Explore Endangered Species through Painting and Sculpture Classes at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center

Persons 10 years of age and older are invited to participate in painting and sculpting Endangered Species Art Classes at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center, 1030 Possum Trot Road, North Myrtle Beach. No painting or sculpting experience is necessary.

Classes with instructor Stephanie Sellers will occur Thursdays from June 2 through August 18. Morning classes will focus on painting endangered species on 16” x 20” stretched canvases using acrylic paints. Afternoon classes will focus on sculpture classes using Air Dry Clay (a safe, nontoxic medium) to create 8” to 12” figures of endangered species. Students will leave each class with their own unique, completed works of art.

Participants will also learn interesting facts about the different endangered species they work on. For example, one can explore the majesty of the Humpback Whale surfacing along our coast via an acrylic paint class in the morning, then use the afternoon class to explore the Humpback Whale in true form in a clay sculpting class using Air Dry Clay.

CLASS SCHEDULE

All painting classes are 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., and all sculpting classes are 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

• June 2: HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLE
• June 16: LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE
• June 30: FIN WHALE
• July 7: AMERICAN ALLIGATOR
• July 21: WEST INDIAN MANATEE
• August 4: HUMPBACK WHALE
• August 18: KEMP’S RIDLEY SEA TURTLE

The fee is $35 for each class. Preregistration is required to ensure space and materials. Email Stephanie Sellers at Gaumedup@gmail.com or call (919)353-2522. Pay Pal payments are accepted.

For more information, visit the Facebook group North Myrtle Beach SC, Explore Endangered Species in Sculpture and Painting Facebook or call the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center at (843) 280-5584

Proposed NMB FY 2017 Budget goes before City Council May 16 and May 23

The North Myrtle Beach City Council will consider first reading of the city’s proposed FY 2017 Budget during its regularly scheduled May 16 meeting at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. City Council will consider second (final) reading of the proposed budget at a special called meeting on May 23, 2:00 p.m. The special called meeting is necessary because some Council members will be out of town during the month of June.

The city’s budget year runs from July 1 to June 30.

The proposed FY 2017 budget includes Governmental Funds (general fund, special revenue funds, capital improvement funds, debt service fund) expenditures of $54,088,271 and Enterprise Funds expenditures of $39,727,931 for a total of $93,816,202 in budgeted expenditures for all funds.

The proposed 2017 budget is $13,656,195 million more than the fiscal year FY 2016 budget, due primarily to various street improvements, major water and sewer projects, storm water management improvement initiatives and other projects.

During the budget retreat, City Council discussed a proposed property tax increase of two mills, which would generate about $750,000 annually, primarily to help pay for four new public safety employees, and enhanced paving and maintenance of the city’s roads.

An increase of two mills in the property tax equates to $8 annually for each $100,000 of residential home value.

The city’s current property tax rate is 39.3 mills, which includes 6.2 mills that will be cut in October 2019 when the bond issue for the construction of the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex has been paid off. The proposed two mills property tax increase would bring the city’s tax rate to 41.3 mills, still the lowest tax rate in Horry County and one of the lowest in the state.

Currently, Surfside Beach offers a property tax rate of 46.2 mills, Briarcliff Acres 50.8 mills, Horry County 50.87 mills, Aynor 60.8 mills, Myrtle Beach 74.5 mills, Conway 82.4 mills, Atlantic Beach 84.5 mills, Loris 115 mills, and the Horry County School District 133.1 mills.

City Council also discussed a proposed $2 increase in the city’s monthly storm water management fee, which would be applied to local storm water improvement projects and would also help fund the next ocean outfall project at 18th Avenue North, construction of which is scheduled to begin in FY 2019 at a cost of about $11 million. The city will have about six ocean outfall projects remaining after the 18th Avenue North project has been completed, and the fee increase will also help to begin to fund those projects.

The storm water management fee is currently $6 per month for a single family home and would increase to $8 per month. The fee is currently $4 per month for a condo unit and would increase to $5.50 per month.

Some additional highlights for the proposed FY 2017 Budget include the bond issue for the Cherry Grove dredging project; a final payment on a $1.2 million platform fire truck; in-house capital improvement projects; and more than $1.5 million in road paving projects.

Some additional projects include the widening of Ocean Boulevard in the Crescent Beach section, placing overhead utilities underground in the same area, and improvements to 11th Avenue North.

City Council also reviewed $1.7 million in proposed storm water improvement projects. The projects represent the city’s response to storm water drainage challenges that arose during the historically heavy rains experienced in North Myrtle Beach during September and October of 2015. Projects that would most likely have to be contracted out were prioritized into four groups. A fifth group was created containing projects that the city can accomplish using in-house personnel and equipment.

