Board of Commissioners

Town of Swansboro Board of Commissioners March 11, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes In attendance: Mayor William Justice, Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Conaway, Commissioner Pat Turner, Commissioner Joseph Brown, and Commissioner Douglas Eckendorf. The board had one vacancy. ********************************** Call to Order/Opening Prayer/Pledge The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm and Mayor Justice led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment Justin Milarkey, of 219 Commerce Street in Greenville, North Carolina, spoke on behalf of two Perry family members and shared that he hoped there could be a thoughtful approach on the agenda item “Resolution Authorizing Acquisition of Real Property by Proceedings in Eminent Domain” related to their property. Cynthia Lacorte of 220 S Elm Street expressed concern over the board members acting outside their areas of expertise and urged better community collaboration and input from citizens. Rachel Lovejoy of 210 Knightheads Drive addressed the board about the importance of improving accessibility throughout town. She shared personal experiences and concerns related to inadequate pedestrian infrastructure and encouraged the Board to consider accessibility in all future planning and development decisions. She emphasized that better walkability would benefit the entire community, including individuals with disabilities, seniors, and children, and asked the Board to involve knowledgeable residents in the process. Adoption of Agenda and Consent Items On a motion by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Turner, the below consent items and agenda as amended to remove item VI-A: Resolution Authorizing Acquisition of Real Property by Proceedings in Eminent Domain and to edit closed session to be pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3) to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney‑client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged; and (4) To discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations; and (5) to establish, or to instruct the public body's staff or negotiating agents concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in negotiating the price and other material terms of a Page 1 of 4 contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or lease, was unanimously approved. - January 14, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes - January 14, 2025, Closed Session Minutes - Budget Ordinance Amendment #2025-8 Business Non-Consent Engineering Service Selection for Sidewalk Project Town Manager Jon Barlow presented an overview of the sidewalk project aimed at enhancing pedestrian accessibility throughout Swansboro. He reported that the project would span approximately 7,000 linear feet, or 1.33 miles, with planned improvements in areas such as Highway 24, Main Street Extension, Hammocks Beach Road, Old Hammocks Beach, and Queens Creek, focusing on locations with existing gaps in pedestrian infrastructure. Barlow recommended Arendell Engineers to be selected for the project, as their proposal met all town criteria. The scope of work included land surveying, civil engineering design, bidding, and construction administration services, ensuring a comprehensive framework for successful project delivery. On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, seconded by Commissioner Brown, with unanimous approval, authorization was provided to enter into contract negotiations with Arendell Engineers to provide engineering and design services for the sidewalk project. Future Agenda Topics Future agenda items were shared for visibility and comments. In addition, an opportunity was provided for the board to introduce items of interest and subsequent direction for placement on future agendas. The following items were addressed: - Hold workshop for UDO/CAMA Land Use Plan Review Public Comment Wayne Herbert of 102 Oyster Bay Road spoke in support of Ralph Kohlmann for a vacant commissioner's position. He highlighted Coleman's experience as a Marine Corps colonel and senior attorney, praising his professional approach and dedication to duty. Mr. Herbert emphasized Coleman's potential to bring objectivity, integrity, and credibility to the board. Lauren Brown of 601 W. Broad Street expressed her support for Tim Vannoy appointment to the vacant commissioners’ position. She commended Mr. Vannoy’s preparation and consideration to make decisions during his time on the planning board. Brown also expressed appreciation for the recent decision to deny the Flybridge Page 2 of 4 development rezoning, stating it was not consistent with the land use plan to protect green space and wetlands. Jamie Petani of 2102 Holly Hills Court shared that she wanted to see about getting warning lights similar to those in Morehead City to alert drivers of upcoming red lights at the intersections in town. She also suggested adding backboards to traffic lights to improve visibility during sunrise and sunset. Ms. Petani reiterated her opposition to the Flybridge development. Board Comments Mayor Pro Tem Conaway acknowledged the ongoing traffic issues and committed to looking into potential