Southern Shores public meetings in 2021

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved its agenda and the November 15, 2021 minutes, both unanimously (5-0). Most of the meeting was a discussion of potential amendments to Town Code Chapter 26, Solid Waste, with board members offering recommendations on labeling, container rules, fees, and enforcement. No ordinance changes were voted on; Chairperson Ward asked Planning Director Wes Haskett to prepare a summary list of recommendations before the next meeting. The board adopted its 2022 meeting schedule by consensus and adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved the November 15, 2021 minutes as amended (5-0)
• Discussed potential amendments to Town Code Chapter 26, Solid Waste; no vote taken
• Adopted the 2022 Planning Board meeting schedule by consensus
• Adjourned at 7:02 p.m. (unanimous)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is holding its regular meeting, which includes recognizing outgoing members, administering oaths to incoming members, and reorganizing the council by electing a mayor pro tempore and making committee appointments. The council will also consider a budget amendment for a tourism impact grant and discuss a council vacancy.

• Recognition of outgoing council members and remarks by Mayor Tom Bennett and Council Member Jim Conners
• Oath of office administered to incoming members, with remarks by Mayor Morey and Council Member Sherlock
• Election of Mayor Pro Tempore and appointments to Dare County Gov-Ed Access Channel Committee and Albemarle Rural Planning Organization
• 2022 Council Meeting Schedule - Resolution #2021-12-01
• Budget Amendment #15 - Funds for DCTB Tourism Impact Grant

The December 7, 2021 meeting was largely organizational: Elizabeth Morey was sworn in as Mayor and Paula Sherlock as Council Member, Matt Neal was elected Mayor pro tem, and the Council accepted Morey's resignation from her council seat, leaving a vacancy to be filled by application. The Council approved a 2022 meeting schedule and a budget amendment accepting a reduced $30,260 Dare County Tourism Impact Grant for traffic data software. The attached January 4, 2022 agenda materials (including a beach nourishment capital project ordinance and zoning text amendments) are incorporated but were not acted on at this December meeting.

• Approved December 7, 2021 agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda: November 9, 2021 minutes, pickups and releases, records retention schedule (5-0)
• Accepted Council Member Morey's resignation from Council (4-0)
• Elected Matt Neal as Mayor pro tem (4-0)
• Tabled Gov-Ed Access Channel Committee appointment until council vacancy filled (consensus)
• Nominated Council Member Sherlock to represent Southern Shores on ARPO (4-0)
• Approved 2022 Council Meeting Schedule Resolution 2021-12-01 (4-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment #15 for $30,260 DCTB Tourism Impact Grant (4-0)

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board approved two zoning text amendments. ZTA-21-09 clarifies that lot coverage on oceanfront lots is measured using the first line of stable natural vegetation, not the seaward boundary. ZTA-21-10 allows produce stands in the Commercial district with added requirements for trash receptacles and seasonal removal. The board also discussed possible changes to the solid waste ordinance but took no action.

• Approved ZTA-21-09 clarifying oceanfront lot coverage measurement (5-0)
• Approved ZTA-21-10 allowing produce stands in Commercial district with added requirements J and K and a parking amendment (5-0)
• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved minutes of September 14 and October 18, 2021 as amended (5-0)
• Agreed by consensus to set 2022 Planning Board meeting start time at 5:00 p.m.
• Adjourned at 7:05 p.m. (unanimous)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes and a resolution, and to discuss several items. Key actions include a public hearing on proposed sign regulations (ZTA-21-08), a budget amendment for legal fees related to beach nourishment easements, and updates to the personnel policy. The agenda also includes presentations and reports from staff, as well as appointments to the Reconstruction Task Force.

• Public hearing on ZTA-21-08, regulations governing signs
• Budget Amendment #14: legal fees for beach nourishment easements
• Resolution 2021-11-01: Deputy Finance Officer appointment
• Update to fee schedule: credit card processing/convenience fee
• Discussion of Citizen's Advisory Committee for potential branch library

The Town Council voted unanimously (5-0) to dissolve the Exploratory Committee for a Potential Branch Library after the county declined to support an additional library, and also dissolved the Exploratory Committee to address Cut-Thru Traffic. Council sent the sign ordinance (ZTA-21-08) back to staff and the Planning Board for revisions, and approved $13,850 in legal fees for beach nourishment easements. Council also adopted revisions to the Town Personnel Policy and appointed the annual Reconstruction Task Force.

