less stringent. Um, does that make sense? Um, but we are trying to in June after we get through bike weeks to work with the tow companies to use an electronic program that they're using and hopefully you guys tell me you already use it. That would be something that we would be able to get almost instantaneously when they're on scene. That would be something we would electronically be able to get in our dispatch center. So, I've already stopped by and met with them to see if it's something that we can make happen. and we're going to try um the first week of June to get together and and then that would that would alleviate this problem alto together.

Well, it it would alleviate the audit problem as well. You wouldn't have to come back and go through paperwork. You would just instantaneously get the towing notification through dispatch. You would also be able to audit it much quicker um to see who's Hopefully, we're going to try it out. Hopefully. So, with the with the towing signs, so they have a sign up. So, if a tow truck drives by and there's a car parked in a parking place that does not have a tag for the hotel, they cannot tow them unless the owner of the hotel or the um HOA person calls them. Not with this ordinance. No. Okay. So, what would be the purpose in the signs if

notify? You talking about the out the signage for the Yeah. I mean, it notifies them that they're going to be towed. But if they can't be towed unless the owner calls. Well, if the owner doesn't live there, the owner's never going to know someone parked there. I thought the purpose of the towing sign was that you're going to be towed if you park here and you don't have to contact Yeah. You don't have to contact anybody. I mean, I already have a contract. If I have a contract with a towing company and I say, "You tow anybody that's parked in my parking spots without a tag. I want them towed. I don't want you calling me at 4:00 in the morning to ask my permission." Oh, I understand.

Unfortunately, we had um a lot of bad experiences with in that scenario. Um, and that's how we got to where we where we are in the original ordinance. And you know, like most of our ordinances, uh, they they tend to be a work in progress and we have to, you know, from time to time go back and and adjust and fine-tune and this is more of an adjustment than than a rewrite, I would say. trying to find some some balance between with everybody and and you know we do have and being in a high tourism area that that we heavily rely on. You know, we need to be uh very situationally aware of of of our guest and and so the ordinance doesn't change that portion. This rewrite doesn't change that portion. What changes predominantly is you don't have a physical policeman on on site. And secondly is now the the towing company is going to notify you within an hour that it's a pro a vehicle has been towed.

That that was already there um prior to law enforcement being on scene. When law enforcement was on scene, it removed the necessity for that.

Gotcha. So, we're just going back to what the ordinance said prior to us changing it. Um, I thought that we were going to remove law enforcement because you guys didn't want to tie up officers dealing with towing issues, but we consulted other municipalities. Myrtle Beach, what we've presented to you is what they currently use to prevent uh people from being victimized by companies. So, um, we thought that this was the best solution for to meet our needs as a as a city, but also allow the the tow companies to be able to tow, um, without having to wait on law enforcement because that was the the complaint was that you our arrival time was taking too long. So, we felt like if we removed law enforcement, they were if if there's a person calling saying, "We would like this towed from our property," then that not having to wait on us would be able to expedite that tow, but also keep it legitimate.

Okay.

Well, and I'm not going again, and please believe me, I'm not going against y'all, but um one, I think our police officers time is much more valuable than dealing with private tow businesses. The other part as a council member I think one of my jobs for our city is to look out for liability of our city and this with being private property toes that really shouldn't we shouldn't be involved in at all really puts liability on our city and we're fortunate we haven't gotten there with anything because they're pulling 80,000 $60,000 cars out of places they're not supposed to be parked. similar situation that fortunately the county doesn't directly insert theirelves in, but um a local tow company was called by a business owner to tow a car that was left at a gas station overnight. It took 2 and 1/2 years to go through the court process. If this had happened in the city of North Myrtle Beach, most likely if we couldn't have gotten out of the process immediately, we would have been stuck in that process for two and a half years. And I'm I'm feel pretty confident that we would have got out of it. But sitting in that process for two and a half years, the the money that adds up over time is what my concern would be in a in a situation that we shouldn't even be in the middle of. So that that also is a part of what has me want to address this situation.

