July 8, 2003 Agenda
July 8, 2003 Minutes

REGULAR MEETING OF THE EMERALD ISLE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2003
7:00 PM - EMERALD ISLE TOWN HALL

  1. Call to Order
  2. Roll Call
  3. Pledge of Allegiance
  4. Adoption of Agenda
  5. Public Announcements
  6. Consent Agenda
    1. Minutes – Regular Meeting – May 13, 2003
    2. Minutes – Special Meeting – May 22, 2003
    3. Minutes – Special Meeting – May 30, 2003
    4. Minutes – Special Meeting – June 3, 2003
    5. Budget Amendment – Contribution to Island Cat Allies
    6. Capital Project Ordinance Amendment – NC 58 Sidewalk Project
    7. Budget Amendment – Powell Bill Reserve / NC 58 Sidewalk Project
    8. Resolution Authorizing Brush Truck Purchase
    9. Resolution Authorizing Extension of Hadnot Creek Kennels Contract
    10. Resolution Authorizing Contract with Municipal Engineering Services for General Engineering Services Associated with New Development Review
      (Consent Agenda approved 4-0 vote)
  7. Public Comment
  8. 2nd Reading - Ordinance Amending Chapter 19 – Zoning – Dunes and Vegetation
    (Approved 3-2 vote: Marks, Eckhardt, Schools For - Messer, McElraft Opposed, Farmer absent)
  9. Ordinance Amending Chapter 19 – Zoning – To Incorporate Comprehensive Amendments to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (Including New Flood Insurance Rate Maps)
    1. Public Hearing
    2. Consideration of Ordinance
      (Approved 4-0 vote)
  10. Discussion - Ordinance Amending Chapter 19 – Zoning – To Allow Less Intensive Rezoning Requests Within One Year of Rezoning Denial
  11. Discussion – Ordinance Amending Chapter 19 – Zoning - To Establish Regulations for Large Commercial Structures
  12. FEMA Beach Maintenance Plan
    (Approved 4-0 vote)
  13. Beach Nourishment Eastern Phase Close-Out
    1. Explanation of Final Close-Out Costs
    2. Capital Project Ordinance Amendment
    3. Ordinance Amending Beach Nourishment Debt Service / Reserve Fund
      (Approved 4-0 vote)
  14. Appointments
    1. Planning Board – 1 Vacancy
    2. Board of Adjustment – 1 Vacancy
    3. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee – 7 Vacancies
    4. Community Appearance Committee – 7 Vacancies
      (Board by 4-0 vote appointed Joseph Quigley to Planning Board, Russell Adams to Regular Board of Adjustment member, Nancy Williamson to Alternate I Board of Adjustment member)(The Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and the Community Appearance Committee appointments will be made at the August meeting)
  15. Comments from Town Clerk, Town Attorney, and Town Manager
  16. Comments from Board of Commissioners and Mayor
  17. Closed Session – Pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(6), For the Purpose of Evaluating the Town Manager’s Performance
    (Tabled until August meeting)
  18. Adjourn

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING
OF THE EMERALD ISLE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2003 – 7:00 P.M. – TOWN HALL

            Present for the meeting was Mayor Schools, Commissioners Messer, Marks, McElraft, and Eckhardt.  Commissioner Farmer was absent.  Others present were Town Attorney Derek Taylor, Town Manager Frank Rush, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Officer Georgia Overman, Town Clerk Rhonda Ferebee, Assistant Planning Director Carol Angus and newly appointed Planning Director Kevin Reed.

Motion was made by Commissioner Eckhardt to excuse the absence of Commissioner Farmer.  The Board voted unanimously 4-0 to approve.  Motion carried.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Mayor Schools asked that item 17 (Closed Session – Pursuant to NCGS 143-318, 11(6), for the Purpose of Evaluating the Town Manager’s Performance) be dropped from the agenda.  Mayor Schools noted that Frank Rush, Town Manager, had specifically said that he would like for all commissioners be there for his evaluation. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Messer to adopt the agenda with the removal of Item 17.  The Board voted unanimously 4-0 to adopt.  Motion carried.

Mr. Rush stated that he would reschedule the Closed Session for the August meeting.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Rush introduced Kevin Reed the new Planning and Inspections Director.  Kevin comes to the Town of Emerald Isle from Kinston where he served as Director of Planning and Inspection for the last year and a half.  Prior to that Kevin had served in similar roles in Martinsville, and Henry County, Virginia.  He has approximately 14 years of experience. 

Commissioner McElraft mentioned that the Island Cat Allies were holding a yard sale on July 19.  Donations were needed.  She added that 100% of the funds would be used for spaying and neutering cats on this island.

Mayor Schools announced that Pete Allen was in the audience and commented that he and Mr. Allen both appeared at the same time in the Elections office to file to run for Mayor. 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion was made by Commissioner Marks to adopt the Consent Agenda.  The Board voted unanimously 4-0.  Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Carol Osika, 410 Channel Drive, thanked the Town and the owner of the pier for the great fireworks display.

Mayor Schools thanked the staff for the great job done over the Fourth of July holiday. 

2ND READING – ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 19 – ZONING – DUNES AND VEGETATION

Michael Harvey, the Town’s Planning Consultant from Benchmark gave the introductory information.  He noted that this is the 2nd reading because they did not have a super majority. 

This ordinance is identical to the ordinance approved by a 3-2 vote at the June 10 meeting.  A second reading and vote is required at the July 8 meeting because the ordinance did not receive the required super-majority vote (2/3 of Board members, or 4-1 in our case) at the June 10 meeting.  Only a simple majority (3-2) is required to formally adopt the ordinance at the July 8 meeting. 

Mayor Schools asked for public comments.

Elton Matheson, 7008 Sound Drive, asked how hurricane clean-up would be handled as it pertained to this ordinance. 

Mr. Harvey said that with respect to clean-up of debris as a result of a storm event as with current policy there is a moratorium on issuing of permits for a period of 48 hours for damage assessment to be done.  He added there is nothing in the ordinance specifically forbidding anybody from cleaning up debris, especially if it creates a potential safety or health hazard.  If there was a tree in imminent danger of collapsing and falling on a structure, this ordinance would not prevent that tree being removed, in fact, nuisance vegetation is allowed to be removed without obtaining a permit or permission from the Town, especially if it poses a direct threat to life, safety and welfare. 

Mr. Matheson asked what about in the CAMA zone? 

Mr. Harvey stated again that if it posed a direct threat to life, safety, health and welfare it can be removed. 

Mr. Matheson said that there was nothing in the ordinance to facilitate hurricane clean-up. 

Mr. Rush said that was a very valid question but said that there was nothing in the ordinance that would prevent someone from cutting down a tree that is damaged in a hurricane or knocked over. 

Mr. Matheson suggested that something specific be put in the ordinance to address that situation.

Commissioner McElraft asked if permits would be required in that type of situation or would permitting be waived allowing people to go ahead and cut trees down.  She remembered after previous storms that you had to get your trees done when you could and was concerned if people had to wait for the DVPO to come out. 

Mr. Rush noted that the ordinance states that if it is a previously developed lot and it poses a safety hazard that you could get a permit to remove it.  If it’s after a hurricane he would encourage the Board to waive the permit requirement due to the huge case load.  This would be, he noted, a decision that the Board would make at that time. 

Commissioner McElraft felt that there did need to be some flexibility in the language. 

Mr. Matheson asked the definition of mean flood level as it pertained to estuarine frontal dunes.

Mr. Harvey stated that the mean flood level varies depending on where your property is located.  It is base flood elevation.  It is where your property could potentially have flood waters during a storm event as defined on the National Flood Insurance Rate Maps. 