• Approved amended agenda, reversing items #6 and #8 (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda: Oct 5 and Oct 19 minutes, Resolution 2021-11-01 Deputy Finance Officer, credit card fee schedule update (5-0)
• Dissolved Exploratory Committee for a Potential Branch Library (5-0)
• Dissolved Exploratory Committee to address Cut-Thru Traffic (5-0)
• Sent ZTA-21-08 sign regulations back to staff and Planning Board for revisions, allowing signs in right of way during campaign season (5-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment #14: $13,850 from fund balance for legal fees to obtain beach nourishment easements (5-0)
• Adopted revisions to Town Personnel Policy and removed Section 18-9 from Town Code (5-0)
• Appointed Reconstruction Task Force as presented (5-0)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is holding a workshop meeting. The main business item is continued discussion and analysis of the SEPI Pavement Condition Study and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Public comment is limited to 3 minutes per speaker.

• Continued discussion of SEPI Pavement Condition Study
• Continued discussion of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

The Town Council approved a Capital Improvement Plan for street maintenance based on an annual budget of $800,000. This plan includes a $200,000 construction contingency and aims to improve 37 miles of road to 73% good/excellent condition.

• Approved $800,000 annual CIP pavement maintenance plan (5-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:34 a.m. (5-0)

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board voted to forward Zoning Text Amendment ZTA-21-08 regarding signage regulations to the Town Council with amendments. The board also voted to table ZTA-21-09 to allow staff and legal counsel more time for review, and directed staff to draft a zoning text amendment for produce stands. Additionally, the board approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved August 16 and September 20, 2021 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Forwarded ZTA-21-08 concerning signs to Town Council with amendments (5-0)
• Tabled ZTA-21-09 pending further information from town staff (5-0)
• Consensus to direct staff to prepare a draft ZTA for produce stands
• Adjourned meeting at 6:47 p.m. (unanimous)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is meeting to consider several items, including approving a resolution and bond order for the beach nourishment project, discussing police salaries, and reviewing a proposed ordinance on combustible materials. The agenda also includes an annual audit presentation, an update on a potential branch library, and a pavement conditions study.

• Resolution, bond order, and interlocal agreement for beach nourishment
• Discussion of police department salaries
• Consideration of TCA 21-07 on combustible materials
• FY2020-21 annual audit presentation
• Easements for 14 properties in beach nourishment project taper

The Southern Shores Town Council approved a resolution for a special obligation bond and an interlocal agreement for beach nourishment, established a separate pay scale and budget amendment for law enforcement officers, and authorized a contract for additional road analysis. The Council also approved a town code amendment allowing a school bonfire and approved the agenda and consent agenda. All votes passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including joint beach nourishment easements and emergency management plan updates (5-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to enter a contract with SEPI Engineering up to $4,000 for additional road analysis (5-0)
• Approved Resolution Providing for the Issuance of a Special Obligation Bond, Series 2021A (5-0)
• Approved Beach Nourishment Interlocal Agreement with Dare County (5-0)
• Approved TCA-21-07 amending town code to allow a bonfire for Kitty Hawk Elementary School (5-0)
• Approved a separate pay scale for law enforcement officers and a $36,943 budget amendment (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:28 p.m. (5-0)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is meeting to consider several financial items, including a resolution directing an application for a special obligation bond for beach nourishment projects, a financial advisory agreement, and grants from Dare County and FEMA. The agenda also includes a public hearing on a site plan amendment for the Marketplace Shopping Center, a resolution opposing a critical habitat designation, and recognition of police service.

