The Dare County Board of Commissioners (BOC) covered a number of Hatteras Island-related issues at their April 3 meeting in Manteo.
Topics which pertained to the island and / or the local community included the following:
Board Declares the Opioid Crisis a Public Nuisance and Retains Legal Counsel to Recover Damages
Harold Seagle of Seagle Law provided information about a consortium of law firms that have joined together to represent local governments in filing legal action against drug distributors and manufacturers that are responsible for the wrongful distribution of prescription opiates. This national epidemic is greatly impacting local communities, including Dare County. Currently, over 400 local governments in 22 states are part of this consolidated effort to pursue civil remedies against those responsible for this crisis plaguing our communities. Following the presentation, Commissioners adopted a resolution declaring the opioid crisis a public nuisance and voted to retain legal counsel with the goal of recovering damages that have and will be suffered as a result of the epidemic. The agreement for legal services is on a contingent fee basis meaning that if the complaint is successful, the attorneys will retain part of the proceeds as payment. If unsuccessful, there is no cost to the County.
Post-Project Monitoring for Buxton Beach Nourishment
Commissioners approved a five-year agreement for professional services with Coastal Science and Engineering to meet requirements for post-project monitoring for the Buxton beach nourishment project. The monitoring is required by both the Corps of Engineers and the National Park Service to protect endangered species, track the condition of the beach and quantify sand volume changes, including those that occur during storm season.
OBXFloodmaps.com Launched
Planning Director Donna Creef announced that www.OBXFloodmaps.com has now launched, providing a resource for citizens to learn about the recently revised flood maps and local elevation regulations. Local planners from all six towns have worked together to establish a unified source of information for residents and property owners throughout the County.
Get Involved in Updating the County’s Land Use Plan
Planning Director Donna Creef explained that public participation is an important element of a land use plan update and outlined the strategy to generate as much interest and participation as possible. The Board adopted the plan as presented with public workshops scheduled during the spring, before the summer rush. Updated information regarding the workshops and other activities pertaining to the plan are available at darenc.com.
Energy Issues for Coastal North Carolina
John Droz, a physicist and “citizen advocate for energy, environment and education” from Morehead City, spoke about what he calls “common misconceptions” associated with offshore oil drilling. After Droz outlined his support and rationale for seismic testing related to offshore drilling, Chairman Woodard affirmed the Board’s staunch opposition to offshore drilling under any circumstances.
April Proclaimed Child Abuse Prevention Month and April 16 – 20 Named Week of the Young Child
Commissioners adopted a resolution proclaiming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Dare County and another resolution declaring April 16 – 20 as Week of the Young Child following presentations from representatives with Children and Youth Partnership and Dare County Health and Human Services.
Next Meeting of the Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners’ next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 16 at 5 p.m. For more information about the Dare County Board of Commissioners, including full agenda packets and the video of entire meetings, visit http://www.darenc.com/boc.