Mr. Matheson asked how he would determine this, to which, Mr. Harvey responded by saying that the town staff would determine flood zone on his property. 

Mr. Rush added that this would be a determination made by the Dunes and Vegetation Protection Officer in the field.  He noted that basically what this ordinance does is prevent someone from altering that estuarine frontal dune and it very strictly prohibits someone from removing any vegetation within the 30’ setback, but beyond that, the definition is there just for informational purposes. 

Mr. Matheson disagreed and asked what would be wrong with using the mean high tide mark. 

Mr. Rush said that he felt the definition was included for illustrative purposes.  Mr. Rush added for the board’s edification that the relevant provision that would affect Mr. Matheson or any other sound front property owner is that person would not be allowed to remove any vegetation within 30’ of the mean high water mark.

Mr. Harvey also added for the board’s edification, estuarine frontal dune definition is consistent with what CAMA currently defines the estuarine frontal dune system to be which is the first mound of sand located landward of the estuarine water that has a minimum elevation equal to the mean flood level for that given property plus an additional 6 feet.  So that if you have base flood elevation, mean flood level on your property  at 6 feet, then the first mound of land landward of the estuarine waters has an additional elevation of 6 feet. 

Mr. Matheson said that he has a unique situation and that a cookie cutter approach doesn’t fit.  The back part of his lot is relatively flat.  The house site was built up. 

Mr. Harvey said that it would probably say in effect that he didn’t have what is considered to be an estuarine frontal dune on his property and it wouldn’t be a problem.  Mr. Harvey said that Mr. Matheson should contact the Dunes and Vegetation Protection Officer of Emerald Isle.

Mr. Rush suggested that if the Board wanted they could remove the definition from our definitions and not have any change whatsoever on the impact of this ordinance.  It is really more of an illustrative definition and is not an ordinance requirement. 

Mr. Matheson then asked how you determine a tree’s cause of death. 

Mr. Rush said that if the tree is dead it can be removed.  It would be up to the interpretation of the Dunes and Vegetation Protection Officer.

Mr. Matheson also mentioned having to provide a sketch if he wanted to remove a tree and it also referred to a stormwater system. 

Mr. Rush said that this is a relatively new requirement and depending on when Mr. Matheson’s house was built he may not have been required to have one.  The requirement is that new construction has to have a stormwater system to retain the first 2” of stormwater. 

Jim Heatherly, 8512 Woodcliff Drive, said that apparently the soundfront restriction in excess of CAMA still exists.  He felt that this was wrong and un-American. 

Carol Osika, 410 Channel Drive, asked if you have a tree removed and it has to be replaced did it have to go back in the same place or could it go anywhere on the property. 

Mr. Harvey said that you would designate it’s location to the DVPO and you would not have to replace in the same spot, unless you removed it from the natural area. 

Clint Routson, 9721 Green Glen Road, said that he still had concerns about a couple of main issues in the ordinance.   One is the restriction that has been imposed in 19-334 1(g) which requires you to have a building permit before you can get a DVPO permit.  This prevents you from doing anything on your lot unless you are ready to start your house construction or any other construction which he opposes and feels is overreaching.  He said this also ties in to the comment in 19-335 Exemptions - paragraph 6 where it talks about the cutting of brush or vegetation to allow for the evaluation of a parcel for wastewater system purposes.  He said that he had requested previously that this language be modified to at least allow and to expand saying “modifications necessary to obtain a septic permit”.  The concern is that if he can’t get a septic permit, he can’t get a building permit and he is caught in a catch-22 with the other restriction.  He also mentioned the last restriction under 10 which prevents putting in a septic system before having a building permit.  If he has his permit why can he not go in and install his septic system.  He felt he should be able to put the system in so that he is able to use his property when he desired to do so.  With those modifications he would not have a problem with it but felt that those three issues should be addressed and requested that the board do so.

Commissioner Eckhardt asked for clarification on the catch-22 situation. 

Mr. Rush said that what Mr. Routson was saying was that if you cannot get a septic permit you cannot get a building permit. 

Jim Taylor, Building Inspector, confirmed to Mr. Rush that you could not receive a building permit without having a septic permit in hand. 

Mr. Rush said that this was in fact a catch-22, if in order to get a septic permit you are required to do some alteration to the site.  On many sites you can get the permit based on the existing topography and on some locations you must do some modification to get the wastewater permit.

Commissioner Marks asked Jim Taylor if you could get a septic permit without clearing an area. 

Mr. Taylor said that the Health Department may issue you a septic permit without having a building permit.  Mr. Taylor said that he cannot issue a building permit until you have submitted a copy of the Health Department’s permit. 

Commissioner Marks asked what if someone said they want their septic system in one place and the County Health Department says no it has to be here and they’ve already cleared the lot.  This was one of the things they were trying to protect against.

Mr. Taylor said that once the Health Department has designated the suitable site for the placement of the system it’s pretty well etched in stone.  There may be some small revisions to that, however, that would take another visit with your Carteret County Health Specialist to determine if there are other suitable placements for the system.

Mr. Rush asked if there were situations where the Health Department might conduct a site visit and say based on the existing condition of the lot we cannot issue a septic permit but if you build a mound in this location or make some other site alteration we will issue the permit.  Mr. Taylor said that this was correct.  Mr. Rush asked if they would issue the permit only after the alteration was made or do they issue the permit contingent on that alteration being done?  Mr. Taylor said they would make it contingent on the alteration being performed. 

Mr. Rush asked if you could secure the septic permit on a promise to, when you actually install the system, build the mound or do the alteration.  Mr. Taylor said that you would have to comply with the requirements that they have set forth and they would come out and inspect to make sure that it was in compliance. 

Mr. Routson said if it requires you to modify and make modification to your lot to get your septic permit - just because you make the modifications it doesn’t say you are going to get one until the Health Department comes back out to look at it and they may or may not approve at that time. 

Mr. Rush asked if they would issue a 5 year permit on the condition that when you do put the septic system in you make the modifications that they describe. 

Mr. Routson said it would depend on the modifications required.  Before you buy a lot you want to know you’re going to get a septic permit.  You don’t want to worry about the Health Department saying we gave you this modification but now we’re deciding you have to do something else after you bought the property. 

Mr. Rush asked if once the Health Department says in order to get the permit you have to modify the lot, if you have to actually modify the lot in order to get the permit.  Mr. Rush asked if to get the five year authorization it’s basically contingent on a commitment to make those site alterations before you put in your septic system.  He said so this might be a catch-22 situation after the five year period but shouldn’t be a catch-22 for the initial five year period.  Mr. Jim Taylor said that this was a correct assessment. 

Pat Patteson, 8706 Emerald Plantation Road, said he understood about the catch-22 but the issue of it is that if you get a provisional permit from the Health Department and they say that you have to do modifications to get the permit – how can you do these modifications to get the permit if you’re not allowed to do them?  The issue is if he makes that modification he can get the permit. The way it is written now you can’t make those modifications until you have a building permit so it is a catch-22 because you can’t get a septic permit, you can get a provisional, which as Clint Routson is saying, is useless until you know that you can physically do the system.  Maybe they need to look at situations where the County says this is a provisional permit that requires modification.  This may need to be looked at as a different issue.  He still agreed with what they’re trying to accomplish.  He felt that when you get an issue where a modification is required before they’re allowed to get a permit, which would allow them to get a building permit, that particular aspect may need to be looked at.

Commissioner Marks said they should go ahead and pass the ordinance and then make that kind of modification that allows for when the County requires modification to get their permit.  She felt that the intent of this whole ordinance was to try and prohibit the clear cutting of lots.  She mentioned a lot on Conch Court that has been cleared for five years.  They got their septic permit and there is water flowing off every time there is a heavy rain. 

