Emerald Isle public meetings in 2025

Board of Commissioners

The Commissioners will vote on resolutions and a budget amendment to acquire the 9201 Coast Guard Road parcel for a future fire station, including a just‑compensation deposit and reimbursement using debt proceeds. They will also adopt a consent agenda that includes a pornography‑blocking resolution, an amendment to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Fund ordinance, and the 2026 meeting schedule. Additional items include presentations of marathon and fire‑department fundraiser proceeds and updates on wildlife management plans.

• Resolution and General Fund budget amendment to acquire 9201 Coast Guard Road for a new fire station, increase just‑compensation deposit, and reimburse expenditures with debt proceeds
• Presentation of $50,000 net marathon proceeds – $25,000 to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Project Fund and $25,000 to the Crystal Coast Cancer Rehab Center
• Presentation of $738 fire‑department T‑shirt sales proceeds to Little Pink Houses of Hope
• Consent agenda items: resolution prohibiting pornography on town networks, amendment to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Fund ordinance, adoption of 2026 regular meeting schedules
• Updates on wildlife management: Deer depredation plan and coyote trapping plan

The Board adopted its agenda and consent agenda unanimously. A resolution raising the just compensation for the 9201 Coast Guard Road property from $1,255,000 to $1,305,000 was approved 5‑0. Jason Holland was elected Mayor Pro‑Tem by a 3‑2 vote. Additional actions included a general‑fund budget amendment, a debt‑reimbursement resolution, and appointments to the Audit Committee and EC Council.

• Adopted agenda (5-0)
• Adopted consent agenda (5-0)
• Increased just compensation to $1,305,000 (5-0)
• Approved general‑fund budget amendment (5-0)
• Adopted resolution to reimburse expenditures with debt (5-0)
• Elected Jason Holland as Mayor Pro‑Tem (3-2)
• Appointed Mayor Lagos, Commissioner Brownlow, and Commissioner Plum to Audit Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Commissioner Sanderson to Eastern Carolina Council of Governments board (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to approve minutes from July 2025 and receive a training refresher on the roles of the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment. The board will also review the September 2025 Planning Department report.

• Approval of July 28, 2025 meeting minutes
• Planning Board and Board of Adjustment training refresher
• September 2025 Planning Department Report
• Discussion of potential N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program grant for March 2026
• Status updates on 48 public nuisance case files

Board of Commissioners

The Board will vote on a resolution to friendly condemn the parcel at 9201 Coast Guard Road. It will also adopt the Carteret County Comprehensive Transportation Plan after a presentation and public hearing. A consent agenda will approve the September 9 meeting minutes and amend rules on special use permits. The fire department will receive recognition for completing the NCLM Fire Service Risk Assessment.

• Resolution adopting Carteret County Comprehensive Transportation Plan
• Resolution authorizing friendly condemnation of property at 9201 Coast Guard Road
• Consent agenda: adoption of September 9 minutes and amendment to special use permit rules
• Presentation of NCLM Fire Service Risk Assessment (no formal action)
• Introduction of four new police officers

The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the friendly condemnation of a 2‑acre tract at 9201 Coast Guard Road, voting 5‑0. It also adopted the Carteret County Comprehensive Transportation Plan and the consent agenda, each with unanimous votes. Additionally, three members were appointed to the Board of Adjustment for one‑year terms.

• Adopted agenda (5-0)
• Adopted consent agenda (5-0)
• Adopted Carteret County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (5-0)
• Approved resolution authorizing friendly condemnation of property at 9201 Coast Guard Road (5-0)
• Appointed Andrew Frick as 1-year regular member of Board of Adjustment (5-0)
• Appointed Tim Kinch as 1-year alternate member of Board of Adjustment (5-0)
• Appointed Mark Wicker as 1-year regular member of Board of Adjustment (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Emerald Isle Board will consider a consent agenda that includes a resolution for an installment purchase agreement with Stryker Sales, Inc. for heart monitors and medical equipment service. Commissioners will vote on a resolution authorizing a street resurfacing contract with Onslow Grading and Paving, Inc. and a related General Fund budget amendment. An ordinance amending Chapter 9 – Nuisances to clarify provisions regarding unsafe buildings will also be discussed.

