Wrightsville Beach public meetings in 2024
44 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee will review proposed revisions to the Town's asset naming policy, a Memorandum of Understanding with the Harbor Island Garden Club, and a policy for electronic message board use. The committee will also vote on special event permits for the Wrightsville Beach Board Riders Surf Contest and Ironman 2025, and discuss a holiday decorating contest.
- Proposed revisions to the Naming of Town Assets Policy
- Memorandum of Understanding between Town of Wrightsville Beach and Harbor Island Garden Club
- Policy for Use of Electronic Message Boards
- Special event permits: Wrightsville Beach Board Riders Surf Contest and Ironman 2025
- Holiday Decorating Contest
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee recommended the Board of Aldermen approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Harbor Island Garden Club, with a revised termination clause. They also approved a special event permit for the Wrightsville Beach Board Riders Surf Contest. The committee tabled revisions to the Town Assets Naming Policy and the electronic message board policy for further drafting.
- Recommended MOU with Harbor Island Garden Club with revised termination notice (all approved)
- Approved special event permit for Wrightsville Beach Board Riders Surf Contest (all approved)
- Tabled revisions to Town Assets Naming Policy until January
- Tabled electronic message board policy for further drafting
- Tabled Ironman 2025 special event permit due to lack of quorum
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed text amendment to permit 'Church Memorial Garden and Columbarium' as an accessory use in R-1, R-2, C-3, C-5, and G-1 districts, requiring a special use permit. The board also will discuss a new business item on camping in the right-of-way and approve minutes from the October 1 meeting.
- Public hearing on text amendment to allow columbariums as accessory use at Wrightsville United Methodist Church (4 Live Oak Drive)
- New business item: Camping in the Right of Way
- Approval of minutes from October 1, 2024
- Board to vote on forwarding a favorable or non-favorable recommendation to the Board of Aldermen
Planning Board
The Planning Board is meeting to conduct a public hearing regarding updates to the town's lighting ordinance. The proposed changes aim to modernize technical language, shift from wattage to lumen-based limits, and clarify rules on light trespass and glare.
- Public hearing on Proposed Lighting Ordinance (§ 155.9.7-14)
- Proposed shift to a 300 lumen limit for landscape and decorative lighting
- Proposed expansion of permitted holiday lighting dates to October 15 through January 15
- Proposed 700 lumen limit and 10-minute duration for motion-activated lighting
- Continued prohibition of unshielded lights
Bridge Replacement Committee
The committee is planning the issuance of RFQs for traffic and emergency response consultants in October. Members are discussing the roles of the committee and brainstorming issues related to evacuation, traffic, and boat traffic. Staff will research similar projects and meet with a DOT communications official.
- RFQ for traffic consultant to be issued October 1
- RFQ for emergency response consultant to be issued mid-October
- Discussion of progressive design-build contract types with Senator Lee
- Review of issues including evacuation, school access, and boat traffic
- Planned post-project interviews regarding the Memorial Bridge project
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee will consider proposals from the Wrightsville Beach Foundation, including a Beach Toy Library and naming of a new court complex. The committee will also discuss the 2025 Farmers’ Market and a special event permit for the Harbor Island Lobster Boil requiring a road closure on Live Oak Drive.
- Wrightsville Beach Foundation proposals: Beach Toy Library and naming of new court complex
- Farmers’ Market 2025 planning
- Special event permit for Harbor Island Lobster Boil – Live Oak Drive road closure
- Bicycle parking accommodations
- Shade structure over playground
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee recommended that the new pickleball/tennis complex be named the Wrightsville Beach Foundation Court Complex, with a letter of support sent to the Planning Board and Board of Aldermen. The committee also approved a beach toy library concept, extended the farmers' market season by two weeks, and recommended approval of several special event permits. The playground shade cover item was tabled.
- Recommended naming new court complex 'Wrightsville Beach Foundation Court Complex' (unanimous)
- Approved beach toy library concept for further design development
- Recommended extending farmers' market season by two weeks (start earlier in May, end later in December) (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of special event permits: Harbor Island Lobster Boil, WBLA Surf Contest (2), Wrightsville Plunge, Keep New Hanover Beautiful Bebot Beach Sweep (7) (unanimous)
- Tabled playground shade cover purchase pending further discussion
Planning Board
The Planning Board will discuss and possibly recommend a text amendment to remove its review of Special Use Permits, continue discussion on overhauling the town's lighting ordinance, consider regulations on tents and camping, and hear a board member's concerns about dock gazebo height limits.