Thus far, City Council has determined that the city may be able to tackle many of the storm water projects included in the first two priority groups during FY 2017, with the rest being accomplished in FY 2018 and FY 2019.

The continued addition of sidewalks and multipurpose paths in the city is also part of the proposed budget. Since 1995, the city has installed 34 miles of sidewalks. The FY 2017 Budget proposes additional sidewalks and paths for the East Coast Greenway along Water Tower Road near Barefoot Resort & Golf.

NMB Public Safety Officer Keith Williams invites Windy Hill Residents to a May 14 "Meet Your Public Safety Officer" Event at Yow Park

North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Officer Keith Williams invites Windy Hill residents to join him on Saturday, May 14, 9am-11am, at Yow Park, 508 Windy Hill Road, to meet him and other Police Officers and Supervisors who patrol the Windy Hill neighborhood daily. (Some of the public safety employees will be joined by their families.) The event will include a bouncy house and prizes for kids, patrol cars, and an opportunity for residents to ask questions and get to know some of the Public Safety Officers who care about and keep your community safe.

Officer Keith Williams joined the Public Safety Department in August 2015. Prior to that, he served in the United States Marine Corps as a Military Policeman and retired with the rank of Sergeant Major in 2012 after 25 years of service.

One of the greatest honors in his life was to serve as a Marine, during which time he completed several combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, he served as a law enforcement officer in San Diego, CA for two years before deciding to head east to be closer to family.

Officer Williams was raised in Burlington, NC and married his high school sweetheart, Dawn. They have been married for 25 years and have three children, ages 10, 16 and 20.

In describing his objectives for his Windy Hill community focus, Officer Williams said, "I want residents to know that I am here to serve and protect all of them. I want to meet everyone and get to know their needs and concerns. If they see me driving around, they can feel free to stop me to ask any questions, express concerns, or just say hello."

Officer Williams added that, if he doesn't know the answer to a question offhand, he will  "research it, find the answer, and get back to you."

Hope you can make it to Yow Park on May 14!

NMB Tree City Board presents its May Tree of the Month Award to City Councilman J. O. Baldwin

The North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board has presented its May 2016 Tree of the Month Award to City Councilman Jay Baldwin for protecting and preserving a collection of very old Live Oak trees on his property at 404 14th Avenue South.

L-R  Ron Bruce, Dee Myers, Sean Hoelscher,
Caroline Driggers, Dexter Allen, Ruth Anne Ellis,
Tom Walker, and Jim Grainger

The property was originally owned by Baldwin’s grandparents, and he remembers the trees being sizeable when he would visit them as a young boy. His grandparents were the owners of the original 1940’s house that was built on the property, and they lived in the home until the 1990s.

When Baldwin decided to move to the location in 2000, he determined that the 1940s home could not be saved, so he demolished it and rebuilt on the site. He purposely designed his new house to sit among the grand old oaks in such a way as to preserve every tree. One tree, however, proved to be too close to the planned home, and acting on advice from the Clemson Extension Service, he dug up the tree, keeping as many of its roots intact as possible, and replanted it. He used a backhoe to dig a hole for the 15 foot wide root ball. The tree lived for another six years in its new location before succumbing to drought conditions around 2007. The remaining trees continue to thrive on his lot.

The North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board salutes Councilman Baldwin for his understanding of the value of the trees on his property, and his willingness to take extra measures to protect what are some of the more historic trees in the city. 

Property owners and developers who are interested in finding out more about how they can preserve trees on their property are invited to contact the Board at nmbtreeboard@nmb.us or 843-280-5571.

The Tree of the Month program began in 2010 as a way to recognize trees within the community that have been preserved over the years. It also provides a platform to remind people of the benefits and importance that trees offer in our everyday lives.

If you think you have the biggest, prettiest, or most unusual tree in North Myrtle Beach, or that your tree has a unique story attached to it, the Tree City Board encourages you to contact Parks & Grounds Superintendent Jim Grainger at (843) 280-5571 or via email at nmbtreeboard@nmb.us. 

North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market Opens May 6

The North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market season is May 6-October 28. The market will be open on Fridays, 10am-3pm.

The North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market is located at 925 1st Avenue South, between the Library and City Hall.

The North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market is part of the Waccamaw Market Cooperative (WMC), an incorporated 501c3 nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating and managing community based farmer’s markets throughout Horry and Georgetown Counties. Under the guidance of the Clemson Cooperative Extension, WMC has grown to include regional network of markets sponsored in partnership with public and private organizations throughout the region. The resulting structured market network ensures that virtually all communities in the Waccamaw Region benefit from access to fresh fruits and vegetables that farmers markets offer.