When when our officers show up on scene, they are frequently told by tow truck drivers, if I'm not towing vehicles, I'm not making money. So when someone is basically their paycheck comes from how many vehicles are towing, just remember that that's setting a quota for them to get out and tow as many vehicles as they possibly can. And so that that's not just meeting a need of that's

I don't I understand, but once again though, it's private property that has signage that says don't park on this property. So I mean at the end of the day, they're not supposed to be there. Um, and if I'm a property owner that has a motel and has limited spaces for my tenants and somebody else has parked there and now my tenant doesn't have a place to stay when they come to check in, that's a problem as well. So,

but what we were experiencing before were people that were supposed to be staying there and they're maybe their ticket fell in the you could look through the window and the ticket is on their floorboard or it's on their dash. It's not hanging and that vehicle's getting towed and the person's supposed to be there. So they get up for breakfast in the morning, their vehicle's gone, but they were they were illegally. But so someone who worked for that hotel would have known that vehicle was supposed to be here. The tow truck driver doesn't know. And whether they they take the time to actually look to see if there is a tag in the vehicle or if they just walk up and say, "Oh, it's not in the rearview." Their interest is to tow as many vehicles as they can, right? Whether it's legitimately or not.

Okay. Any other questions by council? If not, I'd like to I do have one more. So, I had another person reach out to me concerned about requiring the credit cards. So, I don't make fun of me, but of course, I went to chat GTP and Google and all that and put in different scenarios and some of them said we couldn't, then others when you specifically asked about tow companies said you could. So, I rely on Chris Nuri to answer that for me, please, since I'm not an attorney.

Municipalities in South Carolina um are do have the ability to um pass legislation for the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Um in this instance, that's what this ordinance contains. Um it requires that the towing operators um be able to process payment um digitally, electronically, whatever the correct term is. for people that don't have cash because otherwise if um you they don't accept digital payment or electronic payment and someone doesn't have cash, most people don't carry cash now a day. Um they're going to be required to pay the full toe fee as opposed to half of the full tow fee for the no tow fee. Um and there's language in the ordinance that addresses this specifically. If you'll look at the very first page under um 2244 non-consensual towing, there is um language that um states one of the reasons that the city is passing this and it says the city will exercise its public safety powers to ensure that the public security, general welfare, health and order order of the city are adequately protected from price gouging and unscrupulous towing operators. So, we do have the authority um in our general police powers to require mobile payment. Um other municipalities um around the state um have the same requirement or similar requirement in their ordinance as well.

Thank you, Chris. When when someone uses their credit card, and I'm just speaking from a banker here, but do you pass through the credit card expenses to the client or the the person being towed when they use their credit card, or do you give them a discount when they use cash? How does that work? Like a a 3% of additional charge that we're leaving up to the the towing operation. We're not getting into that aspect of it. So we we can't cap it where if they do charge that fee, they're not they're able to charge that if they No, we did not anticipate any any kind of cap on that. Okay.

And that's I mean that's fundamentally someone who comes out to their vehicle prior to it actually being towed away. Then the no to no tow fee kicks in where they can pay half take their car and go um as opposed to having to go through the whole process pay the whole fee and go have you know wherever it gets towed to and so you can avoid that inconvenience uh to say it's just cash only I don't know about you but I don't really carry cash around with me most people don't at this point um it's just more convenient and it's to say if we don't accept anything other than cash well that person is then if they don't have the ability to get to an ATM or they don't have cash in their car on their then I mean they're going to they're not going to have the the luxury to choose the option of um paying half and just taking their vehicle. I think one of the issues with from one of the towing companies that mentioned when they do take a credit card, this the person they're towing usually is not the happiest camper when they're getting towed and they go back to the credit card company or the bank and and say it wasn't them that was using the credit card or it was fraud and then they have to spend their time trying to figure out how to dispute that, how to get their money back and then they're spending their wills trying to get it. So, I think that was really one of the bigger issues of accepting those credit cards and and then really who's going to pay them then if they do get that fee taken back from them because it's fraud.

And and I understand that. I think what we're looking at is for the interest of those folks that we've seen video footage where they are put in that position and because they just don't simply have cash or don't have access to cash in that moment, um they're forced to have their vehicle towed and pay the whole thing. Um, and I understand completely because believe me, my car would get towed because I never have cash on me. So, I would watch my car pull off. But I just wanted to make sure that legally that was fine. I completely understand and I'm fine with it. I just wanted to

check that box. If there's no other questions from council, there's any questions or anybody from the public to speak. come forward and give you your name and address on first name basis. My name's Bill Robinson and uh I do a lot of work down at Doc Holliday's Marina. We have the biggest problem. We've got no parking, tow zones, the signs up, and everything else. I mean, it's four or five cars sometimes a day, sometimes eight a day. Golf carts, you name it. We can't We can't control it. There's I mean, we've tried everything. I I mean, I wire North Myrtle Beach out. Calling them. It is it would be a whole lot more simpler for me to be able to pick up the phone, call a tow company, let them come and tow the vehicle because by the time I wait on the police to get there, they're already most of them come out, they want to fight, they want to pull guns, they want to pull knives, they I mean it's you don't know what you're dealing with and it it's just it's it doesn't need it needs to happen quick. This will help do that happen.

