Board of Aldermen - Regular Meeting

It's 11 o'clock. I would like to call the meeting to order. Um I'll go to the agenda in front of me. Um I'd like to do the invocation if you would lead us, Lord.

Bless this town and may it remain a beautiful and friendly place to live. We pray that this board makes fair and informed decisions this morning. We also pray that our police officers, firefighters, and members of our armed forces here and around the world remain safe as they risk so much for our security. We also pray that our town be spared the ravages of hurricanes and other natural disasters and that everyone associated with the town remains safe and secure. Amen. May stand for the pledge of allegiance.

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. Thank you. Please be seated. Um, I would ask at this time if you've got a phone with you, please either turn it off or silence it. I have to make sure I do mine, too. Um, and then ask for a uh motion to approve the agenda. Do I hear a second? Second. All in favor? Any discussion? Sorry.

Um, on the consent agenda, um, I'm going to request that item uh 8D, specifically the vehicle tax refund uh for Joseph Zuba, be removed from the consent agenda for separate consideration due to a personal conflict of interest. Do I hear a motion to accept his modification? Do I hear a second? Second. All in favor accept Kip. I. All opposed and register you as a nonvote, right? Uh well, I think it actually it actually counts as an I if he doesn't vote, right?

I believe that there needs to be a vote to excuse me from that vote. So you can pull it from the consent agenda when it comes time to the item itself. There are which I'm sure Chip will cover more in detail, but there are certain things that uh allow you to be exempt from Yep. the votes. Okay. So right now you're you would vote in favor of removing it from the consent agenda but not not voting on the issue. Correct. Okay. Correct. So it's going to go in continuing business. No, it'll be new business, I believe. New business, Alice.

Okay, continuing fine. Okay, let's move on then. Uh, Alice, manager's report, please. I'm sorry, Mr. Mayor. I don't know if we actually adopted the budget or the the agenda other than the removal. We adopted with your change, I believe. Okay. Say point of order. That's even better.

Thank you, mayor. Good morning, everyone. Good morning everyone in the audience. Uh my report this morning, first off, I would just like to start with staffing and say welcome uh to Miss Noren Lux. I'd like to introduce her this morning. She's with us here in the back of the room. Uh so welcome Norine. [applause] We are very happy to have her on board as part of our finance team. She's been hired as the accountant one. She started uh this Monday. So, um, very new to the position. We're ecstatic to have her in place. Um, so, welcome. Welcome. [clears throat]

Also, we are now accepting applications for the part-time seasonal beach ambassadors for the summer season. Uh, these ambassadors spend their time driving the beach strand, interacting with and educating visitors, observing and reporting violations, and report those to law enforcement officers. Uh, three successful candidates will start Memorial weekend. Uh, posting will go live this week for those positions. What's Alice? What's the starting rate for that position? $16 per hour. Thank you. Do you furnish sunscreen? Thank you, Larry.

Appreciate you. [clears throat and laughter]

I knew you would. Okay. Potential tropical cyclone number eight. Uh PTC8 as we refer to it is sand work. It has been completed and wrapped up February 18th. In total 61,000 cubic yards of sand have been placed and this was emergency burm placement. So which was a dune project not on the active part of the beach but in the dunes. Uh the next phase of this project will be dune plantings that is expected to take place this spring. Engineer Fran Wei has reached out to coastal transplants for information. So, as soon as we have confirmation on scope of work and the next steps, that information will be uh pushed out uh through our website and Facebook page. I was contacted by FEMA on Saturday, February 28th, and I'm happy to say that the town's CATB project has been approved by FEMA, and our total eligible amount is 4,330,000 and 5614.3 million. So, very happy to report that. We've been waiting, as you know, a long time for those funds to be obligated. So, that is great news. Uh since this is a large scale project, the state can create reimbursement requests now with invoices and proof of payment that are ready to be submitted. This will provide some cash flow uh to the town uh before the project's ready for uh technical closeout. So, we're already in a process of getting that all uploaded um to the state so we can start to get some reimbursement.

I just wanted to really compliment you and your staff on following up on that. Um, I know we as a board approved it hoping we were going to be able to get that as well. [snorts] And then obviously when Wayne gets up and I start asking him financial questions, he'll tell me whether the 11 million we're owed is going to include the the four that's sitting there. So Wayne, be ready to answer that question because right now we're owed 11 million by FEMA. [snorts] [clears throat] So I mean it'd be nice to know. So anyway, congratulations. I think that from the board standpoint that that's huge. we had to do the work, but it's also great to have the reimbursement in there.

And it was good that we were in a position that we can move [clears throat] funds around uh to be able to start that project and um and not wait or not have a project. U so because in the past historically we weren't the town wasn't in that position. So I was just going to say you're sugar coating it. You and I had this discussion last week and do you remember what you said to me? We couldn't have done this project five years ago because we didn't have the money up front. you know, so I mean that's pretty pretty amazing. I mean this waiting for refund, waiting to get reimbursed is one thing. Not being able to do the project is something else. [clears throat] So yeah, thank you.

Thank you. Uh fiscal year 2627 budget calendar attached to my report. Um I outlined a proposed calendar for your consideration. Um, department heads. We don't have uh it was provided as the secretary page. It's right here. Oh, okay. I'm sorry. Okay. Here's another one if you need it. Okay. Okay.

Department head meetings were held in February and will be held uh through the uh first week of March through this week. These meetings are with uh the town manager, finance officer and department heads to assess departmental needs and review capital improvement requests. Um this is the proposed budget calendar I prepared around known availability uh of the board. If this works for your schedules then we will proceed with uh making that posting. So, uh, if you want to take a look at that proposed the 23rd,

um, March 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. And that is, uh, the first kickoff meeting. That's when department heads will, uh, speak before the board and explain uh, their requests and answer any questions and also review capital improvements. Uh, we have two dates. So, I have March 24th as well from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in case we need that time. Um, and then April 8th and April 9th, uh, full days from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Public hearing is proposed for Wednesday, May 13th, which which is the regular scheduled board meeting. Uh, per statute, the board must hold at least one public hearing on the budget. And if you recall, we adjusted just to make a note and for everyone in the audience that the May board meeting was changed. Um, so it's not the first Wednesday as May 13th. So I just want to make a special note of that

if we can. Can we try to be maybe before we leave today if those dates with people just kind of say they look clear on my calendar. Um, wanted to [clears throat] make sure. The second thing is I think given uh the stuff we're going to be discussing a little bit with the property tax particularly in the budget process we're going to need the extra days to be able to do this and also I'm assuming Doug Carter will be available for us. Yeah, I will be emailing him him these dates as well uh for his availability. Um there I space a lot of time in there to in case we want to have um separate days for for just him to go over the capital items as well. because you'll have a lot of flexibility in April as well.

Okay, there's only two dates scheduled. That concludes my report. Go to Can Can I ask you a quick question? Can I ask a quick question real quick? Sure. Uh getting a lot of questions about the pier behind the fire station. Is that I didn't see anywhere else on the agenda. Still waiting on camo approval. Yeah, we're still going through the permit phase. So, um once that's solidified, uh the contractor will be given the notice to proceed and we'll get started. Sure. And also, if I may ask, um MGT and the uh police chief hunt, we haven't got an update since January,

right? We just uh solidified the contract last week. So, um you'll be seeing um information from me if not at the end of this week, early next week um on the scope of work with them and what the um the position announcement will be in the brochure for any feedback. Thank you. We have anybody signed up? Um I have one public sign up and that is Mr. Shane Bartos. in hat. Hey Shane, my name is Shane.

There we go. My name is Shane Bartis. I live at 13 Osprey Drive and uh I'm here today to address the the board of alderman um for consideration of a common sense update to our beach access rules that would allow for class one and class 2 ebikes. Um so just to define these a little bit, ebikes are fundamentally a little different from motorized vehicles. Um so class one is pedal assist only, class two is low speed throttle. They're both capped at 20 miles an hour and uh for the most part you're operating well below that in the soft sand. Um I'm an avid rider of my ebike on the beach um myself. Um and so you know allowing them that would expand uh you know safe quiet mobility access to the beach for older folks for people like me. I have injuries. I can't pedal a a regular bike without e assist um because of uh my knee and uh especially like going longer distance, people recovering from injuries. Um there's a bunch of things, you know, hauling modest amounts of gear. So, I can I can bring everything I need for the day at the beach on my ebike. Um it also reduces like car trips for short beach hops. So instead of taking up a parking space of the vehicle and parking up at Jeffrey's, I can just take my ebike. Um, no noise, no fumes. Um, we believe that this can be done responsibly with clear enforceable guard rails that protect pedestrians, wildlife, and the dune system. Uh the town could simply set operating rules such as reduce speed limit, mandatory yielding to pedestrians and no riding in turtle nesting zones or operating on dunes and a requirement for low tire pressure or wide tires to reduce rudding. Um if desired, the board could start with a limited pilot program and collect feedback from public safety, turtle patrol, and residents before making it permanent. Many coastal communities have found when these rules are straightforward and permitted

devices are narrowly defined. Compliance and is high and enforcement is manageable. We respect uh and ask the board to allow class one and class 2 ebikes on the beach with sensible restrictions so we can improve access and enjoyment while preserving the beach environment that makes North so so special. Thank you. And you know [snorts] that's on the agenda so you might want to hang around for that if you will. Anybody else? That is all of our signups for the day. I did leave a public comment at each of your um seats before the meeting.

