TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACHBOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2012

“Unofficial” Minutes & CommentsLou’s Views

1. Public Comments on Agenda ItemsIssues:

2. Police Report – Chief Wally LayneIssues:

3. Agenda ItemsIssues:

4. Town Manager’s ReportIssues:Terminal Groin project – Terminal groins are structures that run perpendicular to the shore and close to a tidal inlet to catch sand and keep the shoreline intact. Towns position is that a terminal groin could be a vital part of our beach nourishment program; providing stability in the most erosion prone areas of the island.

Meeting was held on Thursday September 6th, all stake holders were representedFormal rollout for short terminal groin at the east end of the island Link to slide show will be forthcoming

5. Mayor’s CommentsIssues:

6. Board of Commissioners’ CommentsIssues:

7. Public Comments on General ItemsIssues:

General Comments –Only fifteen (15) members of the community in attendance*** Apathy – lack of interest or concern ***

Reminders –Issues:Check Town Hall Calendar

Upon Further Review –Issues:

Corrections & Amplifications –Issues:

Odds and ends –Issues:

Factoid That May Interest Only Me –Issues:Things I Think I Think –Issues:Restaurant Review:  Dinner Club visits a new restaurant once a month. Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambience and service, with price taken into consideration. Name: Manna Cuisine:  New American Location:  123 Princess Street, WilmingtonContact:  910.763.5252 / www.mannaavenue.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two Stars

Touted as one of the best restaurants in Wilmington it was simply not up to our expectations. They offer a limited menu with humorous dish names that frequently changes. Sorry to say that the food was just good but not quite great which kept them from getting Three Stars.

Book Review:  Read over six (6) books from The New York Times best sellers fiction list monthly

Selection represents this month’s pick of the litter/// The Beautiful Mystery by Louise PennyChief Inspector Armand Gamache investigates a murder of a renowned choir director of Gregorian chants at a secluded monastery. He is challenged to find the killer in a cloistered community that has taken a vow of silence. This is the eighth entry in her acclaimed Chief Inspector Gamache series and is a variation on the locked room “no exit” whodunit plot.

Request –Issues:

HBPOIN – Holden Beach Property Owners Information Network Gather and disseminate information Identify the issues and determine how they affect you Act as a watchdog

Request you forward this e-mail to other members of the communityAnyone that would like to be added to my distribution list can send me an e-mail at:

HBPOIN@ec.rr.com

BOC’s Meeting XX-XX-12Arial 11Baskerville Old Face 12 / ItalicFormat text / paragraph / indentation – right @.7”BCC not CC!!!!11/13/12 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 201212/11/12 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

/////Issues:a) Price –

F N

1) A2) T

b) Service – L S –

1) S2) T

c) Quality – S

/////1) General Comments –2) Reminders –3) Upon Further Review –4) Corrections & Amplifications –5) Odds and ends –6) Factoid That May Interest Only Me –7) Things I Think I Think –8) Request –

///// See my comments in Things I Think I Think

Read more here:

Attachment –

This month in the continuing saga of Mark Saunders and The Coastal Companies …

THE DOG STARS, by Peter Heller. A small-craft pilot known as Hig, who has lost his wife to a global flu epidemic that has wiped out most of the US population. Hig has set up shop at a small abandoned rural Colorado airport, alone except for his beloved dog, Jasper, and a survivalist named Bangley for company. In his 1956 Cessna, Hig flies the perimeter of the airfield or sneaks off to the mountains to fish and pretend that things are the way they used to be. The main character has a pretty comfortable life, with plenty of supplies and a safe place to sleep. the first half of The Dog Stars makes a persuasive case that the most horrifying fate after the collapse of civilization might actually be having a modicum of comfort — because of the things you'd have to do to preserve it. But when a random transmission somehow beams through his radio, the voice ignites a

hope deep inside him that a better life–something like his old life–exists beyond the airport. Risking everything, he flies past his point of no return (not enough fuel to get him home) following the trail of the static-broken voice on the radio. But what he encounters and what he must face–in the people he meets, and in himself–is both better and worse than anything he could have hoped for.Post-apocalyptic story about loss & survival, human interaction, friendship, hope, solace What it means to be humanBeautifully written book with a pretty simple story. In a nutshell,

And you're not really reading this book for the plot, but more for the slow boil of the characters coping with their new survivalist world. But the second half, is what makes The Dog Stars more than just another "long slog through the dismal post-apocalypse" book. It makes you realize that you've been reading, not just a particularly intense post-apocalyptic tale, but also a great character study.

