CURRITUCK COUNTY

NORTH CAROLINA

Minutes- Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners

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Historic Currituck Courthouse Board Room
153 Courthouse Road
Currituck, North Carolina 27929
Present:
  • Bob White
  • Selina S. Jarvis
  • Paul M. Beaumont
  • J. Owen Etheridge
  • Mary "Kitty" Etheridge
  • Kevin E. McCord
  • Michael H. Payment

The Board of Commissioners attended the annual “Report to the People” at 4:30 PM at the Currituck County Cooperative Extension Center, Barco, North Carolina. Extension Director, Cameron Lowe, introduced Extension staff members and provided statistics and general information on activities and programs available through the Extension office.

Chairman White called the meeting to order.

Vice-Chair Selina Jarvis offered the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Vice-Chair Jarvis moved to amend the agenda on the closed session to read pursuant to G.S 143-318.11(a)(3) to consult with the County Attorney and to preserve the attorney-client privilege in the matter entitled 85 and Sunny, LLC vs. Currituck County and Envirolink vs. Currituck County. Commissioner Mary Etheridge seconded the motion. the motion passed, 7-0, for approval.

  • MOVER: Selina S. Jarvis
    SECONDER: Mary R. Etheridge
    RESULT: Approved

County Attorney, Megan Morgan, read the Ethics Awareness and Conflicts of Interest Reminder. No conflicts were disclosed.

Chairman White opened the Public Comment Period.

James Mims, Moyock resident, expressed his concerns about the minimum one-acre lot size text amendment, requested a work session, and asked for the county to halt all developmental projects. Mr. Mims discussed the impact fees, increasing taxes, and hardships that fixed-income households may see due to county growth.

Several attendees during public comment spoke in support of Mr. Mims's concerns. 

Janet Rose, Moyock resident, discussed the need for School Resource Officers to be present at all Currituck schools to ensure the safety of all students. Mrs. Rose asked the Board to consider this expense in the budget for school safety.

Kelsey Roberts, Moyock resident, spoke of recent school shootings and requested as a parent that the Board considers funding School Resource Officers in all Elementary schools.

Peggy Lusk, Moyock resident, stated she has been attending the Citizens Academy and has found the group very educational. Ms. Lusk stated she is in support of a minimum one-acre lot size to help with drainage and to keep a rural county.

Joe Hobbs, Moyock resident, discussed the high cost of homeowners insurance in his community off North Backwoods Rd and parts of South Mills Rd. Mr. Hobbs stated that the rate is evaluated by how well the fire department can protect the community, public water supply and other disasters. The premium rates are regulated by state insurance and with that area of the county not providing resources residents can not afford coverage.

Several attendees during public comment spoke of high homeowners insurance and requested the Board to address the resources.

No other were signed up nor wished to speak and the Public Comment period was closed.

Commissioner J.Owen Etheridge recognized Telecommunicator Week and thanked employees for their service. He encouraged the community to attend the Currituck Home, Flower, and Garden show on April 22, 2023, along with other county events taking place. Mr. Etheridge reminded the community of safety on the roads with large farming equipment. 

Commissioner McCord echoed his appreciation for Telecommunicator Week. He voiced support for School Resource Offices in our schools and stated that law enforcement is always present.  

Commissioner Beaumont expressed and encouraged support for the fire departments and addressed the replacement of apparatus reasons. Mr. Beaumont attended Whalehead Property Associations Day and reported that during this season teen week, there will be increased levels of law enforcement, alcohol enforcement, and neighborhood patrols.

Commissioner Payment advocated for Fire department support. Mr. Payment thanked all first responders.

Commissioner Mary Etheridge expressed gratitude to the staff of Cooperative Extension for the " Report to the People" work session. She reviewed upcoming weekend community events.

Vice-Chair Jarvis thanked Cooperative Extension for the information and programs provided to the community. She thanked county staff for their efforts during the budget work sessions. She encouraged the community to attend a Public meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 5:00 PM located at Powells Point Baptist Church to discuss the Lower Currituck Edgewater Road. Mrs. Jarvis thanked the citizens for attending the meeting and voiced her support of one-acre lots.

Chairman Bob White thanked the community for attending and addressed the reasoning for not recording budget sessions. He discussed the of School Resource Officer's request cost just for personnel and explained the reasons for tax increases.

Chairman recessed at 7:24 PM

The meeting reconvened at 7:30 PM

County Manager, Ike McRee, no report

County Attorney, Megan Morgan, no report

Commissioner Beaumont motioned to amend the agenda and move Consent Agenda after Closed Session. Commissioner McCord seconded, motion carried, 7-0

  • MOVER: Paul M. Beaumont
    SECONDER: Kevin E. McCord
    RESULT: Approved

Vice-Chair Jarvis moved to enter Closed Session pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) to consult with the County Attorney and preserve the attorney-client privilege in the matter entitled 85 and Sunny, LLC V. Currituck County and Envirolink v. Currituck County.

Commissioner Payment seconded the motion. The motion carried, 7-0, and the Board entered into Closed Session at 7:46 PM. 

  • MOVER: Selina S. Jarvis
    SECONDER: Michael H. Payment
    RESULT: Approved

Commissioners returned from Closed Session at 8:15 PM 

Commissioner Mary Etheridge moved for approval of Consent Agenda. Vice-Chair Jarvis seconded the motion. The motion carried, 7-0, for approval.

  • MOVER: Mary R. Etheridge
    SECONDER: Selina S. Jarvis
    RESULT: Approved

Discussion concluded and Commissioner Payment moved to open the work session with the Soil and Water Supervisors.  Commissioner McCord seconded the motion. The motion carried, 7-0

  • MOVER: Michael H. Payment
    SECONDER: Kevin E. McCord
    RESULT: Approved

The Board of Commissioners met in a Work Session with Soil and Water Supervisors to discuss funds spent for clearing and snagging from the StreamFlow Rehabilitation Program (StRAP) grant awarded on August 19, 2022, in the amount of $248,000.00.  

Manly West, Soil and Water Chair provided details on the stream debris removal and watershed structure projects completed since 2018 and the remaining balance of  StRAP funding of $3,970.00. Mr. West answered Commissioner's questions and stated the northern area of the county has been the focus.

Harvey Roberts, Soil and Water Supervisor discussed his concerns about snagging and clearing projects and how farmers depend on drainage and noted the need for 50ft set-backs are critical. He expressed his concerns about the soil and water technicians' position and the Hog Ditch district budget. 

Commissioners and County Manager Ike McRee addressed Mr. Roberts issues. Mr. West thanked the Board of Commissioners for meeting with the Soil and Water Supervisors and there was no further discussion.

11.

 

Commissioner Beaumont moved to adjourn. Vice-Chair Jarvis seconded the motion. The motion carried, 7-0 of approval and the meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 9:08

  • MOVER: Paul M. Beaumont
    SECONDER: Selina S. Jarvis
    RESULT: Approved