Okay. And we have another opt opportunity for people to talk later on. So way [snorts] [clears throat] hi. Can everyone hear me? Yes, sir.

Okay, great. Uh, thanks for the introduction, mayor. Uh, I'm here, you know, for my monthly update on the, uh, the coastal engineering and bas particularly PTCA. Here we go. And I will share my screen. So, we'll just go over just an overview of the of the beach and the the many different projects that have recently occurred and have occurred uh over the, you know, last few years and our planning. Uh, you know, as you can see here, we go have the the five phases of the beach. Uh, phase one up near New River Inlet phase five down near Surf City Town limit. Uh, these have been, you know, delineated, you know, decades ago and we're just kind of, you know, we just continue the the phasing. it, you know, seems to work. Uh, phase five that was completed. That was a Florence and Dorian project. Uh, then we had the phase four here. The PTC8 was the one we just finished along the phases one, two, and three, and that was the dune restoration. And then the core, you know, does their thing. Uh, they did it about a year ago. And, uh, that we we can talk about all these projects uh, individually here. This was the the core project up near New River Inlet. It was about a year ago and that they do it about every other year. We should get an update on the next one coming up about a year from now. Uh this is this is a challenging one. The core hasn't been as successful in some of these you know 10 15 years ago were actually quite good and would get down to the St. Regious and would have a beach uh you know and they they they were they were a lot better than they have been the last few years. Uh

this is a core project the town and and the our co coastal engineers. We we do not have a lot of influence on this. We will continue to to work with these guys and and try to make sure that they're maximizing this volume. uh they can use some uh you know there's the state does supply funding for this um to make sure that these these this project does happen at least

uh because actually you know the core has been their funding has been a little bit more spotty for this project. Hey, before you leave that, just real quick, Fran, for our next meeting, um would would you do us a favor, you've got the uh from the Army Corps stuff, could you put together just a schedule that shows how much sand has come from those dredging over the last whatever number of years. I know you've got that. It's that kind of that update we you and I talked about before about updating that one schedule so that people get an idea because there there seems to be a lot of confusion about, you know, where sand's gone down, what's happened in those areas and those type of things. So, if you would, I'd appreciate that. Does that make sense to the board? [clears throat]

We did update that one spreadsheet that you asked about before and it's on the website, but I could send that up. Thank you. Yeah. But I just know on this thereie I just got you know a request that said there's nothing been done up there and I think also the large project is going to hit all that as well. So sorry. Go ahead Fran.

No and that th this project has not been included in that that summary document. I can I can start including this this in that summary document this this effort because obviously it is it is work on North Topsel Beach. uh we you know the town doesn't pay for it but I I will include this in that in that summary document all that this effort here's the phase five project as was a couple years ago uh but it's holding up well and this was the beach and dune project and uh here's just some more recent photos and I I was up there last week but I have not been able to I get this to you about 10 days in advance and I couldn't did not update it. Uh here's that phase four just that and that that looks good as well. And I do think there is kind of some spreading as as we'd expect to into phase three. Uh basically you know phase three up to south of the pier does it you know it looks you know uh pretty good uh considering that it didn't get nourished or it hasn't been the beach hasn't been nourished. Sedune has here's that disposal area 143 DA 143. This is that you know this is the big the largest north topsel beach nourishment ever. Uh I was talking with Alice before we were kind of deciding obviously you know the the 2 million going for this all all 2 million is is is you know a good idea. You could this project can be scaled back a little bit. uh it would be less money and less volume and you know obviously the the maybe the the cost itself uh you know per unit you know per unit cubic yard uh might not be as you know

beneficial it's it's good but it still could be a good project to have uh and then obviously let's let's keep going keep the going forward with the mayor and TI coastal and really trying to reach for this this full on uh maximizing this this volume for now.

And just before you leave that, Fred, one of the things that we talked about um Alice and I talked about with Chris in particular is if we were going to scale it back, we still want it to be an engineered beach. You don't want to sacrifice that. You know, if you're telling me I'm going to put a little less sand on it, but it's still an engineered beach, that's completely different than telling me I'm going to put less sand on it, we still got the same problem. So, I think that's and [snorts] I think the issue is going to be um the uh not the setup fee. What am I going to call it? [clears throat] Mobilization. Mobilization fee is the key in there in terms of the cost and stuff. So,

but then even then uh mayor where yeah if if you know you broke this into two projects if you could get if you made sure that that first project was engineered beach then the next time theoretically the the the when you get in for the second half of this volume it should be FEMA eligible. So then that mobilization would be also be FEMA covered by FEMA. So there there are different options and we're keeping them all open but uh it you know it just you know we we'll look at all all the above. Uh then here's that PTC8 and this is the that the PTC8 was you know a little over a year ago. It was back in actually October 2024. Uh it did take FEMA as Alice mentioned it took FEMA a while to obligate this one. This was probably the longest uh it ever took to obligate a project. Uh we did get through with this. The uh the 8000 we did a year ago about a year ago. Uh this is that critical dune restoration. We did it in April, May, sorry. So not quite the the dune has held up which is promising. Obviously there has been some erosion. Uh we can we want to try to vegetate at least the crest here. Obviously, there is some scarping and and kind of north of like this area. Uh we might see some scarping. I was up there last week and we can go back into this one. This is part of PTC8 and this is the the entire PTC8 uh footprint. There were a few areas where the the dune was healthy and the and for permit restriction reasons if there's a lot of mature dune vegetation on the seawward edge of the dune and the dune isn't really scared out at all the the camma will not allow us to put sand on there. But you know what this is these

are some photos some post project photos. This is south of the pier. This is that area that should easily be vegetated and take vegetation. I I I really do like the chances of this vegetation being able to establish. Uh here's some other photos. And the these are from early February. You can notice the the snow on the on the uh on the ground. Uh there is a where there's a little bit of scarping kind of right here near the toe, but we we'll just have to see. Uh but see obviously there's no scarfing here which is good which really indicative that that this if we do plant this that it had the the vegetation will have a chance to really root and stabilize that dune. uh some places up on the north end will be pro will be more difficult and obviously there is already maybe a little scarping already that is the narrowest part of the beach and that is why you know that DA 143 project you know will focus you know on that area especially but you know basically north of the pier but it will get south of the pier too. Uh here just a a quick update of the prog. Yes.

Yeah. Just quick question. You you you have listed there for PTC8 the potential for an additional 12,000 cubic yards.

Yes. Yes. Thanks. Uh that is the the obligation basically the obligation that Alice got yesterday this early this week was for 73,000 uh cubic yards and the town and a little bit more and the town when our last project our PTCA project was 61,000 cubic yards and that is just there was an that was kind of there was a back and forth when FEMA and and myself we were kind of deliberating on you know I would submit something and they say I submitted something for about 83,000 first I think I it just there the number varied from 61,000 cubic yards to 83,000 cubic yards and finally they accepted 73,000 cubic yards. So there is 12,000 cubic yards of material that FEMA would allow us to put out there and that material would be reimbursible under PTC8 and uh so that is something and I'm we was talking with Alice that we could do a small project probably next season. Uh, and I already kind of uh coordinated a little just let ST Wooten know that the the Sand Hall contractor. Uh, we we can kind of see what happens here this uh this upcoming hurricane season and then we we will have 12,000 cubic yards of kind of material that that we can that the town can place that is reimburseable here uh coming up.

Thank you, sir. I didn't mean to get ahead of you.

