TOWN OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH
THREE WEST THIRD STREET
OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC 28469
February 1, 2006
Public Forum Meeting
MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Debbie Smith Mayor Pro Tem C.D. Blythe
Commissioner Dean Walters
Daisy Ivey, Town Administrator
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Commissioner D.B. Grantham Commissioner Richard Donovan
Commissioner Suzie Wooten
OTHERS PRESENT:
50 Property Owners & Guests
Sarah Wilson, Brunswick Beacon
WECT-6 News Reporter
PRESENTATION FROM U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS-BEACH RENOURISHMENT PROJECT
Mayor Smith stated that she would not call the Board to order as there was not a quorum of members present; however a public forum would be held in order to receive an update from Colonel John Pulliam of the Wilmington District of the Army Corps of Engineers.
Colonel Pulliam reviewed the history of the renourishment project and the Corps’ efforts to negotiate with the only contractor which had submitted a bid for the project. Colonel Pulliam stated that negotiations are continuing; however the contractor, Great Lakes, has informed the Corps that the shallow depth dredge boat necessary for the Ocean Isle Beach project is not available. Colonel Pulliam stated that the Corps, Town officials and Congressman Mike McIntyre’s office have been working diligently with State agencies to extend the environmental window to allow the work to be completed. Colonel Pulliam stated that the dredge boat will not be available until some time in June, much too late for any extension by State agencies. Colonel Pulliam stated that it appears that the Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Inlet portions of this project will proceed. Colonel Pulliam stated that the Ocean Isle Beach project will not begin until November. Colonel Pulliam stated that there is not enough time before the environmental deadline to readvertise bids to gain another contractor. Colonel Pulliam stated that he and his staff feel that it is best to remain in negotiations with Great Lakes for Ocean Isle Beach to still be a part of this project and to schedule the work at Ocean Isle to begin in November.
Public Forum
February 1, 2006
Page 2
Mayor Smith asked if Great Lakes knew at the time of their bid that the dredge boat would not be available. Colonel Pulliam stated that it appears that a current client of Great Lakes may have exercised an option on their contract for an extension, therefore making the dredge boat unavailable. Colonel Pulliam stated that recent rule changes made by Congress will protect the funding for this project and that the funding will still be available in November.
Mayor Smith stated that she has serious concerns about waiting until November for the project, due to the threat to homes and Town infrastructure on the East End of the island. Mayor Smith stated that as part of a Corps shallow draft inlet project, the Shallotte Inlet has been declared one of the top two critical areas in need of dredging the inlet crossing. Mayor Smith stated that dredging of the inlet crossing could deposit approximately 50,000 cubic yards of sand on the eastern end of the island. Colonel Pulliam stated that the Corps is actively pursing a contract for this project. Colonel Pulliam stated that the inlet dredging project could possibly face similar problems with the availability of dredge boats and the environmental window. Mayor Smith stated that the Town was relying on the Corps to pursue the project.
Mrs. Daisy Ivey asked Mr. Glen McIntosh, Project Manager of the Corps project, if another survey would be done prior the beginning of the work in November. Mr. McIntosh stated that another survey would be completed prior to the commencement of the project and that if additional sand was necessary, the contract could be modified.
Ms. Mary Ellen Stevens, representative for Congressman McIntyre representative, stated their office had been in almost daily contact with the Town and the Corps concerning this issue. Ms. Stevens stated that Congressman McIntyre is committed to the Town and the Corps in making these projects a reality.
Mayor Smith asked if there were questions from the audience.
Mrs. Linda Reinhalter, 445 E. Second Street, stated that the Corps should have taken a proactive approach to the project and deposited sand in 2004 even though the survey determined that it was not needed at that time. Colonel Pulliam stated that the Corps is limited by the scope of the project. Colonel Pulliam stated that mobilization of equipment is a large portion of the cost of a project and that the benefits must outweigh those costs. Mrs. Reinhalter asked if it were possible for the town to purchase its own dredge boat. Colonel Pulliam stated that a study was conducted for the State of North Carolina for the feasibility of such a purchase. Ms. Reinhalter stated that she understands that the Department of Transportation is committed to rebuilding Second Street if the Town gets beach renourishment. Mrs. Ivey stated that DOT is not waiting on the beach renourishment project to repair the roadway; however DOT is waiting for the winter storm season to pass.
Ms. Carol Berryhill, Fairmont Street, asked what was the status of the porous groin project. Mayor Smith stated that the bill remained in committee during the last session.
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February 1, 2006
Page 3
Mr. Sonny Hendricks, Shallotte Blvd, asked the Mayor to elaborate what they may do regarding the rate of erosion on the East End. Mayor Smith stated that the Board
was not in session today and would not be discussing any action at this time. Mayor Smith stated that the issue will be discussed at the February meeting.
Mrs. Darlene Patterson, Cumberland Street, suggested that the Town invite Great Lakes to Ocean Isle Beach so that they may see the need of the island for this project.
Mayor Smith thanked Ms. Stevens and the representatives of the Corps for coming to the Town to present this update. Mayor Smith stated that the Town would continue to work with the Corps to make this project a reality for Ocean Isle Beach.
With no additional comment, the public forum was adjorned.
DATED:_____________________ SIGNED:____________________________
Debbie S. Smith, Mayor
(SEAL)
ATTEST:_____________________________
Wendy Pittman, Deputy Town Clerk