8. Fiscal Year 2010 – 2011 Audit Report – Marcie Spivey of Martin Starnes and Associates

Firm has done our audit for the last three yearsa) Final year of contract, will be put out to bid next year

Unqualified opinion – all our ducks were in a row On time and accurate That a boy – compliance improving annually @96% tax collection rate last two years Changed to five (5) classifications of fund balances from two (2) It’s all good …

*** Audit Committee Report – Agreed with auditor and indicated that this was the cleanest audit they had seen

New residential dwelling is under construction on the west end of the island that has 16 bedrooms @8,200 sq. ft.

This is hardly a single family residence, this is a hotel & conference center and is being marketed as such

VRBO link: http://www.vrbo.com/4295791) Beachfront - 16 Bedroom / 17 Bathroom - Sleeps 38 to 502) One of the largest beachfront rentals in the country3) Great for weddings, family reunions, church and corporate events.

This hardly seems conducive to the quiet family beach atmosphere we cherish here

When they announced they were building it at the BOC’s meeting in August there was no discussion about any ordinances prohibiting this now or changing ordinances to prohibit it in the future

We may want to give some thought to whether this is really what we want here

TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACHBOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012

“Unofficial” Minutes & CommentsLou’s Views

9. 2012 Homeowners Insurance Rate Filing – Guest Speaker, Don Evans, Board of Directors, North Carolina Insurance – Underwriting Association and Joint Underwriting Association

In the papers – On October 1st, the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) received a Homeowners Insurance rate filing from the North Carolina Rate Bureau.  The bureau represents the property insurance companies writing business in the state and has requested a statewide average increase of 17.7% with an effective date of June 1, 2013.  The rate increase for coastal counties, territory 8 which includes Brunswick County, is 30%. Coastal communities are being hit by yet another big rate increase. According to the Business Alliance for a Sound Economy (BASE), these proposed increases follow the double-digit rate increases that coastal homeowners have faced in every rate cycle since 1992. Keep in mind that rates in our coastal counties are already significantly higher than inland counties for the same perils. Additionally, coastal homeowners all have separate wind and hail policy coverage on top of the higher rates. NCDOI needs to do something to make rates more equitable across the state. That does not even address that inland counties typically have wind and hail coverage included in base rates. [Coastal communities (20 counties) represent a minority of the homeowners in the state and legislators probably are reluctant to increase rates to the majority of homeowners in the rest of the state (80 counties).] Legislation passed during the 2012 General Assembly Session provides for public input this year in the rate filing process. A public hearing by the North Carolina Department of Insurance is scheduled for October 17th for the proposed rate hike that targets the southeastern region of the state for the largest increases. The deadline for submitting written comments is October 19 th . After the public comment period, the filing will be reviewed by NCDOI experts to determine what, if any, rate adjustments are warranted. If the two parties

can’t agree on rate changes, N.C. Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin will call for a public hearing for both parties to present their cases for any rate adjustments. Presentation –Stewart Powell, insurance authority, spoke in lieu of Don EvansHe covered a lot of ground in his one hour presentationIn a nut shell:

1) Availability vs. affordability2) Prices have been suppressed for a number of years3) Insurers are not charging enough to cover their exposures4) Statewide problem – contraction in coverage5) Models indicate they need increase of 119% vs. 30% proposed

If I can take some liberty here, the message that I heard was that:

a) We are lucky that we are even being offered coverage

b) We are fortunate that it is only a 30% increase

Action -Holden Beach commissioners passed a resolution and asked the Town Manager to draft a letter opposing the proposed rate increases in residential insurance for coastal North Carolina. The Town is concerned about the potential impact of this increase and is calling on our citizens to register their comments before the deadline too.Mail to: NCDOI, % Bob Mack, 1201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC

27699-1201E-mail to: 2012homeowners@ncdoi.gov.

10. Presentation on Population Data and Estimates for the Town – Bob Coats, Governor’s Census Liaison

According to the US Census Bureau, HB has a permanent population of 575 You can make a fairly convincing case that we don’t even have that many

people hereIt is what it is!