Commissioner McElraft asked Ms. Angus how many Dunes and Vegetation permits had been issued in the last few weeks in anticipation of this ordinance passing. 

Mrs. Angus said about 25 which is quadruple the normal volume of permits. 

Commissioner McElraft said that her point was, if they are trying to save trees, this was not the way to go about it.  She felt that what they are in essence doing is giving permits for people to go out and clear as much as they can to get the septic tanks in, where if they had a five year permit they may wait until that fifth year to go ahead and get their septic tanks in.  She said now we are going to have lots cleared, leaving their 45% vegetation, but the trees will be missing for the next four to five years for those people that have five year permits. She said when you have an extreme ordinance people take extreme measures and that is what she felt the citizens have decided. 

Commissioner Marks disagreed saying that the intention is to save trees.  If they keep clearing all the undergrowth there are no juvenile trees to replace them.  She didn’t believe that it was about trying to get septic tanks put in but it’s about trying to clear as much of that lot as they can possible clear.

Commissioner McElraft said that she has seen so many people so wanting to save every tree on their lot. 

Commissioner McElraft said that she could not support the part concerning the 30’ CAMA setback.  She said we are going above CAMA reg’s.  We are taking away the value of someone’s property.  She said that soundfront lots now that are heavily wooded would never get a sound view.  She said that you cannot prune trees enough to get a sound view.  She gave the example of someone purchasing a soundfront lot, anticipating being able to clear according to CAMA guidelines their trees down to the root structure so that they could get a view.  They will not be able to do that now.  She said that their property has been devalued while in essence we have made other soundfront properties more valuable. 

Commissioner Eckhardt said that he could see no reason not to pass the ordinance tonight.  He would like, if they did pass the ordinance, to go back to the Planning Board and have them look at the catch-22 to see if there is anything they feel does need to be amended. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Eckhardt to adopt the Ordinance amending Chapter 19 – Zoning – Dunes and Vegetation as presented. 

A motion to amend that motion was made by Commissioner McElraft to have the areas in 19-334 1(g) and 19-335 (10) and any other areas struck from the ordinance that mentions building permit being required and also the CAMA setback area amended to keep with CAMA guidelines. 

Mayor Schools asked for any discussion.

Commissioner Marks said that this would nullify the whole thing and they would be starting over from square one. 

Commissioner McElraft said she was absolutely for passing the ordinance tonight with those two exceptions. 

The Board voted on the amended motion as made by Commissioner McElraft.  The vote was 3-2 with Marks, Eckhardt, Schools opposed and McElraft and Messer in favor.  Motion failed.

The Board voted on the original motion made by Commissioner Eckhardt.  The vote was 3-2 with Marks, Eckhardt, Schools in favor and McElraft and Messer opposed.  Motion carried.

Mayor Schools said that they had been discussing, debating and revising this ordinance for 15-16 months.  Input has been received from citizens, developers, Planning Board, Benchmark, staff and Commissioners.  I doubt that those who voted for the ordinance think it’s perfect and those that are against it certainly don’t think so.  However, in his opinion, this is as close as we’re going to get to being an acceptable ordinance to all Commissioners and certainly it is much closer than it was 6 months ago. 

Commissioner Eckhardt added his thanks to the Planning Board. 

Commissioner Marks thanked all those who called and made comments, sent emails and letters of support.

Mr. Rush said that it was his understanding that the direction was to go back to the Planning Board with additional input on the catch-22 and they would do that at the next Planning Board meeting.  They’re also working on revising the commercial area standards. 

ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 19 – ZONING – TO INCORPORATE COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE (INCLUDING NEW FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAPS)

Jim Taylor, Building Inspector, presented the introductory information concerning the amendment to the Town’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, which included a reference to the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps.  The proposed ordinance amendment is based on a new model ordinance prepared by the NC Division of Emergency Management.  The ordinance amendment includes additional definitions and additional clarification of policy provisions, but does not include any notable changes in existing policy.  The new flood Insurance Rate Maps presented for adoption as part of the ordinance amendment include the changes discussed with the board earlier this year.  The two areas of Emerald Isle affected are on the oceanfront near Ocean View Drive, Heverly Drive, and Janell Lane, and in various neighborhoods in low spots along the Coast Guard Road corridor.  These areas will now be included in designated flood zones and subject to flood damage prevention regulations.  The Board must adopt the proposed ordinance amendment and new maps by July 16, 2003 in order to maintain the Town’s eligibility for the National Flood Insurance Program. 

Commissioner Marks asked if those property owners affected by the changes had been notified. 

Mr. Taylor stated that there had been public notification.  There had been several ads and an article in the Island Review.  Ms. Angus said they had actually gone above and beyond what is required by FEMA. 

Commissioner Marks said it was her understanding that people could get flood insurance now if they apply before this is finalized at the low rates. 

Mr. Rush said that they would try and get another article in the newspaper and send out another email newsletter as a reminder to property owners to contact the Planning Department if they think they may be affected. 

Mr. Rush said that he would also contact the Homeowner Association presidents in those affected neighborhoods.

Motion was made by Commissioner Marks to open the Public Hearing.  The Board voted unanimously 4-0 in favor.  Motion carried.

Ms. Angus showed an overhead presentation of the areas most affected by changes on the new maps. 

Mr. Taylor added that those people currently located in a special flood hazard area can submit for a letter of map revision or letter of map amendment which could possibly exclude them from that flood zone.  FEMA would review if enough evidence could be substantiated to prove that they have enough elevation to get out of the flood zone. 

Commissioner McElraft questioned the changes in the oceanfront areas along Ocean View and Heverly.

Mr. Taylor said that he understood that Spencer Rogers with Sea Grant had contacted FEMA to ask that this area be included in the VE zones. 

Commissioner McElraft asked Mr. Taylor if people in that area could get an elevation shot and get a LOMA.  Mr. Taylor said that was correct.

Commissioner McElraft had a question for Mr. Taylor concerning breakaway walls and other structural areas that you can’t put in VE zones now on the bottom level. 

Mr. Taylor clarified that in the VE zone there will be a delineation on the Federal  Insurance Rate Map – this will be a numbered zone.  Primarily most of the lots on the oceanfront are either a VE14 , 15 or 16.  Currently in the Flood Prevention Ordinance there is a 2 foot freeboard.  Whatever the Federal Insurance Rate Map tells you as far as the number behind the VE delineation, you add 2 feet to that.  In the VE zone the lowest horizontal structural member must be elevated to that base flood plus 2 feet. 

Don Russell, 112 Bluewater Drive, gave a perspective from his point of view. He said he carries flood insurance by choice.  He said that several years ago he had read about preferred policies and didn’t know if he was eligible, so he went to his insurance agency and they had no idea where he was on the flood plain.  They had no access to maps, they were just charging everyone the going rate for flood insurance.  He changed insurance companies and they did have flood maps and he found he was eligible for a preferred policy which saves quite a bit because he is not in a flood plain.  He said that the access to this information has been lousy.  He felt others may be able to find if they are eligible for a preferred policy if they can determine if they are not in a flood plain.

Commissioner Messer said there are flood maps currently on the wall in Town Hall. 

Mr. Taylor said that in addition to having this map posted on the wall in Town Hall for anyone to view it is also available on the internet.  Anyone interested in having a flood determination done may call the Inspections Department. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Eckhardt to close the Public Hearing.  The Board voted unanimously 4-0 in favor.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Marks to adopt the Ordinance Amending Chapter 19 – Zoning – To Incorporate Comprehensive Amendments to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (including the New Flood Insurance Rate Maps).  The Board voted unanimously 4-0 in favor.  Motion carried.

DISCUSSION – ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 19 – ZONING- TO ALLOW LESS INTENSIVE REZONING REQUESTS WITHIN ONE YEAR OF REZONING DENIAL

Ms. Angus presented the information for discussion to the Board concerning this item. 

