Highlights from the May 1 BOC Meeting By JOY CRIST
The Dare County Board of Commissioners tackled a number of issues and topics in their roughly day-long meeting on May 1, 2017. Here are the highlights of this most recent session.
Supporting Working Watermen
Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution in opposition to House Bill 867 which is known as the Coastal Fisheries Conservation and Economic Development Act of 2017.
The bill was filed on April 20 and as of April 21, it’s been referred to the House Committee on Wildlife Resources. If made into law, the bill would change the management of state fisheries, shifting the focus from sustainable fisheries to conservation. A number of individuals and organizations have expressed concerns that the bill would remove checks and balances from the system, and give state officials free reign to restrict fishing with few recourses for anyone opposing the actions.
The County Commissioners agreed. Per a May 3 press release, it was noted that the commissioners believe strongly that this legislation, if passed, would have a devastating impact on commercial fishermen.
Jim Tobin Sworn in as District One County Commissioner
Jim Tobin of Manns Harbor was sworn in as District One County Commissioner, replacing Margarette Umphlett who resigned at the end of March.
Funding Committed for Maintenance of Beach Nourishment Project
Following a presentation from Nags Head Mayor Bob Edwards and Manager Cliff Ogburn, the Dare County Board of Commissioners agreed to pay for half – up to $13 million – for the costs of maintaining the Town’s 10 mile beach nourishment project that was originally constructed in 2011. Funds will come from the shoreline management fund which is funded by occupancy tax collected specifically for beach nourishment projects.
Proclamation Honoring David Weaver
Manteo High School student David Weaver was honored for his heroic actions last fall after witnessing a single vehicle accident where a car was submerged in a canal in approximately four feet of water. David took immediate action in the face of danger and demonstrated selfless and heroic actions to ensure that another individual has the best chance of surviving a life threatening emergency. The person he helped rescue was present to join in honoring the courageous student.
Hurricane Preparedness Week
Several proclamations were adopted unanimously by the Board of Commissioners, which included designating May 7 through 13 as Hurricane Preparedness Week. For more information on this proclamation, as well as tips on how to get ready for the 2017 hurricane season, visit http://www.darenc.com/departments/hurricane-prepardness.
The Board of Commissioners’ next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 15 at 5:00 p.m. For more information about the Dare County Board of Commissioners, including the video of entire meetings, visit darenc.com/boc.
