TOWN OF DUCK
TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
September 5, 2007
The Town Council for the Town of Duck convened at the Duck Municipal Offices at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2007.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Neil Morrison; Mayor Pro Tempore Monica Thibodeau; Councilor Nancy Caviness; Councilor Denver Lindley, Jr.; and Councilor Bart Smith.
Council Members ABSENT: None.
OTHERS PRESENT: Town Manager and Town Clerk Christopher J. Layton, Town Attorney Donald I. McRee, Jr.; Director of Community Development Andy Garman; Interim Police Chief Phillip Ferguson; Fire Chief Donna Black; Public Relations Coordinator Kathy McCullough-Testa; and Deputy Town Clerk Lori Kopec.
OTHERS ABSENT: None.
Mayor Morrison called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Mayor Morrison led the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Morrison opened the floor for public comments. He asked that any comments regarding the public hearings be held off.
There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Morrison closed the time for public comments.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Morrison opened the approval of minutes from the August 1, 2007 regular meeting. Mayor Morrison directed Council to review the minutes from the August 1, 2007 regular meeting for changes.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau moved to approve the August 1, 2007 minutes as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing/Discussion/Consideration on Ordinance 07-11 (ZTA-Drive/Parking), an Ordinance to Amend Section 39 of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Duck, North Carolina, to Modify Requirements for Residential Parking Surfaces and Dimensional Requirements for Parking Areas and Drive Aisles
Mayor Morrison asked Director Garman to comment.
Director of Community Development Andy Garman was recognized to speak. Director Garman stated that the ordinance consisted of four (4) changes – allow stacking of required parking spaces outside the twelve (12) foot drive aisle, limit the driveway curb cuts to twenty (20) feet in width when measured at the right-of-way, clarify that parking and drive aisles could be no greater than seventy-five percent (75%) of the lot width, and limit required parking spaces to gravel, porous pavers or another type of semi-permeable material.
Mayor Morrison opened the public hearing for Ordinance 07-11. He asked for public comments.
Dave Wessel of 142 Mallard Court was recognized to speak. Mr. Wessel stated that he could not tell if current structures would be grandfathered in the proposed ordinance. He stated that his lot was thirty (30) feet wide with twenty-four (24) feet paved including six (6) feet as a public access to the sound. He stated that he would hate to see structures not meeting the standard without grandfathering.
Mayor Morrison asked Director Garman to comment on Mr. Wessel’s concerns. Director Garman stated that there will be some grandfathering with regard to surfaces of required parking. He stated that if a homeowner presently has a concrete parking area, there would not be anything in the proposed ordinance that would require it to be changed to gravel. He stated that with the other requirements, staff would look at them just like when there is a change that would trigger a change to the driveway.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Morrison closed the public hearing.
Mayor Morrison opened the floor to Council for discussion.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if driveways that are nonconforming from previous ordinances would be required to become conforming for any substantial change or only for fifty percent (50%). Director Garman stated it would have to be a substantial change to require the entire driveway to be reconstructed.
Councilor Smith pointed out that Paragraph e states: “…loose stone surface shall be bordered by concrete or salt-treated timbers in a manner which retains the stone in the driveway area…” He asked if they were the only two (2) options. He asked if something such as a mulch buffer with vegetation would be allowed. He asked if there was a reason for the ordinance only having the two (2) options. Director Garman didn’t think there was a specific reason but stated that those were the two (2) options that were identified. He stated that the mulch buffer could be incorporated in the ordinance. Councilor Smith pointed out that the ordinance was specific in that it stated “it shall be bordered…” He felt it did not allow for any other options.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated that it was addressed in Paragraph c. She suggested adding language to state “or other similar buffers” to make it more flexible.
Councilor Smith thought the original language was extremely specific and rigid. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau agreed. Councilor Smith pointed out that he has seen earth buffers in quite a few places. He thought the main word was “buffer” in that the ordinance states, “…in a manner which retains stone in the parking area…” which accomplishes keeping the stone where it should be and creates a specific border.
Town Attorney McRee suggested striking “by concrete or salt treated timbers” so it read “…loose stone surface shall be bordered in a manner which retains the stone in the driveway area…” to give homeowners options available as long as it meets the intended standard.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated she liked Town Attorney McRee’s suggestion. Mayor Morrison and Councilor Lindley agreed. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau felt the stricken language should come out of both Paragraph c and e. Councilor Smith agreed. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau pointed out that it is challenging to keep the loose stone in place.