The Town’s current zoning ordinance prohibits the consideration of a rezoning request for a parcel that has been denied a rezoning for a period of one year.  The attached ordinance amendment would allow the same parcel to be considered for rezoning if the new rezoning request is for a less intensive zoning district than originally denied.  The proposed ordinance amendment includes a hierarchy of the intensity of the town’s zoning districts.  For example, according to the proposed ordinance amendment, a parcel that was denied for rezoning to RMH could be considered for R-2 zoning without the one-year waiting period. 

 

ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 19 – ZONING –
TO ALLOW LESS INTENSIVE REZONING REQUESTS WITHIN ONE YEAR OF REZONING DENIAL

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Emerald Isle Zoning Ordinance currently requires a one-year waiting period to request another rezoning for a parcel that has been denied for rezoning, and

WHEREAS, in many cases, the Board of Commissioners may want to encourage rezoning of that parcel to a less intensive zoning district than that sought by the owner / applicant in the initial request, and

WHEREAS, if the owner / applicant chooses to follow this encouragement and pursue such a rezoning he/she must wait an additional year under the current zoning ordinance, and

WHEREAS, the proposed ordinance amendment would resolve this issue, 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners that

1.   Chapter 19 – Zoning – Sections 19-8 Procedures for Amendments, Subsection (b) is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:

Section 19-8.  Procedures for Amendments.

 

(b)    Persons requesting a zoning change shall file an application with the town clerk planning director.  Except for petitions and requests initiated by the board of commissioners and the planning board, all other petitions shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount that may be established from time to time by resolution by the board of commissioners, which fee is imposed to partially defray the public expense in advertising the requested change and in keeping the records hereof. 

No application for any change in the zone of property for the same property or any part thereof shall be filed until the expiration of one (1) year from the date of final action by the board of commissioners on any rezoning request of that property, unless it shall be for a less intensive zoning district than originally requested within the one year time frame.  For purposes of this ordinance, the following hierarchy of the intensity of zoning districts is established:

Intensity Level A (Most Intensive):  B-3, B-2, B-1

Intensity Level B:   Camp, MH-1, MH-2, Institutional

Intensity Level C:   RMH, RMF

Intensity Level D (Least Intensive): R-2, R-1.

 

2.  The Town Clerk is authorized to number the section set forth above and insert the same as appropriate in the Town Code.

3.  This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.  If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.

 

Adopted this the _________ day of ____________________, 2003, by a vote of

 

Commissioner(s) ________________________________________________voting for,

 

Commissioner(s) ________________________________________________ voting against, and

 

Commissioner(s) _________________________________________ absent.

 

 

                                                                        ______________________________

                                                                        Arthur B. Schools, Jr.,  Mayor                                       

ATTEST:

 

Rhonda Ferebee, Town Clerk

 

Ms. Angus said after this discussion, that this item would be brought back to the Town Board as a Public Hearing at the next scheduled Town Board meeting in August.

DISCUSSION – ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 19 – ZONING – TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR LARGE COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES

Introductory information on this item was presented to the Board by Michael Harvey, Benchmark. 

The attached ordinance amendment is presented in response to the recent invalidation of the Town’s previous ordinance designed to address impacts from larger commercial developments.  The attached ordinance amendment makes a distinction between commercial developments less than and greater than 10,000 square feet of total area, and imposes additional regulations on those greater than 10,000 square feet.  The ordinance amendment requires all commercial development, regardless of size, to install sidewalks on the public right of way at the time of development.  Commercial developments greater than 10,000 square feet in area would be required to complete a traffic study, utilize sprinkler systems or perform fire flow tests, have dedicated fire lanes, provide pedestrian amenities for patrons of the commercial development, and contain a total of 4.24 inches of storm water runoff on site, as well as meet other requirements. 

 

ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 19 – ZONING –
TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR LARGE COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES

WHEREAS, the Town of Emerald Isle previously enacted a zoning ordinance amendment designed to place additional regulations on large commercial structures and this amendment was declared invalid by a court of law, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Emerald Isle seeks alternative mechanisms to minimize the impact of large commercial structures on surrounding neighborhoods and the community at large, and

WHEREAS, a Planning Board subcommittee has studied alternative mechanisms to accomplish this goal with the assistance of Town staff and consultants, and has developed several recommendations, and

WHEREAS, the Planning Board has unanimously recommended these recommendations for adoption by the Board of Commissioners,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners that

1.   Chapter 19 – Zoning – Sections 19-83 Notes, Requirements, and Conditions for Certain Permitted and Special Uses, Subsection (24) is hereby deleted in its entirety due to a court ruling invalidating this subsection.

(24) All commercial and retail structures within the B2 and B3 zoning districts greater than 8,000 sq. sq. ft. in area are a special use and are subject to the following conditions.

 

a.       The developer shall construct a sidewalk or boardwalk which provides a grade separation of pedestrian from vehicular traffic.

b.      The board of commissioners shall determine the number of allowable points of access to the development and their spacing.

c.       The board of commissioners shall impose additional requirements to assure the development’s compliance with Section 19-84.

2.   Chapter 19 – Zoning is hereby amended by adding the following definitions to Section 19-62 Definitions:

Community or Regional Shopping Center(s). A structure or structures which includes, or is designed to include, multiple retail, office, restaurant, public assembly commercial use such as a gymnasium, or other similar establishments with a combined floor area greater than ten thousand (10,000) square feet planned for a single or contiguous lots(s).

 

 

Retail Shopping Center(s). A structure or structures which includes, or is designed to include two (2) or more retail, office, restaurant, public assembly commercial use such as a gymnasium, or other similar establishments with a combined floor area of less that ten thousand (10,000) square feet planned for a single or contiguous lot(s).

 

3.   Chapter 19 – Zoning is hereby amended by adding the following uses to Section 19-82 Tabulation of Permitted Uses and Special Uses:

       

            Community or Regional Shopping Center(s).     B-3      Permitted Use

 

            Retail Shopping Center(s).                         B-3      Permitted Use

                                                                                    B-2      Permitted Use

                                                                                    B-1      Permitted Use

 

4.      Chapter 19 – Zoning  - Section 19-107 Business District Dimensional Requirements is hereby amended by adding the following Subsections (14) and (15):

     

(14)     All commercial developments, regardless of size, shall be required to install a pedestrian sidewalk along a public right-of-way between four (4) and six (6) feet in width to run the entire length of the project along the adjacent right-of-way.

 

5.   Chapter 19 – Zoning is hereby amended by adding the following Section 19-108. Additional Requirements for Community or Regional Shopping Centers:

 

      Section 19-108.  Additional Requirements for Community or Regional Shopping Centers

      Within the business district designated as B-3, and as shown on the official zoning map, the following additional requirements for Community or Regional Shopping Centers shall be complied with:

           

(1)   A twelve (12) foot wide paved access, which can be used as a fire lane, shall be provided along each of the four (4) sides of a proposed building. 

In cases where developers install pedestrian walkways to connect separate buildings located on the same site, there shall be adequate spacing between these buildings, no less then twenty-four (24) feet in width, and adequate head clearance between these buildings, no less than sixteen (16) feet, to allow for the safe passage of emergency vehicles to access these individual commercial buildings in case of an emergency.

(2)   Off-street loading and unloading areas shall be provided in accordance with the parking regulations within this chapter and shall be marked so as to be distinguished from driveways and parking areas. Required loading areas shall be designed so as not to block the required fire lane.

(3)   Screened dumpsters shall be provided.

(4)   Handicapped ramps shall be provided adjacent to handicapped parking spaces.

