SURF CITY TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA



SURF CITY TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES

August 1, 2017 – 7:00 P.M.

Council Members Present: Staff Members Present:

Douglas Medlin, Mayor Larry Bergman, Town Manager

William J. Buddy Fowler, Mayor Pro Tem Ashley Loftis, Asst. Town Manager

Nelva Albury Stephanie Hobbs, Town Clerk

Teresa Batts Charles Lanier, Town Attorney

Michael Curley Chad Merritt, Parks & Recreation Director

Don Helms Ron Shanahan, Police Chief

Barry Newsome, Welcome Center

Allan Wilson _ Fire Chief

Call to Order – Mayor Douglas C. Medlin

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

Special Presentation

State Fire Marshal & Dept. of Insurance

Beautification & Appearance Recognition

Home of the Month – Fonda & Randall Worthington at 113 Seahorse Ave.

Business of the Month – Sugar Island Bakery at 206 N. Topsail Drive

Consent Agenda

1. Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes July 5, 2017 & Workshop Minutes July 13, 2017

2. Budget Ordnance Amendments – Memorial Bench Donations & Insurance Policies

3. Charge to the Tax Collector

Mr. Helms made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and it was carried.

H. New Business

4. Subdivision Plat Approval – Anchors Watch at Saltwater Landing Section 5

Mr. Rademacher stated submitted is the final phase of Saltwater Landing development and will be accessed by extending Adelaide Drive and S. Brig Drive. No additional roads are being created in this final phase of development. This phase of the subdivision is actually revised plan submitted several years ago. The major change is the elimination of lots and the design of the common space/open area, both of which meet the requirements of the ordinances. The subdivision design shows 15 lots all fronting on these road extensions and landscaping, sidewalks and lighting have all been designed in compliance with the ordinances. Proper turnarounds and hydrants for the fire department are being provided for emergencies. Water and sewer meet the requirements of the ordinance and the water line extensions will complete a water line loop which will enhance water quality and quantity. All newly created street will be public with common area being retained by the neighborhood association. The road continues to the adjacent properties for future connectivity of the street and utility system. The plans have also been reviewed for compliance by the Town’s engineer, Utilities Department and the Fire Department. All departments completed their review and found the plans to be in full compliance with the ordinances. Staff recommends approval of this subdivision as it meet the requirements of the ordinance.

Mr. Fowler made a motion to approve subdivision site plan as submitted. Mr. Helms seconded the motion and it was carried.

5. Planning Board Alternate Appointment - Chuck Strickland

Mrs. Albury made a motion to appoint Chuck Strickland as the alternate planning board member. Mrs. Batts seconded the motion and it was carried.

Public Forum

Patti Gilbirght -8013 8th St. – discussed concerns about the 9th St Access, it is very hard for those individuals who are handicap to use this access. She explained that the season is already over and the access is still not fixed. She discussed two garbage issues with a mattress being on the road for two weeks as one concern, she explained that she wanted it removed. She stated she is tired of seeing trash all over the beach accesses. She stated the summer help is doing a wonderful job but there is just not enough containers for the amount of people. There are no recycling cans either, and she suggested that recycle containers be added to all the beach accesses.

Mr. Bergman stated the town got bids for the repairs fairly quickly. The contractor that was awarded the bid had other projects set to take place before ours. Hurricane Matthew forced our hand to take down part of the ramp. There have been many discussions over the 9th St ramp. At this time we are still awaiting the contractor to start which should be anytime now.

David Byrd -Turtle Cove- ask why we do not pickup trash twice a week. He also discussed the issues with the pot holes in the streets, that in places they are very deep.

Mr. Bergman stated that the twice a week pickup was removed when the town decided to offer larger recycling carts. With the new budget now in place we will again do paving in certain areas as we did last year, and we will defiantly take a look at those areas.

Derrick Colan -Fairytale Lane - discussed an issue with the trash; many of these rental homes are repeat offenders. These homes need to be made to pay for additional cans. Secondly, he had concerns with the speed at which people are going down S. Shore Drive. He ask for a campaign to slow people down. He also ask that we find away to assist the community in saving trees.

Ann Hoffman - 505 N. Belverde Drive Holly Ridge - she stated she was here on behalf of the Summer Market. They are here looking for clarification on where the market would be or even be allowed next year, and the stipulations that may apply. She stated they have strived very hard to have a good mix of products at the Summer Market. They also asked for the Holiday Market this November as well.