• Resolution opposing US Fish & Wildlife Service's proposed critical habitat designation for the Rufa Red Knot
• Resolution 2021-09-03 awarding badge and service weapon to Police Sergeant George M. Farrow
• Public Hearing SPA-21-01: Site Plan Amendment for Marketplace Shopping Center by Aston Properties
• Resolution #2021-09-01 directing application to Local Government Commission for special obligation bond for beach nourishment
• Consideration of Dare County Tourism Impact Grant and FEMA BRIC Grant

The Southern Shores Town Council approved a site plan amendment (SPA-21-01) from Aston Properties to redevelop the Marketplace Shopping Center, allowing construction of a 24,000 sq. ft. Marshalls and a 6,000 sq. ft. retail space with parking modifications. The approval includes five conditions recommended by the Planning Board, such as reducing lot coverage to 67% and submitting permeable paver documentation. Council also approved a financial advisory agreement and budget amendment for beach nourishment, authorized a tourism impact grant application, and approved a FEMA BRIC grant application contract. All decisions were unanimous (4-0) with Mayor Bennett absent.

• Approved consent agenda items #1 (minutes) and #3 (Resolution 2021-09-03 awarding badge and service weapon to Police Sergeant George M. Farrow) (4-0)
• Removed item #2 (Resolution opposing Rufa Red Knot critical habitat designation) from consent agenda (4-0)
• Rescheduled November 3, 2021 regular Council meeting to November 9, 2021 at 5:30 PM (4-0)
• Approved SPA-21-01 site plan amendment for Marketplace Shopping Center with conditions 1-5 (4-0)
• Approved Financial Advisory Agreement with DEC Associates for $30,000 plus $2,500 incidentals (4-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment #11 for $45,000 (financial agreement, incidentals, and LGC fees) (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2021-09-01 directing application for 2021 Special Obligation Bonds to Local Government Commission (4-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to apply for Dare County Tourism Impact Grant up to $50,000 (4-0)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is holding a workshop meeting to discuss a pavement conditions study and capital improvement plan presented by SEPI. The agenda includes routine items such as the call to order, pledge of allegiance, and public comment, followed by the main business item. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion item.

• Pavement Conditions Study & Capital Improvement Plan by SEPI

The Town Council held a workshop on August 17, 2021, where SEPI Engineering presented a Pavement Condition Survey and two Capital Improvement Plan options for maintaining town roads. SEPI found 73% of streets in fair condition, 15% good, and 12% excellent, with no poor or failed roads. Option 1 would spend $675,000 yearly for 10 years on 38 miles, improving the system to 53% good/excellent; Option 2 would spend $1,000,000 yearly on 57 miles, reaching 99% good/excellent. The council discussed the options and asked for more information, including a hybrid plan combining maintenance with stormwater engineering, but took no vote on either option. The only votes were to approve the agenda and to adjourn, both 5-0.

• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:19 a.m. (5-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board unanimously approved site plan amendment SPA-21-01 from Aston Properties for the Marketplace shopping center, adding a fifth condition requiring the Town Engineer and the applicant's representative to evaluate the stormwater system for deficiencies before a building permit is issued. The board also reviewed proposed zoning text amendment ZTA-21-08 on sign regulations, which would make the Town's sign rules content neutral following the U.S. Supreme Court's Reed v. Town of Gilbert decision; no vote was taken and Chairperson Ward asked that it return next month for further discussion. A discussion of potential requirements for produce stands in the Commercial zoning district resulted in no discussion or action.

• Approved SPA-21-01, Aston Properties site plan amendment for the Marketplace shopping center, with conditions #1-4 plus a new condition #5 on stormwater review (5-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved the June 21, 2021 minutes as amended (unanimous)
• No action taken on ZTA-21-08 sign regulation amendment; requested on next month's agenda for further discussion
• No discussion or action taken on potential produce stand requirements in the Commercial zoning district
• Adjourned at 7:55 P.M. (unanimous)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council is meeting to handle routine business and several action items. They will consider budget amendments for encumbered funds, make a planning board appointment, approve planning board officers, and hold a public hearing on a text amendment (TCA-21-06) regarding general requirements for lots. Staff reports will cover traffic, beach nourishment, and grant applications.

• Public hearing on TCA-21-06 General Requirements (Lots)
• Budget Amendments 1-10 Encumbered Funds
• Planning Board Appointment and Approval of Planning Board Officers
• Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency FMLA Policy Update
• Retitle of Position: Lieutenant to Deputy Chief

The Southern Shores Town Council approved an amendment to the town's subdivision ordinance to remove frontage on easements for new lots and adopted ten budget amendments for FY 20-21 encumbered funds. The Council also approved a COVID-19 vaccination incentive policy update, appointed a new planning board alternate, approved planning board officers, and authorized the cancellation of Sunday no-left-turn traffic measures.