Councilor Lindley asked if the ordinance would be adopted with the new language. Mayor Morrison stated it could be adopted.
Councilor Lindley moved to adopt Ordinance 07-11 as amended.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated that she had received a comment via email on the flexibility of the type of porous surfaces that could be used. She stated that there wasn’t anything in the ordinance that prohibits homeowners from using porous materials. She clarified that there was flexibility with regard to what type of porous materials that could be used. Director Garman stated it was intentionally left broad for flexibility
Motion carried 5-0.
Public Hearing/Discussion/Consideration on Ordinance 07-12 (ZTA-Lot Coverage), an Ordinance to Amend Article I, Section 2 of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Duck, North Carolina, to modify the Definition of Lot Coverage to no Longer include Peat Pod Repair Areas serving Conventional Septic Systems as Calculated Lot Coverage
Mayor Morrison asked Director Garman to comment.
Director Garman stated that the Town counts peat pod septic systems as lot coverage. He stated that since a repair area is required, it is considered lot coverage. He stated that the Town has learned that septic systems that need to be replaced are usually done in the same area with the repair area not being used. He stated that the proposed ordinance recognizes that the repair area should not be counted as coverage.
Mayor Morrison opened the public hearing on Ordinance 07-12. He asked for public comments. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Morrison closed the public hearing.
Mayor Morrison opened the floor to Council for discussion.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau thought the ordinance was something that people have been asking for and thought it made a lot of sense.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau moved to adopt Ordinance 07-12 as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS/ITEMS DEFERRED FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Overview of 2007 Summer Events and the 2007 Jazz Festival
Mayor Morrison stated that Public Relations Coordinator Kathy McCullough-Testa would be giving a presentation on the 2007 summer events as well as the upcoming jazz festival.
Public Relations Coordinator Kathy McCullough-Testa was recognized to speak. Public Relations Coordinator McCullough-Testa went on to give a short overview on the events that occurred at the Town Park over the summer to Council and the audience.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if the twice a week concerts in the evening would be done again in 2008. Public Relations Coordinator McCullough-Testa stated it would.
Town Manager Layton asked how many volunteers had helped out over the summer. Public Relations Coordinator McCullough-Testa thought there were approximately thirty (30).
Councilor Caviness stated that she had received requests to extend the concerts through August as they were very well received. Public Relations Coordinator McCullough-Testa thought that next year it could be done if sponsorships could be obtained.
Mayor Morrison thanked Public Relations Coordinator McCullough-Testa and all the volunteers for all their hard work over the summer. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau added that everyone was very enthusiastic about the programs at the Town Park. Councilor Lindley felt it was a huge success.
Town Manager Layton stated that staff may look into locating an intern to help with next year’s events. Councilor Caviness felt it was a great idea. Town Manager Layton encouraged Council to think of people that may be interested in interning to help.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau noted that residents from Duck as well as other communities were very charged up about the events.
Public Relations Coordinator McCullough-Testa gave a short overview on the 2007 jazz festival to Council and the audience. She pointed out that funds received would help with the cost of bands. Town Manager Layton stated that the cost of the bands was approximately $10,000. He added that the funds received to date would pay for the bands.
Public Relations Coordinator McCullough-Testa handed out a collectible poster for the jazz festival to Council. She stated that the posters would be available at the jazz festival. She added that she would also be distributing a poster listing all of the sponsors to various places in Dare County. She stated that volunteers would be selling merchandise at the festival, including t-shirts, posters and can huggies as well as possibly tote bags. She stated that banners and flagpole banners have been ordered
Public Relations Coordinator McCullough-Testa stated that she was meeting with the North Beach Sun to do a partnership with regard to advertising. She stated that the Duck United Methodist Church Women have agreed to sell items at a concession stand. She stated that the only thing that was still needed was accommodations for one of the bands. Councilor Caviness offered to let the band stay at her bed and breakfast.
Public Relations Coordinator McCullough-Testa noted that traffic control and parking will need to be discussed. Town Manager Layton stated they were hoping to have some low level improvements completed on the parking lot for safety reasons.