• Resolution authorizing installment purchase agreement with Stryker Sales, Inc. for heart monitors
• Resolution authorizing street resurfacing contract with Onslow Grading and Paving, Inc.
• Budget amendment to the General Fund for the street resurfacing package
• Ordinance amending Chapter 9 – Nuisances to clarify unsafe building provisions
• Proposed new roundabout flagpole

The Board unanimously approved a $286,776 contract with Coastline Contracting, Inc. to resurface about 1.9 miles of town streets and adopted the accompanying General Fund budget amendment. An ordinance amending Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances to clarify unsafe‑building provisions was also adopted unanimously. The Commissioners reached consensus to install a new 35‑40 ft flagpole in the roundabout, relocating the existing egret sculpture. Appointments were made to fill one Planning Board vacancy and several Board of Adjustment seats, with the remaining Board of Adjustment appointment and term designations tabled until the next meeting.

• Adopted agenda as presented (5-0)
• Adopted consent agenda, including resolution for heart monitor purchase (5-0)
• Authorized $286,776 street resurfacing contract with Coastline Contracting, Inc. (5-0)
• Adopted General Fund budget amendment for street resurfacing (5-0)
• Adopted ordinance amending Chapter 9 – Nuisances to clarify unsafe building provisions (5-0)
• Reached consensus to install new 35‑40 ft flagpole in roundabout, relocating egret sculpture (consensus)
• Appointed Scott Bookout to Planning Board vacancy (4-1)
• Accepted Board of Adjustment ballot results and tabled remaining appointment and term determination (4-1)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on updating the Unified Development Ordinance regarding nonconforming decks and dead tree removal. The body will also consider ordinances regarding hazardous vehicles and the establishment of a 'Backyard Social Nice Matters!' district at K&V Plaza Shopping Center.

• Resolution to purchase two new police vehicles
• Public hearing on allowing replacement of legally nonconforming decks
• Public hearing on exempting dead tree removal from permit requirements
• Proposed 'Emerald Isle’s Backyard Social Nice Matters!' district at K&V Plaza Shopping Center
• Ordinance to define and authorize removal of hazardous vehicles

The Emerald Isle Board adopted its agenda and consent agenda, authorizing purchase of two police vehicles. It approved three Unified Development Ordinance amendments: allowing replacement of non‑conforming decks, exempting dead‑tree removal from permit requirements, and defining removal of hazardous vehicles. The Board also re‑appointed Pastor Clay Olsen to the Parks and Recreation Association and tabled other board appointments until September.

• Adopted agenda (5-0)
• Adopted consent agenda, authorizing purchase of two police vehicles (5-0)
• Approved ordinance amendment to replace legally nonconforming decks (5-0)
• Approved ordinance amendment exempting dead‑tree removal from permit requirements (4-0)
• Approved ordinance amendment defining removal of hazardous vehicles (4-0)
• Tabled Planning Board and Board of Adjustment appointments, proceeded with Parks appointment (4-0)
• Re‑appointed Pastor Clay Olsen to EI Parks and Recreation Association (unanimous)
• Introduced two new full‑time police officers Nathan Barker and Riley Klein

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to elect officers and review proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) amendments. The board is considering changes to rules regarding non-conforming decks and the exempt removal of dead trees.

• UDO Amendment: Section 8-5 Non-Conforming Decks
• UDO Amendment: Section 2.4.11 (2)(I) Exempt Removal of Dead Trees
• Election of Board Chair and Vice-Chair

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review a contract for a new fire station and hear presentations regarding a new medical facility and the Veterans Day Parade. The board is also tasked with filling seven vacancies on the Board of Adjustment.

• Resolution authorizing design-build contract for new Fire Station 2
• Appointments for 7 vacancies on the Board of Adjustment
• Order directing 2025 Tax Levy and Collections
• Resolution authorizing ABC Permit for Emerald Isle Fishing Tournament
• Presentation on planned Western Carteret Medical Facility by Carteret Healthcare CEO

The Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners approved a design‑build contract with D.R. Reynolds Company for the new Fire Station 2 (4‑0). They also authorized a $2,500 donation to the 2025 Carteret County Veterans Day Parade (4‑0) and adopted a resolution supporting county wayfinding sign improvements (4‑0). The Board adopted the consent agenda, the meeting agenda, and tabbed the Board of Adjustment appointments until the August 12 meeting (all 4‑0).