- Text amendment to remove Planning Board review of Special Use Permits (Section 155.4.5)
- Overhaul of town lighting ordinance to modernize rules, address glare and light trespass
- Discussion of tents, camping and campsites regulations
- Board Member Neal Briggi to discuss dock gazebo height limits due to citizen concerns
Marketing Committee
The Wrightsville Beach Marketing Advisory Committee will review FY23-24 marketing results and research creative review, as well as room occupancy tax collections. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and setting the next meeting date for September 18, 2024.
- Review of FY23-24 results and creative work
- Discussion of room occupancy tax collections
- Approval of meeting minutes
- Next meeting scheduled for September 18, 2024, with CVB presentation
The Marketing Advisory Committee approved the previous meeting's minutes, elected Ryan Smith as chair and Lisa Corley as vice chair, and received updates on 23-24 marketing results. A presentation from Mythic and French West Vaughan covered the Wrightsville Beach Wordmark, brand perception, and campaign results. No formal decisions were made beyond the elections and minutes approval.
- Approved meeting minutes (3-0)
- Elected Ryan Smith as chair
- Elected Lisa Corley as vice chair
Planning Board
The Planning Board will discuss a proposed overhaul of the town's outdoor lighting ordinance. The proposal seeks to update industry standards, improve enforceability, and clarify rules for residential and commercial lighting.
- Proposed change to light color standards (2700 to 3000 degrees Kelvin)
- Proposed reduction of commercial pole lighting max height from 30 ft to 18 ft
- Proposed prohibition of underwater fish and decorative lighting
- Proposed requirement for lighting plans prior to zoning permit issuance
- Proposed reduction of non-conformity sunset period from 3 years to 180 days
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
This meeting will review two special event permit applications: the Wrightsville Beach Board Riders Mid Atlantic Fall Surf Contest on November 16, 2024 with about 100 participants, and the Novant Health Wilmington Half and Full Marathon on February 22, 2025 with about 4,000 participants. The committee will also discuss bicycle parking accommodations at beach and sound accesses, and a shade structure over the playground. Old and other business will follow.
- Special event permit: Wrightsville Beach Board Riders Mid Atlantic Fall Surf Contest, Nov 16, 2024, Access 38-39, ~100 participants
- Special event permit: Novant Health Wilmington Half and Full Marathon, Feb 22, 2025, JM Pier start, N. Lumina, Causeway, ~4,000 participants
- Discussion of bicycle parking accommodations at beach accesses
- Discussion of bicycle parking accommodations at sound accesses
- Discussion of shade structure over playground
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Aldermen approve two special event permit applications: the Wrightsville Beach Board Riders Mid Atlantic Fall Surf Contest (Nov 16, 2024) and the Novant Health Wilmington Half and Full Marathon (Feb 22, 2025). The committee discussed bicycle parking needs but took no formal action, instead directing staff to gather more information for a future meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Recommended approval of special event permits for surf contest and marathon (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of June 6, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
- Discussed bike rack placement; no motion passed, staff to report back
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Planning Board
The Planning Board is reviewing a text amendment to increase the maximum height for fences in C-1, C-2, C-3, and C-4 commercial districts from six feet to eight feet. The proposal aims to improve noise containment and privacy buffering between commercial and residential areas.
- Text amendment to increase fence heights in C-1, C-2, C-3, and C-4 zones
- Special Use Permit application for 4 North Lumina Avenue (Tower 7)
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
The committee will review permit applications for the YMCA Triathlon and the Stoked to Go Out Pier to Pier Swim. The agenda also includes approval of the May 2, 2024 meeting minutes.
- YMCA Triathlon (approximately 1,500 participants)
- Stoked to Go Out Pier to Pier Swim (approximately 275 participants)
- Approval of May 2, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Ad Hoc Committee
The Wrightsville Beach Ad Hoc Committee will review draft ordinance changes and a transmittal letter. The committee will also consider a motion to submit these drafts to the Planning Board.
- Approval of May 22, 2024, meeting minutes
- Review of draft ordinance changes and transmittal letter
- Motion to submit draft ordinance and transmittal letter to Planning Board
Planning Board
The Planning Board voted to move a special use permit application for 4 North Lumina Avenue to the Board of Aldermen. The board also reviewed a staff-initiated proposal to increase maximum fence heights in C-1, C-2, C-3, and C-4 commercial districts from six to eight feet.