Yeah. So, I mean, it's sooner or later somebody's going to get hurt over it. And it' be a whole lot simpler for me to pick up the phone, call tow company, and them be on the way and instead of wait 45 minutes for the police to get there when they're tied up. Okay. Well, this ordinance will solve that problem. You can call them and as fast as they can get there, they can haul it off. That would definitely help us. Okay.

Thank you. How y'all doing? My name is Richard Tate. I own Coastline Towing and Affordable Towing in North Myrtle Beach. Uh just had a couple issues. Uh I just the new ordinance is fine. Uh but a couple things. Obviously, one thing y'all had talked about was the credit card. We don't mind taking credit cards. Uh we don't mind at all at the end of the day. We just want to make sure that if they cancel it, you know, could the city set up some kind of reserve to pay us the money back? Uh we've had this happen numerous times already. Uh that's one reason why we don't take the credit cards. And let me explain to you how it works. Uh when a person gets back home, uh a lot of times they're not happy. uh they get home, they dispute it. Uh the credit card sends us the credit card company sends us a letter. They automatically uh suspend the money out of our account, take the money back. They give us 30 days to write a letter uh to dispute it. Then it goes to one of their councils or or boards or however they figure it out. Then they figure out, well, are they telling the truth? Are we telling the truth? Uh sometimes we get the money, sometimes we don't. The problem is it could take two, three months to do that. Uh that's that's our problem with with the credit card. Uh you had on record with the police where you called the called the towin. Wouldn't that give you we called the toe in the police department or beach recognized that. So indeed he was in the wrong. Uh you're right. Uh but but you'd be surprised at things that they come up with. It's it's kind of like the excuses why they they just got there. Uh you know, they were

in the trunk getting their suitcases out. We towed their car off. Uh you know, they went in to check out, but we towed their car off. Guys, we've never done that. Uh you know, I mean, it takes, you know, a little bit to get there. It takes a little bit to get the car hooked up and get going. We just we just want to be safe. You know, we want to uh go there as quick as possible. uh do our job and leave. Uh we would like for the agent of record uh if the council could see their way to to maybe get rid of that because what we're what we've been after is to try to have it between the tow truck companies and the individual owners of the hotels, motel, condos, whatever it is. Uh you know, so we can get in there without a problem. Uh because we don't want any of our employees to get hurt, uh to get beat up, get shot. Uh there's a lot of crazy things going on in this world today. Uh and that's kind of where we are with that. Uh we we just want to provide a service and that's what we feel like we do. And I think the taxpayers of this city have the right to call who they want to call and have them tow. Um a lot of the condos, they don't have anybody there to patrol the lot and that's what they hire us for. All the commercial stuff that we do, most of them were under contract. We're under contract to provide a service and that's how we do it. I've been doing this and I continue to show I need to stop. Okay. Uh I've been doing this over 35 years, guys. And and and you know, if we didn't do a good job, I wouldn't be in business today. We wouldn't be talking. Uh I don't know anybody else in the city. Uh you know, there's maybe one two companies that do a towing. If you ask them why, they'll tell you. you know, one was the money and the two they just don't want to hassle. Uh, you know, and that's that's what's going on with that. Uh, you know, Dana and I have had some

conversations to try to uh get together and I think we've gotten together a lot. I think she would agree with that. I I agree with that, too. And it's important for us to be in concert with the police department. Uh, when we get on the scene, we should be on the same page. We shouldn't be saying, "No, we can't do that. You can't do that. I don't think that looks good for her. It don't look good for my company." uh at the end of the day we want to be together you know same idea and you know prover provide a service you know just the credit cards is what we had an issue with if we can figure out how to work that out and then the age of record and you know deal with the the hour I kind of think that's a little long too myself uh if I was looking for my car I'd kind of want to find it before an hour uh we don't mind that because I I can tell you right now we kind of provide we try to do it within 30 minutes if it's got to be an an hour. Y'all can leave it, but we still going to call probably within five or 10 minutes.