Reviewed methodology of both state and federal agenciesFederal census decennial – done by April 1st every ten yearsState utilizes three models and does it to the municipal level annually

Census 2010 –

All homes on all of the barrier islands will be visited by census workers beginning in March 2010. Because of the number of second homes and rental homes, forms will not be mailed to anyone on barrier islands. There will be approximately 25 census workers assigned to Holden Beach. It is very important that everyone is counted. Census information affects the number of seats your state occupies in the United States House of Representatives. Every year, more than $400 billion in federal funds is distributed to states and communities for things such as new hospitals, schools, better transportation and social services based on census results.

11. Presentation on Curbside Recycling Program – Greg Brinkley, Waste Industries

The County has left the decision about recycling up to the local municipalities

Waste Industries offers curbside recycling for a feeCounty residences can sign up for annual service rate of $6.42 month or

$77.04 year They also offer a reduced group rate of $3.65 month or $43.80 year

THB would qualify if 100 residences participate in the program

Broached topic of rescinding trash can requirements for rental propertiesFor starters that is a little prematureIn addition, I’m not at all on board with that proposalWhat I’d like to see is more compliance not us rescinding the ordinance

Trash can requirements / Ordinance 07-13, Section 50.10 a) Rental properties onlyb) One extra trash can per every two bedroomsc) Cost of $93.63 per can per year

There was a brief discussion about having the Town pick-up the tab Progressive idea submitted by Commissioner Harrington

We currently spend @$40,000 year for the dumpsters at the recycling centerIf the Town is really committed to recycling than the program should be –

1) Mandatory2) BPART funds utilized to minimize or eliminate the service

feeWe are not talking about big numbers here –

1) 2,400 residences at $44 is $105,6002) $105,600 less the $40,000 we spend for dumpsters now is $65,6003) $65,600 % 2,400 residences is $27.33 per residence per year

Even that number could be further reduced by utilizing BPART funds1) Split the $105,600 with the town paying half $52,8002) $52,800 % 2,400 residences is $22 per year or <$2 per month

Two dollars a month is not going to have any negative socioeconomic impact on usThis is doable if the Commissioners have the will to make it happenBut that’s just my take …What I feel we should do is get more feedback from the community This would seem to be a good opportunity for a survey

Either done by the Town or the HBPOASurvey would determine if it is worth pursuing and if so which path to take

1) No interest2) Mandatory vs. voluntary participation3) BPART funds used to offset part of cost4) BPART funds used to offset all costs

12. Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 12-08, Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule of the Town of Holden Beach

Town would be responsible for the collection of fees, maintenance of records, and the additional rollback program workload. Adding a service charge of $6.20 in order to cover the cost of the Town’s role in this program. The fee schedule is to reflect a fee of $50.00 for properties participating in the recycling program.

A few things – 1) How many residences are going to voluntarily participate2) With dumpsters at recycling center how many will pay for curbside

service3) With rentals primarily in the summer why would owners pay for year

round service 4) How many rental property guests take the time and effort to go to

recycling center

And another thing –Why do we rollback trash cans on Ocean Boulevard but not the other

streetsHow much more would it really cost to provide this service to all property

owners?

Don’t see this happening unless the Town minimizes or eliminates the service fee

13. Water System Survey Final Report – Shane Lippard, Right Angle Engineering

Water System – Rehashed July presentationA) Inventory AssetsB) Prioritize Assets

C) Plan for the FutureD) Implement PlanE) Update Annually

Water system replacement will require major capital outlays. No surprise there. System was installed in 1978; it is 34 years old with the expected useful life being just 35 years. In other words we are reaching or are already past the useful life of the system. Need to start to do something sooner rather than later. We are at the tipping point; our choice here is to be either proactive or reactive. It’s been my experience that breakdowns occur at the worst opportune times. What if we had a system breakdown in July? Structural degradation is higher on the main lines. First phase of the project would be a system upgrade of main 12” pipes that run the length of the island. System shape / condition unknown until we actually start project.

