City Council - Regular Meeting

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Good morning. Morning. Welcome to our city council workshop on February 10th. We'll do the regular meeting afterwards. Jackie is not here. She is celebrating a belated birthday with a trip. So Jackie Hatley sends her regards. I believe we have a public hearing to start things off here at the workshop. Jennifer. Yes, sir. Okay. A public hearing, Mr. Manager.

Yes. This is a as you'll see on the agenda, we have some franchise appointments for golf carts and mopeds this time of year. And because it's a franchise, there's a required public hearing. Um so this is just an opportunity to open it up and have members of the public talk um before or against this. Um franchises can be for up to seven years. We are doing these for one year at a time for That's correct. We've done this for

since I think 2017 or 2018. Are there any members of the public who would like to comment on the franchises that the city is proposing to issue for golf cart and moped rentals in the city? Hearing none, we'll close the public hearing. Thank you. During the workshop today, we have a number of discussion items. Starting off with the Skywheel pedal pub discussion and Mandy Sbrangi is here from the Skywel. Mandy, would you like to come forward and tell us about the pedal pub which we saw in town back in December maybe?

Yes. Got a special event permit over the holidays.

Thank you for having us today. I'm Manny Srandy, owner and CEO of Global Leisure Management or GLM. Uh, I'm here today to respectfully ask for your support for our request for a franchise agreement for the operation of a special vehicle regulated by chapter 23, article 1 of the Myrtle Beach Code of Ordinances allowing us to operate a pedal pub within the city. Well, and just for the essence of time, we'll run through the presentation and then we'll have time for questions at the end. Here with me today is Angie Gaper. She's with GLM. She lo she she um leads our local operations and business development and Jake Halbert from uh Pedal Pub. He's the president of PedalPub, the national brand and franchise behind the vehicles that we're proposing to operate. Our goal this morning is to share with you who we are, what PedalPub is, and why we believe this is a great addition to Myrtle Beach. We'll also highlight our proven success of operating nearby in Conway with a franchise agreement with the city there and then our special event permit that operation that we had recently over the holiday season here in Myrtle Beach. And Myrtle Beach already has some concepts similar to this operating the big red bus, Tito's trolley, uh, and previously um, Hop on Adventures. Um but city staff and legal have directed us to pursue a franchise agreement um as this is the most appropriate path for this type of vehicle and we respect that process and we think it's probably the best approach because it allows you to address any concerns you have related to safety or operations. It can be addressed in the franchise agreement specifically and it also ensures that the city knows exactly who the operator is. So, um, I'd like to share with you who we are, GLM. We're also the operators of the iconic Skywheel here in Myrtle Beach, and I've been overseeing the operation there for 15 years. Believe it

or not, we're going to celebrate 15th anniversary this May. We understand what it takes to run a successful business. Uh, the delicate balance to make something both fun and safe. Um, the Skyw is a world-class attraction. We're proud of that. We've become the icon of Myrtle Beach. We take great pride in that. Just like we want to make sure that Petal Pub is something that Myrtle Beach will be proud of, we're also involved in the community. Um many of our member team members are um participant members and sometimes even board members of various local community organizations and in the industry um LGS, OMA, the chamber, PGS and Nyappa. Um we've been honored by the chamber with the community service award in 2023 and we've had a frontline team member award uh winner from the Myrtle Beach Hospitality Association. We understand Myrtle Beach's past, present, and future needs. Uh we know that introducing new, fun, safe, and exciting offerings is important to help Myrtle Beach keep thriving as a beach tourist destination. We've had great success with the Sky Wheel, the Myrtle Beach Market, and the community. And that um has led us to want to expand here with the Pedal Pub. And I'd like to outline the specifics requests we're asking for in the franchise agreement. Uh the map shown here reflects the general operating area we're proposing. Our intent is to operate in a defined zone. Um and we needed to include where our storage location is on Campbell Street so we can get to and from storage to our routes. In terms of the structure, we're requesting a five-year term. This provides enough stability for us to invest in the bikes, the staffing, and the marketing we would need to be successful. Um and it allows you to still have the future flexibility. Uh we're proposing to operate five bikes. Uh the operations would be year round. Uh with the understanding we'd probably close in January as it's the

slowest month. Um it could reset uh staff and time for maintenance. Tours would begin at 11:00 a.m. with the last tour ending and bikes off the road by 10 p.m. And then each tour lasts approximately two hours. And now I'll turn it over to Jake who's joined us from PedalPub corporate office to talk more specifically about the Pedal Pub and the touring vehicle.

Thank you so much for uh taking the time to hear us today. Uh here from Minneapolis. Yesterday was very similar weather um that I experienced at home. Probably not for you all. A lot of parkas I saw. Uh just want to go over a little bit about what Pedal Pub is, a little bit about the bike. Um many of you have maybe heard or seen that there there is a bike in Conway um not too far from here. Of course, our bikes are made in the Netherlands. Um they're 16 passenger bikes. That's including the Pilot. Um they have all of your safety features, headlights, tail lights, brake lights, mirrors, um front suspension, four-wheel hydraulic um brake and secondary uh braking systems. And of course on our tours there will be no alcohol on the bikes at all. Pedal Pub is the largest and uh most the safest in the United States and Canada. We operate in um we have 150 total bikes on the road right now between 50 plus cities in the US and Canada. We conduct over 50,000 tours annually with a half a million riders. And in the last 10 years, we've had 5 million riders on our pedal pub bikes. The 50 cities is going to be cities in Canada and US. We have 42 currently in the US, another six in Canada. We're in small cities like Columbus, Georgia. Larger cities like Minneapolis, Minnesota. Uh a couple of cities in uh Canada that you might Toronto, 6 million people, obviously a very large city. And then we're in smaller towns in Canada like Winnipeg, right? Uh in Canada, they only have two seasons. It's hockey and pedal pub season, so it's a little bit shorter. Um but we do very well in Canada and they love us up there. Safety is our number one priority. Pedal Pub serves the We have pilots as our drivers. We call them pilots. Our pilots are go through a rigorous background check. Uh they're also go through a pilot certification program. We do have

competitors in our space throughout the US and Canada, but no one does a pilot certification program. We're the only one in our industry to do that. Again, that's for safety uh of our riders and to make sure everyone has a good time. Our routes are chosen not to impede traffic in town. Um all all of the bikes are also equipped with electric assist motor. So the electric assist motor allows the driver if the patrons are, let's say, in a restaurant and they need to relocate the bicycle, they can put it in drive mode and move it in case of an emergency vehicle or something of that nature. So, that's another safety feature a lot of our competitors don't have that we do have. And again, they're equipped with everything, headlights, tail lights, etc. Lastly, um, all passengers must sign a waiver. And that's a waiver that's a liability waiver, but also a behavioral agreement. Some of our rules of the road, um, we empower our pilots to run the show just like a pilot on a plane, captain on a boat, right? They we give them all the empowerment to make sure that everyone's having a great time, but most importantly, everybody's safe. Uh we don't we don't um this isn't a three strike thing. It's not baseball. One strike, you're out. So, foul language, you know, we'll stop the tour. Um this happens very rarely, but we want to make sure that you all know that the pilot is empowered to to keep everything safe and everybody having a good time. And people can get fined if they uh you know do any of the uh inappropriate behavior as listed on on the slide here. Again, pedal pub routes are chosen not to impede traffic. We do not travel on roads that are 35 miles an hour or higher. Um our bikes go approximately 9 miles per hour. That's with the electric assist motor. Um, again, they're equipped with that electric assist motor to move out of the

way, but also to transfer that driver from a storage location to the beginning of a tour or or at the end of the tour back to the storage location. Size of the bike, just for reference, about as large as a Ford Ranger pickup. Um, so they're, you know, small pickup. Um, again, our pilots are subject to criminal and driving background checks. They're they go through the certification process and they're also held to the code of conduct and the rules of the road. We do mystery shops, so we like to audit our drivers. Um, again, we're the safest in our industry. That's just one more step we take that others don't to ensure that safety. And then during operating hours, we just simply store the bikes in a warehouse um here in town. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. I'm going to pass it over to Angie. Um this the next slide is going to show um our pedal club tours. Um the tours are two-hour guided tours. Um they hold up to 15 passengers, 10 pedaling and five seated. So, there's a bench in the back that has um you can fit three people and then there's two other seats on the bike that you don't have to pedal. So, it definitely can accommodate um lots of ages and abilities. Uh pre-scheduled routes and stops at local businesses and landmarks is what we do. Um there's no alcohol on the bike. Um you have the option between two tours, one public, meaning that if you um this option is perfect for individuals or small groups looking to mingle and make new friends with exploring the city. So basically someone can maybe there's a group of four that books the tour for a certain time and then someone else randomly can come book the rest of the seats. Um a private tour, that's what it

is. It's private. Um, so you can buy the entire bike and only have seven people if you want or you can fill it up with 15 people. Um, as you know, Petal Pub MB operated under a temporary special events permit in Myrtle Beach this past December. Um, Petal Pub operated from 11:28 to January 6 of this year. This slide shows an example of one of the tour routes we operated in December. Tours began and ended at Grandstream Brewing. From there, the route traveled toward 9inth Avenue, turned left onto Chester for the first stop at Atlas, then continue to Piler Park with additional stops at the Barry and Riptides. Um, when the Bowery and Atlas were not open during certain hours, the route was adjusted to include Dirty Dawn instead, followed by Riptide, then Atlas, then returning to Grand Shrine Brewing. Um while routes um we definitely plan them in advance and that's what we train on. We remain flexible. We understand that conditions and availability can change quickly and our operations adapt accordingly. This flexibility is bend into how we train our pilots to ensure smooth and safe and endurable um tours at all times. The next we're going to outline the typical timeline of our tours just so you guys can have an understanding of what that specifically looks like. Um, approximately 50% of the tour time is spent on the road and 50% inside a business generating revenue for that business. Each stop is planned around 20 minutes. However, stop durations may vary depending on how busy the bars and restaurants are. uh during some tours um in Conway, the city of Halloween, it got crazy there in October and some of the restaurants had like two-hour waits. So, we had to increase that time because they, you know, if they wanted to get food or something to drink, um it it was taking much longer. So, um we gave them

more time inside the business. Overall, the experience functions as a guided pedal pub crawl, similar to the big red bus and Tito's trolley. Um, with the exception that we don't allow alcohol on the bike, just at the establishments, we guarantee uh two to three stops per tour. Um, that allows us flexibility and make adjustments um where needed. Beyond logistics and timing, um, our tours are designed to be experience everyone can enjoy. Pedal Pub Tours are not just for adults. Our tours are designed for the entire family. Anyone that's 48 inches or taller can join the fun. Last month in Conway, we hosted a birthday party for an influencer celebrating her birthday and her sons. The entire family participated, including grandparents, parents, siblings, making it truly multigenerational experience. During the Christmas season, we also offered theme tours. Um, these are actually my favorite. Um, including a Grinch tour. Our driver dressed as the Grinch. Um and a group of friends and family joined for the festive outing. The custom route included stops to Dolly Llama ice cream, a ride on the Sky Whale, and treats for the kids at Land Shark. This was customized experience. It lasted about an hour. Usually our tours are two hours, but again, we we're flexible. We can customize um whatever tour you'd like for depending on the age group. Um while operating Myrtle Beach and Conway, the majority of our demographic was actually age 55 and over. I was absolutely surprised by that. Um, we had many retirees that were looking for something new and fun to do in a comfortable social setting. Our bike accommodates accommodates this audience well, offering a threebench seat where guests can relax, enjoy the scenery, and listen to music throughout the ride. Um, our goal in the future um is to uh partner with 55 plus communities like Dell Web in the coming months. Um, it's definitely something that is good for

