May 8, 2012

MEMO TO: Mayor Schools and Board of Commissioners

FROM: Frank A. Rush, Jr., Town Manager

SUBJECT: Comments from Town Manager

Ordinance Regulating Residential Solar and Wind Power Devices

Kevin Reed, Planning and Inspections Director, is still working on a draft ordinance that would include minimal regulations for solar devices and also potentially allow some types of residential wind power devices to be used in Emerald Isle. I expect Kevin to present recommendations to the Planning Board at their May meeting, and we would then present an ordinance for Board of Commissioners consideration at the June regular meeting.

Internet Sweepstakes Café Ordinance Amendments

Kevin Reed is still working with the Planning Board on ordinance amendments that would regulate the location and operation of internet sweepstakes cafes in Emerald Isle. I expect the Planning Board to make a recommendation at their May meeting, and the Board of Commissioners would consider an ordinance amendment at the June regular meeting.

Archers Creek Storm Water BMP Study

Moffatt & Nichol has completed a draft of this study report, which is primarily funded by a NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund grant. I expect to review the draft report in the coming weeks and plan to include a presentation on the Board’s June meeting agenda.

Pre-Positioned Hurricane Debris Contract

We are currently soliciting bids for the annual pre-positioned hurricane debris contract. I expect to have a contract recommendation on the Board’s June meeting agenda.

Emergency Operations Plan

With hurricane season fast approaching, Fire Chief Bill Walker will present an update to the Town’s Emergency Operations Plan to the Board at the June meeting.

Potential Amendments to Beach Driving Ordinance

I am currently reviewing the Town’s beach driving ordinance, and may present minor amendments to the Board at the June meeting.

Requests for Summer Beach Driving

With the current large land area available and the considerable distance to the water, I have learned of several requests to keep The Point open to beach drivers during the summer months. I believe this idea would meet with strong resistance from property owners at The Point, however, please let me know if you have any thoughts on this issue.

I have also received a request from a water-dependent Emerald Isle business owner (kitesurfing and paddleboard rentals) for permission to drive on the beach at The Point to deliver equipment. Although I would like to accommodate this business owner’s request, I have serious concerns about the precedent this would set for other business owners in Emerald Isle, in addition to difficult logistical issues.

Island Circle Pump Station

SunLand Builders, the Town’s contractor, has completed the installation of the pump station housing and the underground infiltration pipe. Installation of pump and electrical components has been on hold due to a code issue involving the elevation and/or flood-proofing of the electrical control panel. We hope to resolve this issue this week, and have SunLand complete the remaining work to make the new pump station operational later this month.

Lands End Storm Water Pump Options

Commissioner Wootten and I met recently with Moffatt & Nichol Engineers and members of the Lands End HOA Board of Directors to discuss potential options to connect existing Lands End storm water pumps to the Town’s storm water pump system that discharges to Emerald Isle Woods Park.

Moffatt & Nichol will complete some preliminary analysis for the Town to determine the feasibility of connecting the existing pumps to the Town’s fixed pipe in Spinnakers Reach or a new fixed pipe along Coast Guard Road. They will also be examining the need for and extent of additional pond connection improvements within Lands End.

I remain hopeful that this approach will be feasible, as I believe it will result in the least cost solution for storm water issues in Lands End.

Ocean Oaks Drive Drainage Pipe (Cape Emerald)

Southeast Pipe Survey has completed this work for the Town, and we are in the process of verifying the quality of the work. One issue that has arisen is the formation of a new, large sinkhole within a few days after completion of the project. We believe that this sinkhole is associated with the cleaning of the old pipe in preparation for the recent work, and do not believe that it is associated with poor installation of the new pipe.

We are planning to share the cost of resurfacing Ocean Oaks Drive in this area with the Cape Emerald HOA, and I expect this work to occur in the coming weeks. I have, however, asked the Public Works Department to check (i.e., dig up) all historical sinkhole locations to be certain that new sinkholes or voids are not present or can be repaired prior to resurfacing the street.

Dedication Ceremony for Gordon McAdams Memorial

Volunteers have completed work on the covered picnic table at the Emerald Isle Public Boating Access Area that is constructed in honor of former Town Commissioner Gordon McAdams. Parks and Recreation staff will add landscaping and other site improvements in the coming weeks. A formal dedication ceremony has been scheduled for Sunday, June 3 at 2 pm.