Federal government is offering 0% interest loans for major capital improvements

That’s right zero percent (0%), no charge to borrow the money now

Remove and replace entire system will cost @$6.5 million dollars $325,000 year Adjust rate structure to cover debt service

o $10 increase per residence per month or $120 per year

Cost of project will escalate the longer we waito need to factor +2% annually to cover inflation rate

The only question is when the BOC’s think that this long overdue infrastructure replacement should begin. They would like to put it off as long as possible. Requested that Shane determine how long the no interest loans will be made available for.

Wait for it, wait for it – no decision was made. Once again, Kick the Can Down the Road!

14. Presentation of the Preliminary Sketch Plan for Town Owned Properties as Recommended by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board – Chris May, Executive Director, Cape Fear Council of Governments

Parks & Recreation Master Plan1) Five year plan – serves as a reference document and a guideline to

implementa) Documents needs & desiresb) Provides direction

c) Flexible and fluid documentd) Basis for prioritizing projects

*** Simply a guideline, no requirement for board to adopt any part of the plan

Utilized –1) Parks & Recreation Master Plan2) Citizen survey3) BOC’s goals4) Staff input5) Parks & Recreation Advisory Board recommendations

Took what they heard we wanted and presented two options –1) Spoil conservation area

Located between Greensboro and Scotch Bonnet off OBW

2) Waterway area across from Town Hall Located between Rothschild and Davis behind the water tower

Apparently we now have enough to work with to schedule a workshopWorkshop is scheduled at Town Hall on Thursday, October 25 th at 2:00pm

15. Police Report – Chief Wally Layne

Community Watch – It’s that time of year Need to look out for each other and report any suspicious activity Call 911 if you see or hear anything suspicious Request property check by the police if you will be out of town

Break in season has officially startedMultiple ocean front properties have had flat screen TV’s takenKicking it up a notch this year several HVAC units have been taken for copper in units

Officer Ian Evans our newest hire (July) already moving onApparently he was offered a better opportunity as an officer in Shallotte

Starting salary $5,000 higher with another bump in less than a yearThat means our current staffing is only seven (7) police officers.

Speed limit has changed from 35mph to 45mph west of the general store.

This change will be in effect until April 1st

16. Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 12-09, Resolution Endorsing the Cooperative Urban Transportation Planning Process as Conducted by the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study (GSATS)

After the 2010 Census, federal officials determined a swath of southern Brunswick would be switched to Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Those towns, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Shallotte, had been in the North Carolina based Cape Fear Rural Planning Organization (RPO). The absorption of the five towns is mandatory and is already a “done deal”. Metropolitan and rural planning organizations coordinate transportation planning for a designated area. Grand Strand officials have offered transportation planning services for two other sections of Brunswick County: Holden Beach and Varnamtown in one scenario, and Oak Island, Southport, Caswell Beach and St. James, in the second scenario. They will not leapfrog a town if somewhere further north wants to be part of the move.

Urban cluster areas inclusion is voluntary Therefore it’s up to us whether we choose to join the MPODéjà vu, second agenda item where we rehashed materialTown Manager was asked for and gave recommendation to join

MPO already has designated money (federal funding $$$) Gives us a seat at the table where the money is

BOC’s determined membership would be advantageous to the TownIn other words, we are voluntarily choosing to join the MPO

17. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 12-06, An Ordinance Directing the Building Inspector to Repair or Demolish the Dwelling at 115 Canal Drive, as Dangerous for Human Occupancy, Pursuant to Chapter 151B of Town Code and Directing that a Notice be Placed Thereon Prohibiting its Use and Occupancy

Protocols for Condemnations a) Notice of violationb) Permitsc) Notice of hearingd) Issue order of demolition

Eleven (11) residences were condemned Two have already been removed Two are scheduled to be removed

Six have obtained permits and are doing the work necessary for compliance

109 OBW is in litigation o See my comments in Upon Further Review

Mace’s on the waterway is located at 115 Canal DrivePictures really told the storyIt’s amazing that the building is still standingTown viewed situation as an amicable condemnation / demolitionBulkhead can be saved making the property more valuable

§ 150.34 ENFORCEMENT – Procedure for hearing. After the notice and hearing, the Building Inspector shall state in writing the determination as to whether the structure violates this subchapter. If the Building Inspector determines that the dwelling is in violation, he shall state in writing his findings of fact to support such determination, and shall issue and cause to be served upon the owner thereof an order directing and requiring the owner to either repair, alter, and improve the structure; or else to remove, close, vacate, or demolish the structure; within a specified period of time, not to exceed 90 days.

