Highlights from the September 4 BOC Meeting
The Dare County Board of Commissioners (BOC) covered a number of Outer Banks-related issues and achievements at their September 4 meeting in Manteo.
Topics which pertained to the island and / or the local community included the following:
Reestablishment of Dare County Commission for Working Watermen
Following a request at the Board’s last meeting, Commissioner Steve House discussed reestablishing the Dare County Commission for Working Watermen, an advisory group that was created to help protect and enhance the county’s commercial fishing industry. According to Commissioner House, the group has not met since 2012. He will schedule an organizational meeting and report back to the Board with suggestions for moving forward.
Water Department’s Capital Improvements Plan Approved
The Board of Commissioners approved the recommended Capital Improvements Plan for the Water Department. The plan outlines major water projects over the next seven years and includes water rate models that maintain consistent fund balances. Projects include expansion of the Hatteras well field, implementation of an automated meter reading system, treatment replacement and expansion of the North RO Plant in Kill Devil Hills, replacement of the Buxton elevated tank, and a distribution system expansion in Hatteras.
County to Assist with Manteo Dredging Project
Commissioners approved a request from the Town of Manteo to assist with the dredging project for the main boat channel into Shallowbag Bay. In May, Commissioners passed a resolution in support of the Town’s request to the state for emergency dredging. Since that time, state funds have been allocated on a reimbursement basis. County Manager Bobby Outten reported that the county has the ability to front the money and oversee the project.
Elizabethan Gardens Receives Grant Funding from Tourism Board
Commissioners provided consent for the Dare County Tourism Board to award a $30,000 Natural, Historic & Cultural Grant to the Elizabethan Gardens for the Discovery Cottage and Discovery Center Outdoor Classroom that will become a valuable learning center for groups and local school children for education activities.
C & D Landfill Project
Commissioners approved a budget amendment to address the removal of concrete and other large debris from the county’s landfill property on the Dare County mainland. These particular items could not be placed in the landfill and were piled separately on the site until appropriate disposal arrangements were made.
September 17 through 23 Proclaimed Constitution Week
Commissioners approved a request from the Virginia Dare Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution proclaiming September 17 through 23 Constitution Week in Dare County. Citizens are asked to reaffirm the ideals the Framers of the Constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed through the Constitution of the United States of America.
Next Meeting of the Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners’ next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 19 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 darenc.com/boc.