Mr. Bergman stated in the past few months we have really focused on the public’s use of our public spaces. There has been a really big growth in the number of people looking to do events in Surf City. These events impact every department. We are trying to provide a safe space with the services they need. There will be a different process for the summer market, and the Holiday market will fall under the same regulations. We have spoken with the Chamber of Commerce as of right now the recommendation would be to not allow the Holiday Market because of the negative feedback received in the past from local retailers.

Nicole Wynn President of the Summer Market discussed that the Holiday Market brings in many tourist to the town for the day. They want to make it a community event. She felt as though they are getting slighted because they are small business owners too.

Dawn Campbell -2007 N. Shore Drive -stated she has an issue with the tourist on the dunes. She is looking to have more dune signs installed along the beach side. She also discussed there is a group of about 50 people who are looking to buy and install their own sea oats. She also discussed how heart breaking it is to see handicap people try to get off and on the beach when there is no access.

Council Forum

Mr. Curley stated he thanked everyone for coming out this evening. He thanked the council for the wonderful activity they have done in the past years. He pointed out the staff in Surf City and how great they are. He also formally gave his resignation to his Town Council seat effective immediately.

Mr. Fowler stated that Mr. Curley has been a real asset over the past years in Surf City; his vision for the town has been invaluable. It is great to see a crowd come out to the meetings. Rest assured your concerns are heard and we try to correct those. There is a lot of activity at the Community Center. He thanked everyone for coming tonight.

Mrs. Albury stated she thanked everyone for coming out. She thanked Mike for his many years of service. She wished him well on all of his future endeavors. She was also thankful for everyone’s comments.

Mrs. Batts stated that all the comments are greatly appreciated. It is nice to know we have citizens who want to keep our town clean and safe. All of the departments have done a wonderful job this summer to keep us safe and keep tourism growing in the right direction.

Mr. Helms stated he thanked everyone for coming and for their comments and concerns. We try to do the best we can by the concerns you have. The Fire department is very proud of the award they received tonight. Recently over 1000 fire alarms have been installed in partnership with the Chapel Hill Burn Center. Reading with a Fireman is still underway has been greatly received. Recently there were 25 disabled children come and tour and spend a half day learning at the fire department.

Mayor Medlin stated he appreciated everyone coming out tonight. These items will be looked at and further investigated to assist in resolving theses issues. This past month with the Police Department they had coffee with a cop at Fractured Prune and the turn out was wonderful. The biggest asset we have as a town is our connection with the community. Congratulations to James Horne and Chris Houser received advanced law certifications, and Phil Voorhees for finishing first in the City of Jacksonville’s National Night Out 5k.

Manager Reports

Mr. Bergman discussed the fiscal year end schedule has been provided and shows expenditures and revenues. It shows that we are building the fund balance. There has been some discussion on the water system, our water supply comes from wells and not an aquifer. We do not get our water from that source that is currently experiencing those problems. The July 3rd event is a perfect example of how the whole town and elected officials come together. There is a wall at Town Hall that has rotted away and it is going to have to be replaced. We are still looking at the replacement or repair of town hall, he suggested a work session. Town Hall has served its purpose for the town. The house moving approved at the July meeting has been postponed to August 2nd. The Holiday Market has requested a market this upcoming holiday season, we encouraged them to work with the chamber and not to use Black Friday. The chamber is on the fence as to the feelings of its members; the manager’s recommendation is to not approve the Holiday Market.

Mr. Fowler stated he originally made the motion for the Summer Market, it only included the summer months. It started at the Nelva Park and then over to Soundside. Last year no one approved the Holliday Market, and it went against what we originally agreed. The council approved nothing and we were the ones who received the negative feedback.

Sandi Lowery of Mia’s ask why retailers have to share their business with the Summer Market but the restaurant industry does not have to share with food trucks in the park.

Mr. Bergman stated he has had direct complaints about the Holiday market. Originally, when the market started it was both locally made crafts and farmers with fresh produce.

Mayor Medlin suggested that Parks and Recreation, the Chamber and Mr. Bergman get together as to the rules and procedures to the Summer Market.

Town Attorney Reports

Closed Session – NCGS 143-618.11(a)(6)

Mr. Albury made a motion to go into closed session. Mr. Helms seconded the motion and it was carried.

Mr. Helms made a motion to go into regular session. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and it was carried.

Adjournment

Mrs. Albury made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Helms seconded the motion and it was carried.

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Douglas C. Medlin, Mayor

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Stephanie Edwards Hobbs, Town Clerk

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