Highlights from the October 1 BOC Meeting
The Dare County Board of Commissioners (BOC) covered a number of Outer Banks-related issues and achievements at their October 1 meeting in Manteo.
Topics which pertained to the island and / or the local community included the following.
New Location for Making Public Comments in Buxton
The Board of Commissioners encourages citizen participation and provides time on the agenda at every regularly scheduled meeting for public comments. This is an opportunity for anyone to speak directly to the Board for up to five minutes on any topic or item of concern. Comments can be made at the Commissioners meeting room in Manteo or through an interactive video link in Buxton. Beginning Monday, October 15, comments from Buxton can be made at the Fessenden Center Annex Building located at 47017 Buxton Back Road.
Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed Zoning Amendments for Year Round Housing
Commissioners scheduled a public hearing for October 15, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. regarding a set of proposed zoning amendments involving minimum lot sizes for duplex structures, multifamily dwelling densities and accessory dwelling units. Planning Director Donna Creef noted that the revisions are designed to facilitate the development of year-round residential structures and not to encourage the construction of short term vacation rentals. She reported that the Planning Board held a public hearing where it received positive input in support of the amendments.
Stormwater Discussion
The Board discussed a request from Mayor Sheila Davies, on behalf of the Kill Devil Hills Board of Commissioners, to establish a working group to comprehensively address stormwater concerns and complications throughout the entire county. The item was tabled until the stormwater engineering survey that is now underway is completed.
Jay Burrus Awarded Order of the Long Leaf Pine
On behalf of Governor Roy Cooper, Chairman Woodard presented Jay Burrus, who recently retired as the Director of Dare County’s Health & Human Services Department, with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor. Burrus was honored for his distinguished public service career that spanned over 40 years. Chairman Woodard commended Burrus for having served as a passionate advocate for our children, the elderly, and all those who are vulnerable in our community. He explained that under Burrus’ insightful leadership, the Dare County Health and Human Services Department has become a model program that is well respected and emulated by other North Carolina communities.
Report from GEM Day Services
Gail Sonnesso, on behalf of GEM Day Services, gave an update report on efforts to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and the need for research, educational programs, and caregiver services in our community. She explained the stages of disease progression and presented statistics about Alzheimer’s disease. Ms. Sonnesso outlined services that are currently available in Dare County and described fundraisers sponsored by GEM.
Next Meeting of the Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners’ next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 15 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.
