TOWN OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH

THREE WEST THIRD STREET

OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC 28469

OPEN FORUM

February 13, 2006

MINUTES

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mayor Debbie Smith                            Mayor Pro Tem C.D. Blythe
            Commissioner Richard Donovan           Commissioner D.B. Grantham
            Commissioner Dean Walters                 Commissioner   Suzie Wooten  
            Daisy Ivey, Town Administrator            Larry Sellers, Asst. Town Administrator
            Chief Curtiss Pritchard

OTHERS PRESENT:

Approximately 20 Residents and Guests

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER:

Mayor Smith welcomed everyone to the Open Forum and stated that the purpose of the meeting was to hear remarks and concerns of property owners and residents.  Mayor Smith stated that the Board would not take any official action on matters presented during tonight’s meeting.  Mayor Smith opened the floor to anyone who would like to speak and asked that they stand and state their name and address for the record.  

Mrs. Linda Eagle, 64 Laurinburg Street, asked if the Town could sprayed more frequently for mosquitoes during the upcoming season.   Mrs. Daisy Ivey stated that the Town does increase sprayings particularly after rainy periods; however the Town’s mosquito chemicals are purchased through grant funds and are very limited during this time of year. 

Mr. Chris McKenzie, East Third Street, asked if the Town would represent property owners concerning a request for variance on the height of sand bags.  Mrs. Ivey stated that the Town was working with CAMA concerning the request for variance and that the Town will need permission letters from owners of all the affected property owners in order to represent them during this variance hearing.

Mr. Horace Slate, 462 E. Fourth Street, asked if the broken pavement on the eastern end of the beach could be removed or relocated to form a bulkhead to decrease erosion in the area.  Mayor Smith stated that the State will not allow hardened structures on the oceanfront.  Mr. Larry Sellers stated that the removal of the pavement may possibly create further damage in the area. 

Mr. Ray Bell, 51 Craven Street, asked what reason the State gives for prohibiting hardened structures.  Mayor Smith stated that part of the reasoning is a sea wall will prevent potential buildup of sand past the wall.  Mayor Smith stated that she felt that jetties could be a possible solution to erosion problems; however the State also prohibits jetties.  Mayor Smith stated that Representative Bonner Stiller introduced a bill

Board of Commissioners

Open Forum

February 13, 2006

Page 2

to allow a test project for a porous groin; however the bill was stalled in committee last year and will not be considered again until the next Legislative session. 

Mr. Chris McKenzie suggested that emails be sent to Ocean Isle Beach property owners requesting that they contact Congressman Mike McIntyre for support of the inlet dredging project.  Mrs. Ivey stated that the Town has the full support of Congressman McIntyre concerning the inlet dredging project.  Mrs. Ivey stated that the Ocean Isle Property Owners Association has a large number of email addresses and that the POA may be able to assist in providing information to its members. 

Ms. Betty S. Williamson, Craven Street, stated that past letter writing campaigns have been very successful in obtaining support from legislative representatives. 

Mr. David Martin, 248 East First Street, asked when the Town would receive an answer to its request for an alternate vegetation line. Mayor Smith stated that the Town may receive a response in March; however if approved by the CRC, there could be an additional six month or more period before legislation is approved to enact the ruling. 

            With no additional guests requesting to speak, Mayor Smith thanked everyone for attending and adjourned the open forum.

DATED:______________________               SIGNED:________________________

                                                                                       Debbie Smith, Mayor

                           (SEAL)

ATTEST:______________________________

               Wendy Pittman, Deputy Town Clerk