Sure. No, go. That was that was thanks for reminding me. Uh for the new river inland management master plan EIS, the the draft EIS is moving forward again, which is good. Uh the biolog is working on the bi the updated biological assessment and the updated essential fish habitat uh studies that will go in the appendix of the EIS and it is still under review. Ever since that Ocean Isle terminal groin went to a that, you know, went through the court, the Army Corps has added several additional layers of review. And so the town in addition to some other kind of uh you know, COVID and some other things that slowed it down that that is also slowing down the process in general. I think from here ever since that ocean groin that this process will be you know on the slower side than usual which is unfortunate. Uh yes the PTC8 that has completed this is the 53,000 from this year and 8,000 from last year for 61 and then there is up to that 73,000 that uh is still is available now. I had potentially available because FEMA had not obligated that yet. But that is uh now it is it is available. We can get rid of that potentially. DA43 still working on that. The mayor, Chris Gibson, Alice, uh from just the permitting aspects and the easement aspects to the grant research and the funding options. Um the critical dune restoration that was finished and then the phase four and phase five projects are good. And then we'll we'll get an update from the core this spring on the next uh Atlantic inter coastal waterway project and sometimes we'll do the

channels to Jacksonville. Uh we'll we'll see what that happens and then we're you know just continuing to work on all the funding and reimbursement elements with Alice and Deborah and Lane and uh you know pering coordination on all projects. So let me stop we'll stop sharing questions. [clears throat] Just I think Laura's got one. I just have one. So, back on when we were looking where there was a little escarment and you mentioned the grasses coming in. Are the grasses a separate project or are we funded to plant that area? The grasses have been funded. Okay.

Uh so that that is part of that 4.3 million that Alice mentioned. Okay. And then St. Booten was contract for about three million. We'll have to get together and really just summarize it that I do think there should be enough that that that for that 12,000 cubic yard project. I do think we will have some overhead and technically FEMA really is a okay with overages if from that 4.3 million as long as you know we can justify it when we're working with the state the NC emergency management uh it just gets complicated but but yes the dune vegetation is included in that 4.3 million that that uh Alice mentioned

so is that something that [clears throat] would be done this year or we'd have to put off spring. We we will do it this year. Okay.

Uh it's important to to vegetate that. And then even there was a couple spots that one spot in between uh there are the couple spots where we could not put uh sand because the there was mature dune vegetation. We could probably that is still part of our project and I'm thinking that we can also try to vegetate that area a little bit. especially when we we do think there's some areas that are going to scarp out and and it might not be a good idea to even vegetate that. But we will see and we are getting some some good spring high tides here that will test the project uh in you know the next month. So we will fine-tune that that planting but we will plant this spring.

Okay. Thank you. All right. Moving on uh to a motion to approve the consent agenda. Motion to approve the consent agenda as amended. We second. Second. All in favor? Okay. So, why don't we then,

Mr. Mayor? Before you do that, um I think under 16875, the board should take a vote just to excuse Alderman Malcolm um from the vote on the motor vehicle refunds due to his having a conflict. Do I see a motion to excuse Alderman Malcolm? Sorry. I'll make a motion that we excuse alderman Malcolm from the uh vote. Do I have a second? Second. All in favor? I the refunds. Do I see a motion to approve [snorts] um there wasn't many dollars in there if I remember? Right. It was just it's the same thing the county does. Right. Right. Do I have 12055 $120? Y 50,000. [clears throat and snorts]

All right. So, do I hear a motion to approve that as presented? Motion to approve as presented. Second. All in favor? I. Okay.

All right. Ricky, do you have some slides? Thank you. Um, so I brought up the ebike issue a little while ago and um, Kip has helped me work on this and thank you um, whoever spoke today about that. Um, it's a new issue for our beach. I'm not an expert in it. We're in the information gathering phase of this. Um, and I'm going to let Kip speak to some of the information he has found on the issue. So, this isn't a meeting where we're going to take action on this. We're just going to do some information sharing and and then see where we go from here. So, laying the foundation. Correct.

And Mr. Bartis, I appreciate your your speaking uh during public comment today. U North Carolina has updated uh its classification to align with a national threeclass system. Uh this change which was enacted via Senate Bill 576 is critical for local jurisdictions because it specifically authorizes cities and counties to regulate these uh classes differently. Um as Mr. Barta said earlier, pedal one is a class uh pedal assisted only with no throttle a motor speed up to 20 mph. A class 2 is a throttle actuated uh you can move without pedaling and again it motor stops at 20 miles per hour. And then class 3 are pedal assisted only where a motor stops at 28 mph. Um, and it requires a speedometer. So, the law explicitly grants municipalities the authority to restrict or ban specific classes [clears throat] of ebikes from multi-use path sidewalks or trails, which often include beach strands. Now, I don't know about you all, but I've also seen these ebikes that far exceed 28 miles an hour. And at that point, that threshold, they become either mopeds or motorcycles and require registration. uh insurance, uh all all the all the things.

Can I see a quick question? Certainly. The stuff that you mentioned, I've seen them on the roadways. So, I guess you're going to you're going to talk about the state routes and and town routes and stuff like that, too, right? Just to give us an idea. We're going to get there.

Yeah. So, um next slide, please, Ricky. Let me jump down here. Um, so we're not alone in evaluating this. Uh, other coastal communities have already taken proactive action. Uh, for example, Writesville Beach, uh, has excluded throttle actuated bikes entirely to maintain a pedestrian first zone, while Kildevil Hills um has prohibited all motorized two- wheeled vehicles on the beach during the peak summer season. So obviously there's a trend moving towards a pedestrian only designation uh to manage beach density and safety. Next slide sir. Um so our primary concerns center on four different pillars here. The first is pedestrian safety. Uh there is a dangerous kinetic energy differential between a person walking at 3 mph and a class 3 bike at 28 mph. Now again, I recognize that it's probably difficult to travel at 28 mph in the thick sand on the beach, but um national data shows a nearly 50-fold increase in ebike related trauma since 2017 with a high percentage involving riders that are under 14 years of age. The second pillar is the environmental impact. The high torque and the fat tires of these bikes can aggressively disrupt the the rack line uh where shorebirds forage and damage sensitive dune vegetation. The third is enforcement. Um the the interim chief has a copy of this PowerPoint and we spoke briefly. Uh it's nearly impossible for law enforcement officers to distinguish between these classes from a distance. A clear consistent policy is necessary to avoid technical inspection on the sand which would be difficult to do. And the fourth uh pillar would be operational hazard. Ebikes are fast and quiet and they create a significant

safety risk for our town staff, o ocean rescue patrols, our beach ambassadors who are operating official vehicles in some of those very narrow corridors, especially say at high tide. Next slide, please. So, um, beyond the environmental and operational concerns, we also look at the existing uh, safety framework under North Carolina general statutes. Uh the state already set a baseline for safety that are required to uphold. Currently class 3 ebike helmets are mandatory for all operators passengers under the age of 18 and you must be at least 16 years old to ride one. For class one and two, the state requires uh anyone under 16 uh for must wear a helmet. Furthermore, uh there's uh specific lighting mandated for other vehicles, a front white light and a rear reflector for any light or low light operation. However, um it's important for the the community to understand that while states set these minimums, the board has the authority to set a higher standard because of the beach is a high hazard environment with soft sand and high pedestrian density. We have the power to mandate helmets for all ages on the strand or even required daytime running lights to ensure beach patrols can see these quiet, fastmoving bikes along the ocean glu uh against the ocean glare. So, as we move forward, we'll be looking at whether these state minimums are enough or if North Hopsel Beach needs to needs a ceiling that uh offers more protection for our visitors. So, to ensure that we aren't just speculating about risks, we've looked closely at a national at the national data and the national trend trends basically back some of our concerns. A recent study in the Journal of American

Medical Association, JAMAMA, uh the surgery reports a 30fold increase in ebike injuries and a 43-fold increase in hospitalizations since 2017. Most alarming is that 36% of these injures injuries involve children under the age of 14 and head trauma rates have surged nearly 50 times over. On [clears throat] soft sands, breaking distances increased significantly with speed, making high-speed operation a major liability for our town and our visitors. Next slide, please, sir. So, um, we strongly our our goal is to preserve the the family-friendly, tranquil atmosphere that defines North Topsel Beach. However, this is a significant decision and we want to ensure that all stakeholders are heard. We strongly encourage our citizens to provide us with feedback over the coming weeks and months. Whether you attend our upcoming public meetings or send us email, your input is valuable to the process. We want to get this right. We need your voice to help us shape policy that works for everyone who loves our beaches.

Thanks. So, you know, this is a new issue for us dealing with this. So, we are trying to do some research. We're trying to figure out what we need to do here in North Topppsel Beach. So again, thank you for speaking on that today and Kip, thanks for this information and we will continue to try to put together what we think might be something we could move forward with, but I don't think we're there yet and so this is an ongoing conversation at this point. Thank you, Mayor.