Richard, on the credit card um issue, I understand I'm in business as well, and that happens to me. You'd be surprised in the medical industry how many people get well and all of a sudden they never saw the doctor. So, I go through that as well. Um and that's just a price of doing business. And you know, if you've got their signature, because you on the phone can get their signature, and then you're calling in a report to the police. I think you just present those two things to the credit card company and I think you'll get your money back, which is generally what we do. I do know sometimes it takes a little while, but that's really the only options you have because in this day and age, not many people have cash, so I don't think we can get away from the credit card issue. Um, now once again, the the contact, you know, that that is something I I don't know.

I think most people you talk to that has us, they do not want to get up at 3:00 in the morning and go out and patrol their lot. That's what That's what they're hiring us to do. And that's what we're that's what we try to do. And we take pride in our work. Maybe y'all get a lot of complaints and I'm sorry y'all do and and I'm sorry Dana for that. But I'm sure she takes uh pride in her patrol officers and we take pride in our guys. And our guys do not ride around and and look for things to tow that's not supposed to be towed. Uh you know, she said that our our drivers say, "Well, if we don't tow, we're not making money." It it's not really that. you you got to put the fire under their feet a little bit to do their job or they'll be, you know, maybe sitting with some of these police officers having coffee somewhere, if y'all know what I mean. That was a joke. I hope you took that as a joke. But anyway, that's that's that's that's the whole deal. And you know, I think we're real close. I think I'll leave it up to y'all just kind of common sense. Thank you for your help.

Thank you.

So, I have a couple of thoughts on this. So, we're talking about the credit cards. He's talking about yeah every I mean he already takes credit cards so that's not the issue issue is like I'm sure a lot of the people that he towes yeah they're gonna they're going to be dishonest and they're going to say I didn't I didn't give him permission to run my credit my credit card and I want to I want to file a fraud that's going to happen with all the toes he ever does we have nothing to do with that that's just the nature of his business we're just saying is that you already do yes take credit cards we are just saying can you please extend that to those folks who they interact you know, they interject before their car actually leaves the property. And we're just saying, can you please offer them the ability to use a credit card or some form of digital payment because it's most likely available to them so that you can we can resolve this? Everyone goes their separate way. Mr. P is still um compensated for his time and his people coming out there. He gets 50% of the tow, which is a a significant increase over what it was before. So, there are improvements there for his line of business. We're just saying, can we also extend the credit card use? um to those folks in that position and yes maybe some part of those are going to ultimately call and say this is fraud and I didn't actually do it and again that's the the cost of doing business but to say that it's only those type of toes that are going to have people calling saying that uh you know I didn't make that charge I don't think I think that's just a problem that's going to exist within um you know the business that he runs. Uh, and number two, keep talking about how we don't want to take away the right for private citizens to call and say, "Hey, we want something towed from my private property." We're 100% not changing anything other than the fact that if someone is going to have their vehicle towed from private property and the money that they're going to have to pay and the inconvenience of having to come out, find out your car is not there, and then go track it down. We're all we're asking is that that toe is initiated by the private property owner, the person who ultimately should be upset at the

fact, upset enough that they're going to say, "I'm going to take this person's private property and remove it from my private residence and put this this burden on them. We're just saying we want to leave that to the private property owner or the representative of the private property because they are saying this is such an inconvenience. We are going to initiate this this activity, not leave it to those businesses that are going to benefit off that activity. I'm not saying that I'm not saying that they're doing anything wrong, but it's you you'd rather have that that be initiated by the people who are saying this is such a problem that I want this removed from my property.

And we're I mean everything we've done in this ordinance is really to benefit the towing companies. And there's a lot of things that we've done here. And it seems like the way I'm reading this is the it's like we've given you all these things. The whole argument was, "Oh, it's taking too much time and we don't want to sit around for 45 minutes to an hour." Yeah, we've resolved that for you by saying, "We're not involved in anymore." All you need is the owner to call and say that it's we want it towed and you go out and tow it.

I don't have a problem with the residential at all. I I 100% agree. Somebody parks in a residential yard, the owner should call and ask the tow company to come. It's the HOAs where a lot of the HOAs, the people aren't there. So, you know, when they make a contract with that tow company, at that point, they're policing that parking lot or patrolling that parking lot, whatever you want to call it. So, I feel like it's a different dynamic when you start to bring in big big HOAs compare compared to private, you know, businesses or private residents. And as far as the credit card thing goes, I I'm that's not a problem. I mean, I I think we should have a credit card involved because most people today don't carry cash, including myself. But I do see where HOAs especially because a lot of times they're not on site. So at that point I think it should be the discretion of the contracted tow company that's been hired by that HOA.