Public markets are not just places of commerce. Successful markets help grow and connect urban and rural economies. They encourage development, enhance real estate values and the tax base, and keep money in the local neighborhood. Public markets also offer low-risk business opportunities for vendors and feed money back into the rural economy where many vendors grow, raise and produce their products.

The spin-off benefits of markets are numerous. From increasing access to fresh, healthy food to providing important revenue streams, markets positively impact local businesses, governments and residents. But, perhaps most important is the way markets serve as public gathering places for people from different ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic communities. As one of the few places where people comfortably gather and meet, markets are our neighborhoods’ original civic centers.

RESULTS: May 2 North Myrtle Beach City Council Meeting

During the May 2 North Myrtle Beach City Council meeting, Mayor Marilyn Hatley presented a proclamation directing that all flags on City buildings be flown at half-staff on May 15, which is Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Mayor Hatley said that members of the City’s public safety department play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms for all citizens in the community. She reminded citizens of the duties, responsibilities, hazards and sacrifices of the community’s law enforcement officers.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. During Police Week, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

City Council tabled until its June 6 meeting second reading of an ordinance to annex and zone one lot located adjacent to the Parkway Group PDD (PDD), which is located west of the Intracoastal Waterway. Council wants to wait until an associated Development Agreement has been completed before giving second reading to the proposed annexation and zoning.

City Council tabled until its June 6 meeting second reading of an ordinance for a major amendment to the Parkway Group Planned Development District (PDD) to allow changes to the previously approved phase known as the Waterway Hills Tract and to add a newly annexed area known as the Wilson Chestnut Tract. The area is referred to as “Grande Dunes North” in the PDD, which is located west of the Intracoastal Waterway. Council wants to wait until an associated Development Agreement has been completed before giving second reading to the proposed ordinance.

City Council tabled until its June 6 meeting second reading of an ordinance to amend the Parkway Group Planned Development District (PDD) to allow changes to the previously approved residential tracts known as Seashore Farms and L.L. Chestnut, referred to as “Waterside” in the PDD. Council wants to wait until an associated Development Agreement has been completed before giving second reading of the proposed ordinance

City Council adopted a Resolution to exercise the City's option to extend the lease between the City and Midcon Cable Co. Inc. In April of 2014 the City leased a portion of its warehouse located on the corner of 6th Avenue South and Bay Street to Midcon for a term of two years with an annual lease rate of $156,896. The lease rate increased per a lease formula.

Midcon requested that the City exercise its option to extend the lease for an additional two year term from April 1, 2016 through March 31, 2018 with an annual lease rate beginning at $166,451.16. The rate will increase the second year of the lease extension via a formula contained in the lease.

City Council passed first reading of an ordinance to authorize the addition of a third parasail boat to the Parasail and Banana Boat Franchise granted to Randle Duke. Council previously authorized Duke to operate a parasail and banana boat business from the beach in the vicinity of Sea Mountain Highway and Ocean Boulevard.

When the franchise was first awarded to Duke, the agreement authorized the use of three parasail boats and a $45,000 franchise fee. Thereafter, Duke requested that the agreement be amended to allow only two parasail boats and a $15,000 reduction of the franchise fee from $45,000 to $30,000. Council agreed to the requested amendment.

On April 15, 2016, Duke requested that the agreement be amended again to allow the use of three parasail boats. City staff informed Duke that it would present the requested amendment to City Council but the amendment would also include a $15,000 fee increase from $30,000 per year to $45,000 per year.

City Council passed first reading of an amendment to the Zoning Text to create a new inland multifamily zoning district (R-4i) to allow multifamily and non-medical commercial or office uses on properties not adjacent to the oceanfront.

Council directed staff to investigate creating a new zoning district similar to R-4 that would allow multi-family, but at lesser intensities and shorter building heights for properties away from the oceanfront. As a result, staff has proposed a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to create a new inland multi-family zoning district to be called R-4i (Inland Multifamily Residential).

Resembling R-4, the new district's purpose statement references a need to provide for reduced intensity multi-family in areas inland from the ocean, which are distinctly different from resort-style development represented along the oceanfront or with an ocean view. The purpose of the proposed R-4i district is to allow multi-family similar to the R-4 zoning district, but with less intensity for inland locations; however, not at the expense of visibility and access by the community to the ocean or the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

City Council passed first reading of an ordinance to rezone one lot containing about 1.22 acres located at the corner of Vereen Road and Bay Colony Drive from R-24 (Mid-Rise Multifamily Residential) to NC (Neighborhood Commercial).