• Excused Mayor Pro‑Tem Mark Taylor from the meeting (4‑0)
• Adopted the agenda as presented (4‑0)
• Adopted consent agenda items, including tax levy order and other resolutions (4‑0, one abstention)
• Donated $2,500 to the 2025 Carteret County Veterans Day Parade (4‑0)
• Adopted resolution supporting Carteret County Tourism Development Authority wayfinding sign improvements (4‑0)
• Approved design‑build contract for new Fire Station 2 with D.R. Reynolds Company (4‑0)
• Tabled Board of Adjustment appointments until August 12, 2025 (4‑0)
• Adjourned the meeting (4‑0)

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The Bike & Pedestrian Committee discussed potential rules for electric apparatus on bike paths, including speed limits and safety. The group also reviewed the 2025 Bike the Banks event.

• 2025 Bike the Banks raised $4,619.84
• Discussion of 10-12mph speed limit for electric apparatus on bike paths
• Next Bike the Banks event scheduled for May 2, 2026

The committee discussed fundraising results, ideas for the 2026 Bike the Banks event, and possible rules for electric devices on the bike path. No formal approvals, denials, or policy changes were recorded. The meeting was adjourned by motion.

• Motion to adjourn passed

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings to adopt the FY 2025-26 budget, fee schedule, and pay plan. The board will also consider amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance and appoint members to the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment.

• Public hearing and adoption of FY 2025-26 Budget Ordinance
• FY 2025-26 Fee Schedule and Pay Plan
• 5-Year Capital Replacement / Improvement Plan
• Public hearing and consideration of proposed UDO Amendments
• Resolution to reaffirm opposition to offshore oil and gas drilling

The Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners adopted the FY 2025‑26 Budget Ordinance (Version B) with a 10.5% general‑fund tax rate. The Board also adopted the FY 2025‑26 Fee Schedule, the 5‑Year Capital Replacement/Improvement Plan, and the FY 2025‑26 Pay Plan. Proposed UDO amendments and revised rules for the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment were approved, and four members were appointed to the Planning Board.

• Adopt FY 2025‑26 Budget Ordinance (Version B, 10.5% tax rate) – vote 3‑0 (Sanderson excused)
• Adopt FY 2025‑26 Fee Schedule – vote 3‑0 (Sanderson excused)
• Adopt 5‑Year Capital Replacement/Improvement Plan – vote 3‑0 (Sanderson excused)
• Adopt FY 2025‑26 Pay Plan – vote 3‑0 (Sanderson excused)
• Adopt proposed UDO amendments for Planning Board and Board of Adjustment – vote 4‑0
• Adopt revised Planning Board Rules of Procedure – vote 4‑0
• Adopt revised Board of Adjustment Rules of Procedure – vote 4‑0
• Appointed Jim Dubovec, Kris Plum, Kenny Sullivan, and Bill Little to the Planning Board (ballot results)

Board of Commissioners

The Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners will hold a special budget workshop to review the recommended FY 2025-2026 budget. The meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2025 at 5:30 PM in the Floyd Messer, Jr Town Hall Board Room.

The Emerald Isle Board approved a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment and a $15‑per‑hour minimum wage for all town employees, to be financed by a .25‑cent property‑tax increase. The Board also approved a motion to advertise a public hearing on the FY 25‑26 budget and formally excused two absent officials while adopting the meeting agenda. No formal actions were taken on fund‑balance, sales‑tax distribution, or capital‑project funding options.

• Excused Mayor Holland and Commissioner Sawyer from the meeting (4‑0)
• Adopted agenda as presented (4‑0)
• Approved 3% COLA and $15 minimum wage for all town employees, funded by .25‑cent tax increase (4‑0)
• Approved motion to advertise public hearing for FY 25‑26 budget (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)
• Fund balance discussion – no formal action taken
• Sales‑tax distribution discussion – no formal action taken
• Capital‑project funding options discussion – no formal action taken

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will receive the presentation of the FY 2025-2026 recommended budget and consider renewing leases at the Crystal Coastal Welcome Center. Other business includes committee appointments to the Planning Board/Board of Adjustment and an update on the NCLM health benefits insurance pool closure. Several proclamations will be issued for National Police Week, Public Works Week, EMS Week, Safe Boating Week, and Beach Safety Week.