• Pulled emergency sick leave and FMLA policy update from consent agenda to new business (5-0)
• Approved amended consent agenda including minute approval, pickups/releases, and position retitle (5-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to cancel the last two no-left-turn events on Sundays by council consensus
• Approved one-day vacation incentive for COVID-19 vaccination and deferred policy update pending FDA approval (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments 1-10 for FY 20-21 encumbered funds using undesignated fund balances (5-0)
• Appointed Richard Garganski to the Alternate 2 position on the Town Planning Board through June 30, 2024 (5-0)
• Approved Andy Ward as Chairperson and Tony DiBernardo as Vice Chairperson of the Planning Board (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance TCA-21-06 amending general lot requirements to eliminate subdivision frontage on easements (5-0)

Historic Landmarks Commission

The Historic Landmarks Commission voted to recommend against designating 92 Ocean Blvd. as a historic landmark due to exterior alterations. The commission also agreed to update the designation application to request original photographs of structures.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Elected Lee Whitley as Chairperson (4-0)
• Elected Tony DiBernardo as Vice Chairperson (4-0)
• Approved July 28, 2020 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved July 30, 2020 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Denied recommendation for landmark designation of 92 Ocean Blvd. (0-4)
• Recommended not accepting 92 Ocean Blvd. as a designation (4-0)
• Directed Planning Director to revise application to request original photographs by consensus

Planning Board

The Planning Board elected Andy Ward as Chairperson and Tony DiBernardo as Vice Chairperson. Members reviewed a site plan amendment for the Marketplace shopping center and directed staff to draft a zoning text amendment regarding lot coverage calculations. Additionally, the Board approved a text amendment to clarify lot frontage and road naming requirements.

• Elected Andy Ward as Chairperson (unanimous)
• Elected Tony DiBernardo as Vice Chairperson (unanimous)
• Approved May 17, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved TCA-21-06 regarding lot frontage and road naming (unanimous)
• Directed staff to draft a zoning text amendment for lot coverage (unanimous)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council will hold five public hearings on zoning text amendments (ZTAs) covering eaves, lot access, use and occupancy, temporary healthcare structures, and a technical update. They will also consider appointments to the Planning Board, a resolution authorizing an American Rescue Plan Act special revenue fund, and a purchasing policy update. The meeting includes a closed session to consider qualifications of a public officer or employee.

• Public Hearing: ZTA 21-02 Eaves
• Public Hearing: TCA 21-05 NCGS 160D Update
• Public Hearing: ZTA-21-07 Lot Access Requirements
• Public Hearing: ZTA 21-05 Use & Occupancy
• Resolution 2021-07-01 Authorizing Special Revenue Fund - American Rescue Plan Act

The Town Council voted 4-1 to give the Town Manager authority to close medians on East Dogwood at Hickory, Hillcrest, Sea Oats and Wax Myrtle, and to close Hickory Trail, as seasonal traffic-mitigation measures. It also approved zoning amendments on eaves (4-1), on conflicts with state law (5-0), and on use and occupancy (5-0), and appointed four Planning Board members. A lot-access zoning amendment was left with no action by consensus, and the council went into closed session on an employee performance matter, taking no action.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda, including minutes, purchasing policy update, and ARP Act special revenue fund resolution (5-0)
• Extended Town Manager authority to close East Dogwood medians at Hickory, Hillcrest, Sea Oats and Wax Myrtle, and to close Hickory Trail (4-1; Mayor Bennett voted nay)
• Directed the Planning Board to revise the solid waste/recycling ordinance (5-0)
• Appointed Andy Ward, Robert McClendon, Jan Collins and alternate position #2 to Planning Board terms expiring June 30, 2024 (5-0)
• Approved ZTA-21-02 eaves amendment with deletions (4-1; Council Member Conners voted nay)
• Approved TCA-21-05 NCGS 160D update (5-0)
• Approved ZTA-21-05 use and occupancy amendment (5-0)

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board voted 5-0 to recommend Town Council approval of ZTA-21-06, which adds temporary family health care structures as a permitted accessory use in single-family districts, as required by state law. It also voted 5-0 to recommend ZTA-21-05, a code amendment stating that state law (Chapter 160D) controls when the Town Code conflicts with it. A third 5-0 vote recommended ZTA-21-07, which would remove the word "easement" from lot access requirements so lots cannot be created with frontage only on an easement, subject to Town Attorney review. The board also agreed by consensus to ask the Town Council to consider labeling trash and recycling cans under Chapter 26 of the Municipal Code.