The vacant, unimproved property is zoned R-24. It is adjacent to the current single-family Marina Bay subdivision, which is zoned R24, and is surrounded by HC (Highway Commercial) to the east and LI

(Limited Industrial) to the north.

The Future Land Use Map in the City's 2010 Comprehensive Plan Update identifies this area with a "Marina Mixed Use" land use class. The proposed zoning district, NC, is a recommended zoning district of this particular land use class.

City Council adopted a Resolution to exercise the City's option to extend a Banana Boat Franchise Agreement between the City and Jeff Ray regarding the operation of a banana boat business on the beach in the area seaward of North Beach Plantation.

The agreement, entered into in April 2011, authorized Ray to operate a banana boat business on the beach seaward of the dune line in the area of North Beach Plantation. The original term of the agreement was for a term of five years, which will expire December 31, 2016.

Article II, Section I of the agreement allows the City the option to extend the agreement for an additional five year term and Ray requested that the City exercise that option. The additional five year term begins January 1, 2017 and expires December 31, 2021.

The franchise fee for 2017 will be $21,000 and will increase by five percent successively for each year of the extended term.

Sunday Pops in the Park

THIS SUNDAY!

BRING A CHAIR or BLANKET to the NMB Park and Sports Complex Sandhills Bank Amphitheater for a FREE concert featuring the North Myrtle Beach Community Band and the Stardusters BIG Band.  The concert will take place on Sunday, May 1st @ 5:00pm.

The program for the afternoon will include many crowd-favorites such as:

- Theme from Star Wars: The Force Awakens

- The Dam Busters

- Carnaval in Sao Paulo

- And other Jazz Standards from the Stardusters BIG Band

Join us for a great afternoon of fun music!

In case of inclement weather the concert will be moved to the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center at 7:30pm.

More information about this concert can be found on the NMB Community Band's facebook page, by clicking here.  

Join us THIS SUNDAY for what is sure to be a fantastic afternoon of music!

May 1 Divas Half Marathon Route May Require Some to Accesses Churches via Alternate Roads

The May 1 Divas Half Marathon route may require those who attend the following places of worship to access them via alternate roads: Church of the Lost and Found, Trinity Methodist Church, Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, Barefoot Church, Lakeside Baptist Church, King of Glory Lutheran Church, St. Stephens Episcopal Church.

On the morning of May 1, half marathon participants will be running along the main routes where these churches are located at about the following times:

§  Church of the Lost and Found:

§  6:45am-7:30am – Northbound land Ocean Blvd shut down. Enter Ocean Blvd from 6^th Avenue North.

§  Trinity United Methodist Church:

§  7:20 a.m.-8:15 a.m. – Half marathon participants should be running north on Hillside Drive and will be crossing 14^th Avenue South.

§  Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church:

§  7:00 a.m.-7:15 a.m. – Participants should be running south on Ocean Boulevard. 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. – Participants should be running north on Hillside Drive.

§  Barefoot Church:

§  7:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m. – Participants should be running up the west bound lane of Main Street and turning right on to Ye Olde Kings Highway.

§  Lakeside Baptist Church, King of Glory Lutheran Church, St. Stephens Episcopal Church:

§  7:50 a.m.-9:45 a.m. – The westbound lane of 11^th Avenue North will be closed to vehicle traffic. All runners should have cleared 11^th Avenue North by 10:00 a.m.

For more information about the Divas Half Marathon event, please contact the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 280-5570.

Greg Frazier hired as North Myrtle Beach Fire Marshal

The City of North Myrtle Beach has hired Greg Frazier as its new Fire Marshal. He will report to work on May 2. 

Frazier has worked in the fire service for 30 years. He retired in early 2016 after 15 years in the Fire Marshal’s office in Raleigh, NC. He served as shift Deputy Fire Marshal in Raleigh for the past six years.

Frazier has extensive experience in inspections, the testing of fire protection installations, and operations involving all occupancy classes. He has also taught fire inspection certification classes for over 20 years.

Before joining the Raleigh Fire Department, Frazier served as Fire Marshal for the city of Henderson, NC. 

“Our area was listed recently as one of the fastest growing areas in the United States,” said Fire Chief Garry Spain, “and Raleigh is listed as one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. That experience with growth should help Greg in his transition to our area, and it will be of great benefit to us.”

“With his experience in the fire service, as well as his outgoing personality, we feel like Greg will be a great fit for North Myrtle Beach,” said Public Safety Director Jay Fernandez.  “We are very excited to have him join the department.”

