Hatteras Island Highlights from Dare County BOC Meeting

The Dare County Board of Commissioners (BOC) covered a number of issues at their November 20 meeting in Manteo.

Topics included the following:

Walkway Dedicated to Marshall and Gussie Collins

Prior to the meeting, Commissioners hosted the dedication ceremony for the Marshall and Gussie Collins Walkway to honor the remarkable African-American couple that owned and farmed the land surrounding the walkway and government complex. The walkway is open for the public to enjoy and extends approximately two miles from the Dare County Government Complex in Manteo to the Coastal Studies Institute in Skyco, meandering through scenic woodlands and along the marsh. It is a wonderful way for families to discover a beautiful part of Roanoke Island. Task Force Appointed for COA Dare Campus Curriculum As plans move forward to construct a new, state-of-the-art facility for the College of the Albemarle’s Dare Campus, Chairman Bob Woodard appointed a Task Force to address curriculum, trades and academic courses that will be offered in the future to best meet the needs of local citizens, students and the business community. Approval of Zoning Text Amendments Following two separate public hearings, Commissioners approved a request from Dare Storage LLC to amend the zoning text to add group developments to the list of uses allowed in the Skyco Neighborhood Commercial District on Roanoke Island and another request from Outer Banks Dare Challenge LLC to amend the zoning text to add residential recovery and treatment centers to the list of uses allowed in the Highway 345 Business Zoning District on Roanoke Island.

Revised Winter Trash Collection Schedule

The Board considered a proposal to revise the winter trash pickup schedule and after lengthy discussion, the matter was tabled until the December 4th meeting. Nags Head Beach Nourishment Financing The Board approved a reimbursement resolution presented by Finance Director David Clawson for debt issuance related to the Nags Head Beach Nourishment maintenance project. The resolution states the County’s intention to proceed with the project, issue the debt, and reimburse itself for expenditures that occur prior to the debt closing. Nags Head will pay 50% of the project costs and the other half is paid with occupancy tax proceeds set aside specifically for beach nourishment projects. Nags Head plans to bid the project in early 2018 with construction taking place in summer 2018 or summer 2019 depending on schedules of dredge companies.

NC Senior Tarheel Legislature Update

Kaye White, Dare County’s Delegate to the NC Senior Tarheel Legislature, presented 2018 Legislative Priorities that include reestablishing the study commission on aging, expanding Project C.A.R.E., and increasing funding for the North Carolina Home and Community Block Grant, for senior centers, and for North Carolina’s Adult Protective Services Program.

Public Hearing Scheduled for December 4 at 10 a.m.

Commissioners scheduled a public hearing to solicit input on a proposed amendment to the County’s Code of Ordinances to allow members of the Board of Adjustments to reside anywhere in Dare County. Currently, only residents living in the unincorporated areas may serve. Planning Director Donna Creef said that removal of the residency limitation may allow for easier recruitment of volunteers.

Next Meeting of the Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners’ next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 4 at 9 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.