- Recap of Village Council regular meeting.
- Important information about charging your golf cart safely.
- Help us respond appropriately to fire alarm calls.
- Village Utilities reminds property owners not to plant near sewer tanks.
Reminders & Events:
- Take our Golf Cart Safety Awareness Month quiz for a chance to win!
- Pirate Invasion and National Lighthouse Weekend are taking place on the first weekend of August.
- Dosher Clinic is open for the 2024 season.
- The next regular Village Council meeting is on Friday, August 16, 2024.
- Village Utilities is assessing island properties per the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule.
Regular Council Meeting
The Village Council conducted its regular meeting on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Here is a summary of the information shared and the actions that were taken at this meeting:
Under public comment, the Village Council heard from Norm Armitage who read a letter on behalf of several Islanders expressing concerns about the heightened level and number of incidents on the island that show total disregard for island laws and norms.
The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the June 21, 2024, regular session and closed session and approval of a Resolution Approving the 2022 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources Local Water Supply Plan. The consent agenda was approved unanimously.
The Village Council conducted a public hearing on Proposed Text Amendments to Article II, Chapter 9 of the Village of Bald Head Island Code of Ordinances – Commercial Design Standards. No public comments were received. The Village Council unanimously adopted the ordinance amending the commercial design standards as presented.
Under Old Business, Village Manager Chris McCall updated the Council and the public on the transportation system litigation status tracker. He indicated that one of the updates for this month (highlighted in green) is that the oral argument for the Sub 22 proceeding in the Court of Appeals has been calendared for August 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. This proceeding is regarding the proposed transfer to SharpVue. In addition, he mentioned that the intervenors group continues to have discussions on a possible hybrid schedule and positive progress has been made (highlighted in yellow).
Mayor Pro Tem Gardner added that the proposed hybrid schedule will solve most of the issues and if agreed to, would work better for most ferry users. Additional dates are expected to be added to the Sub 23 milestones as some dates have already passed. The intervenors are waiting for a response from the NC Utilities Commission regarding when BHI Transportation testimony and public staff/intervenor testimony due dates have been re-established. The August 13 public hearing is expected to stay the same.
Mr. McCall reviewed the most up-to-date figures on legal fees, consultant and expert fees and expenses, and out-of-pocket cost totals (HERE).
Mayor Quinn provided an update on the hardened structure legislation. He emphasized the fact that it’s a long-term process. There are going to be times during the evaluation when a decision will be made on whether the Village will move forward or stop. He said that he would like the Council, Village Staff, and Conservancy to identify those points.
Mr. McCall added that there are many variables that will impact the timeline. For example, storm-induced impacts could change the conditions. He said that the Village will be monitoring the performance of the beach fill from this winter’s Coastal Storm Damage Reduction (CSDR) Project. The Village will be looking at several monitoring cycles and is also looking at doing a Corps feasibility study and is interested in the BOEM study at the Frying Pan Shoals borrow area. Extensive modeling and engineering design will be required.
In looking at the timeline of the existing terminal groin, the effort began in 2011 and it took until 2014 to get permits in hand with construction starting in the spring of 2015. Funding will also be a factor. The existing terminal groin, at 1300 feet, was $7.8 million with professional fees, attorney fees, etc. it was more like $9.5 million total. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done and the Division of Coastal Management still needs to codify the new law into their regulations and permitting procedures.
Updates on this process will be reported at the monthly regular Village Council meetings and these updates will appear in the monthly issue of the Village’s Voice e-newsletter (in the Manager’s Report under Shoreline Protection).
Under New Business, the Village Council unanimously voted to award the contract for the Sand Filled Tube Groinfield Replacement Project to McPherson Marine Services for $1,517,430. This project will remove the 13 existing sand-filled tubes and replace them with new ones. This work will happen this fall after the dredging contractor completes the sand fill of the groin field area.
Mr. McCall reported that with this project and the beach fill, the total cost for the 2025 CSDR Project is going to come out to $19,144,00 which is above the $18 million that was authorized at the most recent bond referendum. BHI voters approved both the $13.5 million and $4.5 million beach nourishment bonds. The Village received the $4.5 million Federal grant and approval from the Local Government Commission to borrow $13.5 million. The Village will need to use some of the $2.2 million from the previously authorized bond. Staff have looked at the loan rate and additional principal and interest and estimated that the Village is looking at a 1-cent tax rate to pay for it.
There was discussion on the Village cooperating with the Smith Island Land Trust (SILT). Mayor Quinn recounted the recent planning efforts in which the public had an opportunity to see what the island would look like if it was fully developed as it is currently planned. Many folks did not want to see all the additional development on the island. He proposed having staff investigate possible grant funding opportunities that could assist with getting more properties donated for conservation. He also called for those Islanders who are concerned with future development to help the Village develop ways to encourage folks to voluntarily donate their property to SILT.