Mayor Morrison thanked Public Relations Coordinator McCullough-Testa for her report.
Appointments to the Local Firemen’s Relief Fund
Mayor Morrison stated that the current trustees are he and Allan Beres. He stated that their terms expire on December 31, 2007. He stated that two (2) representatives will need to be appointed to the board with no requirement that the appointees be Council members. Mayor Morrison asked Mr. Beres if he wished to serve again. Allan Beres of 146 Dune Road was recognized to speak. Mr. Beres stated he would serve. Mayor Morrison asked Council if any members wished to serve. There being no one, he stated he would serve again.
Councilor Lindley moved to appoint two (2) members to serve on the Local Fireman’s Relief Fund Board of Trustees.
Motion carried 5-0.
Discussion/Consideration of Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute a Contract with Vanasse Hangen and Brustlin, Inc., for additional Work related to the Soundside Boardwalk Project
Town Manager Layton stated that during the budget process, $25,000 was set aside to finalize applying for grants and permits for the soundside boardwalk project. He stated that the proposed contract would finalize the alignment of the proposed boardwalk, identify easement issues and provide for coordination with CAMA staff to assist in permitting issues. He added that the contract will provide for presentations with the affected property owners as well as assistance with grant applications. He stated that three (3) meetings will be set up with the affected property owners to continue educating them as well as to discuss easements if needed. He stated that the intent would be to have the Town in a situation where construction could begin in Fiscal Year 2010.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if the spring of 2008 would be when the Town would apply for grants. Town Manager Layton stated she was correct as CAMA grants take a lot of time. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if grants are awarded in the fall. Town Manager Layton stated it depended on the grant. He stated that with CAMA, a pre-application is typically done in the spring and if it goes through, the application can be finished in the summer. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if VHB would give a good estimate of the cost. Town Manager Layton stated they would.
Councilor Caviness asked if this type of project would be eligible for economic or recreational type grants. Town Manager Layton stated he wasn’t sure but was doubtful that they would be eligible for them.
Councilor Caviness moved to authorize the Town Manager to execute a contract with Vanasse Hangen and Brustlin, Inc. for additional work related to the soundside boardwalk project.
Motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Overview of National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training Requirements
Mayor Morrison stated that Fire Chief Donna Black would be giving a presentation on the NIMS training requirements.
Fire Chief Donna Black was recognized to speak. Fire Chief Black went on to give a short presentation on the NIMS training requirements, touching on how it was instituted and who should obtain the training to help during a disaster event.
Mayor Morrison stated he was signed up for the NIMS 402 class for elected officials and that it was indicated that space was limited. He asked if there was enough room for other Council members to attend. Fire Chief Black stated she would call to find out. Dave Wessel stated that space was still available. Fire Chief Black stated that between her and Deputy Town Clerk Lori Kopec, she would make sure Council would be able to attend the class. Mayor Morrison asked if Deputy Town Clerk Kopec could sign the Council members up. Fire Chief Black stated she could. Mayor Morrison asked if Councilor Lindley was required to take the 402 class. Fire Chief Black stated he wasn’t.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked how funding would be affected if the Town was hit by a hurricane and not everyone had taken the NIMS classes. Fire Chief Black stated that it would be a good faith effort with the Town working towards compliance. Town Manager Layton pointed out that anyone can take any of the online NIMS classes.
Mayor Morrison asked if payment would be needed for the 402 class. Dave Wessel stated that there wasn’t a cost for the class.
Mayor Morrison thanked Fire Chief Black for her presentation.
Discussion/Consideration of Referring the Issue of Requirements for Surveys to the Planning Board
Mayor Morrison stated there has been concern recently that some of the Town’s zoning regulations may be stricter than they have to be. He stated that he has heard complaints on how hard it is to do business in Town and thought there may be merit to the concerns. He stated that Director Garman was asked to look at it and make some recommendations that would lessen the requirements for surveys and other regulations.
Director Garman stated that the zoning ordinance was amended to codify the requirement for surveys. He stated that the ordinance was specific in that in order to apply for a building permit; one must have a survey that was current within nine (9) months of the application. He stated it was done because there was catching up to do with regard to the files from Dare County being moved over to Duck. He thought there was potential to modify the ordinance to have something in there that allows for staff to require what is needed to verify compliance in the ordinance. He stated that an administrative policy could be developed to show what would be required for certain types of projects. He stated that there could be instances where there would not be a lot of information needed to verify compliance.