And I understand what you're saying. I think what the way we're looking at it is you could also just as easily say we're going to have someone who represents the HOA who is there who can vouch for the fact that this is a problem. This vehicle needs to be removed. So that person is going to be the person that calls the towing company and says, "Please remove this vehicle." Still the same thing. There's just one extra layer to go through before this person gets their their vehicle towed. As opposed to saying you, the person that runs a towing company, which if this car gets towed, you are going to directly benefit from this. You make the decision and at your discretion, we will say whether this vehicle needs to be towed. I just I feel like we're trying to achieve and and come to a compromise where we have the same situation, same kind of procedure we had before, which the important thing was saying, okay, we need to have the owner be the one to instigate this.

I'm not arguing with you and I'm not arguing the point. I think at the end of the day, whatever council as a whole decides is where the direction will go. And I'm not defending the tow companies. Why I'm defending the HOAs is because we had HOA people come up and talk to us about they didn't like the process. And when I went to uh the high-rise committee association, I got blessed out by a lady about that process and how how she did not agree. When I say blessed out, I mean blessed out. Um so the HOAs theirelves don't like that process where they have to get up and they have to call the tow truck company. So, I I understand your point and I'm ready to as a council just decide what we want to do and move on.

If you go ahead and give your name and address.

Yep. My name is Pat Yuchi. I'm at 1003 South Ocean Boulevard. Um I'm a board member at an HOA. Trey, you and I have met a couple times, so I um have that perspective. High-rise condo on the ocean. And I love this new process. I think it it streamlines it. I personally thought the process before was clunky. Having to pull the the police into it. We have property management companies. We have board members that live on site. And I would love to call Coastline Direct and say, "I got a problem here." Um, we're the ones that can verify. We know who belongs on our property and who doesn't. And just to add to it, we're we're more than happy to do that. I do have concern and this is an HOA building. I don't want coastline just coming in and monitoring my property. It's it's private property. You might have something different in a motel or a shopping center, but an HOA building, we're more than empowered to to we should be empowered and from my perspective to be able to make this call myself. We're we have property management companies out of most boards have five people. There's probably one or two and I'll take the call and call Coastline whenever I need to. So, that's my two cents on it. And I I I like the idea. I think it makes a lot of sense and it puts our police force where they need to be.

Thank you very much. Are there any other people that have questions would like to speak? If not, is there anything else count any other council members? If not, we'll go ahead and call for the vote. All in favor say I. I. All oppose. No oppose. Motion approves. You didn't fall asleep, did you?

I did a few things. Took a little long there. I'm not too bad. Uh, so um there's no new business, so we will open up for public comment. If anybody like to come and speak before council, please give your name and address. We have a threeminut time limit. Uh Damen Trielair, 902 Parin Drive, North Myrtle Beach. Um boy, you guys, I I'm amazed number one at the details that you have to deal with uh today. It was amazing. But how strongly you all stayed with it and dealt with it. So I thank you for that. Uh I just want to before I make my comments just uh when it was very hard to hear way back uh some of you are too far from the mic. Trey if you could get a little closer. I couldn't it was very hard to hear. Um just some folks I could hear very well and other folks was very hard to hear and I am a little older too. So, but just um reference to all everybody, but I wanted to just make a comment to um you know about six years, seven years ago um we invited Jay out to uh Wadies Island to some of the one of the family owners there and then then Jay and I invited Marilyn out there, Marilyn Hatley. And it's been a long process. We're talking seven years since this started and the governor got involved and came out a couple times. But right now, three people have signed off, have sold to the state. We are I' and I said last summer we're very close with one of the fourth member. Uh but now what I've just heard is that we are really close. They're

they're working out the final little details. Again, there's five family members and one large land owner, but the fourth family member is right on the edge. They're just working out fine little details between the state lawyers and the her attorneys. So, God willing, um, three weeks from now, early June, the fourth family member will have signed and I'll be contacting, you know, the governor's office to find out where the negotiations stand with the large landowner also. But it's it's someday it's going to it's going to happen and it's very very close. And this will be one of the most beautiful state parks in all of South Carolina. And uh it's right on our doorstep. And uh it's it's going to be one heck of a good moment when that happens. So and I thank you all for I know a lot of you, you know, we most of you camp campaigned this last time on uh slowing the growth. That was I was kind of blown away that finally a lot of people in the citizens we've s seen the tremendous growth in our area but most of you campaigned on slowing the growth. So I really appreciate that and God willing we will preserve as much land as we can in the next five years because the force of development is still very strong. But we thank you all for the efforts you got you all do and I think we're

