Highlights from the May 21 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 21 meeting in Manteo.
Topics which pertained to the island and / or the local community included the following.
Working Watermen Exhibit Showcased
On behalf of the North Carolina Watermen Foundation, Captain Ernie Foster presented an exhibit showcasing the working watermen that provide healthy North Carolina seafood for America’s tables. The photographs were taken by Daniel Pullen of Hatteras Island and Foster announced that the exhibit will move throughout the state and may soon be on display at the State Capital.
Public Hearing Scheduled for Manager’s Proposed Budget
Following County Manger Bobby Outten’s presentation of the proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, Commissioners scheduled a public hearing for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 4 to receive comments and feedback from the public. The proposal maintains the current property tax rate of 47 cents per $100 of valuation and provides current levels of service provided by County departments. The entire budget, including the Budget Summary and Manager’s Message, may be accessed online at www.darenc.com/budget.
Local Nourished Beaches Named Best in America
Dare County beaches in Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills have been named as Best Restored Beaches for 2018 by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). The award highlights the value of restored beaches and the crucial role they play in attracting visitors from around the world. Duck Mayor Don Kingston, Southern Shores Mayor Tom Bennett, Kitty Hawk Mayor Gary Perry, and Kill Devil Hills Mayor Sheila Davies joined Chairman Bob Woodard for the presentation.
It was one year ago this week that work began on the northern beaches project and over a five month period, almost four million cubic yards of sand was placed along over 8 miles of beach. This project was done as a collaborative effort and by working together, each of the towns were able to achieve their design goals while benefiting from significant cost and time savings. During the presentation, Chairman Woodard commented, “We all agree that in order to remain sustainable and resilient coastal communities, we must continue to prioritize protection of our beaches as a vital component of our tourism infrastructure.”
McGuire Woods to Assist with Legislative Matters in Raleigh
With the General Assembly’s short session in progress, Commissioners voted to engage McGuire Woods Consulting to again represent Dare County to assist with important legislative matters that may arise.
Commissioners Support Emergency Dredging for Manteo Channel
Following a presentation from Town of Manteo Planner Melissa Dickerson, the Board approved a resolution supporting the Town’s request for emergency dredging of the Manteo Channel.
Public Hearing Scheduled for June 18
A public hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 18 for a zoning text amendment submitted by Rick Loesch of East Carolina Radio. The revision would replace existing text that requires telecommunications towers to be associated with another H345 zoning use.
Dare Soil and Water Quarterly Report
Community Conservationist Ann Daisey gave a quarterly report on community outreach activities and efforts to address stream debris, drainage, and weed treatment. During the presentation, Soil and Water Board Supervisor and Chair Larry Bray was recognized for his 30 years of dedicated service to the Dare Soil and Water Conservation District.
Vulnerable Adult and Elder Abuse Awareness Months
The Board proclaimed May 13 – June 17, 2018 as Vulnerable Adult and Elder Abuse Awareness Months as a reminder that it is a community responsibility to protect our vulnerable and older adults. Under state law, all citizens must report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to their local County Department of Social Services.
June 3 Proclaimed Positivity Day in Dare County
Commissioners proclaimed June 3 as Positivity Day in Dare County following a presentation from Girl Scout Troop 2139. The Scouts encouraged everyone to practice positive thinking.
Next Meeting of the Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners’ next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 4 at 9:00 a.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.