Two FREE Anti- Bullying Seminars to be held Saturday, April 23 at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center in North Myrtle Beach

Two free anti-bullying seminars will be held April 23 at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center, 1030 Possum Trot Road, North Myrtle Beach. One seminar will run from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. for elementary school age children and their families, and another from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. for middle school and high school children and their families.

The seminars will be presented by Sensei Chris Greene, whose goal is to help keep kids safe by overcoming bully problems and restoring confidence. Developing strength through confidence can help to prevent kids from looking like victims. Each 90 minute seminars is fast-paced, fun and lively. Participants will learn practical techniques and strategies for dealing with bullies that are easy to remember and easy to accomplish. By gaining an understanding of bullies and their tactics, children can overcome bullying problems. They will stop fearing bullies, and feel good about themselves.

People six years of age and older who participates in the Anti-Bullying Seminar will receive a free trial period coupon to Sensei Chris Greene’s Taekwondo class, which is held at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center on Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  The 27-year-old class features seven black belt assistant instructors. Participants learn defensive skills in a comfortable, nonthreatening environment. Taekwondo is a fun sport that provides great exercise, builds confidence, and teaches old school values such as, honor, dignity, accountability, courage, respect, and self-reliance. The class is primarily for beginner and intermediate students, however, students can advance to black belt level over time.

For more information, contact Chris Greene at (843) 450-0498 or chrisgreene444@yahoo.com. Interested persons may also call the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 280–5584 or visit http://parks.nmb.us .

City of North Myrtle Beach offers residential recycling program

The city of North Myrtle Beach believes in residential recycling, and its public works department intends to exceed South Carolina’s statewide goal of 40% participation. Toward that end, the department will enclose a brochure outlining its residential recycling program opportunities in with the city’s April water bill.

The city provides weekly curbside collection of residential recyclables, and will provide each customer with a recycling bin or recycling roll-cart container (based on availability). There is no cost for the initial bin or roll-cart, however, a replacement fee is charged for lost or stolen roll-carts. Recycling roll-carts are available in 64 gallon or 48 gallon sizes at the customer's option. Residents can acquire a recycling bin or roll-cart by contacting the public works department at (843) 280-5500.

The following materials may be included in North Myrtle Beach residential curbside recycling: Newspapers; magazines; catalogs; junk mail (first dispose of any personal information via shredding); phone books with hard cover removed; cereal, snack and cracker cardboard boxes; shoe boxes; corrugated cardboard boxes that have been emptied and flattened; aluminum and metal cans, including aerosol cans; plastic jugs and bottles marked with No. 1-7; glass jars and bottles.

Participants are asked to place recyclables at curbside only on their recycling collection day. Materials left at curbside for prolonged periods of time can be blown away by wind or swept away by rainfall, leading to clogged storm water drains.

The city also operates a recycling drop-off site on Bay Street at 6th Avenue South and a cardboard collection site at its solid waste transfer station at 1220 Second Avenue South.                    E-Waste can also be taken to this location.

The city offers a special cardboard collection service for anyone moving in or out of a home, and immediately following the Christmas holidays. During those times, place your flattened cardboard boxes at curbside on your scheduled recycling pick up day. You must call (843) 280-5500 in advance to receive this limited service.

The following materials are not accepted for curbside recycling but may be recycled at the Horry County Solid Waste Authority’s Convenience Centers: Batteries, cooking oil, household electronics, scrap metal, tires, shoes, textiles, used motor oil, used filters, and yard waste. A list of Convenience Center locations is available at www.solidwasteauthority.org.

Chemicals, paints, and cleaners may be recycled at the Horry County Solid Waste Authority location on Highway 90 on the third Saturday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

NMB Tree City Board presents its April Tree of the Month Award to Bill and Marianne McDonald

The North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board recently presented its Tree of the Month Award to Bill and Marianne McDonald, 805 Tillson Road, North Myrtle Beach.

The McDonalds received the award for the manner in which they have preserved two trees on their property, a large Live Oak and a large Hickory.

When the McDonald’s home was constructed in 1984, the two large trees were present on the undeveloped lot. The owner was so impressed with the spread of the two trees that he had their contractor build the carport around one and a deck around the other. Cost was not an issue.

The McDonalds say that they have had to trim the tree that extends up through the carport roof but the benefits far outweigh the ongoing maintenance effort.

Apart from the beauty that the tree lends to their property, the shade offered by the crown of the tree helps to cool their home’s inside temperature by 10 or more degrees during the hot and humid summer months.

The tree growing up through their deck also provides shade and enhances their enjoyment of the outdoor setting.