Before presenting the Manager’s Report, Mr. McCall relayed a proposal that was approved by the Mayor to shorten future meeting times by not requiring a verbal report from each department head every month. The Council agreed. The written reports will be attached to the monthly agenda packet, which will be reviewed by the Council, and the Village Manager or department heads will present important updates or respond to questions on the written reports if needed.
Below are a few items shared in the Manager’s Report:
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES UPDATE
Stephen Boyett, Development Services Director, presented the monthly departmental statistics for June (HERE, and HERE). He reported that he is working on the Community Rating System (CRS) program audit which is an annual process that precedes the CRS rating designation. The CRS rating is then used to determine the discount that island property owners receive on flood insurance.
There was discussion about contractors unloading in the harbor area early in the morning. The contractors have been compliant with Village ordinances as far as working hours and noise based on the reported time of these activities. The unloading/loading locations in question are on private property and need to be addressed through the slip owners and the BHI Yacht Club. Village Staff will be following up with the commodore on this matter.
PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE
Chief Gibson presented the monthly statistics for June can be viewed HERE & HERE. He reviewed some of the recent 911 calls the Department of Public Safety has responded to which are related to the unacceptable behavior reported in previous communications from the Village (HERE & HERE). He recommended that the Council consider adopting a juvenile curfew and fund the installation of cameras at the main intersections on the island.
In the meantime, Chief Gibson offered some of the following advice to those who may observe unacceptable or suspicious behavior:
- Call 911 and be prepared to give an accurate description of the individual(s) involved such as approximate age, height, what they were wearing, color of vehicle, and accurate location.
- Record the behavior on video.
- Be careful about how you approach people and engage with them. You could start something that could end up getting you in trouble with law enforcement. It is preferred that observers call 911 and allow trained law enforcement officers to handle the situation.
- Public Safety does not know about activities unless they are reported. You must do that by calling 911.
To provide Brunswick County 911 personnel some familiarity with the island, Chief Gibson has arranged for communications center staff to visit over the next several weeks.
PUBLIC SERVICES UPDATE
JP McCann, Public Services Director, presented the monthly statistics for June for Public Services. He gave an update on the Timber Bridge. Two hundred new boards were installed, 100 at either end of the bridge. The boards will need to sit and dry out before the stain and sealant are applied. Public Works is expected to apply the stain and sealant at the end of this month. The Village hopes to install HDPE runners on the bridge to help maintain its longevity. Public Services has received samples and is working with the Division of Coastal Management to formally request permission to install the material on the bridge deck.
Mr. McCall updated the Council on the radio meter read project. The Village will be installing three antennae on the island for the project. One will be located at Common Park on the tower, one will be located at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and then another at the Central Main lift station just off the fairway at the golf course. The antennae will also be used for the repeater system for the Viper radios used by Public Safety.
Phase One of the lift station upgrade project will be completed in the next two weeks and Phase Two is still underway.
OTHER ITEMS
IPC/PO
Assistant Village Manager Jae Kim provided an update on the Island Package Center and Post Office.
AIA Grant
Mr. Kim reported that the contractor working on the Asset Inventory Assessment remains on time and on budget and is still expected to make a presentation to the Council at its February 2025 meeting.
Local Assistance for Storm Water Infrastructure Investments Grant
Mr. Kim reported that the Village received notification that its preliminary scope of work was approved, and the grant agreement paperwork will be on the Council’s agenda for next month. These funds ($350,000) will be used to develop a comprehensive plan that takes the existing studies on stormwater management and provides recommendations for additional drainage networks to improve recovery time after rainfall events.
Frying Pan Shoals (FPS) Borrow Site
Mr. McCall reported that he and Mr. Kim met with the Village’s coastal engineer and environmental team to discuss the permit application for FPS and agreed to submit it now so that it is on file. If a storm event occurs and that borrow site is needed having it on file may help. The Village’s contractors will also be reaching out to Dr. Long at UNCW to discuss his efforts with BOEM’s study of the FPS borrow site in Federal waters to see if there is any duplication of effort.
Memorandum of Agreement with USACE
Mr. McCall reported that the Village has submitted a letter to the US Army Corps of Engineers to start the process of getting an MOA with the Corps. This will allow the Village to add additional scope of work to the Corp’s Wilmington Harbor Channel Maintenance project at the Village’s expense. The Corps has acknowledged the letter but since the harbor project for BHI is not until 2027 it does not appear to be a priority. Village staff hopes to have a meeting with the Corps in August/September to discuss it and get things moving forward.
Shoals Club Sandbag Revetment
The Village met with the Shoals Club and its representatives to discuss their permit application which is expected to be denied and will need to go before the Coastal Resources Commission for a variance. The CRC is expected to meet before the Village’s CSDR project starts. The CRC may ask the Shoals Club to hold off on additional work to the revetment to see what happens with the Village’s project.
Road Safety on Stede Bonnet Wynd
Mayor Pro Tem Gardner received correspondence from an Islander requesting improvements to the curvy and divided areas on Stede Bonnet Wynd. The property owner requested reflectors and lines along the road. Mr. McCall requested feedback from the Council on this matter.
