MEETING RECAP: December 10, 2024 - Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

During the Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners meeting on December 10, 2024, the following actions were taken. 

NOTE: Official minutes will be produced, reviewed, and approved at the next open public BOC meeting.

• Public Comment was held with two commenters from 6:03 to 6:11 PM.
• Mayor Holland reviewed follow-ups to public comments from the November 12, 2024 Board of Commissioners meeting and paper copies were available.
• The Board unanimously adopted the agenda.
• A video played showing public announcements and Town happenings. 
• Parks & Recreation Director, Candace Dooley, recognized longtime Community Canter Attendant, Bob Fuge, who will be retiring after 11 years with the Town.
• Chief Panzarella recognized Master Sergeant Biskup for completing his Leadership Certification and Officer Szczepaniak for advancing to Police Officer I.
• Mayor Holland recognized Town Manager, Matt Zapp, for his appointment by Governor Roy Cooper to the North Carolina Water Treatment Facility Operators Certification Board.
• The Board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda.
• Parks & Recreation Director, Candace Dooley, presented funds raised from the 2024 Emerald Isle Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K, including $7,500 donated to the Community Foundation of Western NC’s Emergency and Disaster Response Fund, $7,500 donated to the Emerald Isle Bike and Pedestrian Fund, and $15,000 donated to the Broad Street Clinic.
• Town Attorneys from Carolina Law Group presented their legal review of the Emerald Isle Unified Development Ordinances with suggested revisions for clarification. The Board unanimously voted to send these revisions to the Planning Board for review.
• The Board unanimously approved the replacement of one Beach Patrol Jeep.
• The Board unanimously voted to use EIPD’s Restricted Fund Balance (received directly from NCDOR’s tax on unauthorized substances) to replace the Police Department’s Surveillance System at an estimated cost of $10,000.
• The Board unanimously voted in support of NCDOT reducing the speed limit on Hwy 58 (Emerald Drive) to Lee Avenue.
• The Board unanimously approved awarding the Powell Bill Funds asphalt bid to Onslow Grading & Paving.
• The Board voted in support of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MARSOC, which also has county support.
• The Board discussed stormwater requirements related to large scale residential developments in Emerald Isle (>10,000 sq. ft. of ground disturbance) per Commissioner Brownlow’s request and unanimously voted to send his suggestions to the Planning Board for review.
• The Board unanimously approved the 2025 Budget Calendar, the 2025 Official Regular Meeting Schedules, and the revised October 31, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes.
• The Board voted 3-1 in favor for the Town Attorney to produce two letters of violations, fines, remedies and timeframes for 330 Live Oak and 7330 Sound Drive ideally by Friday, December 13, 2024. The letters are to be on Carolina Law Group letterhead and given to Town staff for distribution to the appropriate property owners. Commissioner Wootten opposed the vote and Commissioner Brownlow was recused from the vote.
• The meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM.

NOTE: Official minutes will be produced, reviewed, and approved at the next open public BOC meeting.