all the retirees that that move to Myrtle Beach. Our commitment doesn't stop with creating fun experiences for families. We also prioritize giving back and act actively engaging with Myrtle Beach community. Um, you know, we provide jobs, safe jobs. Um, and we support local programs. Um this is something that we really do take great pride in and had always we understand how important it is to be involved in our community. Um as you can see here we um did an ugly sweater bar crawl with old Irish pub. It benefited um one of the nonprofits and then we also participated in the light up holiday slow roll with the city of Myrtle Beach. Um we also um partnered with Grandstand Brewing and did a pause and pedals and pints um event that benefited the Grand Strand Humane Society. So we're not only using our bikes for entertainment, but we're using them to for for good causes. On October 1st of last year, um we began operating in Conway, South Carolina. We were granted that five-year franchise agreement with the city of Conway. We began operating during the opening of the city of Halloween. During that in during that time, we introduced the will and witches tour where we stopped at local bars and restaurants and guests dressed up as witches. We also made stops to take photos at many of the city's Halloween decorated locations created a festive and more uh memorable experience. Because of the success of City of Halloween, Petal Pub Conway achieved the best opening month of any Petal P franchise franchisee in the company history. While ex while our experience in Myrtle Beach has been overwhelmingly positive, we believe in being transparent. We're not perfect, but when situation arise,

we address them quickly and responsibly. During our entire special events period, we only saw two, I would say two hiccups and we addressed those. Um, first, um, there was a parking concern. A city partner of us informed us that a nearby church was uncomfortable with our bike using their parking lot. Um, the solution, the route was immediately adjusted to park in an alternate location. The second hiccup we ran into was um, traffic lane usage. Uh, Myrtle Beach police advised us not to use the center lane on Ocean Boulevard. Um the solution pilots were trained to keep the center lane clear and unused by the bike. Easy fix for us. Um we understand that our partnerships are important and we do need to react quickly when any situations um arrive. Um Petub is more than a single business generating its own revenue. We drive customers directly to local businesses. Our tours bring guests to the front doors of restaurants, bars, and attraction, creating real economic impact for those businesses. Many local business owners, including those who own restaurants, and bars, have fully supported Petal Pub and are excited to welcome the guests we bring into their establishments. I'm not going to read all the names on here, but um you know, you see Steve Goodell Beach House Bar and Grill. We have Nick Blake from Rip Tides, Erica Callahan from Grand Tri Brewing, um Chris Walker with DCW Investment, Aaron Gford with Atlas Tap, Jimmy Burn from Old Pirish Pub, and Bill Prescott from National Amusement Rides. They've definitely can see the benefits of what Pedal Pub can bring to other businesses. Next, we also um generated some good reviews from the public. Obviously, you know, that what keeps our business going. Um, so these are some of the reviews um from guests in Conway and Myrtle Beach.

And thank you. That's it. Um, if you have any questions, we'd be happy to answer them. I think we're full of questions, so thank you for coming today. You're in Nashville, I saw. How about Raleigh? I know there's a a pedaling bicycle thing like this in Raleigh. Is that you? That's one of our competitors, Trolley Pub. Okay. We have many cities in uh North Carolina though. We're in Charlotte, Wilmington, Southern Pines. Where do you Where do you operate? In Wilmington. Wilmington. Right on the um Front Street. Right on the river. Okay. Yeah. No, but but what part of town is it? The downtown, the historic downtown, Front Street, and so forth. Okay.

And I see a lot of similarities, Myrtle, to like Savannah, and we're in Savannah. That's one of our top locations, and we currently have five bikes operating in Savannah. Okay. In terms of traffic issues on Ocean Boulevard, what sort of backups were there, if any?

Um, there were occasions where, you know, during the peak and holiday because we did operate in December, unfortunately, it's not the busiest in Myrtle Beach. Um, but one thing that we did learn is that, um, if we did have traffic behind us, we would just turn off Ocean Boulevard. So, for example, if we were going down 9inth Avenue and we turned left on Ocean Boulevard, then we would turn left again on Joe White to get out of Ocean Boulevard. So, I think definitely the thing that I've learned is that we need to stay shorter times on Ocean Boulevard to keep the traffic moving. And you're only on Ocean Boulevard for literally two blocks is

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Definitely. And we can adjust that um if we see that, you know, because Ocean Boulevard does get back as you guys know. So, we can definitely make a quick adjustments there. It it traffic is reasonably slow on Ocean Boulevard, though, too. Where's the storage location again? It's on Campbell Street. There's a a storage facility there. Um, Central Storage, not Campbell Street's not ringing a bell for me. Next door to New South New South. Okay. Okay. Um, any any problems in Conway? Have you had any issues in Conway? No issues that we're aware of. No. You're having too much fun. Maybe

it sounds like it. I I I might say that extreme intoxication is a little bit redundant. Intoxication by itself would be that's where we empower the pedal pub drivers. One strike, you're out. Um but it's it's a very controlled environment. It's it's safety first. They're only two-hour tours. Do your pilots receive first aid training? Uh no, they do not. But there's a first a kit on the bikes. We could we could certainly add that to our our training. Um council questions. Yes, sir.

You say the size of this is about the size of a Ranger Ford Ford Ranger pickup truck. Yes, sir. I'd like to know what the width and the length of the what the actual length and width is. It's 17t 6 in long. It's 8t 10 in high and 8 ft wide. So, it's almost identical to the frame of the Ford Ranger pickup. No, but it's yellow. And what would your planned hours of operation be? Sorry, what was that, sir? What would your planned hours of operation be? 11:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Excuse me. 11:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. When we say 10 p.m., the bikes are all off the road by then. Back back to storage. So, the last tour starts at 8:00 p.m. Correct.

Right. Okay. While you were in Conway operating, did you operate on Main Street in Conway? Yes, Main Street. We operated on Laurel Street. All throughout that, you know that it's basically like a big square. Um, we operated all through those roads.

Could you go back to the slide? This shows your area of operation. So, we've included the ANI district. You see the um Campbell Street is in the um western section. Is that right? Yeah. Western. Um and then we've um included from the pavilion site up to I think it's

21st. You're right now you're looking at operating from 8th Avenue North to 21st Avenue North on the boulevard. Yes. Yeah. Assuming traffic conditions allow. Yeah. And we wouldn't drive all the way down Ocean Boulevard to get to 21st. We would take um back roads, Chester, Withers. Um we we included up to there. Really the bike our routes are going to be two miles or less. So um the Bums is that far down. We think that's a really cool spot to take people to, but it's not on our everyday tour.

I'll just I know there may be some other question, but I'd like to hear from the chief about any concerns the police department may have about the operation of council.

Let let me ask you Nashville. I think first time I saw these were in Nashville was at a NLC meeting. That's been years ago. How long y'all been operating in Nashville? So, we've been in Nashville for 14 years. One thing I think that paints a really good picture when it comes to traffic, parking, etc. Nashville allows 20 pedal pub bikes at one time. And as you know, Broadway is one of the busiest streets this side of the Mississippi. Pedal Pub, we get 10 of those bikes. Then our three other competitors get 10, but the city allows 20 at one time on the roads. And as you know, that's not only busy for vehicle traffic, but pedestrians and the like because it's such a tourist town. Um, so that kind of should paint a picture that we don't impede traffic, um, in a very, very busy city.

And we've been there, like I said, uh, since 2012. Since 2012. Yes, sir.

Okay. I'm glad to see um your guidelines for your passengers and that they sign an agreement for that and a waiver because that's one of my encounter with a pedal pub in type um uh bike in Boston was left me with a very negative impression because it was so loud and the people were so obnoxious and So that's my concern. Um and it seems like you um address that. Um if you hold hold people accountable for

Yeah. And again, the pilot certification program that we make all of our pilots go through, you have to get 100% on the test. So it's a series of videos and quizzes.

Um still kind of baffles me. You can get 70% and get a driver's license. But C minus, that's neither here nor there. Um, to pass the pilot certification, you have to get 100% everything uh, correct. And then there's road training also before you start doing tours. So, we'll have Angie will be a co-pilot, I'll be a pilot until she's comfortable and trained almost like hours um, behind the wheel. So, yeah, we take not only our training very seriously, but safety is always a top priority for us. Are there locations where your bikes or other companies allow alcohol to be served on the bike?

95% of our locations allow alcohol in a BYOB setting. So, Pedal Pub will provide the coolers and the ice and then the customers can bring on. Another safety, no hard alcohol is ever allowed even on those locations and never glass. It's like canned beverages. Okay. I don't know how we could allow alcohol on the bike. We're not because we're not We're not here. Yeah. We don't allow open containers. Correct. Period.

I'm I'm I got to admit I'm just You got 15 people on the bike, you got one pilot and that one pilot's going to control 15 people and you have seven people in a group and they're showing out. I find that very challenging for a pilot to try to do something about that. you know, to be transparent, I mean, people do get, you know, a little tipsy on the bike, but um any anything that we've ever had in Conway, you know, I can think of one situation where it was a group of women that actually, you know, got a you just they just get, you know, a little excited. Um but we immediately ended the tour then. Like you just stop where you're at and say, "We're not continuing this tour." So, as soon as you see that behavior, that's how you would deal with a large group. and and and honestly, it's probably going to be not even the entire group that's acting like that. It's probably, like you said, the seven people out of 15. Um the other people are probably going to be upset. So, um I I think it it handles itself in its in its own way.

And one one thing I like to add, Mr. Louderder, um at the beginning of every tour, we didn't really go over this, but there's um a speech that the pilot gives, and all that speech is is the rules on the bike. So, that pilot right away will set the tone. It's kind of like buckle your, you know, on the on the plane. Kind of one of those speeches, but it really lays out, you know, the rules for the day and also reminds them one strike, you're out type of thing. So, it really does like set the set the tone for the for the tour. And the other thing I want to reiterate is in those roles when they sign their waiver, if we have to end the tour early because that person chose to misbehave, they get fined $300 automatically gets charged to their credit card. So, that's a huge

thing for someone. You better act right or you're not you're going to lose out on that money. There's your uh get in their pocket. Yeah.

That's a deterrent. Um when we when we heard from you folks gosh I guess what 15 16 months ago when you were here uh one of my big concerns was safety. Uh and I see that you've done a lot with that. Uh so I'm uh I'm grateful that you've done that. Uh and I'm satisfied at least from my viewpoint. uh that you will be running uh a very safe business. Uh I can see where it will benefit us uh over the years. I also uh had the opportunity to to view your pedal pub up in Conway uh just to you know so I I have a visual idea of how this thing really works. Uh and it it uh what I saw just that one time is the the people really seem to enjoy it. So hopefully we can uh figure out how we can come to an agreement.

It is a lot of fun, but also we we have been before you. We heard some hesitation. So we went out and said, "Well, let's do it in Conway, prove the concept. Let's do the special event permit in Myrtle Beach so you could see the bikes on the road here." And so that's why we're back again to say, you know, what concerns do you still have and can we address those in the franchise agreement? I saw it operate here. So, I know that it it functioned here. It's a five-year franchise agreement that you're requesting. I understand that in terms of your investment, what sort of out is there in the franchise agreement? Should there be a reason to discontinue it? We would probably have to put an out clause in the franchise agreement where we could 30-day notice

30 days notice something like that in case there is something significant. I've said publicly that we need to find a way to bring more fun back to the beach and this does sound like fun exercise but fun. You do have to pedal. Mr. Louder asked about hearing from the chief. The chief is here. Uh so if there's any concerns Maybe we can get him out now or support from the chief.

Good morning. Morning.

Um we've provided some feedback already from the onset of the presentation that the pedal pub and the individuals involved have um presented. Um we obviously had concerns in reference to open container. Um we did reach out to those um agencies that have um experienced pedal pub in the past. Um and again open container was our concern. Um the bike lanes were our concern. Um flow of traffic. Um overall noise um and then the rider ratio to the um pilot. Those continue to be our concern. Safety is a priority for us always and will continue to uh be a concern for us. So those are we we agree with the council comments.

Obviously they're not doing open containers. So that comes off we understand off the list. We understand what the law states but we also understand what happens when you come out of a bar. Um so that's obviously something the pilot will have to address because we know that what we have to address when people come out of our bars um on Ocean Boulevard. So those are some things that we've conveyed and we want to make sure that we understand um we convey that we make sure that we understand uh what what our laws are. How is the vehicle classified? Is it a bicycle? I find that a struggle

and and we've had that conversation. um unfortunately because of of the weight of it um and that's one thing that we're still evaluating and yet it does operate in other places in South Carolina and other states as something referred to as multiple quadricycle touring bike depends on the city and state but it's it's too big to go in a bike lane obviously it doesn't have a gas motor so Does it have a a VIN? Does it have a vehicle identification number?

