Board of Commissioners

Town of Swansboro Board of Commissioners May 22, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes In attendance: Mayor John Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Frank Tursi, Commissioner Pat Turner, Commissioner PJ Pugliese, Commissioner Larry Philpott, and Commissioner Jeffrey Conaway. ********************************** Call to Order/Opening Prayer/Pledge The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm. Mayor Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment Gregg Casper of 226 Water Street spoke regarding the Water Street Rehabilitation agenda item. She was curious if the road work would include resurfacing and what would happen with the trees that were presently planted in the median of Broad Street. Susan Casper of 301 Water Street also spoke on the Water Street Rehabilitation agenda item. She shared that Caspers Marina at the end of Broad Street was comprised of rebar which sustained the lift used to move around board and she wanted to ensure that portion of the street would not be affected. She also shared that she was concerned about a rain garden and inquired if there were plans for fencing to prevent children and pets from entering. Adoption of Agenda and Consent Items On a motion by Commissioner Philpott, seconded by Commissioner Conaway, the agenda was amended to include recognition of Dawson McElroy. The amended agenda and the below consent items were approved unanimously. Consent Items: • Amendment to the Town Zoning Map • ONWASA Administrative Service Agreement • Resolution Opposing Senate Bill 200 Appointments/Recognitions/Presentations Safe Boating Week Proclamation Mayor Davis read the proclamation and acknowledged Carl Rauschenberg with the US Coast Guard. Recognition of Dawson McElroy Fire Chief Jacob Randal shared that Mr. McElroy was moving away from the area and recognized him for his service with the town since 2015. In his time with the Town, he Page 1 of 6 logged over 800 hours of training, responded to 530 incidents, and provided over 350 documented hours. He was presented with a Distinguished Service Award. ADA Transition Plan Harrison Wenchell the Stewart Transportation Planning Team Lead reviewed the final deliverables for the Towns ADA Transition Plan that was ready for adoption. In response to inquiries from the Board, Mr. Wenchell clarified the following: • The document was a living document and would be changed by future improvements. • Of the 214 curb ramps 95% of them were existing and the remainder were opportunities • The 190 hazards identified ranged anywhere from minor to major maintenance to bring into compliance. On a motion by Commissioner Turner, seconded by Commissioner Philpott the ADA Transition Plan was adopted unanimously. Water Street Rehabilitation Amada Hollingsworth, Project Manager with WithersRavenel shared that the project design was funded through the RCCP Grant but did not cover construction. After the feedback received at the May 8, 2023, meeting, they provided a re-design which only provided for the bioretention area to be on the Town-owned open space between Walnut Street and Elm Street along Broad Street. Additional water pick-up inlets would be placed on Elm Street, Broad Street, and Water Street in addition to the existing inlets on Elm Street and Water Street. See attachment A. The original plan included bioretention on Broad changing the median between Elm Street and Water Street The bioretention area would be designed to enhance the natural green space with good infiltration when it rains. All side slopes would be flat and there would be no need for fences as it wouldn’t store water like a wet pond. Mrs. Casper was permitted to address the board again and she shared that during rainstorms the water ran down Broad Street in such an amount that they keep sandbags at their doors to provide protection. She expressed that if the Broad Street median was to be mitigated and changed that any trees removed be planted somewhere else. In order to be provided consideration for any future grand funding for the construction and mitigation of the Stormwater for Elm Street, the Board must have a preliminary plan in place. After discussion on the plans and their differences, consensus was that the first plan was more favored with the added option of additional piping on Elm Street. Page 2 of 6 On a motion by Commissioner Turner, seconded by Commissioner Philpott, with unanimous approval the initial plan was accepted with added piping considerations to be included on Elm Street. Onslow United Transit System Presentation Danny L Ferucci, the Executive Director for Onslow United Transit System presented a brief history of the program. He shared that Onslow United Transit operates subscription, demand response, general public transportation and ADA Complementary Paratransit services throughout all of Onslow County. Transportation out of county was also available and the schedule can be found on our website below or by contacting our office after 2pm weekdays. Service was provided to passengers needing transportation to medical appointments, work, daycare, shopping, social and recreation activities. In response to inquires from the Board Mr. Ferucci clarified the following: • Highest fee charge within the county was $5.00, with elderly/disabled discounts and out of county cost was $15.00. • Riders are what contribute to the route, timing and availability. Public Hearings Petition for Voluntary Annexation – Lodge View Subdivision Town Clerk, Alissa Fender, reviewed that Emerald Coast Inc. had petitioned to voluntary annex consolidated real property known as Lodge View Subdivision. The subdivision consisting of seven (7) lots (Pin #1319-148.12, 1319-148.11, 1319-148.10, 1319-148.09, 1319- 148.08, 1319-148.7, 1319-148.6) was located off Norris Road. The properties were zoned MHS (Mobile Home Subdivision) and was currently located within the ETJ, non- contiguous to the town limits. In accordance with Board Policies 9 & 10, the petition has been investigated and a public hearing was scheduled. The petitions meet the requirements of law. The public hearing was opened at 7:27 pm, then closed as there were no comments offered. On a motion by Commissioner Philpott, seconded by Commissioner Conaway, Ordinance 2023-O5 annexing the Lodge View Subdivision as described by its legal description and all exhibits into the Swansboro Town Limits was approved unanimously. Text Amendment to the Table of Permitted/Special Uses and Pertinent Sections Projects/Planning Coordination, Rebecca Brehmer reviewed that on April 10, 2023, a joint meeting of the Board of Commissioner and Planning Board was held to review and provide feedback on the amendments proposed by the subcommittee to the Table of Page 3 of 6 Permitted/Special Uses and pertinent sections. The Planning Board recommended the text amendment to the Board of Commissioners in their portion of the meeting. In response to inquiries from the board, Planner, Andrea Correll, clarified the following: • The Type C buffer changes and the existing noise ordinance provided the ability to handle potential noisy businesses accordingly. • Traffic Impact Study requirements would apply based on trip generations. The public hearing was opened at 7:37 pm, then closed as there were no comments offered. On a motion by Commissioner Pugliese, seconded by Commissioner Turner, Ordinance 2023-O6 amending the Unified Development Ordinance to include Sections 152.179, 152.180, 152.211, 152.212, 152,312 was approved. The motion passed 3:2. Ayes: Pugliese, Turner, Conaway Noes: Philpott, Tursi Business Non-Consent Future Agenda Topics Future agenda items were shared for visibility and comment. In addition, an opportunity was provided for the Board to introduce items of interest and subsequent direction for placement on future agendas. No new additional items were added. Public Comment Citizens were offered an opportunity to address the Board regarding items not listed on the agenda. No comments were given. Board Comments Commissioner Philpott shared that while he appreciated the efforts provided by staff and others on the Table of Permitted Uses, he still had some reservations. Additionally, he shared that he would provide an update on the EOC/PSB in the coming weeks after the committee meets with the consultant. Mayor Davis shared that there was a planned Memorial Day service on May 29 th at Sanders Park, and all were invited to attend. He also shared that he also had reservations on the Table of Permitted Uses amendment. Adjournment On a motion by Commissioner Philpott, seconded by Commissioner Turner, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm. Page 4 of 6 Attachment A Page 5 of 6 Attachment A Page 6 of 6