(5)   A sidewalk or boardwalk constructed to provide a grade separation from vehicular traffic of at least six (6) inches shall connect all commercial establishments within each building. Separate buildings shall be connected with pedestrian passageways that are striped when crossing traffic lanes.  These improvements shall be installed at the developer’s expense.

(6)   A minimum walkway, pedestrian pavement in front of a retail store or group of stores, shall be eight (8) feet wide.

(7)   No portion of any building shall be farther than two hundred fifty (250) feet or closer than forty (40) feet to a fire hydrant.

(8)   Fire hydrants shall be protected from traffic in accordance with the Town Code and shall be marked with stripes on the pavement within the protected area.

(9)   If the structure(s) are not considered sprinkler protected according to the applicable National Fire Protection Association standards, the fire flow of the hydrants serving or intended to serve the structure(s) shall be tested at the developer's expense by the Emerald Isle Fire Department or by an independent testing firm. If the test is conducted by an independent testing firm, it shall be made under the direct supervision of Emerald Isle Fire Chief or his designee. If the flow is found to be deficient according to the Insurance Service Office standards applicable to the Town of Emerald Isle, the developer shall bring the fire flow up to the established requirements set out in the insurance service office standards. The fire flow test shall be made during the period of peak water demand as determined from water consumption data maintained by the Bogue Banks Water Corporation.

(10)          Traffic shall be diverted upon entering the parking lot or speed bumps shall be provided to slow traffic.

(11)          The applicant shall be required to conduct a comprehensive traffic analysis of the project to determine how much vehicular traffic will be generated by the proposed uses on site.  The applicant shall also be responsible for providing the Town with a traffic study, completed by a certified traffic engineer or a consulting firm with traffic engineering experience, indicating that the local roadway that vehicular traffic will be utilizing to enter and leave the site can handle the increase in vehicular traffic.

(12)          Each shopping center with its buildings, parking lots and driveways shall be physically separated from each adjoining street by a curb or other suitable barrier to prevent unchanneled vehicular ingress or egress.  Curb cuts shall only be allowed after a permit has been issued by the NC Department of Transportation.  These improvements shall be installed at the developer’s expense.

(13)          If the shopping center is to be constructed in progressive stages, no occupancy permit will be granted for any one (1) stage until all site improvements and conditions assigned to the stage being constructed are completed.

(14)          Outdoor lighting shall be installed and operated in accordance with the Town of Emerald Isle lighting ordinance.

(15)          Buffer yards shall be developed in accordance with the Town of Emerald Isle buffer yard regulations as contained within the Town Zoning Ordinance.

(16)          All developments with frontage on a public right-of-way shall provide a pedestrian sidewalk along the right-of-way, between four (4) and six (6) feet in width, that shall be installed the entire length of the property.

(17)          Public restrooms shall be provided in a convenient and easily identifiable location at the developer's expense.

(18)          Any addition to an existing structure meeting the definition of a Community or Regional Shopping Center that proposes to increase the floor area by twenty (20) percent or more shall be required to incorporate these guidelines into the site.  Any existing structure meeting the definition of a Retail Shopping Center that proposes to increase the floor area to ten thousand (10,000) square feet or more shall be required to incorporate these guidelines into the site.

(19)          The site shall be designed to contain on-site all storm water from impervious surfaces up to the level of a ten-year, two-hour storm event, the equivalent being four and twenty-four-hundredths (4.24) inches of rainfall in a two-hour period.

 

5.  The Town Clerk is authorized to number the section set forth above and insert the same as appropriate in the Town Code.

6.  This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.  If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.

 

Adopted this the _________ day of ____________________, 2003, by a vote of

 

Commissioner(s) ________________________________________________voting for,

 

Commissioner(s) ________________________________________________ voting against, and

 

Commissioner(s) _________________________________________ absent.

 

 

                                                                        ______________________________

                                                                        Arthur B. Schools, Jr.,  Mayor                                       

ATTEST:

 

_____________________________

Rhonda Ferebee, Town Clerk

 

Mr. Harvey noted that the Planning Board and ultimately the subcommittee worked for approximately 8 months to get this recommendation to this stage. 

He said that they would do whatever action the Board felt was necessary, either to set a Public Hearing or to continue review.

Mayor Schools asked how large Larry Watson’s project was and according to Mr. Harvey it was approximately 6 – 8,000 and would not qualify.  It would have to be larger than those two buildings.

Commissioner McElraft asked if you had a restaurant and a bank on a corner, two pieces of property, is that considered a shopping center. 

Mr. Harvey said that by the definitions they have established for either retail shopping center or community regional shopping center, we stipulate structure or structure(s), so it could be multiple structures on site.  The magic number is the 10,000 square foot threshold.  If you don’t go over the 10,000 square foot threshold then you are considered by definition a retail shopping center. 

Commissioner McElraft asked if this was for each building or total, to which Mr. Harvey responded by saying total combination.  Commissioner McElraft said then you could have for example, 5,000 square foot restaurant, 5,000 square foot bank and you would still have to comply with the 4.24” stormwater.  Mr. Harvey said no, if you are 10,000 square feet or under you are exempt from the requirements that are reserved for community regional shopping centers. Mr. Harvey went on to add that if combined they are 10,001 square feet or 10,002 square feet you are defined as a regional shopping center.  If they are 7,000 and 3,000 respectively, you meet the qualification definition of retail shopping center. 

Commissioner McElraft said then if you had a 6,000 square foot building and a 5,000 square foot building that would have to meet the 4.24” stormwater.  Mr. Harvey said yes they would have to meet all 19 requirements.  He noted that two different parcels are considered two different developments. 

Mr. Rush asked about a 6,000 square foot building that is on one parcel and it is next to another parcel that has a 5,000 square foot building, to which Mr. Harvey said it would apply to buildings on the same parcel. 

Commissioner McElraft posed the scenario of having two structures.  One is 6,000 and one is 5,000.  She wondered how huge the pipes would be for 4.24” stormwater.  Mr. Harvey said this was up to a stormwater engineer to design the system.  A stormwater engineer would have to devise a methodology that would meet that requirement that is established under this ordinance.  Mr. Harvey said that under the existing ordinance you are not required to install piping, that is the preferred method to deal with the issue but it is not the only means to address that issue. 

Commissioner McElraft said she could understand if this was one big 10,000 square foot building but not she felt if it was two buildings and each are retaining the 2” of stormwater.

Mr. Harvey said the problem is that if they are on the same parcel of property then you are dealing essentially with one building as 10,000 square feet in area because you are having the same parking requirement as if it was just one building over 10,000 square feet in area.  He said that a 6,000 square foot building and a 5,000 square foot building on one single parcel of property has the same effect as just a single 11,000 square foot building when you look at the overall scope of stormwater coming off of it as well the requisite parking that will be required by the ordinance to support it. 

Commissioner McElraft said to look at the already developed areas.  You have parcels next to parcels next to parcels.  They are only required to do 2”.  She felt it was no different from having a building here and a building here on the same parcel because you are right next to each other. 

Mr. Harvey said the problem is that our current ordinance doesn’t require side yard setbacks or any more intrusive stormwater system over 2”.  When you look at large scale commercial development, for an example, a 30,000 or 40,000 commercial shopping center, that’s going to have more impact than a 7,000 and a 7,000 and a 7,000 even if it’s on separate parcels.  His argument as to the reason for holding them to a different standard is that when you start looking at large scale commercial developments that this ordinance is designed to allow the Town to try and work with the developer.  You are looking at more intensive use of property and the potential for more stormwater issues and problems just given the sheer size and scope.  He noted again that the overall stormwater limitation is up to this Board.  If they determine that they want to stick with the 2” that is their prerogative. 

Mayor Schools asked if other communities with larger tracts required retention of more water. 