So just some comments. I I got a couple of questions for you. Um, one is where on the stuff that you're talking about is this if the state mandates that that's going to be is that in place right now, Kip? Those those restrictions in terms of what's on the beach that you talked about before? Helmets? Yes. No, not [clears throat] the helmets. The restrict you said it's the other towns that have just restricted them on the beach. Correct. There there are no restrictions currently that I'm aware of. So, the other thing would be helmets. The second thing is, and this is going to be a stupid one, is um he talked about having something like uh I'm gonna use the golf course example, they have golf carts that have the handicap thing on it and they're allowed to get closer to the greens. Is that something that ought to be so you've got people that don't have mobility?

Correct. Okay. Is that something that I I think that was that would absolutely be something we would consider uh to provide uh availability to Correct. Whether it be a permit issued, I'm trying not I don't want to create a lot of work for the town or a lot of uh difficulty for our law enforcement, our beach ambassadors to be able to enforce or inform people. But I think uh yes, absolutely having an option for um people with any sort of disabilities or limitations. I I think that can be considered and again that's why we we I appreciate Mr. Yeah, we'll have to consider that. But we also don't have the research yet to show us what other towns have done is regarding ADA compliance.

And and I think it's really it's more about we're starting to see more and more ebikes, ebike rentals in Surf City. Um I mean I constantly as I'm driving down the road down 17 I I recognize this is you know 17 this is Surf City but um that I have seen u ebikes traveling well in excess of 28 miles an hour. And in my background, I am a trained uh Virginia speed enforcement operator. [laughter] So, I I am good at estimating speeds, I can tell you. And I'm I'm sure most people here would agree that you can see these bikes are definitely traveling faster than 28 miles. I just think it and I know they're not traveling that on the beaches. I've only seen one or two ebikes on the beach uh down in phase 5 area, but I I think with the proliferation and the rentals that are coming, I think there has to be a good balance between [clears throat] residents that want or need ebikes in order to enjoy the beach versus uh recreational or um visitors that may be less uh mindful of our tranquil beaches.

Well, it makes sense, too. If you remember the stuff we did on the speed limit, the number one accident place in the on the island is Surf City, you know, and if you had start adding in all the other things and stuff, it's just going to make worse. Mark, you have a comment? I just wanted to follow up with that as well with uh it's one thing to see what the other beaches are doing, but we need to see what our neighbors are doing as well, especially when it comes to police enforcement down there at the city line where somebody's staying in Surf City and it's legal for them and then they drive into North Tops and it's not legal. But that's why we need uh feedback from the town and where you live matters. I'd like to ask Captain Paige, Chief Paige, a couple questions. Captain Chief. Captain Chief. I don't know. Chief Captain. Mr. Mayor. Captain Chief. He is,

Mr. Mayor. The big guy. Good morning. [laughter] He's been He's been dying to go up there. Go ahead. I'm sorry. Before the chief starts, I just want to point something out. S576 has not passed. That's sitting in committee right now. So, I think this is a good conversation and looking what similar communities do, but the classes that were contained in 576 have not been enacted into law. But I think that's where you were leading us is to say, "Hey, let's let's get ahead of this." And I thought where you guys were coming from, right? No, [snorts] we're we're not ready to do anything and so we've got to see what state law says. Um I know our season really hasn't started yet. Last year, did your officers have um on the beach strand itself, were there any issues with ebikes?

No, ma'am. We didn't have any incidents with uh ebikes on the beach strand. The only issues that we're having, and Alderman Malcolm alluded to them, are the ones on the road. So, we've got some of them that are running 50 miles an hour and we stop those and they're those are under North Carolina law are supposed to be registered as motorcycles. Okay. So, if they're just a regular slow speed one, the class one or class two, are they still considered then a bicycle? Correct. They are. All right. And do you have a lot of problems on the roadways with them or just starting with these?

Not a ton of problems and I think a lot of it is a lack of education. I I stopped one personally uh on Newer Brinlet Road. It was keeping up with traffic. He said he bought it on Amazon. Had no idea that there were regulations as far as what speeds needed to be registered and so on and so forth. So I think a lot of it is education that's going to flesh out here in the next year or so and and you know North Carolina general statutes tend to be way behind. I want to have one more comment. Well the other thing that I'm seeing is when they are going fast on the roadways I'm not seeing helmets.

Right. And so we've got to see where the state goes with requiring helmets and then and then see how that goes because these speeds, the trauma issues, even from local docs in Wilmington that I've been in touch with, they are seeing increased incidents of head trauma and injuries because of ebikes and no helmets.

Sure. And once they reach that threshold of needing to be registered, if you know a moped, I forget what the speed exactly is, but it's something up to 35 on flat level ground, you're required to have a a helmet for that already. So, I think the state's probably going to rely on that largely for the helmet requirement. I can tell you running radar on the island, regular pedal bicycles can go 20, 21, 22 miles an hour if you're pedaling hard. So, I think that's probably where that's going to fall. Thank you. Thank you. Anything else? So, mayor, good discussion and I think we'll keep following up on this. Kip, thanks for putting the slides together. And Mr. Bartis, I'd like to also get your input at some point so we can continue this conversation offline. I appreciate your comments. Mayor, can I say one thing?

Sure. Uh, I'm just sitting and listening to this. Of course, I'm old, so I don't I don't ride the ebikes. But my my concern would be as we're sitting here talking about the trying to decide whether it's feasible for us to consider allowing this to happen. And what I don't understand is why. I I mean, if if we we've got we've got a quiet beach. We've got a lot of things going on. We've got a lot of retirement people. And and maybe if you ask the people that's here now, how many of you would ride the ebikes on the beach, there might be three,

but but then you turn around and once you say it's legal on our beach, then you might have 153 that comes in from Jacksonville and and all these other places. And you're going to have a continual problem. And then we're going to start losing potentially losing people that come here for our quiet beach and and rent houses and do all those things because there's too much potential damage for their children, their their animals or whatever else going on. So I I I don't see it under any circumstance that this particular alderman is going to be in favor of doing those things. But that's just my thought.

Okay. I think this and I think I was going to comment and the way that you guys presented this. I like to have stuff we we think about a little bit but don't kick it out for for two years which we've done before but to actually say okay here's what we're looking at and then get input from people makes sense. So thank you. All right next issue is Chip.

Thank you Mr. Mayor. So in front of everybody is um proposed new proposed rules of procedure. Um, we really kind of did this to reorganize what the board had done for clarity and general and statutory updates. [clears throat] What was circulated to you, which you uh can see a redline version, is rather messy and cumbersome. So, I tried to to reduce and highlight some of the issues uh in a memo to you. Um, so, uh, I'm willing to entertain questions, but I think we're suggesting that the board review the proposed rules and or approve them.

Uh, why don't we have a discussion before we have a a motion? So, Mark, you want to we'll start one end and go to the other. I stayed up last night reviewing them all. I'm I'm happy with the red lines and everything. There was a little bit of verbiage there, but uh Chip answered those questions for me already, so I'm I'm comfortable with what's been presented. Chip, you weren't here at the last couple meetings. Um there are a couple references in uh number one and rule number three uh regarding board of alder man versus board of alder men. There are two instances that just need to be corrected. Thank you. Other than that, um I I also like Mark did a review and I have no other further comments on

after doing a review. I'm satisfied with it as well. Okay. Laura, the only thing I take issue with is the 11:00 a.m. meetings because I think we miss people um in the evening and while we've been doing them at 11, we get a small group. I don't know whether we should look at a schedule where every other month is an evening meeting. So, I do take issue with the 11 a.m. in rule 21. I think I concur with that. Unfortunately, I just thought we did that being my first time here that we set those meetings up every December.

We we do and actually you can that's a we can modif if if we're going in there we want to move it to a different time. We can do special meetings anytime we want. [snorts] Correct. This does not restrict us from doing special meetings. It does not and and the board can always amend these too. If if if you decide you're going to shift it, then we can put together an amendment and and you can just it's easy.

I and I would this is an issue I know you've brought up before. I would like to have input on. You know, I go to every one of the county meetings. All right? There's one at 11 and there's one at six. And guess what? It makes no difference in terms of attendance. The only people that ever show up are the ones that are getting reszoned or something like that or they're getting an award and it's zero. And we had Alice, when you first started here, do we have some at six o'clock? Didn't we have later? We started out with evening meetings and the attendance was uh lower than what we've seen at the 11:00 a.m. and I think the concern it's been a while since you have had and

maybe you could weigh in on this, but I think one of the concerns was is we're also keeping staff here late [snorts] and some of these meetings have gone on in four or five hours. They were over like 11:00. So I think it's a fair comment particularly in something you know if we if we've got people that weigh in and say look you know an example with the county is if it's around a holiday they move stuff and do those type of things. And so I have no problem with considering that. But Larry, what do you think?