I would recommend seeing that your stops are 20 minutes, which doesn't give you a lot of time. Like if you have everybody in your group ordering a beverage, not everybody's going to be served, which is going to lead to what the chief is talking about. And I have done some um restaurant crawls, that type of thing in other places where the restaurant or bar had um small sample kind of things for, you know, for $10 you can get this, this, and this. and it's prepared and it's easy to get to and people are in and out and they're not it's a smaller beverage whatever tasting and not um something where they're bringing feel like they've got to bring a large glass of something with them. I don't know if you've or tried to organize with the stops to make sure that is happening. We call them our partners and so we would communicate with them when our tours are coming and that very thing. I legally they can't have a special that's only for the pedal pub, but they can they have to offer it to everybody. But yes, to prepare ahead to know that they're coming, push an item, promote an item um and then also use them to help educate the Petal Pub um riders. You need to finish this here. You can't leave with your drink. Just to reiterate our rules of the road. But yes, absolutely. We want to partner with every stop. um we're bringing, you know, 15 guests into their establishment to uh run up a tab in 20 minutes and leave. So, um they're excited about it and they're incentivized to make it um a good experience and a quick experience as well.

The guests also wear a wristband that says Petal Pub on there. So, that's um we do educate our bar partners on that. like these people are for Pedal Pub and we can also coach them um the businesses on hey you know let's just watch our Pedal Pub people on the drinks. If you if you when you plan to stop at these location these locations along the boulevard, you just going to stop in traffic?

No. Um we do have designated parking lots and parking spots that we stop. are not allowed to stop in the middle of the road. I don't I don't even allow the pilots to stop in a parking lot. I mean in a in like a parking space like on the side just because there's not enough room to people to really get off the bike and it it is a little challenging getting on and off the bike. Um so what we do is we either go into like a you know somewhere in a parking lot where it's maybe empty. Um for example um you know one of the stops is the Bowery and Dirty Dawns on Ocean Boulevard, right? So, one of the um stops I mean the the drop off would be behind Ripley's and they do have to walk. So, they we do make it to where they have to walk. It's not we're not stopping in the middle of the road anywhere or even in a

in a metered parking spot. Well, thanks. Any other questions? Let's move on. Just one question. Um the total amount of folks that will be on this are 15. Is that correct? I suspect that there are times when you might just have 12. So when you're dealing with your partners, do you communicate that ahead? Dr. Connor's uh suggestion uh you know saying having things set up already so they would know in advance that okay this time we're getting 15, next time I'm getting 12, whatever it might be.

Yes sir. Um that's something and that's something that we learned out the gate in Conway. I mean, we said restaurants had two, three hour waits, so we did have to communicate that and they prefer that we communicate that. Um, our minimal is four. You can book a petal pub with four people. Okay. If if you would just help me um for someone who don't drink. And when you say um no open containers, is that a can bottle or evening? No. You can't like let's say you go into a bar and you buy a cocktail and you don't finish it. You can't bring it on the bike. And I've never seen an establishment that would allow you to walk out with a drink. There's nothing on the bike. So they're supposed to not let you.

I I've never seen one do it though, in my experience. Yeah, we we we don't. I just want to be clear. I mean, just so somebody can't say, "Oh, well, all I have is a sweet tea." No, absolutely not. We I Okay, good. And that has happened. That that does happen where people will try to, "Oh, hey, I got a styrofoam cup. What am I going to bring?" No, absolutely not. And the pilots are trained to look. I mean, if it's a cup that's visible and open, then you you can't have it. That is a non-negotiable. Okay.

Just just to comment on the chief's uh comments about um people coming out of the bars and that type of thing. Again, I'll refer back to Nashville. It's Nashville and you've got 10 bikes on the road and people coming in and out of the bars. So, again, pilots are empowered and it's safety first always. Super, Mandy. Thank you very much. Will the request is to have this seriously considered IS? Yes, we would request that you direct staff and legal to draft a franchise agreement for your review that could be voted on. Okay. Thank you. We can do that.

Dr. Rob Salino is here from Coastal Carolina University. And we didn't leave you much time, Rob, so talk fast. I believe Dr. Render requested an economic update. Uh we typically hear from you at some point during the year. So it's nice to hear from you early today. So I assume this uh yes middle button my phone up here. Um make sure that I am on goes to 10, right? 10 o'clock. Yes.

All right. Let's see. All right. Thank you. Nope. You got to talk into the microphone. Microphone. Yep. I'm gonna at least turn so I can see my slides. There you go. I feel like I'm on trial up here. This is after going through that. Uh this will be my first time ever speaking to a public forum. Actually, Rob, if you would address council if you don't mind us, this is we're making it hard for you. We'll make it as hard as we possibly can for you. I swear.

Okay. So, thank you. Uh my name is Rob Salvino. professor of economics and real estate at Coastal Carolina University, director of the Grant Center for Real Estate and Economics. Um, can you guys hear me? Yes, we want to see you too, please. Okay. Okay. So, just just you all. I'm just talking to you folks. Yeah, we are your students.

Pardon me. Any questions? Later, I'll be outside. There you go. So, okay. Here we go. Um, believe it or not, I give quite a few talks regularly. I've never given one like this. Uh so I've been doing this probably 20 years but um so I'll try to speak and and communicate what I what I'm doing. All right. Uh I was asked to come here and speak on the economy of course give an update. Usually I do it at the budget retreat for city and uh this is a little different form. I'm going to go fast. Uh you know I do have a lot of slides but it's because I give different talks regularly to different types of groups. Right. So I think the most important thing for me when I give a talk I prepare no matter what it is and I benchmark and I try to get perspective of the audience. Right? So this is the city of Myrtle Beach of course. So for those of you uh I recommend if you haven't used chat or anything now I use it regularly. I use it as an editor for things that I write. I use it for all kinds of things. Um I put in chat because my daughter did something the other day asked it to do a caricature of herself. So I said I want to do a caricature of the city of Myrtle Beach and see what it puts out. Okay. So this is a caricature of the city of Myrtle Beach. The bottom right is high cap rates, cash flow. I'm a commercial real estate professor. Uh high cap rates and cash flow means lower price per dollar of income for the properties you buy, the investment property. Okay. If we compared that to Charleston, Charleston is considered luxury real estate when you put this same thing in here and get their caricature. Uh, interestingly enough, it shows a horse and buggy carriage going through Charleston, right? Um, if you do Wilmington, they say Wilmington's about in between Myrtle Beach and Charleston in terms of its stature, its its appeal, its its feel, right? Very livable like Myrtle Beach, right? And then in Myrtle Beach, you have we all know the tourist and the

local kind of uh conundrum, if you will, right? the and um as I say that on the left you see the locals you see a guy looks like he you know might run a construction company or or something like that and then on the right you have tourists are having a good time right so the challenge in Myrtle Beach and the whole entire region has always been how do we make this place more livable for the locals but also appealing to the tourists right and that's something that we deal with in the data and I'll just quickly go through some slides um so my my talks are always like this okay there there there are economists who have a long run view and there are economists have a shortrun view. Okay. In the short run the business cycle good and bad things can happen. In the long run, we hope that we're always on a trajectory that is that is good, stable, growing, things that we want to see, right? Not not much different than for ourselves, right? So, short and run and long run dynamics differ. National, regional, and local differences, of course, inflation versus tariffs in a longer conversation. I usually have a pretty good discussion about that, right? I'm an economist who is of the opinion that inflation is not caused by tariffs, right? Inflation is something different. monetary phenomenon, overprinting of currency, right, which we had postcoid. Uh geopolitics, consumer confidence, wealth effects, we're all very familiar with this whether we think about it or not. What's going on with Iran or Greenland or Ukraine or Canada, Mexico, whatever. That's geopolitics, right? And it does affect people, especially in terms of consumer confidence and consumer sentiment surveys. New and existing housing generally lumped together. If you look at national trends or even local trends, they're absolutely not the same. They do not perform the same. Uh issues that affect one does not affect the other. Building permits, how hard it is to get building permitted, which is an affordability solution in most cases affect new housing not necessarily existing in the same way, right? Important differences between each of

these in terms of pricing and volume. That's that's the kind of stuff that I look at regularly. Select demographics. I could stop here if you wanted me to and say we're out of time, but if you look at this, this is the kind of information that I could drill down through and we could talk for a long time about it. This is population in 24, population in 20 that growth percent median household income and the population over 65 for the city of Myrtle Beach, the city of North Myrtle Beach, Ory County as a whole, Charleston, the city, not the county, Brunswick County, and the United States. I call that benchmarking. It's something very important. I teach it to my students. I do it for myself. I'm doing uh data analysis right now. Now, I just finished a paper on condos versus detached single family homes using the Myrtle Beach MLS data. Fascinating information. Some things came out that I wasn't even aware of. So, the benchmarking is important. The population of Myrtle Beach, the city, it's grown 14% in this 4-year period. The United States has grown 3% in that same time. Ory County has grown 18%. Charleston, the city, 5%, North Myrtle Beach, 11%. Brunswick County 22%. And a lot of people think Ory County is the fastest growing county in the country. Brunswick right above us actually is growing faster than us, right? And if you think about Brunswick, I used to have a daughter. I still have a daughter actually. The daughter, my daughter played soccer in Wilmington. And that was something to figure out logistically, but she played in Wilmington. We had to drive up there three days a week for practice. We carpulled with people. I'm always driving through Brunswick County on the way to New Hover County, right? uh the fact that Brunswick County is growing that much and you really don't see a lot of buildings when you drive up to Brunswick, a lot of housing, right? A lot of people moving there, certainly retirees. So, let's look at persons 65 and over. Brunswick County, 35% of the

population is over 65 in Brunswick County. Compared to Charleston, only 16.4%. The US average is 18%. Okay, that's population over the age of 65. says a lot about the demand for different types of things and what you see in an area, right? We have a lot of health care, right? So, Myrtle Beach is 23.7 certainly younger than the county which is at 27.6. North Myrtle Beach is at 41.6% over 65. That's an interesting thing. Um, I have a 12-year-old son, plays travel baseball. We're in North Myrtle Beach all the time. We're also in Myrtle Beach. He plays the Cal Ripken uh facility. North Myrtle Beach has done huge things in sports tourism, but yet the local population is a very age population. So you you have different dynamics going on there. Uh median household income real quick and I'll move on. City of Myrtle Beach, $60,394. That's median household income. It's half the households make more, half the households make less. It's not one person's income, it's the household combined, right? North Myrtle Beach, you're at 72,000 plus. Ory County, 66.8,000. 8,000 Charleston 92,000. I think anyone who drives down to Charleston, you see that, right? You you you can feel that when you go into Mount Pleasant on 17 and you get into Charleston, you you can see the difference in income. Brunswick County, 77,000. The retirees are coming with a lot of cash. Uh and the US is 80,000. All right. Okay. When I first put these together, there was going to be uh questioning. Um I think it was Councilman Render that had asked me and Brian Tucker, could you say anything about the new Fed chair? Okay, so Kevin Walsh is the nominee for the Fed. What does that mean? We are definitely in a real estate town, right? And interest rates, mortgage rates, right? Which were highly subsidized postcoid, right? And the rates got down extremely low between 2 and 3%. They're

currently sitting around, let's just say six to 7% depending on your credit score and and what you're putting down. A question has been are those coming down much more past that right and that certainly has catered into the affordability problem and it was kind of a two-edged sword after co you make uh housing so much affordable it seems with with mortgage rates but the demand shot through the roof without much change in supply relatively extreme price pressure right and I'll say in terms of inflation inflation is about 35% of the inflation component comes from housing. So that that's why I say tariffs uh if anyone knows Milton Freriedman, tariffs alone cannot cause the type of inflation that we had postco. There's a lot of people that hate tariffs, right? But that it's not the same thing. So it's a it's kind of a um it's an argument that is sloppy. All right. Anyway, this graph that I'm showing right here is simply showing how much the assets that the Fed had on their balance sheet expanded after COVID and and where it was before when Kevin Worsh came into office uh years ago. Kevin Worsh has been part of the Federal Reserve uh before, right? And so he's quoted as saying after he left the Fed and be but before when he first started at the Fed in I think it was um I think around 2000 or something uh the balance sheet of the Fed has increased over 10fold right and he is not in favor of that. So Kevin Worsh wants to wind down those assets. What does that mean? What are these assets? The Fed, the Fed has been buying long-term mortgage instruments, both 10-year treasuries and also mortgage back securities, right? They're a huge buyer of those that cause