• Recommended approval of ZTA-21-06 on temporary family health care structures (5-0)
• Recommended approval of ZTA-21-05, the N.C.G.S. 160D conflicts-with-state-law amendment (5-0)
• Recommended ZTA-21-07 lot access amendment with Town Attorney review (5-0)
• Approved April 19, 2021 minutes as corrected (5-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Agreed by consensus to ask Council to address Chapter 26 trash/recycling can labeling
• Adjourned at 6:25 P.M. (5-0)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council will hold a regular meeting with several public hearings, including the FY2021-22 recommended budget, removal of properties from the Beach Erosion Control district, a preliminary subdivision plat at 279 Hillcrest Dr., and two zoning text amendments. The council will also consider a budget amendment for seasonal cut-through traffic measures and approve minutes.

• Public hearing on Town Manager's FY2021-22 Recommended Budget
• Public hearing on removal of property from Beach Erosion Control and Flood and Hurricane Protection Works Municipal Service District
• Public hearing on preliminary subdivision plat at 279 Hillcrest Dr.
• Public hearing on ZTA 21-02 (Eaves) and ZTA 21-05 (Use & Occupancy)
• Budget amendment for seasonal cut-through traffic measures (no left turn weekend June 26 & 27)

The Town Council adopted Budget Ordinance 2021-06-01, setting Municipal Service District and town-wide tax rates for beach nourishment at 7.15 cents (MSD 1), 3 cents (MSD 2), and a 4-cent town-wide increase, all by 5-0 votes. Council also approved a $7,600 budget amendment from the unassigned fund balance to add no-left-turn traffic enforcement on two June weekends, and delegated authority to the Town Manager to block thru traffic on Hickory Trail, Hillcrest, Sea Oats, and Wax Myrtle Trail at his discretion. A request to remove a property from the MSD was denied, and a preliminary subdivision plat at 279 Hillcrest Dr. was approved with conditions. Public hearings on two zoning text amendments were tabled to July 6, 2021.

• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda, including minutes and a budget amendment for seasonal cut-through traffic measures (5-0)
• Adopted option #2 for MSD and town-wide tax rates: MSD 1 7.15 cents, MSD 2 3 cents, town-wide 4 cents (5-0)
• Approved $7,600 budget amendment from unassigned fund balance for additional no-left-turn weekends in June (5-0)
• Delegated authority to Town Manager to perform temporary thru-traffic blocking on Hickory Trail, Hillcrest, Sea Oats, and Wax Myrtle Trail at his discretion, and to amend the traffic map (5-0)
• Adopted Budget Ordinance 2021-06-01 with amended MSD rates (5-0)
• Denied request to remove 26 Tenth Avenue from the Municipal Service District (5-0)
• Approved preliminary subdivision plat for 279 Hillcrest Dr. with conditions 1 and 5, plus a 15-foot side setback on Lot 4A and turnaround shown on plat (5-0)

Town Council

The Town Council is conducting a workshop meeting to discuss several business items. Topics include the FY 21-22 budget, beach nourishment project updates, and a proposed town code amendment regarding prohibited noises.

• Beach Nourishment Project Design Update
• Town Code Amendment - 21-05 Noises Prohibited
• NC12 Speed Limit Reduction Request
• FY 21-22 Budget Workshop Discussion
• College of the Albemarle New Facility & Program Update

The Town Council unanimously adopted Town Code Amendment 21-05, a revised noise ordinance, after the earlier version was tabled in April. Council tabled by consensus a request to reduce the NC12/Duck Road speed limit year-round, agreeing that NCDOT should be involved in discussions. In a budget workshop, the Town Manager presented beach nourishment design updates and FY 21-22 budget items, including recommended tax rates to fund the spring 2022 beach nourishment project. Council directed the Town Manager to explore extending the Pelican Watch special assessment and to advertise three Municipal Service District rate scenarios before the June 1, 2021 public hearing.

