Holly Ridge Town Council
Regular Monthly Meeting Agenda
March 11, 2008
Mayor Padgett called the Regular Monthly Meeting of the Holly Ridge Town Council to order at 7:30 pm at the Town
Hall. Councilmembers present were: Mayor Pro-Tem Hines, Councilman Edwards, Councilman Wright, Councilman
Edwards and Councilwoman Bragg.
Invocation and Pledge
Councilwoman Bragg gave the Invocation and Mayor Padgett led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Adoption of Minutes
A motion was made by Councilwoman Bragg and seconded by Councilman Summerlin to adopt the minutes of the
February 12, 2008 meeting. All agreed.
Adoption of Agenda
A motion was made by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Councilman Wright to adopt the agenda as presented.
All agreed.
Persons Wishing to Address the Council
There were none.
Parks and Recreation Committee – Anita Dingler
Anita Dingler was present to report on the upcoming events that the Parks and Recreation Committee are planning.
She said that they will be meeting to plan the Holly Festival on the second Thursday of the month. They are also
planning the Easter Egg Hunt at the Park on March 22nd and will be combined with Providence Baptist Church. She
said a slow pitch men’s softball tournament is planned for the 29th and 30th of March. Anita also stated that the walking
trail at the park is almost finished.
Report from Sharon Clay on Employee/Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Sharon was not present.
ONWASA Report by Mayor Pro-Tem Hines
Mayor Pro-Tem Hines stated that ONWASA tried to purchase the North Topsail Utility Company in the past but so far
nothing has happened with that. He said that Mr. Walker will probably shed more light on this at the retreat. The
Onslow County Landowners Association also inquired about how much sewer the base would be able to treat. This
would be the Pumpkin Center, Piney Green, and Hubert/Swansboro areas. Phase 3 plan is 5 million gallons per day in
average monthly flow. Presently, it will start out at 2 million in the first stage and 3.5 million in the second stage.
ONWASA has agreed to have their engineers pursue doing the final designs of the environmental assessments that will
give Swansboro 5 million gallons per day. Richlands has talked to the Division of Water Quality about having their SOC
lifted. They lifted the moratorium to allow an additional 65,000 gallons of sewer. A proposed site has been chosen for a
new well on Folkstone Road. David Walker and Frank Sanders will attend the Council retreat on Saturday and will
address some of the problems in the area. They will also address the extension of the water lines on Highway 17 south.
Public Hearing on the Rezoning Request from David Wellman to Rezone Parcels 747-35.6, 747-35.7, and 747-35.8
and also Rezoning Request from Michael O’Conner to Rezone Parcel 747-35.1 from Commercial to Rural
Agriculture (Properties lie in the ETJ areas of the Town)
Manager Fann stated that these parcels are located on the outskirts of the Town where the area was zoned Commercial
because of its proximity to Hwy 17. These parcels are not located on Hwy 17 and would not have any advantage of
having a commercial zoning designation. Mr. Wellman wants to build a single family home on the property and Mr. O’
Conner eventually wants to build a stick built home.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Hines and seconded by Councilman Edwards to open the public hearing. All
agreed.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Bragg and seconded by Councilman Summerlin to close the public hearing. All
agreed.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Bragg and seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Hines to rezone Parcels 747-35.6, 747-
35.7, and 747-35.8 belonging to David Wellman and also rezone Parcel 747-35.1 belonging to Michael O’Conner from
Commercial to Rural Agriculture. All agreed.
Employee Retreat
Manager Fann stated that the agenda for the retreat has been completed. It will begin at 9:00 am and should be
completed by 2:00 pm. The keynote will be future growth and planning, and lunch will be catered by JC’s Barbeque.
Discussion of Article XXIX “Outdoor Advertising” (Off Premise) – Call for a Public Hearing to Amend the Zoning
Ordinance by Amending Article XXIX, “Advertising Signs” (Off Premise) to Delete the Portion Allowing a Ten
Year Period for all Existing Signs to Come into Compliance
Manager Fann stated at the February monthly meeting, it was decided to limit the size of the Outdoor Advertising Signs
to 64 square feet and to give the owner ten years to bring nonconforming signs into compliance.
It was later brought to our attention by Richard Ducker from the Institute of Government that the Town is not allowed to
place requirements on signs that have already been approved by the state. It was suggested by Joe Stroud that the
Council delete the ten year period from the Article.
A motion was made by Councilman Summerlin and seconded by Councilwoman Bragg to call for a Public Hearing to
amend the Zoning Ordinance by Amending Article XXIX, “Advertising Signs” (Off Premise) to delete the portion allowing a
ten year period for all existing nonconforming signs into compliance. All agreed.
Discussion of the Purchase of Holly Ridge Housing Authority Property Located on Sound Road and North Hines
Street
Manager Fann said this subject was brought up by a Councilman and was discussed at the February meeting. The
idea is to purchase the area and hold it for economic development, as the property is off Hwy 50. A sewer tap could be
obtained for the property to make it more appealing. He said he is still waiting to hear from Rural Development.