Mr. Harvey said he had found recommended and been party to drafting ordinances in communities where the 4.24” is the standard.  He noted they were coastal communities. 

Commissioner Eckhardt said this seemed the type of thing where they would want to go back and have a work session with the Planning Board.

Commissioner McElraft said she would like to open this issue up to the people who would be affected by this in the B3 zones. 

Commissioner Marks mentioned problems with the existing ordinance.  She said they needed to put in pipes or impervious concrete or whatever, to prevent this eventually falling on the taxpayers to deal with the flooding issue.

Mr. Rush said that he would try to set something up with the Planning Board and he would notify the Board of the date.

FEMA BEACH MAINTENANCE PLAN

Mr. Rush introduced Greg Rudolph, Carteret County Shore Protection Officer, mentioning the tremendous help he provided in putting this presentation together and wanted to thank him for his efforts. 

Commissioner McElraft also thanked Mr. Rudolph noting that the Town of Pine Knoll Shores had just spent at least $8,000 doing what Mr. Rudolph had done for Emerald Isle. 

Mr. Rudolph gave a PowerPoint presentation to the Board outlining the FEMA Beach Maintenance Plan.

According to Mr. Rush the goal of the plan is to document the Town’s efforts to monitor and maintain the recently nourished beach in compliance with FEMA regulations so that the Town will be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance funding to replace any nourishment sand lost in a federally-declared disaster event.  The Beach Monitoring and Maintenance Plan was prepared by both myself and Greg Rudolph, the Carteret County Shore Protection Officer, for the Board’s review and eventual submission to FEMA.

FEMA regulations authorize the reimbursement of costs associated with beach nourishment if sand is lost during a federally-declared disaster event.  If the beach qualifies, FEMA will reimburse the Town for the actual sand lost during that event only.  The Board should note that FEMA would not reimburse the Town for normal erosion losses that occur prior to the disaster event.  Routine beach profile surveys are essential to determine the volume lost during the specific disaster event 

In order to qualify, the beach must be an engineered beach, and the Town must maintain the beach in accordance with a maintenance program involving periodic renourishment.  Because the Town has made a multi-million dollar investment in the recently completed beach nourishment project, it is advisable to prepare and abide by a maintenance plan in order to enhance the Town’s chances of receiving disaster funding assistance from FEMA.  In essence, the Beach Monitoring and Maintenance Plan is akin to an “insurance policy” for the beach nourishment project in the event that a major storm causes severe erosion of the nourishment sand.  Mr. Rudolph and I have researched the FEMA regulations and have prepared what we believe is a Beach Monitoring and Maintenance Plan that will meet with approval from FEMA in the event the Town endures a federally declared-disaster event.

The Beach Monitoring and Maintenance Plan is a detailed plan that includes scientific, policy, and financial information, and is designed to meet with approval from FEMA.  The highlights of the plan are summarized below:

  • The Town’s nourishment project resulted in approximately 1.66 million cubic yards of sand on the “berm” (the flat beach only; not including the dune volume and the tapers)

 

  • Approximately 62% of this material was to restore the “initial deficit”, while the other 38% represented the 10-year advance nourishment.  Theoretically, at the end of 10 years, based on historical erosion rates, 38% of the volume will have been removed from the system. 

 

  • The Town’s plan takes a more conservative approach, and assumes that 50% of the nourishment volume will have been removed from the system within 10 years.

 

  • The Town’s plan assumes that the long-term Shore Protection Project does not occur.  (The long-term Shore Protection Project is not an eligible maintenance plan because it is also sponsored by the federal government.)

 

  • The Town’s plan commits to continue annual beach profile monitoring through the County’s arrangement with the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences.  This is a crucial element of the plan to satisfy FEMA requirements, and will be the basis for determining the amount of sand lost in a disaster event.

 

  • The Town’s plan divides the 5.9 miles of nourished beach up into six (6) 5,000 linear feet “analytical cells” for measurement purposes, and commits to renourish those sections of beach when 50% of the initial nourishment volume has been removed from the system in each “analytical cell”.  Theoretically, this should occur in 10 years, or FY 12-13.

 

  • Theoretically, the Town will have lost approximately 830,000 cubic yards of material in 10 years, and would need to restore that amount to the beach to remain eligible for FEMA assistance.  The Town’s plan commits to nourish the beach at that time with that volume of sand.

 

  • The total estimated cost to replace the lost 830,000 cubic yards of material in FY 12-13 is approximately $5.8 million.

 

  • Assuming the long-term Shore Protection Project does not occur, the County’s Beach Fund projects a balance of approximately $12 million by FY 12-13.  Using the same distribution formula specified in the Room Occupancy Tax legislation that made short-term allocations to the towns on Bogue Banks, it is reasonable to assume that Emerald Isle will be entitled to approximately $6.4 million of these funds for renourishment purposes.  (The Board should note that if the Shore Protection Project occurs, then these funds will go toward the local match for that project, and the Town will have no need for FEMA assistance because the Shore Protection Project will likely include renourishment every 3-5 years.)

 

  • The Town’s plan commits to future maintenance renourishment without relying on the Town budget.
 

The Board should note that the plan is based on the theory that the recently completed beach nourishment project will perform as designed by the Town’s coastal engineers, CSE.  As noted above, Mr. Rudolph and I have recommended a more conservative approach, and have assumed that 50% of the material will be lost in 10 years, as opposed to the 38% projected by CSE.  Recognizing that theory does not always hold true, and that the Town needs to plan for the possibility that the 50% nourishment volume may be lost at some point in time before the 10 year period at which renourishment is planned, we have prepared the following scenarios for the Board to consider:

 

Scenario 1 – 50% of the nourishment volume (10-year advance) is not eroded after 10 years (March 2013) in any of the six “analytical cells” and the Town continues to conduct beach surveys and renourish the beach if and when the volume attributable to the 10-year advance is lost.

Result – EI would likely continue to qualify for FEMA reimbursement.

Scenario 2 – After 10 years (March 2013), the 10-year advance has been lost from most of the six “analytical cells” and the Town conducts a renourishment project with the appropriate volume of sand using Room Occupancy Tax proceeds collected by the County. 

Result – EI would likely continue to qualify for FEMA reimbursement.

Scenario 3 – The 10-year advance is lost before the next decade expires (i.e., 5, 6, 7, years, etc. after construction) in most of the six analytical cells and EI conducts a renourishment project with the appropriate volume of sand using some portion of the Room Occupancy Tax proceeds collected by the County and other supplemental funds identified at that time. 

Result – EI would likely continue to qualify for FEMA reimbursement.

Scenario 4 - The 10-year advance is lost before the next decade expires (i.e., 5, 6, 7, years, etc. after construction) and EI does not renourish the beach. 

Result – EI would likely not qualify for FEMA reimbursement.  In essence, the Town would knowingly forfeit its eligibility for FEMA reimbursement, however, it would have maximized its potential for reimbursement in the previous years.

 

With the 2003 hurricane season already upon us, I am hopeful that the Board will adopt the proposed plan sooner rather than later in the event that Emerald Isle is hit by a hurricane this season.

Mr. Rush gave the example that if we get hit with a storm that the President declares a disaster, and we had 1.6 million cubic yards on the beach and after the storm we had 1 million cubic yards on the beach we could only claim reimbursement for the 600,000 cubic yards.  He said this is why it is very important to have the survey as close as possible before a storm event occurs.  They will only replace what you lost in the storm not what is lost as normal erosion.  The second key point was that it has to be a Presidentially declared disaster and finally there is no timetable for getting a plan approved but with the hurricane season upon us that was the rationale for bringing this to the Board now.

Commissioner Marks asked if the county occupancy tax was designated specifically for beach nourishment.