solutions, while noting the challenges posed by natural factors and changing conditions. Commissioner Eckendorf emphasized the need for pro-growth policies to create job opportunities that would encourage young people to remain in Swansboro. He identified the housing shortage as a key barrier to growth and a concern for potential investors and called for a review of the UDO and land use plan to make the town more investor-friendly while supporting controlled development. Commissioner Brown emphasized the potential benefits of growth, including increased profitability for existing businesses and attraction of new businesses. He referenced the recent decision to pass on 324 apartments and noted the apparent contradiction in claims of a housing shortage. Mayor Justice encouraged cooperation and consensus-building within the community, acknowledging the diverse views present and the need to work together despite differences. Closed Session On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, seconded by Commissioner Eckendorf the board entered closed session at 6:34 pm pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3) to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney‑client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged; and (4) To discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations; and (5) to establish, or to instruct the public body's staff or negotiating agents concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in negotiating the price and other material terms of a contract or proposed contract for Page 3 of 4 the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or lease, was unanimously approved. Pursuant to a motion duly made and seconded in closed session the board returned to open session. Mayor Justice reported that no action was taken on the property acquisition, however a decision was made related to Economic Development for JOED and Project Coffee. On a motion by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Eckendorf, providing a loan in the amount of $250,000 to JOED for Project Coffee contingent upon verification of fund availability by the Town Finance Director was unanimously approved. Adjournment On a motion by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Eckendorf the meeting adjourned at 8:02 pm. Page 4 of 4  3/13/2025 Regular Meeting March 11, 2025 1 1. Please turn cell phones to “off” or “vibrate”. 2. The Board offers the public three opportunities to speak during the meeting: A comment period is offered at the beginning and end of the meeting. Please note that a separate opportunity is provided for those items requiring a public hearing. Public Hearing(s) – There are 0 public hearings scheduled for this meeting. 2 1  3/13/2025 PUBLIC COMMENT Citizen opportunity to address the Board for items listed on the agenda. 3 AGENDA AND CONSENT ITEMS Action Needed: Motion to Adopt the Agenda as prepared (or amended) and approval of the Consent Items 4 2  3/13/2025 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Engineering Service Selection for Sidewalk Project The Town recently released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking experienced, professional engineering firms to provide land survey and civil engineering design services, bidding and construction administration for pedestrian improvements. Recommended Action: Agree to enter into contract negotiations with Arendell Engineers to provide engineering and design services for the sidewalk project. Presenter: Jon Barlow – Town Manager 5 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Resolution Authorizing Acquisition of Real Property by Proceedings in Eminent Domain The Town Board of Commissioners has determined there is a need for a new Emergency Operations Center and Public Safety Building (EOC/PSB). The Board of Commissioners appointed EOC/PSB Site Selection Committee has recommended the acquisition of a 10-acre site located on the south side of Hwy. 24 close to the intersection of Old Hammocks Beach Rd. (PIN 536405087796 and PIN 536405089589) Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution 2025-R3 authorizing staff to commence the acquisition of the property by exercise of its eminent domain authority under Article 3 of Chapter 40A of the North Carolina General Statutes. Presenter: Jon Barlow – Town Manager 6 3  3/13/2025 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Future Agenda Items Future agenda items are shared for visibility and comment. In addition, an opportunity is provided for the Board to introduce items of interest and subsequent direction for placement on future agendas. Action Needed: Discuss and provide any guidance. Presenter: Alissa Fender, MMC – Town Clerk 7 PUBLIC COMMENT Citizen opportunity to address the Board. 8 4  3/13/2025 MANAGER’S COMMENTS Town Manager Jonathan Barlow 9 BOARD COMMENTS Mayor William Justice Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Conaway Commissioner Douglas Eckendorf Commissioner Joseph Brown Commissioner Patricia Turner 10 5  3/13/2025 CLOSED SESSION Recommended Action: Motion to enter closed session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (4) To discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations. 11 ADJOURN 12 6