the interest rates to fall. He is not in favor of doing that, right? But he wants to taper it slowly. And his belief is over the long term, here's the big risk. And here's something I said to a group uh a couple years ago, a bunch of accountants, treasury folks. The US's biggest risk right now in terms of interest rates going up long term, much more than they they are at present, is fiscal irresponsibility. The deficit and the US debt are perceived by other countries and investors as potentially irresponsible on behalf of the federal government. At that time I said if the federal government wants to seriously become more fiscally uh conservative and and strengthen its capacity to hold this debt, they're going to have to do something. either cut spending tremendously or raise taxes. The comment in the audience was there's no way a Republican administration is going to raise taxes. The simple answer is probably not on your income taxes, not your marginal tax rate that you see when you get your W2 or whatever it might be, a 1099, anything. But there's all kinds of taxes. And bam, out of nowhere came tariffs. Tariffs simply attack a tax, right? And it's been a huge source of revenue for the government. That is also an uncertain source because there's law battles going on right now as to whether or not that revenue is indeed legal, right? All kinds of crazy things in politics that that are beyond this conversation. All right. So, that's Kevin Worsh and that that's where he he he's a price hawk basically. That that's what he is. He he would rather see low inflation than low unemployment assisted by the government. That that's his uh perspective. All right. So this is I'll speed through

this. Um look, we have all kinds of crazy stuff that happens in the world and and in our country. Interest rates, deficits, Greenland, right? Uh and it changes all the time, right? But these things affect consumers, consumer sentiment. Consumers are 70% of the economy, their spending, right? that there is talk of a K-shaped economy recovery since COVID that you have and just an article today in the Wall Street Journal the share of capital from profits is is increasing and and even since 1980 it's it's increased about a full six units on a percent scale while the labor share has decreased six units been just simply a substitution between capital and labor right but that's been happening since 1980 that is a function of the technological innovation of society, right? So, some people would attribute it to AI. It's not it's not AI only. It couldn't be because it hasn't been around that long, right? But this is what happens. But consumers will look at this this uh this is the Michigan survey. It comes out every month. They ask consumers, what do you think about the economy? What do you think about inflation? What do you think about your job outlook? This is just a series of questions, right? Consumer sentiment has become such a volatile indicator, not unlike Bitcoin or the stock market itself or anything. And one of the biggest reasons is because we have social media, right? And I think if anyone reads books on uh leadership or uh parenting or self-help or whatever, one of the biggest uh I'd say um fixes to anybody who wants to just have a better day is stay off social media, right? And so consumer sentiment is almost a reflection of the negativity you see in uh social media, right? because in fact wages have been growing. Unemployment is at the lowest it's been probably historically uh in terms of an average. You have affordability challenges without question in in house

household formation has been uh kind of kicked to a much much older person is now actually the oldest in history. the age of person buying a home today is something like 10 to 12 years older on average than it was years ago. And the firsttime home buyers is also much older. So that that is an issue that's also a cultural issue, right? People um going to school longer, not figuring out what they want to do as soon. There are also things that happen in the data in terms of labor wage income that are not tracked as easily as they used to be. Uh I said something about travel baseball earlier. I was in a talk to a bank a few weeks ago and we talked about the fact that the travel sports industry has literally exploded. You could have a little house party, maybe have 20 different families at your house and there's a good chance that one, two, maybe even three of those families have someone who is professionally doing sports, not as an athlete performing, but they run some sort of organization. They run a club. They they coach for money. These kind of things, these were unheard of 30 years ago. it just it simply didn't exist at the level of today. And then you have Uber and Airbnb and all these different things. We have a certainly different type of economy out there. Um food price inflation and uh consumer sentiment. So as you have food price food price inflation is one of those things that people see. It's another thing that caters into people's thoughts and perceptions. Right? So if I were to let me see where I've got here kind of speed ahead. What do we think about let's look at okay this people know about home prices right people understand that it's gotten much more expensive to own a home this feeds into people's perception about how well they're doing or how well their children can do or their grandchildren and it it gets people anxious there's absolutely no question however this is income

non-farm employment the unemployment rate right there was the COVID spike This is building permits. Here's another thing. When the national media talks about the affordability of housing and the fact that it's so difficult to build today and that's also contributing to affordability issues, Ory County would not rank high on that list of places very difficult to build. So, let me say that again. It is much easier to get a building permit for developers in Ory County than it is in certainly California, right? That'd be the polar opposite of the scale, right? Or a lot of places in the Northeast, right? So, a lot of media news is driven by big markets. We're a little different. That's not to say it is getting harder here. It's getting harder all over the United States, right? But in terms of affordability, we are relatively more affordable, and that's why our growth rate is so high, right? Uh there's the affordability index over time. It is also a kind of a big cyclical measure. It it goes up in times of um really when you have inflationary periods and low interest rates. This is the mortgage rates today compared to just uh 2020. All right, let me look at something. Let's see here. Okay, there it is. is the median home buyer. The median home buyer increased from 39 to 59 in 15 years. All right, that's so I think I might have said maybe I didn't say but that's 20 years right 20 years older today. However, twothirds of that jump just came since CO, right? I'm an economist who believes after COVID, we had some significant changes to the way that the federal government operates monetarily and fiscally, right? And that does affect state and local um government as well. Okay, I'll skip past that. Uh these are let's see, this would be this is some Red Fin data. Median

sale price $377,000. This is South Carolina. All right. Uh so in in South Carolina, the median sale price of a single family home $377,000. Ory County $330,000. If you the median family income, median household income in Ory County was, let's say, around 66,000. Let's just call it 70,000. If you multiply that by four, you'd be at 280,000. Okay, this number is 330. Certainly a little higher than that, but in terms of affordability, much more affordable than the nation on average, right? So, and and we all know this is the median sale price. There are places you drive till you qualify, you go out further, you go out um you know, further in the county, and that's where you find more affordability. I know this is the city of Myrtle Beach, so that's not quite as uh comforting, right? But the city attracts people here from all over the place, of course, right? Uh this green will just a comparison. So I'll jump off this. Um all right. So this is so existing homes versus new. This is Myrtle Beach MLS data which is the whole entire market though. This is this is the grand strand.

Um do Dr. Savino we simply have to start at 10. Sure. But I certainly wish you would come back and again two questions you can ponder for that is how this up and down economy we're experiencing now will affect our customers our visitor base that's why the early visit we wanted to to know okay so

well the the fact is the population growth I mean I'll just say real quick um the growth is strong population income and employment those are three indicators that you must have for for good economics of your place or your business or whatever it is those are all strong for this area and really regardless of now if there's a recession a huge recession that affects everybody not just here from California to wherever. Um, but you know, on all terms, city of Myrtle Beach, th this whole area is uh is in good shape. In good shape, right? That's not to say there's not going to be a recession, but but it's in good shape. We apologize for the time. Please come back. Yeah. Thank you all.

Thank you for your time. It looks as though we've got some work to do in in our local economy, though, too. As as looking at those numbers, it is now 10:00. Shall we proceed directly? Let's do that then to the city council meeting. Welcome. Glad you're here today. February 10th, 2026 Myrtle Beach City Council meeting. Let us begin with a call to order, an invocation, and the pledge of allegiance. If you'll please rise. And I believe Councilwoman Connor is going to do our invocation today.

Stand if you're able. As we gather to serve the people of Myrtle Beach today, may we be guided by wisdom, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility. May our discussions be thoughtful, our decisions measured, and our actions grounded in what is best for our community. As we navigate the opportunities before us, may we do so with clarity of purpose, openness to collaboration, and respect for differing perspectives. May we listen carefully and speak honestly and work together in a spirit of trust and stewardship. Let us remain mindful of the privilege it is to serve, the impact of our choices, and the shared goal of strengthening the quality of life for all those who live, work, and visit our city. In your name we pray. Amen.

Amen. 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.

Again, thank you for being here today. Council, we need to approve the agenda. Are there any requests to continue or make any adjustments? Request that we continue ordinance 2026-3. Had a request to continue to 26-3, which is the amendment to the elections section. Any other changes to the agenda as proposed? We have a motion to approve the agenda. We need a second. Who's the first?

Mike. Mike is the first. Who's the second? Bill's the second. Thank you. All those in favor of the agenda as proposed. Say I. Any nays? Thank you. The approval of the minutes from our previous meeting. Have you had a chance to review those minutes? Is there a motion to approve the minutes? So move. Daddy second. And Phil. All those in favor of the minutes as presented, please say I. I.

Any opposed? And the minutes are approved. We have a proclamation honoring Black History Month, which is February. Meredith Morning, mayor and council. Before I get started, I'd like to invite my city of Myrtle Beach teammates to please come on down as we read the proclamation to honor Black History Month. And that's anybody and everybody who would like to celebrate the month. And if you're not a City of Myrtle Beach teammate and you'd like to come down and support, please also go ahead and come down. I think a lot of our teammates are busy today. We did do a citywide invitation to come down for this. All right, here we go. A proclamation honoring Black History Month, February 2026. Whereas African-American history is valued and appreciated year round with Black History Month set aside as a dedicated time to learn more about the teachers, writers, inventors, doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs, nurses, workers, citizens, and unsung heroes who were and are African-Americans. And whereas the formal formal celebration of black history in the United States dates to 1926 when Dr. Carter Woodson set aside time to acknowledge the extraordinary challenges and accomplishments of African-Americans. A time which then became Black History Month in February 1976 to honor the

heritage and achievements of black Americans. And whereas during Black History Month, our city, county, and country also recognize and applaud the courage and tenacity of African-Americans who overcame decades of slavery, racism, and repression, and whose legacies are today woven into the successful fabric of our society. And whereas the celebration of Black History Month each February reminds us that the fundamental strength of our community is based on our diversity. And for this reason, we especially recognize and thank all of the African-American employees of the city of Myrtle Beach for their contributions and teamwork in support of the first in service philosophy. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the city of Myrtle Beach designates February as Black History Month and encourages all to celebrate it in our continual quest for equality, freedom, and opportunity. Signed and sealed this 10th day of February, 2026. And I believe Chassity is going to

Thank you very much. Thank you.

Thank you for this proclamation and for taking the time to recognize Black History Month. Black history is American history. It is the story of resilience, innovation, leadership, and courage. stories that continue to shape our nation and inspire future generations. Again, thank you for your commitment to celebrating history, culture, and progress, not just this month, but all throughout the year. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Do

a quick picture. We'll shake hands if you'd like. If you come come forward. Sure. Sure. We We need to stretch. Yeah. No bite. Well, look. How are you? Yeah. Is that right? All right. Thank you.

You are How are you? How are you? Thanks for being here.

Thank you all for being here today. We have our communications and creative services update. It's snow day.

Hey, city council. Aaron Bowling here with your communications update. Our top story, Myrtle Beach became a winter wonderland for the second year in a row. More than 3 million people enjoyed these views of Myrtle Beach from our Facebook. The city of Myrtle Beach said thank you to its volunteers at the annual volunteer lunchon at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. This year's volunteer of the year award was given to military appreciation committee member Anthony Paul Gonzalez for his dedication to city events and community veterans. Thank you to all our volunteers. Myrtle Beach celebrates Black History Month throughout February. Check out our Facebook page for the stories from our black community throughout the month. Three, two, one, go.

Runners put their fitness to the test at the Myrtle Beach 24-hour endurance run over the weekend. Participants had 24 hours to complete as many laps around Grand Park Lake as possible. Congratulations and a job well done to all who came out. Chapa Memorial Library hosted the popular Spill the Tea event last Saturday. Authors from throughout the state gave presentations, signed books, and met with the public to showcase their work. Pelican's ballpark renovations are moving right along. Team leaders gave us a tour. Highlights include more comfortable seats, a bigger video board, and a nearly 15,000 ft clubhouse that will be available for the community to use for events. Speaking of renovations, Savannah's playground hit a delay because of the weather. Things are moving along and we're looking at a late February ribbon cutting. Stay tuned.

Beach reourishment hit a few project delays as well, but we'll begin soon. Don't forget the 67th Avenue North Beach access will be closed until Memorial Day.