Mr. Rudolph said it is 5%, half of this is stipulated for TDA and the other 2.5% is specifically for the purpose of beach nourishment. 

Commissioner Eckhardt asked what is FEMA’s condition as far as sand size. 

Mr. Rudolph said it is that the beach must be improved beach with designed elevation, width and slope and that is all.

 Mr. Rush added that there is no requirement for FEMA to review the plan ahead of time.  He added that if the Board approved this tonight and we were hit with a hurricane tomorrow the first thing he would say is that we have a Plan.  In the interest of being proactive in working with them if the Board does approve this we will turn around and send this to them and ask for their feedback now before a storm happens. 

Commissioner Eckhardt asked how FEMA treated Inlet Hazard areas.

Mr. Rudolph said for the purposes of this discussion we would not be nourishing in the hazard area either for Phase II or Phase III so it would not be involved.

Commissioner McElraft added for the public’s information that we have not given up on the Shore Protection 50 Year Plan.  It is on target and going very well. 

Mr. Rush said that while we are waiting for the Shore Protection project, this provides some level of insurance for the town and if the Shore Protection project never happens then obviously it’s providing a longer period of time of insurance for the Town. 

Wayne Cunningham, 2001 Emerald Drive, asked what was going to be done at the beach in his area around 20th street.  He has heard a lot of negative comments.  He said the beach is nice and wide but full of rocks and shells. 

Mr. Rush said that the Town has completed three comprehensive rock removals in that area with the Public Works crews.  They patrol the beach every Monday and Friday picking up rocks as they see them.  The Town is making a concerted effort to get the larger rocks up and have gotten most of the larger ones.  He noted the wide range of opinions about the quality of the beach.  He hopes that it will continue to improve over time and finer grain material will dominate that section of the beach. 

 Commissioner McElraft commented that rentals in the area that has not been renourished were down now too.  She felt this was due to the economy and not the condition of the beach.  She said due to the east/west drift a lot of the sand from the other part of the island that they put on the beach is on our area now. 

Mayor Schools said that he serves on the TDA Board and is looking at the occupancy tax constantly.  He has heard for the past two years that rentals were down but occupancy tax collections were up.

Commissioner Marks thanked Mr. Rush and Mr. Rudolph for the presentation and felt that they should support this.  She wanted everyone to realize, however, that this applies only to renourished beach and to federally declared disaster areas.  She said back in the 80’s in the west end of the beach Emerald Isle lost 30 feet of beach front in a winter storm.  It was not a federally declared disaster area.  She said this could happen again and it is not covered by FEMA and she felt people needed to realize this.  She felt the impact on rentals would not show up for another year.  She has heard comments that the beach is so terrible they’re never going to come back again and others who think it is wonderful that no waves are lapping at the base of their house.

Motion was made by Commissioner Eckhardt to adopt the Beach Monitoring and Maintenance Plan for submission to FEMA.  The Board voted unanimously 4-0 in favor.  Motion carried.

BEACH NOURISHMENT EASTERN PHASE CLOSE-OUT

Mr. Rush gave a summary of this item to the Board.

The Board of Commissioners is asked to approve a final amendment to the capital project ordinance for the Eastern Phase of the Beach Nourishment Project in order to proceed with final close-out of the project.  A related procedural budget amendment is also attached for the Board’s consideration.  In total, the attached capital project ordinance amendment appropriates an additional $210,000 for the project to cover both anticipated and unanticipated cost over-runs late in the project.  The approval of the attached capital project ordinance amendment would bring the total project budget for the Eastern Phase of the Beach Nourishment Project to $11,770,000, which is $210,000, or 1.8%, more than the amended budget established by the Board of Commissioners for the project. 

Explanation of Final Close-Out Costs

As stated above, an additional $210,000 is necessary to close-out the Eastern Phase of the Beach Nourishment Project.  I had initially reported to the Board that the project would come in on budget, however, there were several developments late in the project that have resulted in the capital project ordinance amendment presented now.  The additional cost associated with some of these late developments was anticipated, and knowingly incurred.  Some additional costs, however, were not anticipated.

Significant Anticipated Additional Costs

            Additional Sand Volume For Dune Construction – 37,762 cy                              $ 188,810

            Redistribution of Dune Material                                                                             39,000

            Additional Tilling Work at Completion                                                                    11,857           

            TOTAL                                                                                                            $ 239,667

 

Significant Unanticipated Additional Costs

            Dredge Relocation Charge                                                                               $  55,500

            Additional Turtle Observer                                                                                     5,320

            TOTAL                                                                                                             $  60,820

 

GRAND TOTAL SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONAL COSTS                                                      $  300,487

The Board will note that the above additional costs represent more than the $210,000 included in the capital project ordinance amendment.  Savings in other line items provided necessary funds for a portion of these total additional costs.  A brief explanation of each of these items is presented below:

Additional Sand Volume for Dune Construction – 37,762 cy.  When it became apparent that the new dune construction called for in the plans was much better in theory than in practice, I directed Weeks Marine to build a continuous dune line from 19th Street all the way to the Eastern Ocean Regional Access instead of the sporadic dune construction that was planned.  At the time, we had estimated that the additional volume would have been 30,000 cy, however, it wound up being 37,762 cy.  I was prepared to deal with the additional $150,000 cost, but the additional 7,762 cy resulted in an additional $38,810 cost that was somewhat unanticipated. 

Although this represents additional cost, the Board should note that Weeks Marine actually placed an additional 20,000 cy over the entire project that we were not charged for.  This additional volume is essentially $100,000 worth of sand at no charge.

Redistribution of Dune Material.  At the same time that I authorized the continuous dune line from 19th Street to the EORA, I also authorized LB Page Landscaping to redistribute sand from the “monster dunes” that had already been constructed between 10th Street and 19th Street to fill in the sporadic dune gaps in that same area.  The total cost of this work was $39,000, and was fully anticipated.  Although this work represented additional cost, it did result in a much better finished product and a much happier constituency.

Additional Tilling Work at Completion.  The Town’s contract included one tilling of the entire 5.9 mile nourished beach at the end of the project.  By early March, approximately half of the project was complete, and I directed Weeks to till the portion of the nourished beach that was complete in anticipation of the larger crowds expected for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival.  Weeks tilled the area between 1st Street and 10th Street, and also the area between approximately the 4000 block and the 6800 block that had been completed to date.  At the end of the project, I was concerned about the area between 1st Street and 10th Street, and directed Weeks to re-till this area when they finished tilling the remaining nourished beach.

Dredge Relocation Charge.  I directed Weeks Marine to immediately cease pumping and relocate the dredge when the CAMA violation was issued.  Weeks billed the Town for 17.76 hours of down-time at $75,000 per day for this down-time, which results in a charge of $55,500.  This was obviously unanticipated, and I spent considerable time attempting to reduce this figure.  Weeks’ initial charge for this down-time was $119,000, and they conceded that a good portion of that down-time could be charged to weather down-time, which Weeks was responsible for. 

In addition, Weeks claims they incurred an additional 55 hours of down-time throughout the project while CSE and the Town searched for the best possible sediment quality in the borrow areas.  Weeks has not charged the Town for this down-time, however, in reality, it is questionable whether this would be a legitimate claim.

Additional Turtle Observer.  I authorized an additional turtle observer immediately when the turtle take was confirmed.  This was a requirement of the Corps of Engineers.  Because we acted swiftly, we were able to avoid any chargeable down-time.  An additional turtle observer was on board the dredge boats within a very short time frame.

As the Board knows, I made it a personal goal to insure that the project came in on budget and on time.  I am somewhat disappointed that the project will wind up being slightly over budget, however, the vast majority of the cost over-run items directly resulted in a better finished product, and I believe it was wise to spend the additional money for these items.  I believe our constituents also recognize the value received for  these additional costs.  I am also proud of the fact that the project came in within 1.8% of the overall budget.