I pretty much I believe you're going to get about the same both ways. And I think that if you get a if if people working and they can't come to the 11:00 because we live uh stream it. It's there available for them to look at if they're that interested in it. They can watch it, you know, when they get home. uh and if they had something special that they had to that they wanted to come before us with, they would uh talk to their boss about getting off for an hour. So, I I don't think it matters whichever way we go, but I think the I'm I'm probably more in favor of the

11:00. And just one final comment on that. I think and you raised a good issue. It would be let's just say we're setting something up to get input from people. It's a special meeting and we want to have a couple of those. We could have one at six o'clock and one at 11 o'clock. Then you got, you know, kind of a breakdown between the two to allow people to attend rather than having to to do both. And I think we should look at that with the upcoming budget meetings. Yeah. So throughout the years from uh the late 90s up until just a few years ago, we did have them [clears throat] in the evenings um at St. at

in at various places. Um, and they were sometimes well attended at night, sometimes I was the only person in the room um, listening. The problem to me was again the staff if you're asking them to stay until late at night and then they got to turn and burn and be back here early in the morning. Alice could get do flex.

Okay, hold on. just let me finish. And so there is there is that but there is no reason that I feel that when we when we did change it to earlier I do think that we have more of a crowd but it really should be up to the citizens. Um we're up here to represent y'all. If you feel that we should have them in the evening if you feel that more people it would be available to more people. We can certainly look into doing that because again, we represent you and whatever the town's folk think is really what we should do.

And I think that's a good point. But like I said, I mean, it's part of the budget and we're getting information from people. There's nothing wrong with scheduling, you know, one one early, one late, and then just see see what happens. And it gives you Well, we did that with what was the one we wanted to give people the opportunity I forget what the meeting was. We did that once before so that people had two opportunities to to weigh in on things. So, all right, Laura. The other thing is I think our um constituency has changed and I think we have a lot of new people in the community and I think changing the schedule a little bit would maybe help engage some of the newer residents as well. Okay. All right. So, motion to approve. Do I look for a motion to approve?

I think I think Alison Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead, Alice. Just to clarify on the budget calendar that was submitted. So, do you want to move forward with this calendar that was proposed with the potential of adding? I'm seeing someone shake their head. No, I I would I want us to look at some changes. Okay. So, we'll hold on that until we get further feedback. Okay. I'm not trying to ride over you, Laura, but we got to get a consensus on this. We're already late in getting the budget out. So if we can if we can agree on this and then you can always modify it if we need to modify it but if we don't lock down these dates on people's calendars we're going to have a problem getting everybody in for the meetings. So we've done that before we've added workshops

just to [clears throat] look at it. So can we take a you know few moments more to look at this propose some other dates and amend this before we approve it. Are are we This is just a proposed schedule. You you all can take it and go back and provide your feedback as to what you want and then we'll come back with a

let's put brackets on this though because if we your your [clears throat] staff and everybody else, we've got Carters, we've got everybody else in there. If we take a day or so, I mean, I just quickly looked at my calendar [snorts] and so [clears throat] as a placeholder, can we at least agree by consensus that this is a number of meetings we want? Okay. And that generally this works point of order. Go ahead. Shouldn't we finish finalizing the uh procedures before we move on? So, what what are we doing now then? Motion to approve the rules of procedure. Do I hear a motion? I I make a motion to approve the rules of procedure that were presented with the red lines. I second.

Any [snorts] more discussion? All in favor? Okay. Now we'll move on to calendar. So what I would ask everybody here to do is to let Alice know within what is today? Wednesday. By Friday if those dates work. Um Mr. Mayor, uh, I'd like to make a motion. Sure. Uh, I'd like to make a motion that we approve the calendar as was presented. We have had it presented for a while. Uh, understanding, understanding that we have the right to discuss changing at any time, but we need to have a calendar to work by. We can't just go on for weeks not knowing when we're going to do that. So, I'd like to make a motion that we adopt the calendar as presented. And the budget calendar.

Yeah. Okay. I'll second that. discussion. Any more discussion? Yes. I'd like to make a motion that we amend the I'm sorry. I cannot have another [clears throat] motion on the floor. If there's one motion already, we have discussion. Motion the motion. You have to make a motion to you have to approve [snorts] that, right? So Larry made the motion. So Larry can alter it. However, with his motion on the floor, I cannot have second motion on the floor. There there can be a motion. and Robert's rules of order do allow for a motion to amend the current, right? Larry can amend it. No, no, no. Any board member can make a motion to amend. Yes.

So, at which point Laura can submit. So, she's amending the motion. She's making a motion to amend. Correct. Correct. So, I'm making a motion to amend the presented budget calendar and to change the March 24th date to March 25th and to run that session from 6 to 9:00 p.m. I can't make that date. I'm out of town. Okay. [clears throat] Um, so I mean the motion has been made. Is it now that the the thing is if we don't have a second then the motion would then die. Is there two days on that or just one? What's the March? It was second. My motion was second.

Your motion was her amendment was not seconded. Can I Can I make a suggestion on that? Okay. You're okay with the 23rd. You're just not okay with the 24th. I'm not okay with the 23rd. So, okay.

Are you okay with the 23rd in the evening? No, I'm out of town. And Mr. Mayor, also again for consideration, not making a motion, but for discussion, uh, talk about planning. Uh, I am out of town April 9th through May 7th. So, I would just meet bumped up one day. Well, right now we have a motion to adopt the calendar. [snorts] Okay. [clears throat] And a second.

You know what? I don't understand this calendar. How long have we had this calendar? This this was just prepared as a proposed calendar based on availability that I knew of with the board. Um because I know there's a lot of dates between March and April that board members are not available. So it's been challenging to put something together that's going to accommodate everyone's schedule. Well, uh I was When did we get it in our hand? This was just proposed today. Okay. Well, that's why we need more time. I withdraw my motion.

One of the problems we're going to have in this though is is that March, we have to have meetings in March. Period. Yeah. And and typically as well, um [clears throat] you know, we were waiting to get through the board's desire was to get through the strategic planning workshop first. So that's why there's been a pause on this. Other normally you would have had a proposed calendar by now, right? But the will was to wait until we got through the planning workshops. Does anybody have a problem on March 10th? March 10th. Is anybody Is everybody good? Is that too soon for you, Alice? If we did something next week, [clears throat]

it's next week. Yeah. That we can't um finance Wayne and I would not be able to turn that around for next week. What about the 16? If you all just want to send me a list of your available dates together and look at dates. Yeah. Then staff and I will sit down. Okay. Just just for put out a calendar. Does the 16th work I we got to have something in March. We can't wait. We can't wait till April to have a budget meeting after 12:00 afternoon. I can be there. early morning. I didn't think about I would ask that you send me your list of available dates at this point. Okay.

You want available dates or unavailable dates? I don't know which is more convenient for you. I'm confused. Just send me a list. I know that's unusual. Send me a list of unavailable time dates. And are we talking about the date for the meetings or the date for the budget? The budget workshop. The budget workshops. The budget works. Not our regular meetings. Well, y'all were talking about holding the regular meetings at night. No, separate issue. Separate issue. So, this is this schedule. This one right here. Look at this currently being I know what you're saying, but I was I was talking about the meeting dates and y those are all set. Those are all set for the

uh uh I'll go I'll go have my brain checked. Everyone can just send me a list of by the end of this week a list of dates that you and times that you are not available. Okay. And then I know we'd love to have 100% participation, but do we have to have 100% participation for these budget meetings? If if we hope to, but the reality I definitely want to.

I think we want to. I think the the problem in this whole thing is we have to have budget meetings in March. We cannot wait until April to start budgeting meetings with her. And so if what I ask people to do, I think that the week of the 9th is too early. You're not gonna that's next week. They're not going to be ready for this because we've kicked it down. So [snorts] please take a look at at [clears throat] like the six the week of the 16th and the week of the 30th and then lock the other dates in. Alice, well the week of the 22nd, right? The six the week of the 16th. Alice and the week of the 23rd. 23rd doesn't work because you're not there and I'm not there. Right. later in the week. You're not good. I'm I'm gone from the 25th. I'm going to see my son. Already got flights out. Yeah. You're not back the 27th.

Nope. Okay. So, we're looking at the week of the 16th and the week of the 30th, right? Okay. And you're looking at at least one date, Alice, if not two during that period. Correct. Okay. All right. Let's keep moving then. Next one is I think so to clear up the mud send her our unavailabilities. Right. Okay. Just Well, actually that would just say

I'm sorry, mayor. So we had a motion and we had Okay. All right. Uh good morning board. Uh you'll recall on February the 11th that you adopted the mitigation strategies for the hazard mitigation plan. On the 12th, planning board reviewed the southeastern North Carolina regional hazard mitigation plan and the resolution to adopt the SENC regional hazard mitigation plan and recommended uh unanimously that the board of alderman uh adopt I want to say adopt by resolution adopt by resolution the southeastern North Carolina hazard regional hazard mitigation plan uh as attached to the staff motion to adopt it as presented.