• Presentation of FY 2025-2026 Recommended Budget
• Crystal Coastal Welcome Center lease renewals: NCDOT contract and Tourism Development Authority sublease
• Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan renewal
• Emergency Operations Center contract renewal (consent agenda)
• Committee reappointments to Planning Board/Board of Adjustment

The Commissioners voted 4-0 to renew the town's lease with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the sublease with the Crystal Coast Tourism Development Authority. They also adopted a resolution supporting Carteret County's Coast Guard Community designation and adopted the Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The planning board and board of adjustment appointments were tabled until the June 10 meeting, and a budget workshop was scheduled for May 20.

• Approved NCDOT lease renewal (4-0)
• Approved sublease renewal with Crystal Coast Tourism Development Authority (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution of Support to Renew Carteret County's Coast Guard Community designation (4-0)
• Adopted Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Resolution (4-0)
• Tabled Planning Board and Board of Adjustment appointments (4-0)
• Adopted Consent Agenda (4-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda (4-0)
• Scheduled Budget Workshop special meeting for May 20 (unanimous)

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The Bike and Pedestrian Committee welcomed new member Judy Starke and interim Town Manager Randy Martin. Detailed planning for the May 3 Bike the Banks event was reviewed, including 104 registered riders, volunteer coverage for rest stops and intersections, and logistics such as snacks, a balloon arch, and t-shirts. The event will close at 12:30 p.m.

• 104 registered riders expected for Bike the Banks event on May 3
• All rest stops and intersections along Coast Guard Rd covered by volunteers
• Insurance policy obtained for the event
• Snacks ordered; waters and bananas to be ordered week of event
• Baskets by Ken Ambrose to be auctioned; contents being decided

The committee met for about 30 minutes, welcomed new members and the interim Town Manager, and presented a service gift to Drew Conekin. Members reviewed detailed plans for the Bike the Banks event on May 3, covering volunteers, insurance, signage, snacks, and other logistics. No formal approvals, votes, or actions were recorded.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings regarding proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance. The meeting also includes a 20-year retrospective on the Bogue Inlet Channel Relocation Project and discussions on committee restructuring.

• Public hearing on UDO changes to Maintenance Agreements for 1 and 2 Family Dwelling Unit Developments with over 10,000 sq ft of land disturbance
• Public hearing on UDO amendments to Sections 7.4, 6.6.9, 6.6.10, 2.4.11(2)(H), and 10.2 to align with NC General Statutes
• General Fund Budget Amendment
• GFL Dumpster Service Amendment
• Discussion on restructuring Golf Cart, Bike & Pedestrian, Planning Board/Board of Adjustment, and Dog Park committees

The Board adopted the meeting agenda and consent agenda unanimously. It approved a motion requiring any future elected or reelected official to complete the UNC School of Government’s “Essentials of Municipal Government” ethics training, passing 4‑1. The Board also dissolved the Golf Cart Advisory Committee and the Dog Park Committee, each by a 5‑0 vote, and made several committee appointments, including appointing Judy Starke to the Bike & Pedestrian Committee (5‑0) and Maury Gailey (3‑2).

• Adopt agenda (5-0)
• Adopt consent agenda (5-0)
• Require officials to complete municipal ethics training (4-1)
• Dissolve Golf Cart Advisory Committee (5-0)
• Appoint Judy Starke to Bike & Pedestrian Committee (5-0)
• Appoint Maury Gailey to Bike & Pedestrian Committee (3-2)
• Table Planning Board and Board of Adjustment appointments (5-0)
• Dissolve Dog Park Committee (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the town manager selection and transition process, hear a presentation on the Carteret County property tax revaluation, and consider purchasing a used ambulance for summer 2025 in support of the Coast Guard Station Emerald Isle. Other items include updates to planning board bylaws, a discussion of ethics training for elected officials, and consent agenda approvals for a FEMA dump truck purchase and audit firm contract renewal.