And meet Winston. He's Myrtle Beach Fire Station number five's newest member. The Bernie Mountain Dog Poodle Mix is loving his new home with the firefighters. Looking ahead, the Oysters and Art Festival is rescheduled for February 14th at Mance Plaza. The event was postponed due to weather. Plan to bring your dogs to Myrtle Paws on February 21st in the Market Common. The event features pet themed defenders, entertainment, and a K9 costume contest. Myrtle Beach's spring break track and field meets return to Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium this March and April. Thousands of athletes and coaches will participate in the collegiate challenge, Alan Connie Shamrock Invitational, and High School Beach Run. Myrtle Beach Sports needs volunteers to help. See more at official myrtlebeports.com. That's all for now. Have a great rest of your week.

Thanks. Thank you very much. Anybody know how many laps you can do around the Grand Park Lake in 24 hours? What was the answer to that question? Patrick, the leader with Did Patrick do it? Come talk to us. Patrick, did did you do all 24 hours? No, I was the event organizer, so I ran zero miles. Excuses, excuse excuses. The winner of the race was Pat Hassler, who came down from Cincinnati, Ohio, who finished with 156.6 miles. That is number 23 on the all-time list of longest distances over 24 hours for American men. And how many laps is that?

Too many. Oh, it's 1.1 miles, so you can divide. Okay, I can do that, math. Do you let him run both directions? We have to hit one one direction the whole way. It was a great event. Well, thank you. Thank you. Wow. Non-aggenda items from the public. No, sir. No one today. We're we are pleased. Uh on the consent agenda, we have two annexations, Mr. Manager.

Yes, sir. Uh for this morning, as you just mentioned, we have two items for your cons for city council's consideration. The first is second reading of ordinance 2026-4 to annex approximately 86 acres off Professional Drive, pin number 4201420008, and to reszone from Ory County Office Professional Institutional to Medical Professional. Second item is second reading of ordinance 2026-5 to annex approximately 1.02 acres off 21st Avenue North pin number 42501 0000008 and to reszone the property from Ory County Amusement Commercial to Myrtle Beach Entertainment. Motion to approve

to approve by Mr. Lauder, second by Bill Mccclure. All those in um any comments from the public? This will close parts of two doughnut holes that exist. We still have roughly 40 doughnut holes that are inside the city enclaves. Those are areas of unincorporated Ory County that are completely surrounded by the city of Myrtle Beach. All those in favor of the consent agenda, please say I. I. Any opposed? Thank you. On the regular agenda, we've continued ordinance 26-3. So, up next, Madame Clerk, 26-6, second reading.

Second reading of ordinance 2026-6 to amend section 1407 C and 1501 RR of the Myrtle Beach Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, zoning to allow drive-thru restaurants as a conditional use in the MU-M district along Robert M. Gryom Parkway. Good morning. Uh, there have been no changes since first reading. I could run through the presentation again if this is first reading. This This is second reading. The second reading. Second reading. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I thought it was I sorry, Cameron. Yes. Can you summarize this?

Absolutely. So, uh, this is a request uh to allow drive-throughs as a conditional use along Robert M. Gryom Parkway for restaurants. We currently allow uharmacies and and the likes to have drive-throughs along this area in the MU uh the MU Mist. Uh, so just uh kind of closing that up. Motion to approve. Second. Any comments from the public? Any comments from the city council?

Can you explain why drive-through restaurants weren't allowed as a conditional use along this section? Um, to the best of my knowledge, originally, uh, this was designed to be a consistent corridor through that area. Over time, it's developed differently than originally anticipated for that. Um, so it's just again at the original outset of this was something different than we've seen it developed to be. Okay. So, it meets current conditions. Basically, it does. And there are restrictions in this that structures that abut Robert Gson Parkway um may be located no less than 400 ft from the closest single family residentially zoned property. So it's not going to affect residential areas directly.

Correct. The applicant's request was uh with that in mind. Okay. Any comments from the public? All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Thank you. Thank you. Madame clerk, second reading of 26-7. Second reading of ordinance 2026-7, approving the execution of an amendment to reciprocal lease agreement between the city of Myrtle Beach as Lesor and MB National LLC as LE C and Captain's House Development LLC regarding parking spaces on 29th Avenue North. Motion to approve. Second,

Amy. No changes since first reading. I'm glad to give the history and background if you need it. In 30 words or less. Okay. Um, basically, u about a year ago, the city leased three metered public parking spaces on 29th Avenue North to Captain's House and Myrtle Myrtle Beach National. Um, in exchange, Myrtle Beach National was to construct three new meter parking spaces, which is done. Um, and they were also planning to relocate a small section of sidewalk along 29th Avenue North. Um, site conditions did not allow for the rerouting of that sidewalk. And so, we are simply amending the lease to reflect that that sidewalk is not going to be moved. Okay.

Thank you. Comments from the city council. Comments from the public. All those in favor, please say I. I.

Any opposed? Thank you. I would note again, I did at the beginning of the workshop, but that Councilman Jackie Hatley is not here today. She's celebrating a a birthday trip. Um, she'll be back next time around. Madame Clerk, first reading of 26-8. First reading of ordinance 2026-8 to amend article 14 section 1407C of the zoning code to add gaming arcadaves as a permitted use in the MU mixeduse zoning districts. Motion to deny. Second. Cameron.

Yes sir. Um so the applicant originally came in requesting that uh gaming arcades be uh allowed in the MU district. Just quickly going through this, that was the requested text amendment. Uh originally it would have impacted all of MU districts. This was voted 800 to recommend denial by planning commission as it was too broad of scope. It encompassed all MU and the request was submitted during an active zoning rewrite. After that vote with planning commission, the applicant did request to modify this to just impact the MU district which primarily uh occurs along South Ocean Boulevard. Um but that request would be before council as that was not uh considered by planning commission. Can you define a gaming arcade?

Uh, outside of just the colloquial gaming arcade, a building that allows for game systems and devices, electronics like we see typically down on Ocean Boulevard. Okay. Thank you. And five gaming machines or more finer. Is that Did I get it right, Ken? Yes, sir. We we want we still want folks to have like a pool table or a little video game in a bar or something like that. So once you get above five, once six or more games is what constitutes an arcade. Okay. Thank you. We have a motion to deny. Any comments from the city council? Planning Commission recommended denial unanimously.

Yes. Any comments from the public and would note also that we're in the middle of a zoning rewrite as well. So, all those in favor of denial, please say I. I. Any opposed? Thank you. The motion carries. Thank you. Good morning.

Our next items 2026 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 and 18. Um, make a motion we vote on all of these in one vote. A motion that we vote on all of those in one vote. Is there a second? Second from Mr. Chestnut. Um, these are the annual franchise agreements with various businesses for the operation of rental conveyances, meaning golf carts and mopeds specifically. Um, I Mr. Manager, would you summarize this, please?

Yes. Uh Patrick just put up on your spread uh spreadsheet there are no changes um from 25 to 26. You'll notice Patrick you scroll up a little bit so we can see the red. There are three uh folks in red. Those are rent me superstores. Uh they are not on the agenda for first reading today. They'll be on first reading in two weeks. And the reason why is there was an error in the application where they inadvertently included LSVs. As we know the franchise explicitly prohibits LSVs. So we had to clear that up before we could put it on the agenda. We got it cleared up yesterday morning. They are not LSVs. They're going to be golf carts. So, we got the amended application in yesterday and everything's good to go for him, but was in too late to amend today's agenda. So, he'll be on for first reading in two weeks. Everything else is golf carts and mopeds. There are no changes from 25 to 26. Um, you go to the graph, Patrick, on the next slide and you'll see um after the last three years or so, there've been no changes. Three or four years. Um, I can read all of these if we need to read them. I don't defer to the attorney if we need to re each one of these.

You would maybe at least identify the businesses.

Sure. Ordinance 20269 is granting a franchise and I apologize for some of these names if I get these wrong. Um, grant a franchise for operation of rental business conveyance to Austin Sheileely for a period of one year that includes 24 golf carts. Ordinance 202610 is granting a franchise to Britney Lee doing business as Beach Golf Cart Rentals and Sales located at 609 South Kings Highway. That is for 95 golf carts and 20 mopeds. 202611 is granting a franchise of operation to Britney Lee doing business as Beach Golf Cart Rentals and Sales located at 412 6th Avenue North for a period of one year and that's 34 golf carts and five mopeds. Ordinance 202612 is granting a franchise to Britney Lee doing business as Beach Golf Cart Reynolds and Sales at 713 North Ocean Boulevard for a period of one year. That is 30 golf carts and five moped decals. Ordinance 202613 is granting a franchise to Derek and Barbara Haynes doing business as Kickback Corner at 506 Yopan Drive for a period of one year and that includes 20 golf cart decals. motion or excuse me, ordinance 202614 is granting a franchise to Bayis Spivey doing business at Salt Creek Campground, KOA Campground located at 613 5th Avenue South for a period of one year for 50 golf cart decals. Ordinance 202615 is granting a franchise agreement to Mark Cicotano doing business as Myrtle Beach Golf Carts LLC located at 4083rd Avenue South for a period of one year for 185 golf carts. Ordinance 202616 is granting a franchise agreement to Sarah Yakul doing business as every LLC.

Nothing over $7.99 located at 109 South Kings Highway for a period of one year for 20 golf cart decals. Ordinance 20 2617 is granting a franchise agreement to Zeca Ilia doing business as USA Resort Wear LLC for a period of one year for 20 golf cart decals and ordinance 202618 is granted a franchise agreement to area Bellachi doing business as Zeus MB LLC Happy Scooter located at 3113rd Avenue South for a period of one year for 50 golf cart decals and 13 moped decals. Thank you, council. Any comments? As I understand it, this is exactly the same number of golf carts and mopeds that they requested and were approved for last year. Any comments from the public? live in Myrtle Beach this 2618. I don't know it's easy to overlook but they increased by 30 golf carts.

Um I believe they actually amend there was in two years ago they were at two locations and they amended they went down to one and they took them from the other location and put them all into one. He has a point though. It says the company was approved for a franchise agreement covering 20 golf cart decals in 2025. For 26, the applicant requests 50 golf cart details and 13. That's a typo. It is whatsoever. Patrick, can you go back to the spreadsheet, please?

50 and 13. I think we've done a good job controlling the number of golf carts. I just hope we continue to do that because if you take the 718 golf carts, that's a half a mile of golf carts. That'll go from Peach's Corner up to the Hilton. So, pretty much covers the whole Ocean Boulevard if you line them up. So, I just appreciate if you continue to monitor that and control it. Thank you. Do we need to amend that item on the agenda so that it reads correctly? It does read 50 on the spreadsheet and on the ordinance. It does say 50 on the ordinance. Then the ordinance is good. The ordinance is what controls the description. Here is what's um the typo is on the bottom. They asked for 20 last year. If the ordinance says 50,

but down here is the description that doesn't have the controlling the ordinance is what's the ordinance and I got to look at the ordinance, but Miss Connor says that the ordinance is says 50 and 50 would not be the right number though. 50 is the right number. But they did get approved for 50 last year, correct? And it's 50 this year. Oh, I spreadsheet you see 50 in both places. So the approval last year was 50 correct. Ah going the other direction. Thank you. So no net increase or decrease. That is correct. Over last year the explan explanation below the ordinance title is incorrect. That is correct.

Ah very good. Any other comments from the public? All those in favor of ordinances. Did we get a first or a second? We Yeah. Yeah, we did. That No, that's just to lump them all into one vote. Okay. So, I would make a motion that we approve ordinances 2026-12 134 15 16 17 18 10 and 11. Yeah, I think it's Did I miss you 19? I then turn the sheet over and ordinance 910 and 11.

Mr. We already had a motion for that. We already have a motion on the table now for a motion and a second. I think the motion was to vote for them all together. Right. It won't hurt to do this though. No. Okay. Who's the second? A motion to approve them all. We had a motion to combine them. This is a motion to approve them all as one. That's a first. two made the second. Second. Mike Chestnut. All those in favor of approving ordinances 9 26-9 through 26-18, please say I. I. Any opposed? Thank you. And that was less complicated than normal, believe it or not.

All right. Resolution 25-5. Madame clerk, resolution 2025-5 approving first amendment to reciprocal access and amenity license and services agreement. Should that be 26-5? Yes. Yes, council. This resolution approves a one-year extension.