I'll make a motion to adopt it as presented. Hazard mitigation, please. Uh, do I have a second? I'll second. Any discussion? All right. All in favor? I Great. Thank you so much. Thank you. That'll be sent to uh ESP and Associates to be uh forwarded with the package to uh both the state and to FEMA. Thank you. Thank you, Deb.

All right, let's move on to the strategic plan update [snorts] and you're up.

All right. Um last month the board attended a workshop in Newburn. [clears throat] The whole board was uh was present and Alice came with us as well. This is put on by the League of Municipalities. We're working to come up with a strategic plan. Um and I'm going to tell you just the four focus areas that we looked at. Um, our first one was safe, vibrant, and healthy communities to have to promote environment, an environment where our residents feel safe and enjoy access to community opportunities and amenities. Our second one was organizational excellence. maintain a governmental organization that is responsible to our citizens and provides a high quality level of service consistent with expectations and external guidelines. Our third one was revitalize town infrastructure, promote revitalization efforts in pursuing ongoing opportunities to improve residential, commercial, streets, recreation and infrastructure in the town. And our fourth one was environmental character and that was to promote, protect and enhance a healthy and sustainable natural environment. Now, this is a a document that we're still working on. Um we're using it as a framework right now as we go through the budget season. Um but it's going to we're going to keep working on it throughout the year and really have it in place as a whole document for so that everybody can look at. we still are going to be looking for community input

and staff and staff input and so that this is a big collaborative effort that we've all done together and um I do have the league sent back a draft of what we had talked about it had it had some errors that I'm going over spelling grammar stuff I'm cleaning [clears throat] that up for K and a lot of stuff. Rick and I were going over a lot of stuff that they kind of slid in there that doesn't pertain to our town, but um and wasn't our language. It wasn't the stuff, but that's all right. That's all right. It's a living document. And I know Rick had some stuff to talk to about it. Just just real quick, go to the next slide, Rick.

Okay. We've we've talked about what a plan is. Go to the next one. [clears throat] What we talked about at this thing as a board was high level. Okay. what are the four focus areas going to be for us to start the conversation on this? [snorts] Um, and then below that were objectives. So, the idea right now is we'll recirculate kind of the markup that she's got to the board here, but we don't have input from you and we don't have input from staff and [snorts] also we have a critical path is the budget. And so, the idea is on the focus areas we agreed on and I think this is the language we use. So we we're pretty close to that [snorts] is to get that at a very high level. The next step is as part of the budget process when Alice and her team present to us, we'll see how consistent they are with those things and then that will drive the objectives. For example, um if we decided we wanted to build a uh a mini a mini museum or a mini um Eiffel Tower and we came back as a board and we looked at it and says, "Well, now we've looked at it and that's a nice to do, but it's going to cost $100 million. we can take it off the list because of the feedback. I'm using extreme example, [snorts] but the whole point is it's [clears throat] very hard to go to the objective section, okay, past the general comments we've had until we figure out two things. One is what input from you all, input from the staff, and most importantly, what stuff costs. And we've hired um Doug Carter, who's going to be part of our budgeting process. So to quote Mark, we have to we have to uh differentiate between the have to do and the want to do and how much money we've got. Um and so the plan right now is and you can go to the next slide. I think it's just um we're presenting today just at a high level what those things are. We're going to schedule the budget workshops that allows us several days to get input from the public to get input uh from staff in their presentations and as importantly figure out what the cost

of the things we want to do are. [snorts] Um and if you remember u Fran was talking about the beach project and what we can can and can't afford until we model those things out and look at look at what costs are going to be not just today and Connie and I were going over the whole um compounding effect of expenses. you know, something that today you had, we used to have a thing called the rule of eight. Everybody here that's older knows what that is. If I have an 8% return in eight years, I've doubled the cost. So, if I've got something today that cost a million dollars, in theory, in in eight years, it's $2 million. Well, we have to plan for those things, too, to make sure that we've got the money for a fire truck, for police cars, for public, you know, whatever we need. And a lot of that's going to drive and I think on our priority list, we talked about this a long time is we may look at stuff that we would really like to do but can't afford today. And then we start looking at money. We look at grants. We look at other things to do that. So basically today we just wanted to lay out the first draft. Um the interesting part of what they sent us back and the hardest thing that you had to change was what the picture.

Oh my goodness. Yes. We're a beach town. [snorts] Tell the picture. [clears throat] They had a mountain scene with beautiful trees with the the leaves changing colors [clears throat] and yeah

point is a short presentation but it's to get it out there and again when we go through this budget process the big thing is going to be feedback from staff and from people out there as we go through and everybody knows we'll be talking about property taxes and this type of thing and again managing your money and managing uh what the town does for the first time we're going figure out what it looks like five years from now. U so that we're we're putting money away uh what Alice talked about before with the u with the plan we just did. Five years ago we didn't have the cash to do that plan. We have to know what we've got, what money we've got for it and how to be good stewards of your money. So enough of lectures. So I think that's all we wanted to present a very high it's a very high level at this point and then she's gonna Oh, sorry. Go ahead.

Yeah. So the other idea behind strategic planning is that we keep realigning our goals yeartoear with the strategic plan. The strategic plan as a living document will be adjusted as we go along too. But if you don't have a plan to follow then when you're making hiring when you're doing budgets you have to have a plan to go against to support the strategic plan. So you want to keep it as a living document. You want to keep it out there. Eventually, when we have it, it'll be out on the website so that everything we do as a board, whether it's this board or people in the future, their action should be in support of the strategic plan.

Well said. The other thing it's it's a scorecard. It ends up being a scorecard because every year you look at it, it says, "We thought we were going to get this done. We didn't." Um, and I looked at the Nags head one, which is kind of interesting because when they post they post their plan, they literally have a red line underneath it that says last year this was our goal in black. This is what we did or didn't do. And so each year it's a scorecard to keep us accountable for your money. And so same thing if if we put $10 million aside for heaven forbid a storm and next year we don't have one and then we have 20 and then we have 30, then we can drop it back down to 10. So just like everybody's checkbook, like just like everybody's checkbook, smart smart spending of your uh investments. Okay.

Next is appointments. Um

yes. So we have um after our last meeting I called because we had not received any applications for the board of adjustments. Um, I did call other applicants for other boards. Uh, Mr. Steven Newburn and Miss Kim Browning are both interested in serving on the board of adjustments. I will say that Mr. Newburn was appointed to um, BISAC as an at large. However, I do still recommend his appointment. Um, the board of adjustments is really important. I know they have cases they need to hear. Um but I recommend that the board appoint both of them. There are availability for both on the board.

So we have how many people we have on the board of adjustments now? None. Right. Um no no we have so uh we have I'm sorry I meant to say we don't have a slot that Yes. We have two open slots. Um okay. And I have two applicants presented. Oh. So do we can vote or we can just do a motion to approve both of these. Whatever you want to do. Mark, I make a motion that we approve both candidates. Steven Newurn and Kim Browning for those positions. I second that. Any other discussion? Chip, I think we're okay doing we don't have to do blind ballot on something like that, right? No, I think you're fine. Okay. All in favor?

I first off, I'd like to thank both of them and I thank Alexis for reaching out to them because having been on the board of adjustment and worrying about quorum from time to time. Uh it is definitely a vital uh need for the town uh by code and by our our uh rules and laws that uh allow builders and and such uh citizens to uh get alterations. So I I really do appreciate them stepping up and encourage anybody as there are vacancies to please apply because we desperately need the input of you all uh on our committees on our boards and uh with all the stuff we've already discussed and the show for meetings. We need we we need that domino effect and tidal wave of getting more community involvement. So, thank everybody that puts these

So, all in favor? I all opposed. Thank you. The next one is is um the byways I can't go this year. The other thing too we have confirmed through council that does not count as a meeting. We don't have to worry about a quorum at that meeting. So more than more than one or two people can go to byways different than the plan extension that we just had.

So the request today is for the board to consider um and approved the silver level sponsorship an amount of $1,200 in attendance at the 2026 byway conference. Um and that's held at uh the Emerald Aler Hotel April 23rd and 24th. Um the $1,200 sponsorship covers entries for two attendants. Um so that's what's included in the $1,200. And then um anyone else would just let us know um if you want to attend and we will register you. And well, let's do if you need a hotel room as well.