• Update/discussion on town manager selection and transition process
• Presentation on Carteret County property tax revaluation
• Purchase of used ambulance for summer 2025 in cooperation with Coast Guard Station Emerald Isle
• FEMA 428 dump truck approval (consent agenda)
• Audit firm contract renewal (consent agenda)

The Board unanimously approved a mutual agreement with the US Coast Guard to place a temporary third ambulance at their facility, the purchase of a used 2016 ambulance for $32,500, and a General Fund balance budget amendment. The ambulance aims to reduce response times on Coast Guard Road, which accounts for nearly 30% of EMS calls. The Board also approved updates to the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment bylaws and tabled a discussion on ethics training for elected officials until April.

• Approved the agenda and consent agenda, including meeting minutes, a FEMA dump truck approval, and an audit firm contract renewal (5-0).
• Approved updates to the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment bylaws, including a change to the quorum for special meetings and clerical corrections (5-0).
• Approved a mutual agreement with the US Coast Guard to place a temporary third ambulance at their facility (5-0).
• Approved the purchase of a used 2016 ambulance for $32,500 to serve as a temporary third unit for summer 2025 (5-0).
• Approved a General Fund balance budget amendment related to the ambulance purchase (5-0).
• Tabled a discussion on requiring 'Essentials of Municipal Government' and ethics training for elected officials until the April 2025 meeting (5-0).
• Adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:44 PM (5-0).

Board of Commissioners

The Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting with two closed sessions. The first closed session will interview applicants for the town manager position. The second closed session will discuss pending legal matters, including an appeal of a notice of violation at 330 Live Oak Street and a civil case (Patrick Daniel Kelly et al. v. Leslie Karn Aycock et al.). No votes or final decisions are scheduled in open session.

• Interview for Town Manager (closed session)
• Appeal of Notice of Violation for 330 Live Oak Street (closed session)
• Patrick Daniel Kelly et al. v. Leslie Karn Aycock et al. (closed session)
• Meeting called by Commissioners Brownlow and Wootten
• No public hearings or votes on ordinances/resolutions in open session

The Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners met in special session and voted unanimously to enter closed session to discuss personnel matters and to consult with the town attorney on two specific legal items: an appeal of a notice of violation for 330 Live Oak Street and a lawsuit. The board returned to open session and adjourned without taking any formal public action.

• Excused Commissioner Alesia Sanderson from the meeting (4-0).
• Adopted the agenda as presented (4-0).
• Entered closed session for personnel matters under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(6) (4-0).
• Entered closed session to consult with the attorney on the 330 Live Oak Street appeal and a lawsuit under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3).
• Returned to open session (3-0).
• Adjourned the meeting (3-0).

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to discuss personnel in a closed session. The primary purpose of the meeting is to consider the appointment of an Interim Town Manager.

• Appointment of an Interim Town Manager
• Closed session regarding personnel pursuant to § NCGS 143-318.11 (a)(6)

The Board of Commissioners held a special meeting and voted 3-0 to appoint Randy Martin as Interim Town Manager, effective March 3, with an employment agreement modified to reduce the termination notice from 30 to 15 days. The board also excused two absent commissioners and entered closed session to discuss personnel. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Appointed Randy Martin as Interim Town Manager effective March 3 (3-0)
• Approved employment agreement with 15-day termination notice instead of 30-day (3-0)
• Excused Commissioners Taylor and Sawyer from the meeting (3-0)
• Adopted the agenda as presented (3-0)
• Entered closed session to discuss personnel (3-0)

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The committee discussed drafting a response to the Board of Commissioners outlining their goals and a proposed master plan for bike and pedestrian infrastructure. They also planned logistics for the Bike the Banks event, including volunteer recruitment and finish-line festivities. The group decided against merging with the Golf Cart Committee. No formal votes or budget decisions were made.