Still talking to your microphone, please. This resolution approves a one-year extension of an agreement the city council approved last year between uh the operators of Pirate Land Campground and Carolina Shores. Um the two campgrounds are in the process of building uh separate and independent campgrounds, but they are not there yet. Um and so they have reached this first amendment agreement that would allow both campgrounds, their employees and their guests to use the amenities and services uh that are situated on the other campground so that so that both campgrounds can continue to operate as near as they have in the past. Um the city has no responsibility under this agreement. City is simply acknowledging as the owner of the Pirate Land campground property is sort of consenting to the agreement between Pirate Land and Carolina Shores.

Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? Second, Debbie. Any discussion from council? Any I do have a question. Sure. Uh will on the uh Basically, they're asking for an extension of what we approved. Correct. I guess my question is uh is this going to continue forever or are they going to get to a point to where they don't need to do this? They are working.

Um I don't think they are intending this to go on forever. Um probably the wrong one to ask. Um, but I guess to answer your question, I don't think this goes on forever, but today they are not separate and independent. I don't know if they'll get there by the end of this year. That's one thing I neglected to mention. This is simply a one-year extension. It expires December 31, 2026. Um, if they are not fully built out by then, I expect they may come back again and ask you for another one year. I just don't know if they will get there. Thank you. As I read that agreement, I believe it says that they have the ability to extend it as necessary. Is that my imagination?

They they won't extend without city's blessing. Okay. But I I think that is in the text. But anyway, that's fine. Um and this doesn't affect the rental charges that we receive. It does not campground property. Okay. We have a motion and a second. Any comments from the public? All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Thank you. And that was 26-5. Motion 26-21. Madam clerk,

motion 2026-21 to allocate accommodations tax funding to the tourism and arts organizations and to city of Myrtle Beach as outlined on attachment A for 2026. All remaining funds subsequent to the tourism and cultural arts applicant allocations are to be used by the city as presented in the city's applications for those activities caused by our tourism concentration. Good morning, mayor and council. Uh Brooke Morris presented this to you folks a few weeks back. Um we continued it until today. Um before you today is $794,000 in recommended uh funding for our applying agencies. No changes since Brook's uh presentation to you. The only thing that I would like to add is one of the questions that was presented was any applicants that had events outside the city limits at that time. It was uh presented that Coastal were the only the only ones. Um, Champion Autism Network, their golf tournament will be held at Legends.

The golf tournament is outside the city, but the rest of the events are inside the city. Yes, sir. Yes. Okay. And as I recall, this $794,500 was not the full amount available. We had roughly $50 to $55,000 that was not recommended by the committee. That is correct. Um, council, are there any suggestions? So there are three of the labeled CAF. What's the CAF stand for? I think Coastal Athletic Foundation. Coast. Okay. Coastal Athletic. Need a motion in a second to go into discussion.

I do need to add one thing before you begin to discuss the um CAF for the country concert. Um they have withdrawn that request because they have not been able to get a contract. So that will be one less request to consider. All right. Do we have a motion to discuss this at this point? So moved. Second, Bill and Mike. Okay. Um, council discussion, please. Mayor Carolina CF CF First Entertainment, right? $15,000. I think it is. I'm reading that correct.

10,000,000 recommended zero.

So a recommendation to let's hear the suggestions and then we'll make a motion a summary motion. Also, Guamal Arts and Crafts item 41 increased from 10 to 15. And also uh supports tourism department increase from 50 to 60 for a minute. So, we're subtracting from the recommendations. Anybody the math people keeping up with this?

Yes, sir. How much have we subtracted? Mara, are you subtracting the 10,000 for Okay, so you're down 10, you're up 15. So, we're up five. And we're down the five for the country concert, which was taken off the list as well. Okay. Other council recommendations, please. Yes. Uh, line item number six, the Carolina Master Corral. Uh, they had asked for 40, uh, allocated 35. I'd like to see it go to 40. They do a a lot of work. Uh, that they really don't get compensated for.

The allocation request was of the committee recommendation was 30. 30, not 35.

And they asked for 40. I'd like to see it be 40. Raise it to 40. Mayor, I have two. Um, if we take a look at um um 20 and 21 Keepers Foundation, I know these are small um um festivals and these guys are trying hard and I think anybody who's started something, we know that it doesn't happen overnight. So, I would love to see us fund them at their level that they got last year. So, I would recommend $5,000 more on each one of those.

Now, get them back. Which one again were those? Get them back up to their fund full funding. 20 and 21. 20 and 21. The Jerk Festival and the International Cultural Festival. I think I attended both of those. Were Were both of those events held last year? They were. Yes, sir. Were they combined or were they separated? They were separated. I only intended one. I didn't make it to both. Then if that's the case, um I'm not opposed to that in concept, but I would like to see if we can help them have a better event. Maybe ask Troy to weigh in with some events knowledge. I'm sure they would.

I will say that the committee's recommendation to decrease their funding was for a lack of audit information at the time of the application. Okay. lack of we have since received a complete application from Miss Lisa. Okay. So, you'd go to 10 each on those, Mike? Yes, sir. What if we went to 15 for 7,500 for each for a total of 15? I can work with that. So, 7,500 for both. Every little bit to help. I just don't want to see them get cut.

Sure, I understand. And I'm willing to revisit that at the will of council. Um on my short list, the Champion Autism Network, um the committee's recommendation was 7,500. I'd like to see that go to 15. Those events are inside the city. Autism, that one is not. That's the golf tournament at Legends. That that's the golf tournament. The events that are attached to that are inside the city. It's not just the golf tournament. There are a number of events that are attached to that that this is just the golf tournament only asking for money for the golf tournament.

They are bringing in players from the Ravens, but as far as we know that is event is at the legends. Donnie,

Don Emory, resident of the city.

So, what we have set up is a three-day event, not just a golf tournament. Um, and what we did in what we wanted to do was showcase Champion Autism Network and the great work they do, but also we handpicked uh a bunch of city locations that showcase exactly what we do. Um, and we do have about 40 celebrities coming in. uh including Ravens, including Anthony Michael Hall from Weird Science and Breakfast Club. Um baseball players, basketball players, etc. Um the uh the hotel that we chosen as a Shelby beautiful renovated hotel represents a city well. We have events at uh Rip Tides, at Popstroke, uh at Crocodile Rocks, at Visions, at Joe's Crab Shack over the course of three days. Um what we're hoping for and what the city really needs is to promote that positive image of what we do here. Uh we get beat up by negativity uh way too often. So what we were looking for and what I wanted was a 3-day event with people with massive reach on social media, Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat, all those things that we're missing right now posting pictures every day having a good time at the key locations here at the beach. And you know that was it's not just a golf tournament. Um it's not just about you know raising money for autism although it is a great byproduct but it's about showcasing the city showcasing Champion Autism Network and the positive things that the city has to offer and showcasing the city in a positive light.

That that's the way I understood that. Okay. Maybe their application didn't a question please. Just over here short guy. Um, why was the Legends Resort chosen for the tournament versus something inside the city? At the time it was the only available. Next year we Okay. Next year will we be looking to do this again? Uh, and we're going to be looking at Myrtle National. I don't think that's inside the city that we Yes, that's inside the city. I'm not sure. Myrtlewood's inside the city. I think Pine Lakes is the only golf course now. There are I think four golf courses. Oh, whispering. Whispering.

Whoops. We we this is we want this to be a legacy event. We want to do this year after year and showcase this way and you know we have it set up with the best of the best in Myrtle Beach so that when we talk these celebrities next year, they'll be fighting for who wants to come here. And that's what we really want. We want them going home with that positive image and their massive reach of of people that they that they touch and say, "Hey, Myrtle Beach is the place to go." I think the four golf courses inside the city are Spring Pines, Pine Lakes, and then the two at Grand Dunes.

Yeah. And we're happy to look at that and address that next year. We wanted to time this in April because it's the launch of season two of Traveling the Spectrum, which is a, you know, a phenomenal showcase of Myrtle Beach and and the Champion Autism Network. Um, Legends was just the only available at at the time that we uh we decided to book this. That's understood. Uh, Mr. Ladder, um, just one observation for you. Next year also, uh, we're going to be celebrating 100 years of golf in Myrtle Beach. Oh, is that right? Okay. So, u I the message is get on it sooner rather than later. Yes. Because I anticipate that there's going to be a lot of things going on with that particular celebration. We we intend to have next year's location picked up before this year's uh event comes and goes. So, we'll be a full year out on that as well.

Okay. And Bill, did you play in that first round? Say again. Did you play in that first round? Yes, I did. Back in 1927. Yeah. Donnie, um, person for reasons, I support this as much as I do. Yes, I understand. And, um, I would just like when you done your application, did you put in there about all these events that are going to be taken in the city, taking place in the city? You know, I'm not sure Becky Large was the one that filled out the application. I I'm not sure if she encompassed the grasp of what it is. That's why I'm here to speak and present.

Look, let's look at it going forward. Yes. again, make sure when we present that application, make sure you put about all the things that's going to be taking place in, you know, when, where, and how on the application. I appreciate that. Yes. And, you know, I I think, you know, most of you know me and know who I am. I'm a very big advocate for my city and, uh, you know, I'm recently out of retirement and I want to showcase everything in the city and this is this is not the end of me being in front of you here. There's there's a lot more to come, but you know, it's it's time to build back that positive image and time to get us back to where we need to be. And I'm I'm here to help in not just with this, but in in all all events. Thank you for what you do. Appreciate it.

Thanks, Donnie. And I would note that the autism subject resonates very strongly with our visitors and our residents as well. So, it does. And one out of 36 families are affected by autism as I think Councilman Lauder just uh mentioned. Thank you. All right. So, I would recommend instead of 7,5005,000 for this if that's the will of council. Is that good? Thank you for your consideration. Um, the only other one I would throw out there would be the waves of praise. The request was significantly more. We're recommending 35,000. Is there any support to go to 40 for that for the waves of praise?

I would support that. Yeah. a growing event. It's a it's a free event that draws 10 12 13,000 people for two nights over two nights. So maybe we suggest 40,000 then for waves of praise. All right. So Mara, are you the math wizard? What have we added and subtracted? So, a net 40 and that leaves about 15 in round numbers. So, we've added a net of 40,000 additional appropriations. Um, motion to approve.

All right. Do we need to go through this list or have y'all do we have this list? Do we need to go through it? Okay. I've studied it. I've been through it. All right. You're you're confident that you've got what we said up here. Mike Lauder made a motion to approve. Second. Bill Mccclure made a second. Any other comments from council?

Yes. Just a quick question for Miss Row or Michelle, whomever. Um what I'm interested in, all these are worthy u alterations to the to the fact sheet. What I want to make sure is if someone says they're using $10,000 to buy life jackets, they're buying the life jackets. That kind of accounting followup, I think, is is tightened. But uh anything we can do to augment that uh appreciation and to make sure these uh allocations are doing what they're supposed to be doing.

Yes, sir. I can I can assure you that Brooke Morris is auditing these um financials receipts to ensure that the money is spent the way that they requested. Well, I get I get the feeling that um she runs a tight ship. She does. Yes, sir. And we like that. Yes, sir. We did start that last year to ensure more accountability. Good deal. That is correct. And we did, as she stated, we had one event that did pay us back. Grand Champion Bicycle Club as their event did not take place. Um and any any document or documentation that she cannot receive uh she will request the money back if it's not meant for the intent purposes that they asked.

Well, when when I would receive resources like this where I worked previously, we would provide quarterly or semianually accounting too and there was no no problem. But I'm heartened by what y'all are doing. So, thank you. Good job by everybody. Mary, you're and your uh committee. Thank you so much for all the work y'all put into this as well

and the new form uh that you all created last year. It looks like it's really paying off because you're getting the information uh that we had asked you to get. Um, one comment I have and and just for consideration in the future, um, in the audit process, should we find an event organizer is using funds for things that are not really authorized, whatever that might be, and should it appear to be egregious, I would like to think us about suspending ing them from being able to be funded for a minimum of two years, but I know that's going to be a discussion.

Definitely something to have a discussion. That's something council could do as part of its policy. Mayor, if you would before we vote, let me ask you just so I can make sure I understand. So, we've got 15,000 left, right?