The North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board began its Tree of the Month Award program in 2010 as a way to recognize unique trees within the community that have been preserved over the years. The program also provides a platform to remind people of the benefits and importance that trees offer in our daily lives.

If you think you have the biggest, prettiest, or most unusual tree in North Myrtle Beach, or that your tree has a unique story attached to it, the Tree City Board encourages you to contact North Myrtle Beach Parks & Grounds Superintendent Jim Grainger at (843) 280-5571 or via email at  nmbtreeboard@nmb.us.

City of North Myrtle Beach to Seal and Stripe Public Parking Lots Over the Next Two Weeks or More

Weather permitting, contractors will seal and stripe a variety of public parking lots in the city of North Myrtle Beach wide over the next two weeks or more.

In an effort to make sure the selected lots are empty when the work crews arrive, public grounds staff will barricade and sign the lots the day before work is scheduled to occur. As a last resort, cars owned by uncooperative persons will be towed.

Work Schedule

Monday, 4/11 Sealing – Ingress to be blocked on 4/10

• Ocean Boulevard parking at 50th Avenue North
• Cherry Grove Fire Station on Sea Mountain Highway
• Ocean Boulevard parking at Shorehaven Drive
• 47th Avenue South street end

Thursday 4/14 – Ingress to be blocked 4/13

• Ocean Boulevard Parking at 4th Avenue North
• 4th Avenue North street end
• Ocean Park at 1st Avenue South
• Ocean Boulevard parking at 20th Avenue South

Week of 4/18-4/22 – Specific dates to be determined

• 23rd Avenue South street end
• 27th Avenue South street end
• Central Park across from the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center
• Central Park overflow behind Captain Jack’s Seafood
• Barefoot Fire Station
• NMB Park & Sports Complex Baseball parking area – East side
• NMB Park & Sports Complex Soccer parking area – West side
• NMB Park & Sports Complex lakefront parking

United States Merchant Marine Monument unveiling ceremony

The John T. Schmidt South Carolina Palmetto Mariners proudly invite you to attend the United States Merchant Marine Monument unveiling ceremony scheduled for Friday, April 8, 2016, from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., at Warbird Park, Farrow Parkway, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Prior to my Father, John T. “Jack” Schmidt, passing the Final Bar on July 11, 2014, he led the Chapter to begin the quest of honoring fellow Mariners with a permanent monument in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

During World War II, 9,300 Mariners were killed (1 in 26), 12,000 were wounded, and 1,500 ships were sunk. Jack was on one of those ships and he has never forgotten his fellow Mariners.

Casualties were kept secret during the war avoid providing information to the enemy and to keep the Mariners at sea. It took 15 tons of supplies to support one soldier for one year at the front. They delivered tanks, amphibious craft, airplanes, jeeps, ammunition, PT boats, gasoline aviation fuel, trucks medicine and food rations. Since the Mariners were not government issued (G.I.), they did not receive the benefits offered by the G.I. Bill. Mariners are honored on countless memorials across the country, including the new World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. Sadly, in some places, they are deemed “civilians” and relegated to the back of the monument.

It is important to the Chapter to know you received this invitation. Please RSVP with your attendance or regrets to Linda Womer at rew6@ptd.net by March 15.

The Chapter hopes to see you at this historic memorial unveiling ceremony in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

For more details contact the John T. Schmidt South Carolina Palmetto Mariners located at 6001 South Kings Highway Unit 45 Myrtle Beach SC 29575, phone: 929-880-0043.

Vendors have until April 15 to sign up for the 11th Annual Mayfest on Main festival

The 11th Annual Mayfest on Main® Festival will be held May 7 on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Vendors who would like to participate must register with the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation department by April 15.

Applications for homemade arts & crafts, professional, nonprofit organization, food, and other vendors are available online at http://parks.nmb.us/

Completed applications, together with appropriate fees made payable to the City of North Myrtle Beach, should be mailed to Mayfest on Main, NMB Parks & Recreation Department, 1018 2nd Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.

The festival begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m., giving locals and tourists all day to browse various food and craft vendors while children can enjoy rides and games in the kid’s area.

This one day rain or shine event attracts about 15,000 people to celebrate the beginning of summer. A community stage will offer live music and performances from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Beginning at 12:30 p.m. the main stage line-up includes Mother’s Finest followed by Dr. W at 2:00 p.m. and ending with the legendary band, Mickey Thomas’ Starship, starting at 4:00 p.m.

NMB Public Safety Department Hosts April 6-9 Palmetto Police Motorcycle Skills Competition

The 2016 Palmetto Police Motorcycle Skills Competition will be held April 6-9, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., at Barefoot Landing (beside Greg Norman's Australian Grille) in North Myrtle Beach. The public is invited to come see the competitions. For a detailed itinerary visit www.ppmsc.us. The main competition will occur April 9, starting at 8:00 a.m.