18. Town Manager’s Report

1) Fire station renovations are underway2) Auditor’s report Fiscal Year 2011-2012 will be given at November

meeting Hopefully Audit Committee Report will be too

19. Public Comments on General Items

Owners of Sunset Slush requested to be put on the agenda at a future BOC’s meetingThere shop has been operating on Holden Beach for the last three yearsCustomers continually ask them why they do not have pushcarts on the beach strandThey currently have pushcarts on Ocean Isle BeachWould like to request permission to operate pushcarts on HB beach strand tooAsked the commissioners to consider what is best for the tourists who stay here and support us

General Comments –

Started with >25 members of the community in attendance

Meeting turned into over a three hour marathonHerd was thinned out to <10 members of the community by the end of the meeting Glad I ate dinner before I went since the meeting ended after 10:00pmThe Board was first going into an Executive Session

Recycling trash cans and replacing the water system for approximately $12 a month Seriously, is there anyone who owns property on this island that can’t afford $144 a year?Come on man …

Reminders –

Yard Debris: Pick-up is provided twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of October, November and December. Yard debris needs to be secured in a biodegradable bag or bundled in a maximum length of 5' and 50 pounds in weight. A total of ten items (bundled of brush / limbs, bags) will be picked up by Waste Industries. Yard debris must be placed at the street for pick-up. No pick-ups will be made on vacant lots.

Festival by the Sea – Saturday & Sunday, October 27th & 28th Greater Holden Beach Merchants Association /

http://www.hbmerch.com1) Parade down the Causeway kicks off the event2) Arts & Crafts3) Entertainment4) Food

Beach Consortium Meeting – Town is hosting meeting at Town Hall on Thursday, October 18th at 10:00am

Coastal communities discuss their common issues and concerns

American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA - In the early years, the primary interest was in combating erosion and restoring eroded beaches. Recently, the work of the Association has been expanded to a broad range of activities and interests related to the overall planning and management of shores and beaches. Recognizing the great diversity of our coasts, the Association encourages regional

workshops, as well as national meetings to benefit those working with our shores and beaches.

Shipwreck Sprinternational Triathlon at Holden Beach 2012Second year event being held it is scheduled for Saturday, November 3rd Distance:

a) Swim – 1 kilometer (1 kilometer = .540 miles / .540 miles)b) Bike – 30 kilometer (1 kilometer = .540 miles / 16.2 miles)c) Run – 8 kilometer (1 kilometer = .540 miles / 4.32 miles)

For more information visit web site below or contact Amanda Rose at 842-6488 http://www.setupevents.com/?fuseaction=event_detail&eventID=2133

Upon Further Review –

One year later, all things are as they were …Shrimp boat Southern Lady is sinking on the north side of ICW across from the Chapel. Town has followed protocols and contacted multiple government agencies with no results so far since it is not hampering navigation.

Appeal of demolition order for the property, Captain Jack’s the apartments across from Castaway’s restaurant, located at 109 Ocean Boulevard West. Despite previous approvals of building permits the Town Building Inspector started condemnation proceedings. Condemnation appeal hearings were held for several days. Bottom-line is that we are defending the present building inspector’s actions against a prior building inspector’s actions. THB had final meeting on Friday September 7th regarding continuation of appeal of demolition order for the property located at 109 OBW.

Requested and received copy of ORDERMy first take was that the matter was resolvedWith the Wisdom of Solomon it appeared that they decided to split the baby –

1) The appeal was denied2) They have the option to complete work on any permits that were

issuedUpon further review I realized I did not understand the decisionI contacted the Building Inspector and asked –

1) Are they able to get additional permits to complete the project?2) Has the condemnation proceedings been withdrawn?

The Town responded that the petitioner (109) has filed a writ of certiorari in Superior Court regarding this matter and they must refer all inquiries relative thereto to the town attorney.(Certiorari is a type of writ seeking judicial review, meaning an order by a higher court directing a public authority to send the record in a given case for review.)

Now my assessment of the situation is that the matter is still not resolved. As I suspected this is only the beginning of a very long process that includes additional appeals and litigation before this matter is resolved. The owners feel the matter has already been decided in their favor because of the issuance of previous building permits, the CAMA Exemption and the Certificate of Compliance.