Call for a Public Hearing to Consider the Request from Cynthia and Howard Moxley to Rezone Parcels 748-35
and 748-36 from Rural Agriculture to Residential 15
Manager Fann said the Motleys’ want to eventually build a stick built single family home and sell some of the property for
development. They do not want mobile homes to be allowed once it is rezoned. Mobile homes are allowed in Rural
Agriculture but not the R-15 zoning.
A motion was made by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Councilman Wright to call for a Public Hearing on April
8th, to consider the rezoning request of Cynthia and Howard Moxley. All agreed.
Call for a Public Hearing to Place the Road Naming and Addressing Chapter of the Zoning Ordinance into the
Streets Ordinance, Listed as Article 10-9
Manager Fann stated that the Road Naming and Addressing Chapter were omitted from the Zoning Ordinance when it
was adopted. Instead of adding it back into the Zoning Ordinance, staff felt it more appropriate to add it to the Streets
Ordinance.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Bragg and seconded by Councilman Summerlin to call for a Public Hearing at the
April 8th, meeting to hear public comments on this item. All agreed.
Call for a Public Hearing to Consider the Request from Dr. W.K. Morgan for a Voluntary Satellite Annexation on
Parcel 734-8 – 16.71 Acres, and Parcel 734-11 – 0.261 Acres and to Rezone Parcel 734-8 from Light Industrial to
Neighborhood Business
Manager Fann said that Dr. Morgan is combining the two pieces of property for a future business that does not involve
manufacturing. He has not stated what business will be going on the property but has hinted to the possibility of a
restaurant or hotel. One of the properties is already zoned NB. He has also stated that whatever he places there will
definitely help the Town.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Hines and seconded by Councilman Wright to call for a Public Hearing on April
8th to hear citizen’s comments and to possibly consider Dr. Morgan’s request. All agreed.
Amendment of the Parks Fees and Charges Schedule
Manager Fann stated that this schedule was last updated in 2006 prior to placing lights on the ball field. There have
been recent requests from folks wanting to use the fields and the lights. This amendment will allow the Town to help pay
for the maintenance and utilities at the park.
There was much discussion concerning the fees. Mayor Pro-Tem Hines suggested that under the League category,
that “Adult” be removed from the softball team, volleyball team, soccer team, and soccer 7 on 7 team. It was also
discussed to change the Electricity/Ball Field Lights – per hour from $10.00 to $20.00 per hour for in-town and out of
town fees, and to drop off the Night with Lights fee of $150.00. Also add that the hours of operation be in accordance
with the Curfew Ordinance which is 11:00 pm on weeknights and 12:00 midnight on weekends. Mayor Pro-Tem Hines
said that he thought the fees for use should be less than the out of town fees. Councilman Edwards asked how would
the Town enforce the collection of the fees, and Manager Fann said that in order to reserve the fields or the picnic
shelters, the person would have to come to Town Hall and fill out a form and pay the fee before it could be reserved.
Councilman Edwards said that there has to be a way to let folks know that they need to come to Town Hall to reserve the
park. Anita, Chairperson for the Parks and Recreation Committee stated that the park is a public place and anyone can
go there but if they want to reserve the park for games or other activities then they would come to Town Hall and make
reservations. She said that in Jacksonville or other towns, a slip of paper is give to the person who is reserving or some
towns attach a piece of paper at the field showing who has the park reserved and the time. Councilwoman Bragg said
that the newsletter would be a good way to get the word out to the citizens and also on the Town’s website. Councilman
Wright stated that he wasn’t sure that the fees for League play would be sufficient to cover all the costs on umpires,
electricity ect. He said that the fees could be left as they are for the present time and if the softball tournament that is
planned for March is held, a more accurate account of how much it would cost for the electricity could be determined.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Hines and seconded by Councilman Wright to adopt the revised fee schedule for
use of the park facilities with the following changes: (1. Drop Adult from softball, volleyball, soccer and soccer 7 on 7
(2. Change Electricity fees for in and out of town to $20.00 per hour and to have the hours of operation coordinate with
the town’s Curfew Ordinance which is 11:00 pm, weeknights, 12:00 midnight, weekends, (3. Delete Night with Lights Fee
of $150.00, and (4. Wait until after the softball tournament is held to determine if the League fees will be sufficient. All
agreed.
Adoption of a Resolution to Establish Procedures for the Handling of Closed Session Minutes
Manager Fann stated that this resolution will dictate how Council handles Closed Session Minutes. It seems as though
the Council has never adopted a resolution for these procedures. The Town Clerk found a sample resolution from the
Clerk’s MORE book and modified it to fit the Town. The Council can determine who they want to annually review the
sealed minutes and provide the list to the Council for approval before unsealing them. The Mayor, Town Manager,
Town Clerk or the attorney or a combination could be chosen to review the minutes.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Hines and seconded by Councilman Wright to adopt the Resolution to Establish
Procedures for the Handling of Closed Session Minutes
and have the Town Clerk annually review the minutes and provide a list to the Council for their approval before
unsealing. All agreed.