Mayor Morrison stated that the recommendation was whether Council wanted to refer the matter to the Planning Board for their review and discussion.
Councilor Smith asked if one of the original reasons for requiring surveys was because of the number of noncompliant homes that did not have as-built surveys. Town Manager Layton stated it wasn’t a requirement but more of a justification for as-built surveys when a lot was having a reconstruction completed. He thought the unintended consequence of the rules as they were written was that it took away staff’s ability to not require an as-built under certain circumstances. He noted that the intent was not to do away with as-builts but to clarify when they are needed.
Councilor Caviness asked if the Planning Board would be recommending whether it would be beneficial to have a full survey. Town Manager Layton stated she was correct. He stated that the issue needs to go back to the Planning Board to discuss the requirements.
Mayor Morrison moved to refer the issue of requirements for surveys to the Planning Board for their review and consideration.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau felt it was a good move and looked forward to what the Planning Board comes up with.
Motion carried 5-0.
Discussion/Consideration of Referring the Issue of Pump and Haul Septic Systems to the Planning Board
Director Garman stated that he would like to defer the issue to Town Attorney McRee.
Town Attorney McRee stated that the Town of Nags Head recently adopted an ordinance prohibiting pump and haul systems. He stated that these systems are basically a 3,000 gallon tank that can be placed above or below ground in which wastewater from a house is collected over a period of time until a truck comes to pump it out. He stated that it does not require a traditional septic tank in the ground with the distribution lines. He stated that in order to have a pump and haul system, there must be a certified operator under contract to make sure everything works correctly. He stated it became an issue in the Town of Nags Head due to the number of homes in South Nags Head on the ocean that have eroded to the point that a traditional septic system cannot be used. He stated that the State Administrative Code provides that these systems should only be used as temporary measures when a traditional system has failed and needs to be repaired, but could be used on a more permanent basis. He stated that the Town of Nags Head determined they would not allow the proliferation of these tanks, particularly on the oceanfront. He stated that about a month ago, the Town of Nags Head adopted a moratorium to stop the issuance of a permit for a pump and haul system and then adopted the ordinance to prohibit the use of the systems except for a temporary period of time that would be necessary for the repair of the traditional system with the time not exceeding thirty (30) days.
Director Garman stated that when he and Town Manager Layton first learned of the issue, they decided to take a proactive measure with regard to Duck to plan for the future.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if the oceanfronts in South Nags Head are unbuildable. Town Attorney McRee thought they would be uninhabitable unless they have some type of septic system. Director Garman added that the system would have to meet the fifty (50) foot separation requirement.
Councilor Lindley thought the matter should be referred to the Planning Board. Councilor Caviness asked if it would be the normal process as far as referring it to the Planning Board. Town Manager Layton stated it was.
Councilor Smith asked if there was anything that Council could do to let people know that this issue is important. Town Manager Layton stated that it was a proactive stance as opposed to an emergency measure.
Councilor Lindley moved to refer the issue of pump and haul septic systems to the Planning Board for their consideration.
Motion carried 5-0.
Town Manager Layton stated that there have been requests to update Council on how the vegetation management plan has been progressing. He asked Director Garman to give an update.
Director Garman stated that there have not been a lot of issues to date. He stated that there have been approximately eighteen (18) approved vegetation management plans. He gave a short overview to Council and the audience of how the vegetation management plan works and how staff handles them when they come in. He noted that three (3) single family homes that needed vegetation management plans have come in most recently. He stated that there have not been any complaints on the ordinance but mostly comments with regard to areas closest to the ocean. He stated that there are a lot of species listed in the appendix that are unique to the maritime forest and there has been interest in having areas of significant beach grass or sea oats used for credit instead of planting something that my not grow near the ocean. He stated that staff has tried to give credit for that but thought it could be something that could be added if the ordinance is ever amended. He thought the ordinance gave staff some discretion but felt it could help with regard to homes closer to the ocean. He stated that Ron Forlano had some dead trees on his property and was able to remove them without a permit since they were imminently affecting his house.
