Highlights from the August 6 Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Dare County Board of Commissioners (BOC) covered a number of Outer Banks-related issues and achievements at their August 6 meeting in Manteo.

Topics which pertained to the island and / or the local community included the following. 

Advanced EMT Honored With Veterans of Foreign Wars Public Servant Awards

Bill Laricos was presented The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Dare County EMT of the Year and the VFW North Carolina EMT of the Year and the VFW North Carolina EMT of the Year. Representatives from Dare County Post 10950 in attendance were Quartermaster Jim Norrell, Commander Richard Probst and Service Officer Fred Lamm. Dare County EMS Chief Jennie Collins spoke of Laricos’ background and experience in the public safety “trifecta” that includes law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services. In addition to working as an EMT, Laricos currently works with the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad and the Frisco Volunteer Fire Department. He is described as an outstanding emergency medical professional and a dedicated public servant who is dependable, a mentor, a teacher, and someone who is viewed by his peers as an example of calmness under pressure.

Public Hearings Scheduled for Golf Cart Use in Buxton and Open Air Camping in the Unincorporated Areas of the County

The Board scheduled public hearings for Monday, August 20 at 5:30 p.m. to receive public input on a request to allow golf cart use in the village of Buxton and for a proposed revision to the ordinance regarding open air camping to make it consistent with the current zoning ordinance.

Board Takes Action to Mitigate Recent Flooding

During Public Comments, 13 citizens voiced concerns about flooding that has occurred in the wake of recent heavy rainfall throughout Dare County.  Hard hit areas on Roanoke Island were identified and speakers passionately outlined health and safety concerns related to the standing water that is still surrounding many properties.  Commissioners were urged to find a solution to the problem and address the need for ongoing maintenance of drainage ditches.

Chairman Woodard voiced the Board’s consensus that the County will do whatever it takes to address this problem immediately and he promised that resources would be promptly mobilized.  Later in the meeting, the County Manager reported that equipment was enroute to work on the flooding problem, which will address immediate short-term needs while a study is undertaken by NCDOT, as was outlined earlier in the meeting by NCDOT Board Member Allen Moran.

Updated Capital Improvements Plan Approved

Commissioners approved the 2019 Capital Improvements plan as recommended by the Capital Improvements Planning Committee with the addition of a construction project for the Dare County Animal Shelter.  Finance Director David Clawson outlined the projects included as part of the plan that includes a new facility for the College of the Albemarle – Dare campus: facility maintenance and improvements for EMS, Health and Human Services, and the Dare County Detention Center; equipment for Public Works; and 800 mhrz radios for Public Safety. He explained the impact that the CIP will have on the Capital Reserve fund balance over the next five years and noted that it includes funding for all capital projects requested by the Dare County Schools.

Resolution Approved to Advance Property Revaluation

After County Manager Bobby Outten provided background information about the County’s revaluation schedule, the Board approved a resolution to advance the County’s revaluation of real property from January 1, 2021 to January 1, 2020 with subsequent revaluations on a five year cycle.

Outer Banks Distillery Makes Donation to Dare County Parks and Recreation

The owners of Outer Banks Distillery presented a check for $17,500 to Dare County Parks and Recreation to purchase new playground equipment for Family Recreation Park in Kill Devil Hills. The donation reflects proceeds from the sale of a specialty rum the Distillery produced this summer.

Next Meeting of the Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners’ next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 20 at 5:00 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.