Yes. So, um, if an organization missed the time to put in the application or let me back up. I think there was some misunderstanding. I spoke to one of the um volleyball promoters the other day and his understanding was that the city was getting away from sports tourism and you know and I was sitting there talking to him and he said, "Well, Mike, we bought in 200 teams um I think just January I believe he said and he's getting ready to bring in another over a hundred teams." So my question to him was why didn't you apply? He said well we were under understanding that, you know, and it was he he he felt like he wasn't was going to get turned down basically. But I said, "Well, are you still in need of funds?" He said, "Yeah, we are. We need help." Um, so what does he need to do? Just apply and then council still

apply next year. No, I believe he would have to apply. We would accept the application at this point. The committee would have to meet and review it in all likelihood. That's right. you an application cannot be solely accepted by this council. The committee is required to review and make a recommendation to you before you could consider giving my funds to any other agency. But that's possible that that can be done. So he needs to reach back out to we would have to talk to our committee and see if we can get back them back together to consider another application first. and it is outside of the time frame for applications. I don't know how you would open it for only one.

Well, I guess my question is I mean if we're saying we got 15,000 then again application in the time frame council can direct this committee to do whatever you guys like. You know, I can only convey what the law is. Yeah. May Mayor I'd like the perception might be since everyone has spoken with regard to subtractions additions uh was there any issue with South by Southeast that is the instrument group that buys or provides uh instruments for or children that

well if count for cons council's consideration I'd like to increase that from five to 10 so more children can have availability to musical instruments. What number is that? That is number 38 on this the sheet I have. We funded them for years and years and then they went off the map, but they have a revitalized group. I'm sorry. 10. Five for a total of 10. We need to make an amendment to our motion. But we just like to say that every year we come to this time every year there's always someone

for whatever reason doesn't get their application in on time. Uhuh. I think when what we need to do is these are the dates this committee meets. They worked through all of this and when somebody for whatever reason they missed a deadline then they missed the deadline. And I understand Mr. Mr. Chesn what you're saying but at the same time uh Mary how long have y'all been working on this? Since November

months. We have two schedule meetings by ordinance. the second and fourth Wednesdays in October and then it starts coming to you guys and then everything rolling since October

October but they got the applications out earlier this year and it was well published in the city too so that and like I've told you already when I started on the committee we had about 20 applicants Now we're up over 40. So it's out there that people can apply and they do.

Mayor, I'm not saying it wasn't out there. And let me be specific. Um is Coastal Volleyball Tournament number 10. I mean, he's just saying that there was a his understanding was we were trying to get away and I think the comment was made that hey, we want to um give this money to most arts organizations. That did not come from the committee. I understand it didn't come from the committee. But I think he did not come to the he applied. He they sent their application in but they were not present at the committee at the meeting to um present before the committee. So

so he could have been heard and recommended funding and he did apply. They just did not come to the to the meeting. Okay. So if they don't show up at all, we don't give him anything. That is correct. Okay. Is that can that change? Sure. Yeah. But every other applicant was there. But because he was not there to present the the committee recommended no funding. Okay. So he did apply then. Okay.

And my recollection of the conversation that we had specifically last year was that we wanted to see new events coming to us asking for funding. And um we wanted to see hopefully some events, not necessarily the arts organizations, which is different, but the event funding for maybe some of those to become independent of us that we help them get started and eventually they would be right dependent and not independent and not dependent on us. And I think that was the discussion that we had that I recall from last year, but

never any discussion. We were going to cut back on sports tourism. Two two comments to take us into the future. We will continue to receive requests for sports tourism funding that that we can make that determination. I think and then we've always talked about for 30 years we've talked about weaning applicants off of this but in many cases these are programs that benefit our economy and that's one of the reasons why we're supporting them through the a tax money. So I I I don't know that it's practical to expect many if any of all of these to actually

become self-sufficient at the end. And a comment that I've made to you before is we do have about the same amount of money that we get essentially allocated. We're cutting that pie by twice as many pieces. So people have been cut back over the years that used to get even a substantial amount of money that to give other new applicants more money. we have cut them back and a lot of them have been sustained for the whole time that I've been on the committee which is almost 20 years. So, thank you, Mary. And and Mark, could you remind us what motion is on the floor presently?

We need to amend the motion to make it easier now to add the additional I can make it easier. Okay, I'll withdraw my motion. First motion the second. I think we Debbie I'll withdraw. Now I'll make a motion that we approve the additional request request plus the other request is right now. Thank you. Second, please. Second. All right. Other discussion from city council. I would note that we're talking about $800,000 out of seven eight million worth $8.4 $4 million worth of

funding here. And there are other monies that will be approved and granted as part of this ultimate motion. The sports tourism department will get $60,000 under the amendment. The 4th Avenue outfall project will get $392,900 under the motion. The 2007 beach renourishment project for reach 2 debt service of $383,000. Beach monitoring gets no money at this point. Convention center marketing is budgeted at $550,000. And then Middle Beach public safety and tourism services, mostly the police and the fire departments, I believe, will get $7,24,000 out of this motion. Mr. Manager, can you explain what the $550,000 for convention center marketing does? Yeah, we asked we looked at it yesterday, Michelle prepared to summarize that

it's a little bit less than half of their overall budget. Um, of which I know 370,000 line item is advertising alone. What's the other you know what the rest of the money goes for? It's the operation of their department, their travel, printing, office supplies, anything that is in a normal departmental budget. Okay. I I seem to recall at some point in the past it being $500,000. It's 550 today. Is that my imagination? It's 550, right?

Yeah, I know it's 550 today. I think it's gone up over time. Okay. All right. We have a motion on the floor. Any other comments from councel? Any comments from the public? All those in favor of the a tax allocations as we've described and mo moted, please say I. I. Any opposed? Thank you. All right, Madame Clerk. Motion 26-25.

Motion 2026-25 to select a lobbying group to represent the city and approve a contract. Um, we've received two presentations from groups to represent the city's interests before the general assembly in Colombia. Do does council have a recommendation? Council comments. M Mr. Mayor, I recommend we our talent group. We got a recommendation from Councilman Chestnut for the Talon group. Louder. Louder. Louder. Sorry. Louder. Hey, Mike. Louder. We look alike. Our heads are the same. It was the hair. I'm sorry. It was

brothers from another member. We look so much alike. Sorry. Is there is there any other motion? Do we have any comments on that? That that was a I guess a motion. Is there a second to that motion? Second. Mr. Mccclure seconds. Any council discussion? I guess I guess the only or maybe in the proposal that they sent us did it speak to what all they going to be doing and I believe it did.

And who all they worked with before in the past? I mean, I I heard what they said, but sometime what people say is different than what they put in writing. So, I don't know that the contract proposal was included in our packet. I see. Um I believe the in the folder the contract proposal, correct me if I'm wrong, was for $8,000 for this year and next year with a 30-day um get out clause. It was $8,000 and there is the 30-day out clause. I just can't recall what the contract is in the folder. Sure. Okay. Okay.

And mayor, what's what's on the table? It's $2.4 billion dollars of new money. 1.7 of that is non-recurring and in an election year we need to have a voice at the table and the choice we have to make is a good voice. I think we had two great presentations. Excellent. So council seems to be in favor of the talent group. Yeah. Any other council discussion? Any discussion from the public? All those in favor of hiring the Talon Group as our firm to represent us in Colombia, please say I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you.

Motion 26-26. Jennifer motion 2026-26 to appoint one member each to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and the visit Myrtle Beach Advisory Boards. Mayor, I would like to make a motion that um Mike Lauder serve on the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce's exeicio and that um Jackie Hatley serve on the visit Myrtle Beach advisory board. Second.

Um, I would note that these are one-year appointments, so we'll have to do this again in a year. This gives the city some insight into the discussions and thinking that occurs as the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Board and the Visit Myrtle Beach Advisory Boards meet. Um, I believe Fox and I are now exeicio members of the Greater Visit Myrtle Beach Board, the Greater Myrtle Area Chamber of Commerce Board. Um, exeicio means non voting and I believe the city attorney has indicated that that's not a a conflict as long as we're not voting on things from the the chambers perspective. Any other discussion from council? Any discussion from the public? All those in favor, please say I.

Any opposed? Thank you. We have another item to talk about at the communications point regarding the the chamber. Uh Jennifer, motion 26-27.

Motion 2026-27 to appoint reappoint for members to the Chapen Library Board. Mayor, I would like to um nominate for reappoint um JJ Fickenworth, um Sandy Hules Edwards, and Mary Jeff Coat, and Samuel Bookhart. Second. Second. Motion from Debbie Connor, second from Mike Lauder. Did Sue Hudgens not wish to be reappointed? That's correct.

Yes. Okay, she did not. Great. I saw Sue the other day and didn't ask her that question. So, okay, we have four folks to appoint to the library advisory board. Any other comments from council? Any comments from the public? All those in favor of those four appointments, please say I. I. Any opposed? Thank you. The last motion 26-28 on your screens. Jennifer

motion 2026-28 to declare certain vehicles abandoned or derelictked pursuant to the authority of article 41 of title 56 South County Code of Laws 2001. Thank you. Those vehicles have been tagged by staff. The period has run more than the period has run. Is there anybody representing any of these vehicles here today? Is there a motion to declare them abandoned or derelictked from city council? So move second. Second. All those in fa any comments from council? Any comments from the public? All those in favor, please say I. I. I.

Any opposed? Thank you. All right. Communications from city council and the city manager. Did anybody else sign up for non-aggenda items from the public? Okay. Is there anybody who desperately wishes to speak to us at this point? Apparently not. Great. Communications from city council and the city manager.

Yes. One thing, um, Mr. Mayor, again, I'd like to thank the Coastal Carolina professor, Dr. Salino, for coming and hoping he'll come back when we have adequate time to accommodate his breath of knowledge on the state of national, state, and local economy. And the reason I asked and wanted him to come early was to give background to our financial planning group as they prepare the manager's budget in that this is an unusual economy we're in now that the top 20% are doing very well in our country but our customer base may not be doing so well with full credit cards and uh government money gone from COVID. So we need to be very cautious as we always are when we prepare this budget. And I thought his early insight would provide some breath and depth to that thought process of our financial people whom I have extreme confidence in. But this is a different day. it it almost smells of 2008 and 200 2000 with a dot bubble and um we just all need to be mindful of that and I'm sure we are and I hate to bore people with that but it's so important

as a as a followup could we maybe have him back for our March workshop? Sure. And Debbie I will say Debbie was the first to suggest that. So we'll give Debbie credit for thinking about

get more information. I'm going to take these a little bit out of order here. We've indicated that we want to hold a budget retreat here in town, but I don't know any details at this point. Not that we've given you any specific details to follow, but let let's have a quick discussion if we can among council and staff about proposed date, proposed location, um what you have in mind for presenting to us at that point. I expect that the March 3rd workshop will include some budget whatever that first Tuesday is will include some more budget discussions from city council as well.

Yeah. So I have marked on my calendar from our annual calendar March 181 1920 as the budget retreat and I would just kindly request that we keep those dates because I plan my semester appropriately and have those dates blocked out. I would hope that we don't need all three of those dates that we can accomplish that in a day or two and not use all three of those days if we can. And then here in town, I've in talking with Fox, the manager, um his preference would be that we do it in in this room.

Yeah, I think so. We have to coordinate with the court staff um on that. So, that may be a challenge and the reason is the security and the AV equipment that we have here. I don't know if we can be able to accomplish that. um given court staff but we'll have to check on that. I would agree with that. No reason. Okay.

And then also I believe Debbie had requested that we ask the chairs of the significant committees to attend as well to the extent that they can. Maybe we give them a window of opportunity when their presence would be most required or most relevant. And Michelle, do you have thoughts on whether you'll have a recommended budget at that point? My thought is that I probably can't. It is a lot like Dr. surrender as was saying was so uncertain with these revenues this year. And it is important with um all of the requests and and all of the things that that you guys want us to put in this budget that we get as much information this year as we can to build upon um not just the hospitality fee and the accommodations taxdr Right.

So, we will certainly put something together. I I know that we've in the recent past, we've had a manager's recommended budget at the budget retreat. That's not a requirement by any means. I think having council talk about things that it wants to see in the budget, having staff say, "We can afford this, this, and this, but help me with this." are relevant conversations that we need to have as we build a budget for the next fiscal year. So whether you're able to do that at this retreat window or whether it comes at that April workshop window, I don't I don't have a preference. I understand the challenges of making it all fit.

