Shallotte Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting

SHALLOTTE BOARD OF ALDERMEN REGULAR MEETING November 5, 2025 5:15 P.M. The Shallotte Board of Aldermen met for a regular meeting on November 5, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the meeting chambers located at 110 Cheers Street with Mayor Walt Eccard presiding. Aldermen present: Gene Vasile, Karmen Custer, Bobby Williamson and Larry Harrelson Aldermen absent: Jimmy Bellamy Staff present: Mimi Gaither, Robert Waring, Brandon Eaton, Natalie Goins, Isaac Norris, Adam Stanley, Paul Dunwell, Dan Formyduval and Attorney Laura Thompson I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Eccard called the meeting to order. A motion was made by Bobby Williamson seconded by Karmen Custer to open the meeting. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. II. INVOCATION & PLEDGE Father Farrell Graves gave the Invocation followed by the Board and audience reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Mayor Eccard asked if any member of the Board had a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest with regard to any item on the agenda. None stated. IV. AGENDA AMENDMENTS & APPROVAL OF AGENDA A motion was made by Gene Vasile seconded by Karmen Custer to approve the agenda as submitted. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. V. SWEARING IN ABC BOARD Town Clerk Natalie Goins administered the oaths of office to ABC Board members Bobby Russ, Chris Lane and Gordon Lewis. A motion was made by Larry Harrelson seconded by Gene Vasile to express the Town's appreciation for Mr. Roy Mintz's 48 years of service on the ABC Board. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. VI. HUFFMAN FAMILY – WIND PHONE Mr. Huffman addressed the board regarding his request to install a "wind phone" in memory of his son Christian, who passed away seven months ago. Mr. Huffman shared his personal grief journey and how this installation could help others in the community who have experienced similar losses. He proposed placing the wind phone near his father-in-law's (Carson Durham) bench and his son's memorial tree in the Mulberry Park. The Huffman family would install and maintain the phone booth with the town's approval. Mayor Eccard extended condolences to the Huffman family. A motion was made by Larry Harrelson seconded by Gene Vasile to approve installation of the “wind phone”. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. VII. THOMPSON, PRICE, SCOTT & ADAMS AUDIT PRESENTATION Alan Thompson from Thompson, Price, Scott & Adams presented the audit report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. The Town received an unmodified, “clean” audit opinion. Mr. Thompson commended Finance Director Isaac Norris and staff for their excellent work. Mayor Eccard thanked Mr. Thompson and his firm for their efforts on the audit and recognized Finance Director and staff for their continued performance. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS Brent Alchin (425 Red Fox Street) addressed issues he feels are safety concerns: - The kayak launch at Riverwalk Park has a severe angle that makes it difficult for users trying to exit the water. He recommended modifications to the ramp angle and adding proper signage. - Some of the signage in Wildwood Village is installed too low (4-5 feet off the ground). IX. DEPARTMENT REPORTS 1. Police A. In-Car & Body Camera Systems A motion was made by Bobby Williamson seconded by Gene Vasile to approve the acquisition and payment plan for Axon camera systems (18 in-car and 20 body). The total cost of $346,608.50 would be split into six payments starting January 2026 through August 2030. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 2. Fire 3. Planning Planning Director Robert Waring informed the Board that the initial step of the Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) grant process involves forming a Community Action Team (CAT) comprised of five town residents. He requested that the Board provide recommendations for potential members by the November work session meeting. 4. Public Utilities A. Deed of Dedication (Sewer) 1. Meadows Phase 3: Resolution 25-10 2. Meadows Phase 4: Resolution 25-11 A motion was made by Karmen Custer to approve the deeds of dedication for Meadows Phase 3 (Resolution 25-10) and Phase 4 (Resolution 25-11), seconded by Gene Vasile. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 5. Finance 6. Media & Events 7. Administration A. McGill Additional Services A motion was made by Gene Vasile seconded by Karmen Custer to approve the extension of McGill's contract through December with an amount not to exceed $27,870. Motion carried  4 yes 0 no. B. Brunswick County Fire Tax Town managers with municipal fire departments met and submitted questions to the County manager. Answers will be brought back before the Board once they are received. 8. Mayors Monthly Activities Mayor Eccard reported that State legislature passed a bill removing the 2.4% pension surcharge obligation for this fiscal year and that the final Environmental Impact Statement for the Carolina Bays project will likely not be completed until early 2027. X. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Karmen Custer seconded by Larry Harrelson to approve the following consent agenda items: A. September 30, 2025 Work Session Meeting Minutes B. October 7, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes C. October 21, 2025 Work Session Meeting Minutes D. Budget Adjustment BA 25-26-4: Town Hall Project legal fees $10,000 E. Budget Adjustment BA 25-26-5: Creech & Associates engineering fees $144,710.35 Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Mayor Eccard called for a five minute recess. XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Annexation (Hayden Point) Corner of Forest St. Ext. and US 17. Parcel IDs # 1820004221 & 1820004201 Weyerhaeuser NR Company 96.03 Acres +/- 2 Commercial Parcels 1. A motion was made by Larry Harrelson seconded by Karmen Custer to open the public hearing. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Town Planner Brandon Eaton gave an overview of the request. 2. Public Comments/Questions 3. A motion was made by Karmen Custer seconded by Gene Vasile to close the public hearing. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 4. Board Comments-Questions 5. A motion was made by Karmen Custer seconded by Gene Vasile to approve Ordinance 25-27, annexing PIDs 1820004221 & 1820004201. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 2. TXT 25-28 (SUP to CZ - Phase 2) 1. A motion was made by Bobby Williamson seconded by Gene Vasile to open the public hearing. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no.  2. Public Comments/Questions 3. A motion was made by Gene Vasile seconded by Karmen Custer to close the public hearing. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 4. Board Comments-Questions 5. A motion was made by Larry Harrelson seconded by Karmen Custer to approve the Board of Aldermen Statement of Consistency. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 6. A motion was made by Gene Vasile seconded by Larry Harrelson to approve Ordinance 25-18 amending the Town of Shallotte Unified Development Ordinance, specifically Article 10, Section 10-2 ( Table of Permitted Uses). Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 3. TXT 25-29 (Bed and Breakfast Inns) 1. A motion was made by Gene Vasile seconded by Karmen Custer to open the public hearing. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 2. Public Comments/Questions 3. A motion was made by Gene Vasile seconded by Karmen Custer to close the public hearing. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 4. Board Comments-Questions 5. A motion was made by Karmen Custer seconded by Gene Vasile to approve the Board of Aldermen Statement of Consistency. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 6. A motion was made by Larry Harrelson seconded by Karmen Custer to approve Ordinance 25-29 amending the Town of Shallotte Unified Development Ordinance, specifically Article 10, Section 10-3(E). Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 4. TXT 25-30 (Event Venues) 1. A motion was made by Larry Harrelson seconded by Gene Vasile to open the public hearing. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 2. Public Comments/Questions 3. A motion was made by Karmen Custer seconded by Gene Vasile to close the public hearing. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 4. Board Comments-Questions 5. A motion was made by Gene Vasile seconded by Bobby Williamson to approve the Board of Aldermen Statement of Consistency. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 6. A motion was made by Bobby Williamson seconded by Karmen Custer to approve Ordinance 25-30 amending the Town of Shallotte Unified Development Ordinance, specifically Article 10, Section 10-3(L). Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 5. TXT 25-31 (Petition Denial Time Limit - NCGS Update) 1. A motion was made by Gene Vasile seconded by Karmen Custer to open the public hearing. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 2. Public Comments/Questions 3. A motion was made by Larry Harrelson seconded by Bobby Williamson to close the public hearing. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 4. Board Comments-Questions 5. A motion was made by Bobby Williamson seconded by Karmen Custer to approve the Board of Aldermen Statement of Consistency. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 6. A motion was made by Gene Vasile seconded by Karmen Custer to approve Ordinance 25-31 amending the Town of Shallotte Unified Development Ordinance, specifically Article 4, Section 4-6. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no.  6. TXT 25-32 (Minor Subdivision Update) 1. A motion was made by Karmen Custer seconded by Gene Vasile to open the public hearing. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 2. Public Comments/Questions 3. A motion was made by Bobby Williamson seconded by Karmen Custer to close the public hearing. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 4. Board Comments-Questions 5. A motion was made by Gene Vasile seconded by Karmen Custer to approve the Board of Aldermen Statement of Consistency. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. 6. A motion was made by Gene Vasile seconded by Bobby Williamson to approve Ordinance 25-32 amending the Town of Shallotte Unified Development Ordinance, specifically Article 2, Section 2-2. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. XII. DISCUSSION XIII. ADJOURN A motion was made by Gene Vasile seconded by Bobby Williamson to adjourn at 6:43 p.m. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Respectfully submitted, Natalie Goins, Town Clerk