• Adopted TCA-21-05 Noises Prohibited (5-0)
• Tabled NC12 speed limit reduction request by consensus; NCDOT involvement agreed
• Directed Town Manager to explore extending Pelican Watch special assessment by consensus
• Directed advertising of three MSD rate scenarios before June 1, 2021 budget hearing by consensus
• Adjourned meeting at 3:37 p.m. (5-0)

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board voted 5-0 to recommend ZTA-21-02, allowing the outermost three feet of eaves to encroach yard setback requirements on all sides of a structure instead of only from the building setback line; a clerk's note records the vote as 6-0 including ETJ representative John Finelli. The Board also approved preliminary subdivision plat PSP-21-01 for 279 Hillcrest Dr. (5-0), splitting the lot into Lot 4A at 65,393 sq. ft. and Lot 4B at 34,720.3 sq. ft., with conditions on access, easement maintenance, and a 15-foot side setback. By consensus, the Board tabled the temporary healthcare structures portion of ZTA-21-02 because the Town Attorney is still reviewing it. The Board separately recommended approval of ZTA-21-05 (Prohibited Uses) as written (5-0; clerk's note 6-0).

• Recommended approval of ZTA-21-02 eave amendment (3-ft eave encroachment on all sides) (5-0; clerk's note 6-0)
• Tabled temporary healthcare structures section of ZTA-21-02 by consensus pending Town Attorney review
• Approved preliminary subdivision plat PSP-21-01 at 279 Hillcrest Dr. with 4 conditions (5-0)
• Recommended approval of ZTA-21-05 (Prohibited Uses) as written (5-0; clerk's note 6-0)
• Approved March 15, 2021 minutes as corrected (5-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Adjourned at 6:53 P.M. (5-0)

Town Council

The Town Council will review the proposed operating budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year and hold several public hearings. Discussion includes a status update on the Mid-Currituck Bridge and multiple zoning text amendments. The Council will also consider budget amendments for sanitation and police radio upgrades.

• Filing of FY 2021-22 Proposed Operating Budget
• Second vote on Ordinance 2021-04-01 regarding Beach Erosion Control and Flood/Hurricane Works Districts
• Budget Amendment for Police Dept. Radio Replacement/Upgrade (NC VIPER Project)
• Public hearings for zoning amendments regarding manufactured homes, temporary healthcare structures, and minimum living space
• Service contract renewals for trash, recycling, surf rescue, and auditing

The Town Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2021-04-01 on second reading, creating two Municipal Service Districts to fund the 2022 beach nourishment project. The council also approved a series of town code and zoning amendments, renewed trash, recycling, ocean rescue and audit contracts, and received the manager's proposed FY 2021-22 budget, which recommends raising the town-wide tax rate from $0.1958 to $0.23. A budget workshop is set for May 18 and a public hearing for June 1.

• Adopted Ordinance 2021-04-01 creating two beach erosion Municipal Service Districts (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including Resolution 2021-05-01 and sanitation budget amendment (5-0)
• Approved budget amendment #27 for police radio replacement/upgrade for NC VIPER (5-0)
• Approved budget amendment #26 to purchase mini skid steer, attachments and trailer (5-0)
• Approved Town Code Amendment 21-03 on subdivisions (5-0)
• Approved Town Code Amendment 21-04 AO Zone freeboard requirement (5-0)
• Approved ZTA-21-01 removing minimum living space rules and protest petitions (5-0)
• Tabled ZTA-21-02 Temporary Healthcare Structures (5-0)

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board recommended approval of five text amendments (TCA-21-03, TCA-21-04, ZTA-21-01, ZTA-21-02 Part II, ZTA-21-03, and ZTA-21-04) covering subdivisions, flood rules, minimum living space, temporary healthcare structures, manufactured homes, and prohibited uses. It tabled the eave and yard setback portion of ZTA-21-02 until May 17, 2021. All recorded motions passed unanimously (5-0), with clerk's notes stating ETJ representative John Finelli voted aye, making those votes 6-0. No public comment was offered.