ADA Compliance
Mr. McCall reported that folks with the Longevity group have been discussing handicap parking at the island’s commercial entities and are requesting the Village’s help. He mentioned the Village’s efforts with its ADA Transition Plan. Mr. Boyett said there is usually one ADA space for every 25 spaces. It is upon the patron to notify the business owner if they think there is limited access. If the Village is notified, Mr. Boyett said he would reach out to the business owner. He will be following up with the businesses that have been identified.
A full account of these meetings can be found in the minutes which are posted HERE. Typically, minutes are posted with the agenda of next month’s meeting (e.g. If you want to read the November meeting minutes, they can be found under the December regular meeting agenda).
Charging Your Golf Cart Safely
During Golf Cart Safety Awareness Month, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) wants to notify golf cart owners of some safety precautions owners must consider when charging their golf carts.
It has been discovered that lead batteries emit hydrogen gas and when this gas builds up it will set off carbon monoxide detectors. BHI DPS has responded to emergency calls of this nature. This build-up could cause asphyxiation, and the excess hydrogen could lead to a fire and explosion. Please make sure you are charging your golf cart in a ventilated area. If your carbon monoxide detector sounds, evacuate your home immediately and then call 911. To learn more about this hazard, read our full safety alert HERE.
There are several tips for charging your golf cart to avoid additional hazards that may lead to fire. You should always follow the cart manufacturer’s instructions and charge your cart in a ventilated area and only when you are home and awake. Learn more tips in our “How to Charge Your Golf Cart Safely” flyer HERE.
Fire Alarms
Since smoke detection systems on Bald Head Island are monitored by an alarm company, once your smoke detector goes off, your alarm company is notified, and a 911 call is dispatched to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Many of these calls end up being caused by cooking smoke or shower steam, which are not emergencies.
Property owners can help our DPS in these non-emergency instances by calling the alarm company immediately after the smoke detector goes off to let them know that there is no emergency. This is relayed to our DPS through dispatch. DPS will still have to respond, but with less manpower and equipment, and no lights and sirens. This will keep more of our officers and equipment available to respond to other emergencies and make our roads much safer.
Please relay this information to your renters and guests.
Planting Near Sewer Tanks
Village Utilities would like to remind property owners to avoid planting near sewer tanks. The roots of trees, shrubs, and plants can interfere with the operation of the equipment and require additional maintenance which could be avoided. The rule of thumb is to plant at least two feet away from a tank. Property owners are required to call 811 to have utilities located before digging. Property owners should also trim the vegetation surrounding the tank regularly to provide access to the tank.
REMINDERS & EVENTS
Golf Cart Safety Awareness Month Quiz
July is Golf Cart Safety Awareness Month! You can participate by taking the Golf Cart Safety Awareness Month Quiz! You can pick up a hard copy at the Department of Public Safety, Village Hall, or the Island Package Center. Turn in your answers and you will be entered to win one of three prizes! A gift certificate for Turtle Central, a golf cart seat cover, or a Village of Bald Head Island tumbler. More info HERE.
Dosher Clinic
Dosher Clinic is now seeing patients at the Department of Public Safety for the 2024 peak season. It will be operating through August 29, 2024, on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The clinic provides telehealth services, and a medical assistant or nurse is on the island to support the patient and telemedicine cart. For more information, please view our webpage HERE.
Pirate Invasion & National Lighthouse Weekend
The 2024 Pirate Invasion will be taking place starting Friday, August 2nd through Sunday, August 4th. There are many activities planned so please check out the detailed schedule HERE. As the pirates are arriving and when they have their battle, you may hear some loud “booms” that sound like gunfire near the marina.
National Lighthouse Weekend is on Saturday, August 3rd, and Sunday, August 4th. Old Baldy Foundation will be hosting a Seafood Boil with Kevin Duffus (distinguished NC author, documentary filmmaker, and research historian) and the annual Run for the Light 5k/10k/1 Mile Fun Run will be taking place on Sunday, August 4th at 6:00 p.m. Full event details HERE.
Next Regular Council Meeting
The next regular Village Council Meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the multi-purpose room in the Department of Public Safety (273 Edward Teach Ext.). The agenda will be posted HERE. Zoom information to listen in remotely can be found HERE.
Lead & Copper Rule
Village Utilities personnel have been assessing island properties per the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule. This may require them to do a small amount of excavation to check the water lines at the meter. All Village Utilities staff drive vehicles and wear uniforms with the Village of Bald Head Island logo and are authorized to do this work. The assessment is about 3/4 complete. For more information, read our Lead & Copper Rule Fact Sheet HERE.
Bald Head Association events can be found HERE.
Old Baldy Foundation events can be found HERE.
BHI Conservancy events can be found HERE.
Village Chapel events can be found HERE
The Village calendar can be found HERE.
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