Then again, it may not all fit. Right. And and I agree, mayor, we we actually have had budget retreats in the past. Yes. That we did not come immediately with the balanced budget. So that's not that's not anything that's set in stone. that has to happen at that retreat. Council thoughts. Well, I just appreciate the honesty. In the past, we've been counseledled by maybe your predecessor. This is not real money, so be conservative. Don't spend it, but we want your honest opinion, and you're not going to hurt our feelings. Tell us what we have to work with in your best professional opinion. That's all we can ask. I don't think I often hold back.

Do you? as my colleagues will attest, they they've been fairly blunt in the past. Yes. That mayor, I'm gonna ask if we can um I know we said 18th, 19th, and 20th, and you said hopefully we'll need all three of those days, but um unfortunately, um I'd already made plans to we're actually going to be out of town. Um I would love to see if we can do it the 19th and the 20th. And I hate to miss the first day of budget retreat. I think that's fine. I'll be back. I don't know why we can't. I think that's fine. I don't think we need three days at all.

I mean, typically the last day has always been, you know, wrapping up and sometime we didn't use the last day anyway. Think I think if we show up on the 19th 8:00 and go to work, you know what I mean? Go to work. Yeah. And do the same thing on the 19th, I think. You mean the 19th and the 20th? 19th. Sure, I'm good with that. Okay. Everybody else okay with that calendar wise? Okay, that works. Thank you. And mayor, also before I forget, if we could have a lobbying update in two weeks. Yes, that would be a good thing. So, the lay of the land basically.

Tourism development fee team dialogue appointment. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is aware that we need to talk about the tourism development fee preferably in this fiscal year so that it doesn't affect next fiscal year. It's not the end of the world if it doesn't, but it is a significant um limitation on the available funds that the city will have. In the current fiscal year, the city spent all of its 20% on the property tax credit plus another roughly 1.2 2 million. If we heard Michelle correctly at the workshop last week, she's anticipating an additional 1.6 or 86 1.6 million. So 1.2 and 1.6 is 3.8 million that the city would have to kick in to keep the property tax credit at the same level. If we can, as we've discussed with the chamber staff and board over the last several months, um, revisit the allocation, the 80% 20% that's in state law so that it works better for the community. That would be a good thing. The Chamber of Commerce, Matt Pavarick, has offered to uh convene a a talking group uh of Chamber of Commerce members along with their staff and our staff, myself and one or two members of city council. U tenative date, I think, don't hold me to this. It was that first week of March. I think it was March 4th, maybe.

Mayor, I go ahead. We appoint Miss Debbie Connor. Um I I think Bill also has an interest in serving and and having two people I do do that is sufficient. Were you willing to do that? Yes. Anybody else want to volunteer and spend time talking about the TDF when you don't have to recommend Bill and Debbie? All right. This isn't a a formal appointment. Sir,

and mayor, we also need updates on H 503, the budget that's in committee, I assume now, but we need to know where it is, what these what is the gut work of that item in the legislature, because that that is the beginning of governing all and I'm not sure anybody knows, okay, but we need to be well kept informed of that before we can make any other decisions. So, Bill and Debbie will join me on that informal working group that the chamber has put together. Ocean View Memorial Foundation appointment. I believe we had somebody who expressed interest. Jennifer. Yes. Last name. I know. Yeah. Miss Gay. Um, yeah.

Put that on the agenda for the next time. Any objections to that name for consideration or if anybody else would like to serve on the Ocean View Memorial Foundation? The last name was Gay. Yeah, her last name is Gay. She lives up on um Well, anyway, we we got the resume. Okay. Yes. And then a Coast RTA board appointment. Anybody want to volunteer to serve on the Coast RTA board and represent the city of Myrtle Beach? Don't all speak at once. Does it have to be a council member? No, they don't want a council member. They do not want a council member. They want advertise public. Yeah. We'll continue to advertise that position. Um council, other discussion items or staff, other discussion items here. I got one.

I'm sorry. I've got a bunch, so I'm gonna let y'all go first.

I'm sorry. I I'm trying to keep up with my notes. Um um Mr. Laauder actually had a great idea last year about um you know, trying to build this teamwork and um and better communication with the county and we had several meetings with the county. Um I think me, Mr. Louderder, and senior staff Fox and um Brian and Josh and Will and we all had and the mayor was there. So, I just wondering when are we going to try to restart those? We had some good communications and trying to work through some things that the city and the countyy's been um dealing with. So, I think

we'll make that request. I've met with the county administrator Barry Spivey. Okay. And have talked about a list of areas where the city and the county connect. Yes, sir. uh I've suggested some requests that that he consider have not had a follow-up conversation. So that's on me to do. Mayor, two just twofold here. One, we had a couple of members meet with a couple of their members uh and administrators. Uh that one meeting, but we also had meetings where there was no agenda. There was nothing other than this fellowship. And I I think we need to go back to that one, too. Yes.

Matter of fact, I'm I'm all on board if North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside, any any any municipality in the county wants to join into this particular meet and greet, so to speak, and let's uh just get to know each other. Sure. Other than across the table. And there is a League of Cities meeting coming up next week, the 19th. Generally, generally the League of City has a has an agenda and it has this this this is nothing more than to sit around talk about something other than maybe politics chance to really

get to know one another and I think that's very important. But the first meeting is to talk about some issues that we were sure dealing with and challenged with. We'll make that happen. You're speaking of the two bodies, Mike? Yes, sir. I can recall 15 years ago when we, the county, and uh the legislative delegation would meet for lunch in a horseshoe, the mayor would preside and we'd bring forth issues that affected both of their our constituents. And um I think it was productive. Um believe we did that in the in the fall typically. Yeah.

Well, in an election year, we might want to do it in the spring. They But the question is, have they got the time to do that right now? I think they might make time if you schedule a meeting before March 31st when filing ends. Just saying. Um, that obviously wasn't a formal get together. It was more casual. It wasn't the creation of a city county committee by any means. It was a conversation between a couple of them and a couple of us. We'll we'll we'll make that happen.

I want to say um I was really impressed the um visit Myrtle Beach is hosting the governor's conference here and they have about 350 attendees representing DMOs from across the state, direct marketing organizations from across the state. Last evening they had a uh reception event at Rip Tides and all 350 folks showed up and had a great time. It was great to see all of those people enjoying and having fun on Ocean Boulevard. It was had a great event. They had a good time. I spoke and welcomed them at 1:00 yesterday afternoon at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

It's great. So Dwayne Parish is here sort of leading that SCPRT conference and I I believe the governor was in town last night. I did not see him, but apparently the governor was around last night. And I would like to make a motion for an executive session. We're not done yet. We're not done yet. Okay. Other council comments?

Oh, good. Okay. Um, at the workshop last week, Mike, you asked about including in the budget some home renovation money, a return to that policy. I met with Megan Michael from Habitat for Humanity last week. She's doing some of that currently. And if we can find in CDBG money or other sources some money to continue the process of home renovation, Megan has volunteered under the Habitat hat to actually be the the doer of all of that so that we didn't have to manage that if that's okay. That's good.

Worked for me too. long as long as we got some housing rehab going. That's

had a had a chance yesterday to go to the ribbon cutting for C change, which is the new um women's recovery structures, houses on 12th Avenue North. Very nice properties that Echko has put together there. Um I think each home will handle 16 patients in recovery. Patience probably isn't the right word, residents in recovery. Um but they're spectacular looking properties. Um they they've done a good job with that. That's been funded um through Ekko's sponsorship and support. Um had a chance to attend the Carver Street Renaissance event um that Mary Riley put on Saturday night down on the boulevard. We also had in town and Mike Chestnut was there for that on Saturday and and on Saturday and Sunday. Mike Chestnut was there for both of those events. We had a group of Myrtle Beach Airport base veterans who served here in the early 1970s who came back for an annual reunion and they had a a great time both at the Saturday night event and then again Sunday when we recognized them. They brought history about their experience here that I was unaware of. Um that uh even though it was the the 1970s it was post integration the Ory County schools here or the Myrtle Beach schools here they experienced some some difficulties. I don't know, Mike, if you want to elaborate a little bit on what that group did back then.

Well, I can tell you um you know, me as a a young kid growing up in the race path community, which is outside the city actually. Um but, um that group in particular um back in the day, they used to come pick the kids up and race path, take them out to the Air Force base, bowling, swimming. Um yeah, I I told a story the other night. Um, I remember I can see it just as good as day right now because it was amazing to me to see a bomb actually that goes under the planes and

bomb. Yeah. one of the um that's um but anyway the thing at that time was hey you kids it's okay to look at them but don't touch the front of them don't mess up the cameras and that's how they got and you know but um and then later on those the program kind of went away a little bit and we always wonder what happened to the group and um but before I I forgot also they also um were the biggest sponsor back in the day of the um black Santa Claus riding around on the um fire truck coming to the different communities and stuff. Um also um very instrumental in in the um city got a partnership now with Sandy Grove with Bashiba Memorial Park, but they were actually the group who actually got the first um equipment donated through the Air Force base to start Basha Park. Um, so I mean this group I I like I said I learned a lot from them the other night and we always wondered what ever happened to the group and I was honored to um tell them that I stand on their shoulders because a lot of what they did inspired me to to run and be involved in public um government and um so

and they taught you to swim. Yeah, they did teach me to swim too. Even bowl a little bit. Well, now bowling is not all that good, but and we also um going to recognize them and we got some of their proclamations and some of the history of the group that we're going to um install in the museum out there, the um Robert Reed Center. Um, also I'll just tell you that um, also learned Mark, we were sitting talking with some of them and uh, two I believe two of the guys in the group said, "Yeah, I met my wife and we were talking right over here 50 years ago." I'm like, "Really?"

At the base rec center. So, uh, just a great event. Um, a lot of history. Um, like the mayor said, a lot of things I didn't know, but at the same time, um, now, you know, we can see the importance that they played on, um, you know, providing services to the community that were needed at that time. And they were back from Texas, Florida. Yeah. Georgia, Virginia, I think Ohio as well. So, they came from all over for this reunion. So, very nice. Very nice.

Very nice. And then I asked the manager yesterday that most of the offices on the first floor of city hall are going to relocate to the annex which has been renovated which will I I think we plan to fill most of those offices on the first floor of city hall. But I asked him if he could find a council office so that you all might have a an actual office that you could share in city hall if you're so inclined to have an office that would serve for your purposes there. Well, they eliminated that the first year I got elected. We're trying to put it back in the last, but I remember we did used to have one on the second floor in city hall, I believe.

I got to tell you, since I've been a member of council, most of the people I've met with over the past 16 years, they just wanted to meet some place other than city hall. Good. I don't I don't specifically need a place in the city hall. I think I think that would be good though. I mean really because there are times when you know we can go there and have a quiet space I guess you'd say you know we closed it over. I I think he indicated that it probably was possible. Mayor also I'm sorry.

No, we're looking at it but I just through the off the top of my head I think there's probably going to be room for that. There's no final decision. One more. I I just wanted to say I did get a chance yesterday to attend the um groundbreaking for the um South Strand Hospital um which is a 59 bed um hospital that's going to take place to the um off of Coventry over there. Good thing is I mean looking at what Dr. Savino was saying about the number of retirees coming to the area. That's going to provide better service on the south end and hopefully keep people from having to travel so far in needs of emergency. And plus the other good thing is they pay um business license and taxes. So glad to have Grand Strand and all the good things they're doing in our community.

Again, thank you for being here today. If there's nothing else from council, Debbie, you have a motion. Yes, I have a motion for an executive session regarding attorney client privileged um memo that was sent to council and I'd like to request for legal counsel Amy and Will and our city manager to attend. Second. Does it also include Mrs. New Shaper? Yes. Uh that we have a motion and a second. Any discussion from council? Mike Chzna. Any discussion from council? Any discussion from the public? All those in favor of the executive session, please say I.

We'll take a five minute break before we start so that we can clear the room. Thank you. Well, we're we're an hour ahead.

Yes, man. Thank you.

City Council met in executive session. Is there a motion to come out of executive session? So moved. I moved. Second. Councilman Ladder. Councilman Mccclure. All those in favor of ending the executive session, please say I. I. I. We met in executive session. No action was taken. No votes were taken. Is there a motion to adjourn? So move. All in favor say I. I. I. Meeting adjourned. Thank you all one and all. Thank you Fox.