• Approved TCA-21-03 subdivision amendments (5-0; clerk's note 6-0)
• Approved TCA-21-04 AO Zone flood ordinance amendment (5-0; clerk's note 6-0)
• Approved ZTA-21-01 minimum living space and protest petition amendments (5-0)
• Tabled ZTA-21-02 Part I eave/yard amendments to May 17, 2021 (5-0; clerk's note 6-0)
• Approved ZTA-21-02 Part II temporary healthcare structures as amended (5-0)
• Approved ZTA-21-03 manufactured homes as amended (5-0)
• Approved ZTA-21-04 prohibited uses as amended (5-0; clerk's note 6-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)

Town Council

The Southern Shores Town Council will consider several budget amendments and a contract with CPE-NC. The meeting includes a first vote on an ordinance regarding the 2022 Beach Nourishment Project and a discussion on updating the Town Code.

• Budget Amendment #22-SERDC Recycling Grant
• Budget Amendment #23-SSVFD Radios
• Ordinance 2021-04-01 regarding Beach Nourishment Project 2022
• CPE-NC contract and Budget Amendment #24
• Town Code Amendment TCA-21-02 regarding Animals, Law Enforcement, and Offenses

Town Council

The Town Council has scheduled a workshop meeting at 9:00 AM and a special meeting with a public hearing at 5:30 PM. The provided agenda contains no specific discussion topics or items for decision.

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board met March 15, 2021 to continue reviewing the town code update, but Planning Director Wes Haskett reported the Town Council had voted unanimously on March 2 to instruct staff to pull valuable elements from the Code Wright adoption draft for future review rather than adopt it. Staff will instead bring zoning text amendments covering state-law-required changes, including rules for manufactured homes, temporary healthcare structures, signage, minimum living space, subdivisions, performance guarantees and protest petitions. The Board reviewed proposed manufactured home standards and discussed townhouses, wind generation facilities, eaves and boathouses, taking no formal action on those items. No substantive decisions were made; the only votes were procedural approvals of the agenda and prior minutes.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved minutes of January 18, 2021 and February 16, 2021 (5-0)
• No action taken on manufactured home, townhouse, wind generation, eaves or boathouse provisions; staff to return with zoning text amendments at the April 19 meeting
• Adjourned at 5:03 PM (5-0)

Town Council

The Town Council will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and the 2021-2022 budget for Government Education Access Channels. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding a Town Code update.

• Approval of January 19 and February 16, 2021, meeting minutes
• 2021-2022 Budget for Government Education Access Channels
• Town Code Update discussion

The Town Council unanimously voted to instruct staff to take valuable elements from the proposed town code adoption draft for future review, rather than adopting the entire draft document. This decision follows a presentation by consultant Chad Meadows and discussion among council members about the risks of inadvertently changing existing code provisions. The council agreed to focus future efforts on compliance with state regulations (Chapter 160D) and specific amendments to the current code.

• Agenda approved with amendment (5-0)
• Consent agenda approved, including Jan/Feb minutes and budget for Government Education Access Channels (5-0)
• Motion passed to instruct staff to extract valuable elements from the CodeWright adoption draft for Planning Board and Council review (5-0)
• Adjournment approved (5-0)

Town Council

The Town Council is holding a workshop to review Request for Qualifications (RFQ) submittals. These submittals are for professional engineering services regarding a pavement condition survey and the development of a capital improvement plan for maintenance and repair recommendations.

• RFQ submittals for Professional Engineering Services: Pavement Condition Survey
• RFQ submittals for Development of Capital Improvement Plan for Maintenance and Repair Treatment Recommendations

The Town Council approved authorizing the Town Manager to negotiate a contract for a pavement condition survey and capital improvement plan. The study will evaluate 37.6 miles of streets to prioritize maintenance and repair. Funding will be drawn from the street improvement budget.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to negotiate a pavement condition study and capital improvement plan contract not to exceed $35,000 using street improvement budget funds (5-0)

Planning Board

The Southern Shores Planning Board continued its final review of the Adoption Draft of the Town Code Update, focusing on Chapter 4, Definitions. The board made numerous comments and amendments to definitions, but took no vote to adopt or recommend the code. The board agreed by consensus to begin final review of Chapter 22 (Zoning) at its next meeting on March 15, 2021, and set that meeting time at 5:00 PM by unanimous vote (5-0).