Let's do a motion to approve first and then you can weigh in. Okay. Do I get a motion to approve? I make a motion to approve. Do we have a second? A second. Okay. Now discussion. Alice, didn't [clears throat] we have this in the budget though? It's a budgeted item. It's a budgeted item. However, um it it was expressed to me that um you still wanted to bring these items up as you went through the year for approval. All right. Thank you. Okay. All in favor? All opposed. [clears throat] Thank you. Next.

Yep. Uh the second item that we have is the topsole island shoreline protection committee uh request for delegates and this is for uh discussion for the participation in the annual Washington DC trip that's scheduled April 20th through the 23rd. So a lot happening that week in April. Um so they're looking for uh two delegates to be assigned to represent the town of North Topsel Beach and this is along with uh cities the towns represented being Surf City and Topppsel Beach as well.

And just background in the past I would have gone to this I'm not available I think you're gone too. Um Connie would come in and my role as prom Larry has been dealing with these people. We're only allowed two delegates at this point. Um, I thought the lo the logical one would be Larry because he's already talking to Ann and all the other people up there to be able to go up for that. So, I don't think we need a motion on this. I think it's just it's consensus that's okay for people to go. We could always change it if we had to, but [snorts] Well, and there are expenditures involved. [clears throat] So, um, with with the trip, it's But those are budgeted, too. Yes.

Okay. The other thing too what Larry and I have talked about given the things that are going on with Cobra um he's going to be following up with the lobbyist about whether we need to have our own meeting um with them directly and I think you'll hit some of that in your in your report at the end. Um I don't have any problem going up with them. Um but again we're looking for our pie which is which is the Cobra thing. So I think we need to if it's necessary I think we would come back to the board and then try to get approval to do another meeting. So [snorts] [clears throat] all right. Um and then the next one is on Raleigh. I am available for that one. Is there a consensus on the I think Larry and we are okay. Larry and Larry and I'm sorry Connie. Yeah. [snorts]

As you said, unfortunately I'm un unavailable for those dates. Um me too. You're available. She is. So you and Okay. [snorts] Um then the next one's Raleigh. Um, I would like to go to that one and I'll try to coordinate. You know, normally I guess the other one is would be the mayor and stuff and I don't really I don't have a strong feeling about who else would like to go to the Raleigh one. Um, [clears throat] I would like to attend that one as well. Okay. And I also would be interested in going since I'm unfortunately missing the the DC. I'm very interested in the DC uh lobbying and and meeting with people uh having lived there. Um, but since I'm available for this one, I would like to throw my head and read. What I would do on that one is we can give them re, you know, and two or three people that might

Yeah. I don't know if there will be availability for two to go or three. There's more um leeway for the Raleigh trip as opposed to the DC trip. Um, so that will be determined at a later date. Yeah. So, we'll just I mean what I would say is if you're if you're interested in it and you're available, just shoot Alice a note and then [snorts] we'll just figure out that piece of it because what I'd like to do before then is um and I'm I've got a lunch uh to be scheduled with Tim, especially now that he's been

the commissioner [clears throat] uh to sit down and talk about ways to work cooperatively and when he and I have talked him in the past about trying to do things in Raleigh u to get our name on bills uh and to work with them and and to work with their teams about ways to work together and that's on my list of stuff to talk about about things we can do in Raleigh together. Yeah. Just wanted just to use real full names so that everybody listening and in the audience knows who they are. The chairman of the Enslow County. He's a commissioner there. Thank you. Foster. Okay. And we're back to open forum. I did not have any signups for the second open forum. Is there anybody in the audience that wishes to speak? Apparently Hannah does. [laughter] [clears throat]

Please make sure you state your first and last name and your address for me.

Hannah Mloud, 1835 New River Road, North Hopsville Beach, of course. Um I have two things. Um I would hope that the people who are applying for BISAC or uh position on one of our boards um uh be acknowledged that you received their um application and um told that maybe the maybe next time or if they need to resubmit or whatever they need to do. Um, [clears throat] I know some people that have applied and there they don't know what's where their status is. And the other thing is with our re-evaluation from Enzo County, I would hope that our board uh take into consideration and speak to um the the commissioners about um adjusting rates for us, especially those who have lived here for a long time. not we're just not rental people, you [laughter] know, we um you know are um happy to be here and want to stay and uh hope that we can make adjustments with that. Thank you.

Hey folks, Rusty Walker, 115 Seagull Lane. Um, one thing I'd like to say is I'd like to commend the board for what you're doing as developing, you know, putting this five-year plan together and giving us an outline, giving us folks out here an outline of what your visions are. Um, I really I really do appreciate and I I commend the fact that at at least right now you're trying to stay focused on it and and keep things moving because in the past things tend to get bogged down and the bog's too deep. But with that said, um I think when you were talking about asking for public comment, you know, when and how will the public be able to give their input and suggestions on what we'd like what we'd like to see or what we don't want to see. But, you know, at some point in time, you know, how will we know that the the period is open prior to budgeting when the public the public's input is asked for and accepted?

Thank you.

That's a good comment. I will we'll work we need to get that out so people can do it. Suzanne Van 1921 New River Inlet Road. I want to um say thank you for all the hard work um for Tops or Dunes. Uh the breach that occurred a long time ago um has been fixed and we really really appreciate that. Um, and I would like to concur with the greatest degree of respect and need of what Miss Hannah Mloud said. Please help us on these re tax reevaluations. It's tough out there and they do need to be looked at. Thank you. Can you turn? Yeah. Thank you.

Sam Ferrari, 148 Seagull Lane. Uh, I wanted to just quickly talk about two items. One, the ebike ordinance. Uh, before I moved, chair was an avid ebike rider. some of the weather has precluded that. But also the roads uh um the roads are pretty dangerous. Only on 210 is there bike lanes. So uh the beach is is an an option. Um I will tell you from my past experience being involved in clubs, ebike clubs. Um a lot of uh municipalities have put a um an age restriction on under 16 because most of the injuries, most of the problems are groups of kids that get together and boys will be boys and they they alter these bikes that can go pretty fast. So, um I would think helmets and maybe an age restriction that that are easy to enforce uh would be the way to go. Uh, and then maybe even some limit to some public beach areas where you can't ride across them because that's going to be the the most population you have. And I saw that down in Florida where that was restricted. The second thing is I wanted to applaud you on the strategic plan. I know my first meeting I came to, I asked about a strategic plan. Uh, I would hope that the draft that you have that you would post on the website so we can you can get some input in a public input meeting would be great. So, thank you.

[clears throat]

attorneys. Uh nothing today, mayor. Thank you. Let's go to Mark.

Uh first of all, thank everybody for coming out. Um, anybody that uh goes to the North Topsel Beach website, send uh any of us emails as you want to. Uh, I know that I've only been doing this for a few months and have received probably at least 10 or 15 and we try to read them every day, every other day. Uh, we may not uh publicly get back to you, but I try to provide some type of response so that you know that you were heard. Um so as as far as preparing for public comment when we move into the strategic plan uh your voices are heard. Um and uh the uh last month the Jumbo meeting was for a different group. This month it is uh next Thursday night. So we'll be going attending that. And uh Sunday was a tease on the weather. This weekend's supposed to be nice. So, we're going to see that change of two cities going from residential and 62 average to uh changing really quick, guys. So, that's all I have. Thank you for being here.

Okay.

So, I was looking last night on the calendar to see kind of what everything's coming up. So, first I'd like to touch on critical safety matter. Uh North Carolina severe weather preparedness week uh is going on this week and today was uh a statewide tornado drill. So, I want to encourage all our residents to take this time to review their family emergency plans and ensure uh that your emergency kits are fully stocked and ready for deployment. Very briefly, I want to mention uh the North Carolina America 250 as we approach the nation's 250th anniversary. Uh there are wonderful historical events currently open in Enslo County uh museum. They just opened. Uh I just happened to visit there for the first time a couple weeks ago and um they had not opened that exhibit, but it is a pretty amazing uh museum that features a lot of Enslo County. Uh looking at this calendar as well, don't forget Sunday we get uh an extra hour or we lose an hour of sleep as we spring forward. So please make sure to spring forward this weekend. Uh also like to recognize that March is Women's History Month. So where we honor the vital contributions of women uh have made to our nation and specifically uh to our town administration. Uh we thank you. It's been a very productive month uh for our long-term vision. Following our regular meeting on uh February 11th, we held the special alderman meeting to officially kick off the strategic planning process which has been mentioned. Uh that was immediately followed by the robust uh small town strategic planning workshop. And uh these sessions are essential for ensuring the North Topsel Beach remains a resilient and thriving community for years to come. And we desperately need the input of our community for that moving forward. In addition to the planning sessions, I attended the planning board meeting on February 12th, the Enso County uh board of commissioners meeting with the mayor on February 16th where I spoke about Ocean City Beach comm uh citizens council and uh the Topsel Island Shoreline Protection Commission with Larry on February 19th where we continue