- Special Use Permit for 4 North Lumina Avenue involving restaurant expansion and alcohol service
- Proposed text amendment to increase fence height in C-1, C-2, C-3, and C-4 zones from six to eight feet
- Approval of March 5, 2024 meeting minutes
Ad Hoc Committee
The committee will review draft ordinance changes and a transmittal letter. Members will also consider a motion to submit these drafts to the Planning Board.
- Review of draft ordinance changes and transmittal letter
- Motion to submit draft ordinance and transmittal letter to Planning Board
Ad Hoc Committee
The Wrightsville Beach Ad Hoc Committee is meeting to review draft changes to town ordinances. The committee will also consider the approval of minutes from the April 29, 2024, meeting.
- Review of draft ordinance changes
Marketing Committee
The committee will discuss Room Occupancy Tax collections and review the marketing budget for fiscal year 2024-25. The meeting also includes an update on the Tourism Master Plan.
- Review of Room Occupancy Tax collections
- FY24-25 marketing budget review
- Tourism Master Plan update
Planning Board
The Wrightsville Beach Planning Board will discuss and review a special use permit application for 4 North Lumina (Tower 7) and consider adopting formal rules of order. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the March 5, 2024 meeting, which covered a pier and dock exception for 502 and 504 North Channel Drive and a special use permit amendment for the Wrightsville Yacht Club. No final decisions are listed on this agenda.
- Special use permit application for 4 North Lumina (Tower 7)
- Proposed adoption of Planning Board Rules of Order
- Approval of minutes from March 5, 2024
- March 5 meeting included pier/dock exception for 502-504 North Channel Drive
- March 5 meeting included special use permit amendment for Wrightsville Yacht Club
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
The committee will review permit applications for upcoming events, including the Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Turkey Trot. The agenda also includes discussions regarding beach benches and an AED for tennis and pickleball courts.
- Special Event Permit: Sunrise Wedding – Perkins
- Special Event Permit: Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Turkey Trot
- Special Event Permit: NC Holiday Flotilla Day in the Park and Boat Parade & Fireworks
- Discussion regarding benches on the beach
- Discussion regarding an AED for tennis and pickleball courts
Ad Hoc Committee
The Wrightsville Beach Ad Hoc Committee will meet on April 29, 2024, to approve minutes from its April 22 meeting and review proposed changes to a draft ordinance. The agenda does not specify the subject matter or scope of the revisions being discussed.
- Review of draft ordinance changes (specifics not provided in agenda)
Ad Hoc Committee
The Wrightsville Beach Ad Hoc Committee will meet to review draft ordinance changes and consider approving the minutes from the April 12, 2024, meeting.
- Review of draft ordinance changes
- Approval of April 12, 2024, meeting minutes
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen is holding a special called meeting to receive feedback from Steve Straus of Developmental Associates regarding the search for a Town Manager.
- Feedback on Town Manager search from Steve Straus of Developmental Associates
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen is reviewing a draft budget with projected expenditures of $17,775,723 and revenues of $17,371,033. The body is discussing adjustments to balance the general fund and water/sewer fund, as well as proposed staffing and capital improvements.
- Proposed $150,000 for bulkhead improvements
- Addition of a Public Information Officer (PIO) position with a $72,000 salary
- Proposed $32,500 for a Strategic Communication Plan
- Projected increase in room occupancy tax revenues from $650,000 to $1.3 million
- Proposed $221,200 for the purchase of 4 police vehicles and equipment
Ad Hoc Committee
The Wrightsville Beach Ad Hoc Committee will meet on April 12, 2024, at the Town Hall Conference Room. The agenda includes approving minutes from the March 13 meeting and holding a discussion with consultant David Sims. No other public hearings, votes, or budget items are listed.
- Approval of March 13, 2024 meeting minutes
- Discussion with consultant David Sims
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen will consider several contracts and budget ordinances. Items include a strategic communications plan, an executive recruitment firm for the City Manager search, and engineering services for a new sidewalk on Causeway Drive.
- Contract with E&V Communications for a Strategic Communications Plan
- $500 donation to Federal Point History Center for a Seabreeze Community highway marker
- Contracting with an executive recruitment firm for the City Manager search
- Engineering services for a new sidewalk on Causeway Drive from Island Drive to Live Oak Drive
- Resolution (2024) 2328 declaring May 18-24 as Safe Boating Week
Marketing Committee
The committee will review Room Occupancy Tax collections and results from July through December 2023. The meeting also includes discussions regarding FY24-25 paid media, social, and PR recommendations.