• Committee to draft response to BOC including history and future plans
• Discussion of adding a pedestrian path to the EI bridge in coordination with DOT and Cape Carteret
• Plans for Bike the Banks event: volunteers, SAGs, flyers, finish-line group
• Mike Taylor noted a DOT grant used by a neighboring community for path construction
• Anne Schrott reported a cancelled grant-writing webinar for beach accesses

The committee discussed how to respond to the Board of Commissioners' request for statements, agreeing to share goals and a master plan idea while keeping communication open. They decided against combining the Bike & Pedestrian and Golf Cart committees, and planned to meet in June. No formal decisions or votes were recorded.

• Agreed not to combine Bike & Pedestrian and Golf Cart committees
• Planned to meet in June despite usual summer break
• Mike to revise draft response to BOC and share with committee
• Discussed adding pedestrian path to EI bridge with DOT and Cape Carteret

Board Of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will hear arguments regarding an appeal of a Unified Development Ordinance enforcement decision. The appeal was filed by Joy and Roy Brownlow concerning actions at 330 Live Oak Street.

• Appeal application APP-25-001 regarding 330 Live Oak Street

The Board of Adjustment heard preliminary arguments in the Brownlow appeal (A-25-001) regarding property at 330 Live Oak Street. It voted 4-1 to exclude drone photographs from the record for the upcoming evidentiary hearing, reversing the Chair's earlier ruling. The Board declined to recuse any members and voted 3-2 to uphold the denial of subpoenas for the Town Attorney, Commissioners, and Mayor Pro Tem. A full quasi-judicial hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2025.

• Approved previous meeting minutes unanimously
• Excused board member Athan Parker's absence unanimously
• Declined to recuse any board members (motion to deny upheld)
• Excluded drone photographs from evidence (4-1 vote)
• Upheld denial of subpoenas for Town Attorney, Commissioners, and Mayor Pro Tem (3-2 vote)
• Scheduled next hearing for March 17, 2025

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss potential Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) changes related to 2024 legislative actions and stormwater requirements for large-scale residential developments. The body will also consider appointments to several town committees and a resolution regarding the Beach and Inlet Management Plan.

• Public hearing calls for UDO changes regarding 2024 legislative actions
• Public hearing calls for UDO stormwater requirements for residential developments exceeding 10,000 square feet
• Appointments for Bike & Pedestrian Committee (2 vacancies), Golf Cart Advisory Committee (3 vacancies), and EI Parks and Recreation Association, Inc. (1 vacancy)
• NCBIWA Resolution of Support for updating the 2016 Beach and Inlet Management Plan (BIMP)

The Board voted 3-1 to adopt the December 10, 2024 meeting minutes as originally drafted, with Commissioner Brownlow opposed. They also voted to postpone appointments to the Bike & Pedestrian and Golf Cart Advisory Committees pending staff surveys, and reappointed Jim Normile to the EIPRA committee 3-1. The Board approved a resolution supporting updates to the Beach and Inlet Management Plan and scheduled public hearings for UDO changes.

• Adopted Dec. 10, 2024 meeting minutes as drafted (3-1)
• Postponed Bike & Pedestrian Committee appointments pending staff survey (4-0)
• Postponed Golf Cart Advisory Committee appointments pending staff survey (4-0)
• Reappointed Jim Normile to EIPRA committee (3-1)
• Scheduled public hearing for UDO changes from 2024 legislation (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for stormwater UDO changes (5-0)
• Approved NCBIWA resolution supporting BIMP update (4-0)
• Entered closed session for personnel matter (4-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board is reviewing recommended amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance, including how fines for violations are levied. The board will also discuss stormwater maintenance agreements and legislative updates from the 2024 Short Session.

• Discussion of recommended changes to Section 9.5.3 of the Unified Development Ordinance regarding fines
• Proposed code changes for Stormwater Management Maintenance Agreements for 1 and 2 family dwellings with over 10,000 sq ft of land disturbance
• Code changes to Chapters 6, 7, and 10 of the Unified Development Ordinance to comply with 2024 legislative changes
• Review of Planning Department activity for September through December 2024

The Emerald Isle Planning Board tabled a decision on proposed changes to Section 9.5.3 of the Unified Development Ordinance regarding fines for vegetation and dune violations, requesting staff add tree inventory and 'Natural State' definitions. The board recommended approval of stormwater maintenance agreement code changes for 1-2 family dwellings over 10,000 sq ft, with renamed sections. It also recommended approval of code changes to Chapters 2, 6, 7, and 10 to comply with 2024 legislative changes. All votes were unanimous.