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Continued review of Chapter 4 definitions; no adoption vote taken
• Agreed by consensus to start final review of Chapter 22 at next meeting
• Set March 15, 2021 meeting time at 5:00 PM (5-0)
• Adjourned at 7:02 PM (5-0)

Town Council

The Town Council will review the filing of the Beach Nourishment Project MSD Report and hold a public hearing regarding a town code amendment for the Historic Landmarks Commission. The meeting also includes consideration of potential street improvement projects on Hillcrest Dr. and Sea Oats Trail.

• Filing of the Beach Nourishment Project MSD Report
• Public hearing for Town Code Amendment TCA-21-01 regarding the Historic Landmarks Commission
• Potential street improvement projects on Hillcrest Dr. & Sea Oats Trail
• Budget Amendment #18- Police Department Donation
• Budget Amendment #19- Insurance proceeds for solar powered crosswalk light replacement

The Town Council approved a report to establish Municipal Service Districts (MSDs) to fund a 2022 beach nourishment project and scheduled a public hearing for March 16. Council also approved a Town Code amendment to add an alternate member to the Historic Landmarks Commission and authorized bidding for street improvements on Sea Oats Trail.

• Approved report to establish municipal service districts (5-0)
• Scheduled MSD public hearing for March 16 at 5:30 PM (5-0)
• Approved TCA-21-01 to establish an alternate member for Historic Landmarks Commission (5-0)
• Appointed Michael Guarracino as alternate member of Historic Landmarks Commission through Feb 2, 2024 (5-0)
• Directed Town Manager to solicit bids for Sea Oats Trail improvements (5-0)
• Directed Town Engineer to finish plans for Hillcrest Drive by consensus
• Approved January 5, 2021 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved Budget Amendments #18 and #19 (5-0)

Town Council

The Town Council will hold a workshop to discuss beach nourishment projects and monitoring reports. The session also includes consideration of a grant for a zero-emission vehicle charging station.

• 2020 Annual Monitoring Report for beach nourishment
• Design & Environmental Permitting Services for 2022 Beach Nourishment Project
• MSD Boundaries discussion
• NCDEQ grant consideration for a Zero-Emission Vehicle Charging Station

The Town Council authorized a grant application for a zero-emission vehicle charging station and a budget amendment to cover remaining costs. Council also reached a consensus on the preferred funding model for the 2022 beach nourishment project.

• Approved application for $10,000 NCDEQ grant for ZEV charging station (5-0)
• Authorized up to $5,000 for costs not covered by ZEV grant (5-0)
• Approved budget amendment totaling $15,000 for ZEV charging station (5-0)
• Reached consensus to use 'Option 1' for Municipal Service District boundaries for beach nourishment
• Agreed to include Pelican Watch in MSD #1
• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board elected its Chairperson and Vice Chairperson and approved previous meeting minutes. The Board agreed to begin a review of the Town Code Update, starting with Chapter 4, Definitions, at the next meeting.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Elected Andy Ward as Chairperson (unanimous)
• Elected Tony DiBernardo as Vice Chairperson (unanimous)
• Approved minutes for May 4, May 18, and July 2, 2020 (unanimous)
• Scheduled Town Code Update review of Chapter 4 for February 16, 2021
• Changed future meeting start time from 5:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Town Council

The Town Council will hear a presentation on beach nourishment funding from the Dare County Manager and Attorney. The meeting also includes a presentation on historic landmarks appreciation and discussions regarding the Historic Landmarks Commission and Town Code updates.

• Presentation on Beach Nourishment Funding
• Historic Landmarks Appreciation presentation
• Historic Landmarks Commission Appointment
• Town Code Update Planning Board Direction
• Extension of Emergency Sick Leave Policy

The Southern Shores Town Council appointed Charlie Andrews to the Historic Landmarks Commission and directed the Planning Board to conduct a final review of several Town Code chapters. Additionally, the Council designated the Town Manager as the voting delegate for the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM) legislative goals. The Council also approved the consent agenda, which included an extension of emergency sick leave.

• Appointed Charlie Andrews to Historic Landmarks Commission (5-0)
• Directed Planning Board to review Town Code updates (5-0)
• Designated Town Manager as NCLM voting delegate (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including emergency sick leave extension (5-0)
• Approved meeting agenda with amendment (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)