Dedication Ceremony for Veterans Memorial

The monument for the new Veterans Memorial has been ordered and is expected to be installed in the next week or so. The accompanying flagpole has been delivered and is in storage at the Town Administration Building, and will be installed by Public Works staff soon after the monument is in place. Parks and Recreation staff will add landscaping and other site improvements soon thereafter. A formal dedication ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 25 at 10 am.

Soundside Pier at Aquarium Pier

The contractor for the NC Aquariums has begun setting pilings for the new 161 ft. long soundside pier at the site of the future Aquarium Pier at Emerald Isle project (on the Park Drive right of way). The new pier will include an observation area and gangway to a floating kayak launch area. The NC Aquariums are also planning to install a few benches and plant additional trees along the Park Drive right of way. Work is expected to be complete by June 1. No other improvements will be constructed at this time.

Coast Guard Road Bicycle Path

The Town’s contractor, Johnson Contracting, is making good progress on the Coast Guard Road bicycle path extension from Emerald Isle Woods Park to Ocean Oaks Drive. Much of the area for the path has been cleared and graded, an electrical box has been relocated, and much of the required retaining wall is complete. The project is on track for completion prior to Memorial Day weekend.

I have been contacted by two of the three homes that front Coast Guard Road in this area to express their displeasure with the project. These property owners were primarily upset about the loss of their perceived front yard, which is actually the Coast Guard Road public right of way. As you know, all improvements are being constructed in the public right of way, and the Town will also restore the entire area to a condition as good, if not better, than the pre-construction condition.

New pavement markings will be installed along Coast Guard Road from Reed Drive to Ocean Oaks Drive after the bicycle path is completed.

Eastern Emerald Isle Storm Water Outfall Removal

Public Works staff has completed work at 6 of the 17 street-end locations on the east end, and plans to complete all 11 remaining locations by the September 30 Clean Water Management Trust Fund grant deadline. All locations include storm water improvements and aesthetic improvements, and many also include public access improvements also.

CAMA Grant for Soundside Pier at Emerald Isle Public Boating Access

The Town’s $75,000 grant application, to be matched with $25,000 from the Town, was submitted to the NC Division of Coastal Management in mid-April. We hope to learn the outcome of our grant application by late May or early June.

FEMA Irene Beach Nourishment Project

A Major CAMA permit application has been submitted, and is currently being reviewed by the appropriate State agencies. Everything appears to remain on track for permit receipt later this summer, bid solicitation in the fall, and construction in early 2013.

The NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources included the Town’s $3 million funding request in their FY 12-13 budget request, however, we still have not yet learned whether or not this funding is included in the Governor’s budget request. We expect to learn the contents of the Governor’s budget request within the next week or so.

Bogue Banks Beach Nourishment Master Plan / EIS

Work continues on the development of a 50-year master plan, EIS, and permitting authorization for future beach nourishment activities along Bogue Banks, including Emerald Isle. A project delivery team meeting with various agencies and stakeholders is scheduled for June 26.

Regional Access Parking Fees

The Town has collected a total of $9,720 of parking fees through the end of April 2012. During April 2011, the Town collected a total of $8,880 in parking fees. April 2011 included 6 fee days, and April 2012 included 9 fee days, however, 3 of the days in April 2012 were rained out.

Edna Street Beach Access Walkway Replacement

We are currently working through permitting issues associated with the Edna Street walkway replacement, but hope to have these resolved in the coming days. We are still hoping to have this walkway completed by Memorial Day weekend, however, this is becoming less likely.

EmeraldFest Summer Concert Series

The first EmeraldFest concert will be held on Thursday, June 7 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Western Ocean Regional Access. “Jimmy and Neal” from Pure T Mommicked are scheduled to perform. Other concert dates are June 21, July 5, July 19, August 2, August 16, September 6, and September 20.

Chief Hargett

Chief Hargett continues to recover at home, but has not yet returned to work. I remain hopeful that his doctors will clear him to return to work by mid or late May.

Chapel By The Sea Town Employee Luncheon

The annual luncheon prepared by the Chapel By The Sea congregation has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 15 at 12 noon at the Community Center.