To be continued …

If you want additional information I have copies of both the notice of appeal and order.*** Send me request for Captain Jack’s PDF files and I will e-mail them to

you ***

Corrections & Amplifications –

This month in the continuing saga of Mark Saunders and The Coastal Companies …Homeowners at Seawatch community are still waiting for infrastructure and amenitiesRead more here: http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120903/ARTICLES/120909972

Seascape owners file suitRead more here: http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20121012/ARTICLES/121019881

Feline Management Program The Town has decided to sponsor and administer a Feline Management Program which is essentially a community supported animal rescue program. Although the stated intent is animal rescue it may be the answer to our rodent issue and effectively deal with this situation. Unlike most other communities which have implemented feline management to control feral cats, this one will introduce them to our island.

For additional information or to volunteer for the Feline Management Program contact:

Amanda Wiggins - Parks & Recreation Programs Coordinator / 842.6488 / recsvs@hbtownhall.com

Read more here:

Holden Beach decides to import some feral catshttp://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120929/ARTICLES/120929624

Feral cats are enlisted, carefully, on one islandhttp://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20121002/ARTICLES/*** MIA – article is not available online yet??!!

Holden Beach pursues cat rescue program for islandhttp://www.brunswickbeacon.com/content/holden-beach-pursues-cat-rescue-program-island

Odds and ends –

That time of year to consider scheduling home projectsLou’s Approved Vendor List – attachment

1) Service providers in our area that I have personal experience with2) Not on list – either I am not familiar with their service or I can no longer

recommend them

General Election - Tuesday, November 6th

1) Encourage everyone to vote2) Remember it’s a right and a privilege to be able to do so3) Polling place location is at

a) Coastline Rescue Squad, 3027 Holden Beach Rd., Supply4) Voters can cast their ballots early starting Thursday, October

18th a) Closest locations are the following:

o Brunswick Educational Transition Center, 104 Ocean Hwy, Supply

o National Guard Armory, 5050 Main St, Shallotte

Read more here: The North Carolina State Board of Elections web site: www.ncsbe.gov.

Factoid That May Interest Only Me –

The towns of Brunswick County - Holden Beach, N.C.Established: 1969Origin of name: In 1756, Royal Gov. Dobbs gave land to Benjamin Holden, governor of colonial North Carolina. Records from 1785 refer to the area as Holden Beach.What it’s known for: Holden Beach pavilion on Jordan Boulevard, which serves as a stage during festivals and can be rented for private functions.What’s grand about it: Holden Beach offers a beautiful family beach with a plethora of different wildlife in the area.Major events: | Day at the Docks and Festival by the SeaProperty tax rate: $0.127 per hundred of assessed value

Read more here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/09/23/3039367/the-towns-of-brunswick-county.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

Things I Think I Think –

The NFL Network has reached a multiyear agreement with Time Warner Cable (TWC) to start carrying NFL Network and NFL RedZone. NFL Network is the home of Thursday Night Football, 13 primetime NFL regular season games. The NFL RedZone whips around every NFL game on Sunday afternoons, switching from game to game, delivering the crucial plays, highlights and touchdowns as they happen.

The NFL RedZone can be described in one word - Wow! This is the best $6 I’ve ever spent. Yes, it’s even better than sliced bread …Makes watching regular TV broadcast games seem quaint.

Restaurant Review:  Dinner Club visits a new restaurant once a month. Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambience and service, with price taken into consideration. Name: Manna Cuisine:  New American Location:  123 Princess Street, Wilmington (downtown) Contact:  910.763.5252 / www.mannaavenue.comFood: Average / Very Good / Excellent / ExceptionalService: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / ExpertAmbience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / ElegantCost: Inexpensive <=17 / Moderate <=22 / Expensive <=27 / Exorbitant <=40Rating: Two Stars

Opened in the fall of 2010, Manna is touted as one of the best restaurants in Wilmington. Sorry to say that it was simply not up to our expectations. They offer a very limited menu that frequently changes. Amusing dish names did not make up for the food not being great. The bar area deserves mentioning and was one of the best we’ve been to. It’s just not quite Three Stars, but I still would recommend going especially for a special-occasion.