Town Manager Layton stated that there was an editorial recently in the North Beach Sun regarding the Town calling Japanese Pines as undesirable. Director Garman stated that the ordinance favors more native plants but anything can be planted. Town Manager Layton noted that the list of approved plants came from the North Carolina Local Cooperative Extension and not something staff chose on their own. Director Garman agreed and stated that as the ordinance evolves, other things can be considered.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if the Town were to discuss adding additional vegetation, would it require a new public hearing to amend the list. Town Attorney McRee stated it was an appendix and thought a new public hearing would be needed.
Councilor Smith stated he liked the idea and thought it made a lot of sense. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated that the present ordinance was pretty rigid and thought it would be great to have more flexibility. She stated that she appreciated the feedback.
Mayor Morrison asked if Director Garman drafted proposed changes, they would be brought before the Planning Board and then have them send it to Council. Town Attorney McRee stated he was correct. Town Manager Layton stated that it could be referred to the Planning Board.
John Fricker of 105 Carrol Drive was recognized to speak. Mr. Fricker wondered if in order to avoid the process of having to amend the ordinance, he suggested the list of appendix items be amended. He asked if the Planning Board could send to Council some general language. Town Attorney McRee stated that it could be made more into a technical manual with language referring to the manual. Mr. Fricker clarified that the language would be taken out of the ordinance. Town Attorney McRee stated he was correct. Mayor Morrison thought it was a good idea. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau agreed.
Councilor Smith asked if a motion was needed. Town Manager Layton stated he would like one.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau moved to request the Planning Board to pursue the idea of pulling the specific appendix out of the ordinance and putting it into a guideline.
Motion carried 5-0.
ITEMS REFERRED TO AND PRESENTATIONS FROM THE TOWN ATTORNEY
Town Attorney McRee stated that he had nothing to report.
ITEMS REFERRED TO AND PRESENTATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER
Update on Departmental Activities
Town Manager Layton stated that he had the department heads prepare reports before the meeting on their activities. He went on to hand out the Police Department, Fire Department and building permit activities to Council.
Interim Police Chief Phillip Ferguson was recognized to speak. He noted that the monthly report format had been updated to reflect the productivity of the officers.
Town Manager Layton pointed out that the highlights section showed a shoplifting at Islands by Amity who were apprehended shortly after leaving the scene. He stated it was a good coordination between the shop owner and the officers. Councilor Smith asked what the average age was of people who shoplift. Interim Chief Ferguson stated that it varies.
Mayor Morrison asked if the police have ever stopped anyone for tailgating. Interim Chief Ferguson stated that he hadn’t recently.
Councilor Caviness asked if there was a section of Town that has more speeders. Interim Chief Ferguson stated that the Village Commercial area was where the majority of citations for speeding are written. Councilor Smith asked if the citations were written mostly in the evening. Interim Chief Ferguson stated that the early morning hours seemed to be the timeframe when a lot of citations are written.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if the report reflected Southern Shores Police officers issuing citations in Duck. Interim Chief Ferguson stated that it did not. Town Manager Layton started that it was not uncommon for a Southern Shores officer to clock a speeder in Southern Shores but not stop them until they are in Duck. Interim Chief Ferguson stated that officers are allowed to go one (1) mile into each town to stop someone. Councilor Smith asked if the Duck Police Department is contacted if a Southern Shores officer stops someone in Duck. Interim Chief Ferguson stated that they do not.
Interim Chief Ferguson pointed out that the Police Department had a staff meeting recently and presented the officers for ribbons for time of service or activities completed.
Fire Chief Donna Black was recognized to speak. Fire Chief Black stated that she had changed her report somewhat to categorize the calls. She stated that calls are up from 2006. She stated that Deputy Chief Walker has been doing well since he started and has been very proactive.
Councilor Lindley asked what “public service/good intent” meant on the report. Fire Chief Black stated that it was something such as someone being locked out of their vehicle.
Town Manager Layton pointed out that building permits have gone up over the past month due to two (2) new houses going up. Director Garman noted that floodplain permits are up. Town Manager Layton went on to hand out a memorandum to Council regarding a request to expedite public hearings for zoning text amendments that are currently under consideration by the Planning Board. He stated that if the Planning Board makes a recommendation at their September 12, 2007 meeting, he would be calling Council to ask if a public hearing could be scheduled for October 3, 2007 instead of waiting until November.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if a motion was needed. Town Manager Layton stated that one was not needed.