The North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department is host for this year’s event.

Motorcycle Officers (referred to as Motor Officers) from across the country will showcase their incredible motorcycle skills, competing for awards and raising money for charity.

The Palmetto Police Motorcycle Skills Competition is dedicated to:

·         Promoting training and excellence in the skills for safe and effective performance of the Motor Officer’s duties
·         Expanding the fraternity of the Motor Officer community
·         Increase public awareness of the skills and dedication required to be a Motor Officer
·         Providing support for Camp Happy Days (www.camphappydays.org), which provides support services for children diagnosed with cancer and their families throughout South Carolina. With the public’s help, Police are able to continue fulfilling their mission, which is to offer assistance and encouragement to children diagnosed with cancer and their families by providing cost-free, year-round programs and access to crisis resources. Their goal is to improve the physical, emotional and psychological health of the entire family facing pediatric cancer.

While participation in the event competitions is limited to Motor Officers, the general public always enjoys watching them perform. Motor Officer skills are put to the test through a series of performance-under-pressure events.  It takes a great deal of practice to be able to handle the sheer weight and size of the motorcycle.  The basic idea of Police motorcycle training is to make the motorcycle itself work to its maximum potential.

For more information, Sergeant Ray Pollock, Uniform Patrol - Delta Squad, at 843-241-4313 (Cell), 843-280-5511 (Office) or rrpollock@nmb.us

RESULTS: April 4 North Myrtle Beach City Council Meeting

During the April 4 meeting of the North Myrtle Beach City Council, Mayor Marilyn Hatley presented a Proclamation proclaiming April as National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in North Myrtle Beach. The Mayor was joined by members of the North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club, who work tirelessly to support programs and initiatives that help to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Mayor Hatley said that during one year, 678,932 victims of child abuse or neglect were reported nationwide. She reminded those attending the meeting that child abuse can have long-term negative psychological, emotional, and physical impacts. She encouraged effective child abuse prevention activities that create meaningful connections and partnerships between child welfare, education, health, community, and faith-based organizations, businesses and law enforcement agencies. She cited the necessity for communities to make every effort to promote programs and activities that benefit children and their families.

“Prevention remains the best defense for our children and families,” Mayor Hatley said.

Council passed second (final) reading of an ordinance to amend the lease agreement between the City and Apex Water Park, LLC.

The leased area now also includes a small portion of land (about .08 acres) adjacent to the lake that will accommodate the placement of a building to serve as an observation area for guests and visitors. Apex anticipates that it will serve prepackaged food and beer and wine to its guests within the observation building. The leased area also includes an additional area of the lake parallel to the Go Ape Tree Top Adventure zip line for the operation of a wake-surf boat. The motorboat will not exceed 12 mph when in operation, and its wake will be used to teach people to surf.

Apex is also authorized to place outside advertising signs or banners on each of the towers supporting the cable system for the wake ski amenity; on the ramps and sliders floating on the lake; and on the railings around the observation building, the pro shop and the motor control buildings.

The amended lease provides that all sponsorship revenues will be considered part of the gross revenues under the lease.

Council passed second reading of an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance text, Section23-42, regarding overflow parking.

The amended ordinance exempts parking lots intended as noncommercial surplus or overflow parking in association with another use from having to be improved with concrete or asphalt. To qualify for the exemption, parking stalls must be located on a parcel of land that is separate from the principal use it supports, and cannot contain stalls otherwise required to satisfy the minimum parking requirement of that use. Additional performance criteria will also have to be met.

Parking lots intended as a commercial, principal use of land are still required to meet all improvement standards, meaning concrete or asphalt, and the use of landscaping still apply.

Council passed second reading of an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance text, Sections 23-18 and 23-36 to exempt banners as prohibited signage within public park and sports complexes.

Council approved a special event permit for Wheel to Surf. Sponsored by Coastal Carolina Adaptive Sports & Recreation, this adaptive surfing event for people with disabilities will be held on the beach at 27th Avenue South on May 14, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Council approved a special event permit for the Anderson Estep Cherry Grove Surfing Championship. Sponsored by the Northern South Carolina Eastern Surfing Association, the event will be held north of the Cherry Grove Pier in the designated surfing area on April 23, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. A beach sweep will also be held to clean up trash on the beach and in the area around the pier.