to coordinate regional efforts to protect our coastline. Uh regarding our town staff, uh as you had mentioned, we're looking for talented people to join our team on top of the beach ambassadors. There is also currently an open for fire captain position from within the fire department. Applications are being accepted through March 31st. Uh the beach ambassadors being uh accepted through April 3rd and we still have the building code administrator position open um until filled. So if you're interested in serving your community, please visit the town website for those vacancies. To wrap up uh as we head into a busy spring season, I want to wish everyone a very happy and safe upcoming Easter holiday. Um, and finally, while we open our meeting today in prayer for our all of our service members, I wanted to specifically acknowledge the heightened anxiety many of our local families are feeling regarding the current conflict in Iran. With so many of our neighbors at Camp Llejun personally impacted by these developments, I want to reiterate our thoughts remain with our troops and their families during this especially stressful time. And that concludes my report. the uh you notice we didn't have any report today on on our uh beach nourishment or our COBRA plan and we don't have a lot to say but I want to make sure I I want you to know that we're still working on that ferventously. Uh the current status right now on on the Cobra plan is that the we are waiting for Congressman Murphy meeting with the director of wildlife and fish and wildlife. uh our our our Fergus one of our representatives on the Ferguson group who who is leading that process was in their office this past Monday to discuss what needed to be done and said at this meeting and so they're we seem like we have wildlife issues both in the state and the federal but

but [clears throat] we're we're once it gets once they go back to them just to reiterate all right this is what you said and this is what our people said they would do, which is what you said that you would do. How do you want to move forward before they take it to the to the Senate to to vote of House for a vote? So, it is still it is happening and and we're following it up that I have conversations at least once a week, sometimes twice a week,

uh with either uh Congress McIntyre or with Ed Duran of the Ferguson Group regarding that. So we the fact that we're not having anything to report, we are we are behind the scenes working on that. Same thing falls falls true with the beach reourishment plan. Uh our uh reourishment of phases one, two, and three. We've still got that in we're still working the same process. Uh we had reported to you that uh Department of Wildlife has stepped in and and has has tried to keep us from using our DA 143 that uh Fran was talking about for getting our uh sand for for doing those three phases and that that's an ongoing situation and conversation taking place. We are we are making some progress but it's hard to get the government to move very quickly. I have found out since I have become an altman that things don't happen happen as fast when you're in this kind of an environment as if you're running your own company and you just say go do this. It doesn't work that way. So, uh we are we are working with that or we are still dealing with that pro process and and we're still working towards the funding even while we're working towards the uh solving the problem with wildlife. uh we're still meeting and and trying to get money from the shallow draft funding project and also uh other avenues. So, so we're we're working on those things and just know the fact that we didn't have it on the agenda today is because we don't nothing overly new is happening, but we're working every day on that. Thank you. Okay, Laura,

I want to thank everyone for attending the meeting and yes, we'll get out to the public when the public sessions are for strategic planning input and for the budget workshops and then I don't know, mayor, you know, maybe we can get something where it's a specific email or whatever people could send in for budget suggestions or for strategic planning suggestions. I would suggest they go to Alexis, right? anything you got. It should be directed to our town clerk. [clears throat] All right, send it to the town clerk because then we'll get it that way.

Then we can gather those. Um, the other thing I wanted to mention was the MCI East MCB Camp Lleune elected officials lunchon is coming up and Mr. barefoot and myself will be in attendance and that gives us an opportunity to represent the town of North Topppsel Beach and also share with the other elected officials there some of the efforts that we're working on here in our town. Thank you, Mayor Prom.

I just want to thank everyone for coming out or watching at home and to remind you that the budget workshops that are coming up when we do have them scheduled they will be put online. They'll and they are open to the public.

You're welcome to attend. Please do attend. You can put come in, have your input. You don't have to stay all day since I see a lot of them are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. But you can look at the agenda, come and go, or stay all day with us. That's all right. Um, also I want to address Hannah with the uh with the recent revail and we all got those letters in the mail and um we are very cognizant of that and we are going to really be good stewards with the with the town's money and um listening to some of the uh some of the Anzo County Commissioners, they're very well of that well aware of that fact as well. So, as somebody that lives on a fixed income, I'm telling you, we're we're going to look out for you.

Do you want to add anything? No. Go ahead.

And yeah, I did talk to you about this before. I actually was on the phone with Kevin Turner, who's a tax administrator for the county, yesterday, um to find out what was going on. Um Royce Bennett posted something the other day that I thought one of our commissioners talking about they're going to have to do something with property taxes. Um I pulled, you know, I'm the numbers guy. I've been pulling the numbers already to look at the stuff and we're up about 40%. Overall is what they're showing for the the assessment for the town. Um the rumor is that's Enslo County. The rumor is that Pender County is 100%. So [clears throat] they have not had a reval in eight years. Um, so that's going to be an if that is true, that's going to be a very interesting discussion. [snorts] Um, there's [clears throat] no question that we have to take a hard look at property taxes, um, and and to model that out. And one of the reasons we we're bringing in, uh, Doug Carter and them is to figure out what to do with the money. Um, where we're going to spend it, those type of things. And going back to something Mark said, between the have to do and the want to do, um, what we're able to do, how we're doing that, and to be good good stewards. Um the other thing when I talked to Kevin about Alice and I met with I won't mention them uh several people at the reef and what they were talking about was a discussion about a condo. One lady said a condo that she bought 20 years ago she couldn't sell for the same price um and that you know the re and with the revals coming out when I was talking to Kevin about he said look those are the people that need to appeal those things. come in, you have the right to appeal your assessment. Do but I would say do your homework. Um, and understand that the way that they do that is not individual house by house. It's they've got some algorithm that they do to come up with the valuations. U Kip, I think you you appealed it last time it came out because they said my neighbor's house is is at X and you're telling me I'm at 20% more than X. That doesn't make any sense. You can appeal those things as well. Um, but I can tell you at least from my perspective in talking to this board, we're going to take a hard look

at what we've had to do to reduce the the rate for property taxes. Um, we've been very blessed here with the amount of sales tax we've been able to get, Alice, over the last couple years, accommodation taxes and things like that. And frankly, money that the countyy's given us, you know, 500,000 for the firehouse, money for the beach, those type of things. Uh, and the other thing working cooperatively, and Alice and I talked about this last week when I meet with uh, Tim Foster, is to figure out ways that we can work together to share expenses to bring down the cost of things going forward. And so, the whole idea on this board is we're going to take a hard look and that's why I think the budget process this year, Lord, in the past it hasn't been as detailed as it's going to be this time, is we need to really scrub this thing out. Um and and keep in mind the only thing that this board can impact are property taxes, accommodation taxes and sales taxes. There's also legislation being proposed in Raleigh um relating to property taxes. U P Hannah and I were talking a little about one one thing was putting a cap on how much they can go in. I think Kip, you guys talked about in Florida they've got homestead exemptions. I know they have that in South Carolina. They're looking at ways to to mitigate that type of thing. So, I can tell you my commitment and I think the board's commitment is we're going to look very hard at what we can do to to minimize the impact on people. And then one last comment on that is when I say that it's 40%, somebody may go up 80% and somebody may go down 20%. That's that's the old average of I got one foot in hot water, one foot in cold water, I'm in warm water. It doesn't work that way. Everybody's house is different. The impact on your house is going to be different than somebody else's house. The last time it was a reval, my house went up more than 100%. All right, even though the average was only 30. So, it it's going back and forth. Again, we'll take a hard look at it. Um, I know the commitment from Royce and I'll talk to Tim about it again is they know they have to cut the rate um and see what's happening. And I don't and I, like I

said, I got I was just showing Connie the reval and she was like, you know, in terms of the town. So, the good news on that is these big houses that are being built right now do add to our tax base, okay? And they're going to be making a contribution going forward and having Doug Carter and this and the people here working to minimize the impact. And again, you know, to Hannah's point, which is a good point, is and she and I were just talking about this before, tell me I bought a place for 100,000 that's worth 500,000 today is great unless I'm not selling it and I still got the same house and I still paying more taxes. So anyway, with that, I wanted to thank everybody for coming um and really appreciate your time and uh please give us input on things relating to priorities because if we're going to take a hard look at the budget, there's going to be some things that we're just not going to be able to do just like you do your own budget. So with that, motion to adjurnn.

Motion to adjurnn. All right, second. Second. All in favor? I Thank you.