Update on the Implementation of the Municipal Property Master Plan
Town Manager Layton stated that the boardwalk is moving along. He stated that all of the pilings are in place on the north end and he expected the pier to be done on the north end with the pilings going in at the south end. He stated that the Town has obtained the request for modifications for the pier and the entrance to the pier from CAMA. He hoped that the Town would be able to move forward in a few weeks. He stated that the next phase was the amphitheater. He stated that cost estimates are still being worked on with a Tourism Bureau grant due by September 30, 2007. He stated that additional sources for funding are presently not available to match the grant. He stated he would like permission to submit the grant application to allow construction to start on the amphitheater in the fall of 2008.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked how specific the grant had to be. Town Manager Layton stated that they have a good idea but it needs refining as the Town is dealing with 2004 funds. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if any trees would be taken down to make room for the amphitheater. Town Manager Layton stated that some would be removed but it will be minimal. He stated that after the jazz festival, construction of the gazebo and picnic shelter will start.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau moved to instruct the Town Manager to apply for the Tourism Bureau grant for the amphitheater and associated walkways.
Motion carried 5-0.
NCLM 2007 Annual Conference
Town Manager Layton stated that the 2007 NCLM annual conference would be held in Fayetteville , North Carolina. He stated that he would not be attending but asked that if any Council members wished to attend to let Deputy Town Clerk Kopec know so she could get them registered.
Budget Amendments
Town Manager Layton stated that the budget amendments were to transfer unexpended money related to the park from 2006 and to appropriate $55,000 from the RBC Centura loan.
Councilor Lindley asked where it would leave the fund balance. Town Manager Layton stated that he did not have an exact total but that it will be lower this year due to an accounting issue with grant funds.
Mayor Morrison asked if the Town had received the Tourism Board check. Town Manager Layton stated he hadn’t but had received the first CAMA grant check.
Councilor Lindley moved to approve the budget amendments as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
Financial Statement for the Month of August 2007
Town Manager Layton handed out the financial report for the month of August 2007 to Council. He pointed out that he had changed his report to reflect a year-to-date percentage of the budget to be collected.
MAYOR’S AGENDA
Mayor Morrison stated he did not have anything to report. He asked if there was a need for a mid-month worksession. Town Manager Layton stated he did not think there was, but Council could have one if they wished. Deputy Town Clerk Kopec pointed out that Town Manager Layton would be attending NIMS training the week that the mid-month meeting would be held. Mayor Morrison stated that October is normally the month that Council performs the annual evaluation for the Town Manager. He stated that Council would plan to have a mid-month meeting in October to discuss Town Manager Layton’s evaluation in Closed Session.
COUNCIL MEMBERS’ AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau gave a brief overview of the Zoning Ordinance Technical Review Committee meeting that was held earlier in the day to Council and the audience. She stated it went very well and was very productive. Town Manager Layton stated that the action item that came out of the meeting was for staff to do an analysis of the effect of the zoning ordinance as it relates to signs at Scarborough Faire to use as a starting point for discussion at the Planning Board level. Councilor Smith agreed with Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau’s comments and felt the meeting was very productive. He stated that Director Garman did an excellent presentation that was nonconfrontational and evenhanded. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau agreed and felt it was a good way to kick the meeting off. Director Garman thought by giving them the perspective of what staff deals with on a daily basis, it would help them understand how things work.
Ron Forlano of 1378 Duck Road was recognized to speak. Mr. Forlano felt it was a very positive meeting and was happy to see the three (3) shop owners at the meeting.
Councilor Caviness stated that there will be a memorial service at St. Andrews by the Sea commemorating September 11 at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2007. She stated that the Duck Fire Department would also have a service in the morning around 9:30 a.m.
Councilor Lindley stated he had nothing to report.
Councilor Smith stated that the Government Access Channel would be holding an emergency meeting to discuss future funding from the State of North Carolina.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Morrison stated that the next meeting would be Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Councilor Smith moved to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
The time was 9:24 p.m.
____________________________
/s/ Christopher J. Layton, Town Clerk
Approved: ______________________
_______________________________
/s/ Neil Morrison, Mayor