- Room Occupancy Tax collections review
- July–December 2023 results highlights
- FY24-25 paid media, social, and PR recommendations
- Approval of February 13, 2024 minutes
Bridge Replacement Committee
The committee will review updates from WMPO and NCDOT and define its roles and responsibilities. Members will brainstorm and categorize various issues including traffic, emergencies, and school access.
- Updates from meetings with WMPO and NCDOT
- Categorization of project issues such as traffic, evacuations, and deliveries
- Discussion regarding RFQs for traffic and emergency response consultants
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen is holding the first workshop on the draft FY 2024/2025 budget, which projects $17,541,243 in expenditures against $17,121,033 in revenues, leaving a $420,210 shortfall. No cuts have been made yet, so the board is reviewing department requests. The water and sewer fund is also unbalanced by $1,130,909 due to increased CFPUA charges. No property tax increase is proposed.
- Draft budget totals $17,541,243 in expenditures, $17,121,033 in revenues, $420,210 gap
- Water and sewer fund $1,130,909 short, due to CFPUA rate increase
- Room occupancy tax revenue projected to double from $650,000 to $1.3 million
- Parking revenue projected to rise from $5.2M to $5.5M
- Fire department budget increases $584,386 to $2,781,624
Board of Aldermen
The Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen will hold public hearings on the FY24/25 budget and a Special Use Permit amendment for the Wrightsville Yacht Club, then consider several resolutions and budget ordinances. Items include adopting the WB Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, ratifying a parking lease with Little Chapel on the Boardwalk Presbyterian Church, and funding street end bulkhead inspections and a Public Works office remodel change order. The board will also consider terminating janitorial services, adding beach trash barrel service with Wall Recycling, and approving a state loan application for a lead water line study.
- Public hearing on FY24/25 budget process and workshop schedule
- Public hearing on Wrightsville Yacht Club Special Use Permit amendment (4/6 Marina Street)
- Resolution 2323: adopt WB Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
- Resolution 2326: ratify parking lease with Little Chapel on the Boardwalk Presbyterian Church
- Budget Ordinance 617-B: fund street end bulkhead inspections and replacement plan
Ad Hoc Committee
The committee will consider approving the minutes from the March 1, 2024, meeting. The agenda also includes a discussion with consultant David Sims.
- Approval of March 1, 2024, meeting minutes
- Discussion with consultant David Sims
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee is reviewing multiple special event permit applications for upcoming 2024 events. The meeting also includes the selection of Farmers' Market vendor applications.
- Review of Lyme Warrior Loop Walk permit application
- Review of YMCA Pier to Pier Swim permit application
- Review of Life 90.5 Listener Appreciation Day permit application
- Review of Walk to End Alzheimer’s permit application
- Selection of Farmers' Market vendor applications
Planning Board
The Wrightsville Beach Planning Board is reviewing a request for a pier and dock exception for 502 and 504 North Channel Drive, proposing a shared boat dock facility. The board discussed the proposal, heard from attorneys, and continued the item to a future meeting for a revised plan. The agenda also includes electing officers and reviewing a special use permit amendment for the Wrightsville Yacht Club.
- Pier and dock exception for 502 and 504 North Channel Drive (B&D Investments LLC and Linda B. Crew)
- Special Use Permit amendment for Wrightsville Yacht Club
- Election of Chair and Vice-chair
- Approval of minutes from January 9, 2023
Ad Hoc Committee
The committee will consider approving the submission of a draft Lighting Ordinance to the Planning Board. Members will also discuss the beachfront lighting ordinance and approve minutes from the February 19, 2024 meeting.
- Submission of draft Lighting Ordinance to Planning Board
- Discussion regarding beachfront lighting ordinance
- Approval of February 19, 2024, meeting minutes
Bridge Replacement Committee
The committee will review its mandate, goals, and decision-making authority. Members will brainstorm potential subcommittees and discuss topics such as outside consultants and communication protocols.
- Review of committee mandate and objectives
- Discussion of potential subcommittees for areas like Harbor Island and Shell Island
- Brainstorming regarding outside consultants and communication protocols
Ad Hoc Committee
The committee is meeting to review changes and proposed provisions regarding sea turtle protection. Members will consider approving a draft for submission to the Planning Board.
