Highlights from the May 7 Board of Commissioners Meeting
The Dare County Board of Commissioners (BOC) covered a wide range of Hatteras Island and Outer Banks-related issues at their May 7 meeting in Manteo.
Topics which pertained to the island and / or the local community included the following:
Lease with Port Human Services for Property in Hatteras Village
Commissioners approved a three year lease agreement with Port Human Services for property located at 57635 NC 12 in Hatteras Village, formerly the Hatteras Medical Center. Port Human Services plans to begin offering services at the facility as early as this summer.
Commissioners Support Efforts to Increase Dredging
The Board approved a resolution presented by Commissioner Jim Tobin in support of the State’s efforts to increase dredging in Dare County and adjacent waterways. Tobin reported that he has recently traveled to Raleigh to discuss the acquisition of a dredge under a public/private partnership. The resolution provides assurances that the Dare County Board of Commissioners are committed to providing County funds for dredging.
Board Requests State Funding for NC’s Coastal Storm Damage Mitigation Fund
The Board approved a resolution asking the North Carolina General Assembly to fund the Coastal Storm Damage Mitigation Fund. The fund was created by the General Assembly during 2017, however, the Legislature has not yet allocated a funding source. It was noted that the Coastal Storm Damage Mitigation Fund would match local dollars on a cost-shared basis thus allowing beach nourishment funds to be effectively leveraged for maximum benefit.
Board Approves Filing of Opioid Lawsuit
The Board of Commissioners approved the filing of a civil complaint that was prepared by the consortium of law firms that the County selected on April 3 to pursue civil remedies against those responsible for the opioid crisis. To read the complaint, click here.
Katherine Schuster Recognized for Achievement
Chairman Bob Woodard presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the Board of Commissioners to Katherine Schuster, a First Flight High School student who recently won the National Drive, Chip and Putt Championship in Augusta, bringing honor to her family, her school and to everyone in Dare County. Chairman Woodard commended Schuster for her strength of character in overcoming adversity to win the championship and described it as a momentous achievement that will serve as an inspiration and encouragement for everyone pursuing a dream.
Adult Day Care Overview
Kaye White, Dare County Delegate to the NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature, and Public Health Director Sheila Davies gave a report on the need for Adult Day Care Centers in Dare County. They outlined possible Adult Day Care models and provided statistics about those who use these facilities. Information was provided about funding sources and it was noted that the national average rate for Adult Day Care Centers is $61 per day. The results of a needs survey were also presented to the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Rob Ross requested specific information regarding what it would take to make an adult day care facility a reality here in Dare County. Once necessary data is collected, Commissioner Ross will meet with the County Manager and Finance Director to discuss further.
Three Public Hearings Scheduled for May 21
Two of the three public hearings set by the Board pertain to Roanoke Island zoning requests –
May 20 – 26 Proclaimed Emergency Medical Services Week
In recognition of the emergency medical services teams that are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Board proclaimed May 20 – 26, 2018 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Dare County.
Support for Kitty Hawk Trails Grant Application
Commissioners approved a request from the Town of Kitty Hawk for a letter of support for their grant application to the North Carolina Division of Parks & Recreation for two trail connections to the existing 1.8 mile Birch Lane Trail in the Kitty Hawk Woods Preserve.
Report From Outer Banks Sporting Events
Race Director Jenny Ash outlined the mission of Outer Banks Sporting Events (OBSE) and provided statistics related to its 2017 events. They reported that the 2017 economic impact for Dare County is estimated at $8.4 million. It was noted that since 2010, OBSE has generated over a million dollars for each of its founding charities.
Next Meeting of the Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners’ next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m. For more information about the Dare County Board of Commissioners, including full agenda packets and the video of entire meetings, visit darenc.com/boc.