Capital Project Ordinance Amendment

The attached capital project ordinance amendment appropriates an additional $210,000 for the project budget.  A total of $10,000 is derived from anticipated additional interest earnings in the project fund, and the remaining $200,000 is proposed to be transferred from the surplus in the Beach Nourishment Debt Service / Reserve Fund. 

The Beach Nourishment Debt Service / Reserve Fund is the most logical source of funds for this capital project ordinance amendment.  As the Board knows, there was some debate over the use of the projected surplus in the Beach Nourishment Debt Service / Reserve Fund during the recent FY 03-04 budget process.  The apparent decision to indefinitely eliminate the 1-cent allocation to this fund reduced the projected surplus in this fund to approximately $1.16 million by FY 12-13.  The use of the $200,000 included in the attached capital project ordinance amendment would reduce the projected surplus to approximately $932,000 by FY 12-13 (corresponding decrease in interest earnings is projected).  A revised long-term forecast for the Beach Nourishment Debt Service / Reserve Fund is attached for your information.

Budget Amendment - Beach Nourishment Debt Service / Reserve Fund

The attached budget amendment is procedural in nature, and simply appropriates the $200,000 from reserves in the Beach Nourishment Debt Service / Reserve Fund to be transferred to the project budget for the Eastern Phase of the Beach Nourishment Project

 

BUDGET AMENDMENT

 FY 2003-2004

 

 

 

 

 The budget for FY 2003-2004 is hereby amended as follows:    
       
 BEACH NOURISHMENT DEBT SERVICE / RESERVE FUND  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Increase

 Decrease

 Expenditures      
 Appropriation to Fund Balance                                        -                           (200,000)
 Transfer to Beach Nourishment -Eastern Phase CPO                           200,000                                      -  
       
 TOTAL                             200,000                         (200,000)
       
 Copies of this ordinance shall be filed with the Finance Officer, Budget Officer, and Town
 Clerk, to be kept on file by them for their direction in the disbursement of Town funds for this project.
        
 Adopted this ______ day of _____________ , 2003.    
       
 

 

 Attest:
     
       
 _____________________________    ___________________________
 Rhonda Ferebee, Town Clerk    Arthur B. Schools, Jr., Mayor
       
 

 

CAPITAL PROJECT BUDGET ORDINANCE

   

 BEACH NOURISHMENT - EASTERN PHASE

   

 

 

 

 

   
 Be it ordained by the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Emerald Isle that, pursuant to    
 NCGS 159-13.2, the following amendments are made to Capital Project Ordinance originally adopted    
 on April 9, 2002 for the Beach Nourishment - Eastern Phase project.       
           

 

 

 Amendments

 Amended Budget

 

 

 

 Amended Budget

 (July 8, 2003

 (July 8, 2003

 

 

 Revenues          
 General Obligation Bond Proceeds                     11,510,000                       11,510,000    
 Interest Earnings                             50,000                             10,000                             60,000    
 Transfer from Beach Nourishment                                      -                             200,000                           200,000    
     Debt Service / Reserver Fund          
           
 TOTAL                     11,560,000                           210,000                     11,770,000    
           
 Expenditures          
 Permitting / Engineering / Const Admin                           500,000                             33,500                           533,500    
 Legal                             80,000                               5,000                             85,000    
 Miscellaneous                             60,000                             12,000                             72,000    
 Dredge Mobilization                       1,000,000                                      -                         1,000,000    
 Dredge DeMobilization                           500,000                                      -                             500,000    
 Construction                       9,150,000                           106,000                       9,256,000    
 Dredge Relocation                                      -                               55,500                             55,500    
 Turtle Trawling                           112,000                              (7,000)                           105,000    
 Tire Down-Time                               6,000                                      -                                 6,000    
 Dredge Monitoring                             10,000                               4,000                             14,000    
 Dune Grass                             42,500                              (4,000)                             38,500    
 Dune Adjustments                             39,000                                      -                               39,000    
 Sand Fencing                               9,500                               6,000                             15,500    
 Public Access Improvements                             51,000                              (1,000)                             50,000    
           
 TOTAL                     11,560,000                           210,000                     11,770,000    
           
 Copies of this ordinance shall be filed with the Finance Officer, Budget Officer, and Town    
 Clerk, to be kept on file by them for their direction in the disbursement of Town funds for this project.    
            
 Adopted this ______ day of _____________ , 2003.        
           
 Attest:          
           
 _____________________________    ___________________________    
 Rhonda Ferebee, Town Clerk    Arthur B. Schools, Jr., Mayor    
           
 

Motion was made by Commissioner McElraft to adopt the Capital Project Ordinance Amendment for the Eastern Phase of the Beach Nourishment.  The Board voted unanimously 4-0 in favor.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Marks to adopt the Budget Amendment for the Beach Nourishment Debt Service/Reserve Fund.   The Board voted unanimously 4-0 in favor.  Motion carried.

 

APPOINTMENTS

Motion was made by Commissioner Messer to appoint Joseph Quigley to the Planning Board.  The Board voted unanimously 4-0 in favor.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Messer to appoint Russell Adams from Alternate I member on the Board of Adjustment to Regular member of the Board of Adjustment.  The Board voted unanimously 4-0 in favor.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Marks to appoint Nancy Williamson as Alternate I on the Board of Adjustment.  The Board voted unanimously 4-0 in favor.  Motion carried.

Mayor Schools noted that these appointments are effective today July 8, 2003.

COMMENTS FROM TOWN CLERK, TOWN ATTORNEY, AND TOWN MANAGER

Town Clerk had no comment.

Town Attorney asked about the Bicycle Pedestrian Committee.  Mayor Schools said that they encourage everybody to have anyone they know that is interested to contact them.  He said applications have already been received but they want to wait until more are received.

Town Manager Rush wanted to point out that the Town had done $29.5 million worth of new construction this past fiscal year which has blown the previous record out of the water.  He felt this was remarkable and he thanked the Planning and Inspections Department.

 He also mentioned that in May 2002 the Board approved the subdivision final plat for West End Subdivision with the developer submitting a Letter of Credit for $65,000 which was 150% of the estimated cost of constructing shared driveways and removing the old road bed of Coast Guard Road that bisected many of the lots.  The developer had until May 14 of this year to complete those improvements.  He did not do so and therefore the Town has the right to cash that Letter of Credit.  Mr. Rush said he is frustrated with the lack of activity on this subdivision.  He had discussed this situation with the Town Attorney and essentially the Town has no other recourse other than to cash the Letter of Credit and construct the improvements ourselves.   Mr. Rush said he is going to give the developer until July 31 to make significant progress on site.  Mr. Rush added that the developer claims permitting issues with the Corps of Engineers and CAMA have contributed to his delay. 

There was discussion concerning this issue by Commissioners.  Attorney Derek Taylor suggested that since they had discussed having a work session to discuss another issue in mid-July they could possibly plan to hear the developer at that time and not miss his deadline.  He pointed out however, that it was not necessary for them to do so. 

Mr. Rush said that he would try to schedule a special workshop for early to mid-August. 

Attorney Taylor said that if they did give the developer this opportunity to speak and they also want to hold on to the deadline that he should be written about the deadline now.

COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND MAYOR

Commissioner Eckhardt welcomed Kevin Reed, newly appointed Inspector of Planning and Inspections, aboard to his first meeting.

There were no other comments from Commissioners or Mayor.

ADJOURN

Motion was made by Commissioner McElraft to adjourn the meeting.  The Board voted unanimously 4-0.  Meeting adjourned at 9:50 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:

Rhonda C. Ferebee
Town Clerk