we're all in agreement um that we want to preserve this beautiful area. Thank you Damian. Thank you so much. You're welcome. Are there any other comments by the public? Damian, I was on there yesterday with my grandson. Really? Yeah. We fished a little bit and then we walked the property. Wonderful. It's so property. It is coming to fruition.

Are there any other comments by the public? Debbie Lombardino 30949th Avenue North. I'm still uh this has been a a point of contention about the audits and all we hear is we're working on it. So, can you all give us a timeline of when we can expect to have this finished?

I'll take that one for you. Okay. Uh so we are working on it and at our June uh first meeting which is when we're going to have the public hearing for the budget we will have the auditors um that have been working on FY24 present to give presentation to council go over the FY24 and they've already started on FY25. Um and they will give some realistic expectations of when to expect that. Um and then we'll be right back on track with FY26. So, um, that being said, just bear with us for another month or so. Um, you know, it should be pretty clear as to where we're at.

Okay. Will the, uh, 2027 uh, budget be available to the residents prior to June 1st or not? It will be. So, we should have it uh, probably next week. And once we do Okay. Thank you. Uh, just a couple questions for police. Uh I looked at the uh the report that you do and it indicates like you had 95 uh responses to loud music. Does that mean that you actually issued citations or those are just uh you responded to complaints about the loud music?

I mean we're not in a question and answer but we're glad to meet with you anytime. Okay. um any input. It's about giving us direction what you'd like to see. But if you'd like to schedule a meeting, our emails are all online, including our chiefs and and she would be glad to meet with you and explain. I'm sorry, she's here. That's why I understand, but that's okay. Okay. Thank you. Are there any other comments by the public?

Hi, Pat Yuchi. I wanted to see if council had an update on the ask for the seasonal beach rentals. I know we talked about it about a month ago. I've emailed and thank you for the responses. I know you're considering it with Memorial Day being a week away. Um what is the thinking?

So, um I I think that's going to take a little bit more time for us. I I think there's a lot of our council members that would like to see that happen. However, there's a lot of um challenges with doing that. So, we're working on it. But look, I can't give you an answer. I know Matt, if you would reach out to Matt Given, he pretty much heads that up if and you can send an email to all of us, include Matt. Oh, I've sent multiple and you've all have responded saying you're working on it and I do it. It's just some logistics that we got to figure out to figure out if we can make I will get you answer yes or no. One or I'd like to have

Exactly. I I think the clear direction, you know, we've had we've talked about it for quite a while. Memorial the season um had always started Memorial Day and I think you have a a great opportunity for a good message to your residents. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Thanks.

Hello, I'm Ray Collins. I live at 611 uh South 21st Avenue 29582. And uh as the unofficial spokesperson for the golf cart owners here in North Myrtle Beach, I would just like to ask uh the city to look at the hours of operation that because in my golf cart, I got headlights, I got tail lights, I got signal lights, I've even got a light inside, but I don't need them because I can only uh drive during daylight hours. And uh I know some of the other communities in South Carolina now have extended the hours. Some I don't want to drive 24 hours a day, but it'd be nice to uh to be able to be out after dark and go home with my lights on. If golf cart doesn't have any light, they shouldn't be on the street. But anyway, um just a consideration, something for you to talk about. Uh you can look around at the other municipalities around here and see what they're doing. And uh I you know you might say it's a safety issue but um we have probably now more LSVS on the street than we have golf carts. U they don't have anything that I don't have. So that's my little spill right there. And uh once again, in case you don't know, uh Mayor Baldin, before he ever became mayor, helped us to get our golf carts back on the street on Main Street so we could enjoy uh the uh concerts. And by the way, at the end of September, it'll be dark about 7:30. So that means that if we get there, it starts at 6:30 and we got to leave 15 minutes early. We don't get to see very much of it. So that's my take.

Thank you so much. Are there any other comments for the public? Hearing none, I'll need a motion to adjourn the meeting. So moved. Second. All in favor say I. I. Thank you all so much.