Book Review:  Read over six (6) books from The New York Times best sellers fiction list monthlySelection represents this month’s pick of the litter/// The Beautiful Mystery by Louise PennyChief Inspector Armand Gamache investigates a murder of a renowned choir director of Gregorian chants at a secluded monastery. He is challenged to find the killer in a cloistered community that has taken a vow of silence. This is the eighth entry in her acclaimed Chief Inspector Gamache series and is a variation on the locked room “no exit” whodunit plot.

Request –

HBPOIN – Holden Beach Property Owners Information Network Gather and disseminate information Identify the issues and determine how they affect you Act as a watchdog

Request you forward this e-mail to other members of the communityAnyone that would like to be added to my distribution list can send me an e-mail at:

HBPOIN@ec.rr.com

TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACHBOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2011

“Unofficial” Minutes & CommentsLou’s Views

20. Offshore Wind Presentation – North Carolina Sierra Club Presentation – First in Flight, First in Wind

In 1903, Wright Brothers made the first human flight

In 2011, NC has an opportunity to be a leader again in renewable energy

NC Sierra Club – Carina Grass roots environmental organization

Oceana – Zak Ocean conservation organization

No negative environmental impactsTwenty year track record in EuropePresentation was informative and very nicely done*** Looking for local support to make things happen

North Carolina selected because:a) Strongest coastal windsb) Abundant wind resourcesc) Third highest electrical usaged) Lowest construction costs

Two best locations identified are near Southport and around the South Carolina border

Governor Perdue – issued Executive Order #96 Created an Offshore Wind Economic Development Task Force We are uniquely positioned to be a leader in this industry Other states have already created firm demand Manufacturing facilities follow the energy supply chain

a) Creates clean energy jobs

21. Town Manager’s ReportMosquito-spraying permit ran out October 31st

No new state guidelines have been issued, unable to spray legally any time soon

22. Mayor’s CommentsDavid Hewett, Town Manager has filed for FEMA funds ($637,000) for the beach strand damage caused by Hurricane Irene

$448,000 beach strand nourishment $189,000 sand fencing and vegetation

General Comments –

Election Day – Tuesday, November 8th

Candidate Position Term VotesAlan Holden Mayor (unopposed)SecondSheila Young Commissioner Second

182Don Glander Commissioner / Mayor Pro Tem Third 181Dennis Harrington Commissioner (write-in) First 165Sandy Miller Commissioner Sixth 154Ray Lehr Commissioner Third 145Ken Keyser Commissioner (resigned) NA 87

Ken’s name still appeared on the ballot because it is too late to remove

The mayor’s and commissioners’ seats are all for two-year termsMayor Pro Tem is elected by the board and not necessarily the person with the most votes Write-in candidate Dennis Harrington secured enough votes to get a seat on the boardPleasantly surprised with such a strong voter turnout Over two hundred (200) people voted, which is over 30% of our residents (WOW!)

Reminders –

The 4 th Annual Tree Lighting will take place on Thursday, December 1st at 6:00pm at The Pavilion

Things I Think I Think –

Shipwreck Triathlon was held on Saturday, November 5th David Hewett, Town Manager competed and finished in Top 50Kudos!

Upon Further Review –

The Coast Guard has removed navigation buoys at Lockwood Folly Inlet between Holden Beach and Oak Island because of shallow water. Channel depths are less than three feet in many parts of the waterway, below standards for safe navigation. The Coast Guard is advising boaters on marine radio to find alternative channels to reach the Atlantic Ocean. The navigational buoys will be returned when water levels improve.

Lockwood Folly Inlet matching funds put in place

Tentative dredging schedule is February/March Lockwood Folly Inlet dredging project /$450,000

a) State providing 50% match / $225,000b) Local government 50% match / $225,000

Local government / $225,000a) Brunswick County 50% match / $112,500b) Oak Island 25% match / $56,250c) Holden Beach 25% match / $56,250

Corrections & Amplifications –Parks & Recreation Master Plan still not ready yetSurveys were submitted over four months agoTown Manager continues to say that we will have at the next meetingCommissioner Glander’s wife Nydia remarked – “We are waiting, not patiently, for the parks and recreation survey results”

///I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with family, friends and all of the memories that make you thankful

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!