- Review of proposed sea turtle protection provisions
- Consideration of draft submission to the Planning Board
Marketing Committee
The committee will review Room Occupancy Tax collection results from July through December 2023. Members will also discuss strategic planning and research for fiscal years 2024-25.
- Review of July – December 2023 Room Occupancy Tax collection highlights
- FY24-25 Strategic Planning/Research discussion
Ad Hoc Committee
The committee is meeting to continue discussions on a draft ordinance. They will consider whether to approve the draft for submission to the Planning Board.
- Discussion of draft ordinance
- Potential approval of draft for submission to Planning Board
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen will consider ordinances to amend the paid parking program and lower the speed limit on Seacrest Drive. Other business includes hiring interim management services and discussing digital message board purchases.
- Ordinance (2024) 1857: Changes to the paid parking program
- Ordinance (2024) 1858: Lowering Seacrest Drive speed limit from 25 mph to 15 mph
- Resolution (2024) 2322: Accepting North Carolina League of Municipalities for interim manager services
- Public hearing: Special Use Permit amendment for 330 Causeway Dr. (Seapath Yacht Club)
- Purchase of digital message boards via Budget Ordinance (2024) 615-B
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee voted to recommend an ordinance change requiring the review of all special event permit applications. The committee also approved a list of bicycle and pedestrian priority projects for the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan.
- Recommended special events ordinance change to the Board of Aldermen
- Approved UNCW Beach Blast special event permit application
- Approved 10 bicycle/pedestrian project requests, including sidewalks and multi-use paths
- Approved roadway intersection improvement requests for Stone Street, Causeway Drive, and Columbia Street
- Discussed $80,000 cost estimate for a digital municipal sign
Board of Aldermen
The Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen is holding a special called meeting with a single substantive item: considering changes to the Town's Paid Parking Program. The agenda contains no other business items, and the meeting is scheduled for noon on Friday, January 19, 2024.
- Consider changes to the Town's Paid Parking Program
Board of Aldermen
This is a special called meeting with only two agenda items: a call to order and a closed session to consider a personnel matter under state law, followed by adjournment. No public decisions or discussions are scheduled.
- Closed session under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(6) for a personnel matter
Board of Aldermen
The Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen will hold public hearings on amendments to the Town Code regarding private access easements and driveway construction, and on a special use permit for 86 Waynick Blvd. They will also consider appointments to several boards, an IT contract, a bicycle and pedestrian priority list, and other routine items.
- Public hearing on Ordinance 1854 amending Section 155.7.21 (Private Access Easement)
- Public hearing on Ordinance 1855 amending Section 155.9.6 (Driveway Construction)
- Public hearing on special use permit amendment for 86 Waynick Blvd.
- Consider IT Management Solutions Contract and Budget Ordinance 613-B
- Consider approval of Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Projects List
Ad Hoc Committee
The committee is meeting to discuss an updated ordinance regarding regulations for measurements such as lumens and heights. Members will also discuss adding regulations for turtle protection and determine next steps for moving the ordinance to the Planning Board.
- Discussion of ordinance regulations regarding lumens and heights
- Discussion of additional turtle protection regulations
- Determination of next steps for the Planning Board
Planning Board
The Wrightsville Beach Planning Board will discuss and review two new business items: a special use permit for Seapath Yacht Club to relocate trash and recycling enclosures and renovate the electrical utilities building at 330 Causeway Drive, and a pier and dock exception for 502 and 504 North Channel Drive. The board will also approve minutes from the December 5, 2023 meeting. No final decisions are made at this meeting; recommendations may be forwarded to the Board of Aldermen.
- Special use permit for Seapath Yacht Club to move trash/recycling enclosures and renovate electrical building at 330 Causeway Drive
- Pier and dock exception for 502 and 504 North Channel Drive
- Approval of minutes from December 5, 2023
- Previous meeting: favorable recommendation for pickleball court expansion with $400,000 grant and $200,000 matching funds
- Previous meeting: favorable recommendation for indoor seating at 86 Waynick Boulevard
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee will discuss updates to the Special Events Ordinance and review permit applications. The agenda also includes updates on bicycle and pedestrian priority projects and digital municipal signs.
- Special Events Ordinance Change
- UNCW Beach Blast special event permit application for August 20, 2024
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Projects List update
- Digital Municipal Signs discussion
- PARTF 2022 Project Update