Closed Session per General Statute 143-318.11(a) – Discussion of Opening Closed Session Minutes
A motion was made by Councilman Wright and seconded by Councilman Summerlin to go into Closed Session per
General Statute 143-318.11(a) – discussion of opening Closed Session Minutes. All agreed.
A motion was made by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Councilman Wright to return to Regular Session from
Closed Session. All agreed.
Mayor Padgett stated that the action taken in Closed Session was to open the Closed Session minutes of the following
meetings: October 11, 1994, April 11, 1995, May 9, 1995, July 11, 1995, September 12, 1995, February 7, 1996, March
20, 1996, April 10, 1996, October 8, 1996, January 14, 1997, May 6, 1997, January 28, 1998, February 2, 1998,
February 11, 1998, March 10, 1998, December 14, 2004, January 11, 2005, September 27, 2005, March 8, 2005,
December 13, 2005, May 10, 2005, April 11, 2006, December 19, 2006, December 12, 2006, December 5, 2006,
August 14, 2007, July 10, 2007, May 8, 2007, and December 19, 2006.
A motion was made by Council Edwards and seconded by Councilman Wright to open the Closed Session Minutes
named above by Mayor Padgett. All agreed.
Police Department Comments
Chief Maiorano gave an update on the range. He said they had received 1,300 feet of wood for the sidewalks at no
cost. Lamb Weston donated a semi trailer to put on the site to store supplies. He said that gas prices are the highest
they have been and the Police Department is feeling it. He said they have trimmed down on patrolling, but there may be
a possibility that he may have to come to the Council next month and ask for a budget amendment to carry the PD
through the remaining fiscal year. He said there would be a road block on March 29, 2008 at 11:00 pm if anyone would
like to attend. Chief Maiorano told the Council that there had been a car fire in the 2005 vehicle. This happened while
one of the officers was in pursuit of a suspect. He said that the insurance company has said that the Town would
receive at least $10,000 plus a percentage of the equipment lost in the fire.
Town Manager Comments
DOT is scheduled to come within the next week or so to work on the gutters on Sound Road
Still waiting on the rock to come in at S & W Concrete
Maintenance Department has been working on the ditches in town
Mayor Pro-Tem Hines asked what the status was concerning the lady from the campground who attended the February
meeting and inquired about the signs being placed on Highway 17. Manager Fann said she had spoken with him and
Lora, and she was supposed to check with one of the property owners on Highway 17. He said she hasn’t contacted
anyone in Town Hall since that time.
Council Concerns
Councilwoman Bragg thanked the Town staff for sending her a get well card recently. She thanked all the volunteers
and also the employees for their dedication to the Town.
Councilman Summerlin asked if emergency lights could be installed referring to the February meeting when the lights
suddenly went out. Manager Fann said he would check into the emergency lights.
Councilman Wright asked if there is a procedure for handling citizens or persons that address the Council and referred
to the lady from the campground at last month’s meeting. Mayor Padgett said that sometimes an answer can’t be given
immediately and would have to be researched. Mayor Pro-Tem Hines asked if an item can be placed on the agenda
that specifically addresses these type problems and it was the consensus of the Council to add this item to the agenda
under Persons Wishing to Address the Council. Councilman Wright asked if Squeaky’s was being monitored because of
the previous complaints and Chief Maiorano said that the PD was doing periodic checks there and ALE has been there
for inspections also. He said that he felt comfortable that nothing was going on there.
Councilman Edwards stated that the Council should be informed when a new employee is hired or if an employee
resigns or is terminated. He mentioned the recent news about the contamination of water with chemicals. Mayor
Padgett stated that most of these problems were coming from reservoirs.
Mayor Pro-Tem Hines stated that the next ONWASA meeting is March 27th, 2008 at 6:00 pm and also the Onslow
Chamber of Commerce will hold a forum on April 4th at 10:00 am with Lt. Governor Beverly Purdue. He also asked if the
Council wanted to do anything with the request from the Dixon Soccer Club. He said he didn’t have a problem
with them using the field for practice as long as someone else didn’t have it reserved. The Dixon Soccer Club is seeking
permission to hold practice at the Holly Ridge Park, Mondays – Fridays, around 4:30 – 7:00 pm. They are requesting
that the restrooms be available at these times. They will need to use the field until the end of April and request
permission to place soccer goals there.
Announcements
Mayor Padgett gave the following announcements:
Mayor’s Meeting Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 in Swansboro
Council/Employee Retreat, Saturday, March 15th, 2008 at Police Department – 9:00 am
Steering Committee Meeting, Tuesday, March 18th, 6:30 pm at Town Hall
Adjournment
A motion was made Councilman Wright and seconded by Councilman Summerlin to adjourn at 9:00 pm. All agreed.