• Tabled decision on UDO Section 9.5.3 fine changes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of stormwater maintenance code changes with renamed sections (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of legislative compliance code changes to Chapters 2, 6, 7, 10 (unanimous)
• Approved September 23, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Excused absences of MacAvery, Cannon, Monette (unanimous)

Golf Cart Advisory Committee

The Golf Cart Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for January 21, 2025, has been canceled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2025.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a two-day special meeting (Jan 13-14, 2025) for their annual budget planning and goal setting workshop. The meetings run from 8 AM to noon each day in the Town Hall Board Room. No specific action items are listed; the sessions are for discussion of priorities for the upcoming fiscal year and beyond.

• Workshop to discuss items of interest for FY 25-26 and beyond
• No ordinances, contracts, or public hearings on the agenda

The Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners held a budget workshop for FY 25-26, approving several items. They authorized staff to locate a PPV Tahoe immediately and budget for two additional Tahoes in the draft budget (3-2). They also voted to repair at least two beach accesses per year, include a pedestrian walkway at Black Skimmer beach access, and inventory residential trash cans per parcel. The meeting was a workshop, so most items were budget planning decisions rather than final approvals.

• Authorized staff to locate a PPV Tahoe immediately and budget for two additional Tahoe PPVs in FY 25/26 draft budget (3-2)
• Approved repairing at least two beach accesses per year as needed (5-0)
• Approved including a pedestrian walkway at Black Skimmer beach access in FY 25/26 draft budget (5-0)
• Approved asking staff to inventory residential trash cans per parcel (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss potential changes to the Unified Development Ordinances (UDO) due to 2024 legislative actions. They will also consider allowing alcohol sales at the I Love Emerald Isle Valentine's Gala fundraiser at the Community Center. The consent agenda includes approval of December 10 meeting minutes, a mobile diesel generator purchase, and a budget amendment. Follow-up will be provided on prior public comments regarding vegetation enforcement at 7506 Sound Drive.

• Potential UDO code changes in response to 2024 state legislative actions
• Proposal to allow alcohol sales at the I Love Emerald Isle Valentine's Gala on February 14 at the Community Center
• Consent agenda includes budget amendment and mobile diesel generator (no dollar amounts listed)
• Appointments to the Bike & Pedestrian Committee and the EI Parks and Recreation Association
• Follow-up on public comments regarding native vegetation enforcement and fine appeal at 7506 Sound Drive

The Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners approved a $62,100 budget amendment for a replacement police vehicle (Chevrolet Tahoe) and allowed beer and wine sales at the February 14 Valentine's Gala. They also tabled appointments to the Bike & Pedestrian Committee and EI Parks and Recreation Association until February 11, and sent UDO code changes to the Planning Board for review. The December 10, 2024 meeting minutes were tabled due to alleged inaccuracies.

• Approved $62,100 budget amendment for police Tahoe (4-1)
• Approved alcohol sales at Feb 14 Valentine's Gala (4-1)
• Tabled Bike & Pedestrian Committee appointments to Feb 11 (5-0)
• Tabled EI Parks and Recreation Association appointments to Feb 11 (5-0)
• Sent UDO code changes to Planning Board for review (5-0)
• Tabled Dec 10, 2024 meeting minutes to Feb 11 (5-0)
• Approved agenda with added items (5-0, Brownlow abstained)
• Approved hiring outside counsel for Board of Adjustment (5-0, Brownlow recused improperly)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet on January 13 and 14, 2025, for an Annual Budget Planning and Goal Setting Workshop. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss items of interest for FY 25-26 and beyond.

• Annual Budget Planning and Goal Setting Workshop for FY 25-26

The Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners held a budget planning workshop for FY 25-26, reviewing town finances, the upcoming Carteret County property revaluation, and capital improvement projects. The board voted 5-0 to authorize staff to include replacement of a backhoe, dump truck, and brush truck in the draft budget. No other formal decisions were made; the meeting was primarily informational and preparatory.

• Authorized staff to include backhoe, dump truck, and brush truck replacement in draft FY 25-26 budget (5-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)