City Council tabled until its May 2 meeting the second reading of an ordinance to annex and zone one lot located adjacent to the Parkway Group PDD (PDD), which is located west of the Intracoastal Waterway. Council wants to wait until an associated Development Agreement has been completed before giving second reading to the proposed annexation and zoning.

City Council tabled until its May 2 meeting the second reading of an ordinance for a major amendment to the Parkway Group Planned Development District (PDD) to allow changes to the previously approved phase known as the Waterway Hills Tract and to add a newly annexed area known as the Wilson Chestnut Tract. The area is referred to as “Grande Dunes North” in the PDD, which is located west of the Intracoastal Waterway. Council wants to wait until an associated Development Agreement has been completed before giving second reading to the proposed ordinance.

City Council tabled until its May 2 meeting the second reading of an ordinance to amend the Parkway Group Planned Development District (PDD) to allow changes to the previously approved residential tracts known as Seashore Farms and L.L. Chestnut, referred to as “Waterside” in the PDD. Council wants to wait until an associated Development Agreement has been completed before giving second reading of the proposed ordinance.

Council passed first reading of an ordinance to amend the current Zoning Text Section 20-40, Existing Adjacent Streetscapes, to extend the time period for retroactive installation or fee in lieu for street trees and sidewalks from 24 months to 36 months.

Council passed first reading of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Text to create a new overlay zoning district to recognize historical lot development patterns of several existing R-1 (Single- Family Residential) District neighborhoods that were subdivided prior to the existence of the City of North Myrtle Beach Incorporation and establishment of zoning.

Staff has proposed a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to create a new overlay zoning district that respects the historical lot development pattern of several existing R-1 (Single-Family Residential Low-Density) District neighborhoods subdivided prior to City incorporation and establishment of zoning, and to make accommodation allowing reestablishment of that pattern with respect to lot sizes and setbacks. The key changes would be to allow a 5,000 square foot lot size, and 5 foot side setbacks, recognizing that this lot size is historically prevalent in many neighborhoods.

Specifically, staff is recommending a “floating” overlay zone, where the overlay district exists in the Zoning Text but is not mapped, with no initial application to specific properties at this time.

The benefits of establishing a zoning district as a floating zone are as follows:

• No city-initiated rezoning of anyone's property
• Far less burdensome notification and processing
• Considered permissive rather than prescriptive.

Property owners choose whether to apply for the overlay zone on their property. Surrounding property owners are notified and can have their say on a case-by-case basis during public hearings and public comment periods.

Processed like a typical rezoning application, the Planning Commission would provide a recommendation to City Council as to whether or not the district makes sense on a case-by-case basis.

Council passed first reading of an ordinance that would amend an ordinance adopted on March 21 approving a Master Trust Indenture ("MTI") for the Cherry Grove Municipal Improvement District ("District") financing. The purpose of the amendment is to follow up on a recommendation made by Muni-Cap to have the bonds secured not only by assessments, but also by the City's full faith, credit and taxing power. Adding that additional security will require official action by City Council, and that action needs to occur as soon as practical to avoid any delay in the current schedule for implementing the dredge. Once a lender has been chosen, the final details of the bonds will be set forth in a "Supplemental Resolution", also approved by City Council. After that, the financing can proceed to closing.

During the public comment period of the meeting, Grand Strand resident Fred Nesta presented Mayor Marilyn Hatley with a framed copy of a bill passed by the S.C. General Assembly last spring officially designating October of every year as Italian American Heritage Month in South Carolina. The bill recognizes the many vital contributions of Italian Americans to the state. Nesta was highly instrumental in getting the bill passed.

A member of Grand Strand Lodge 2868 of the Order of Sons of Italy in America and a past national state deputy of the order, Nesta’s goal is to have a copy of the bill displayed in every Italian owned business in the state, and in city and county governments. He has been raising funds to accomplish his goal.

Also during the public comment period, Bennie Swans, John Bonsignore, and others from a coalition formed to help enhance positive relations between law enforcement and the community in Horry and Georgetown Counties spoke to City Council about their desire to sponsor a relaxed event in the north strand area that would bring young people in closer personal contact with north strand police personnel. The event would include food, games, and other relaxed interactions. Young people would have the opportunity to experience north strand police personnel interacting with them on a more personal level, and police would have the opportunity to learn more about what interests and drives today’s north strand area youth.

The coalition first held an event designed to bring law enforcement and the communities they servce closer together with a 2015 dinner at The Pine Lakes Country Club in Myrtle Beach. Although relations are much better between area police departments and residents of all ages than they are in some other parts of the country, the coalition believes that holding these types of events will continue to stress support for law enforcement, and improve accessibility of young people to law enforcement for help and guidance.

As plans develop, more information will be made available to the public.