Frontier Communications Invests $150,000 in North Myrtle Beach Economic Development

On August 16, Frontier Communications presented to the City of North Myrtle Beach a contribution of $150,000 to be used to expand recreational and other quality of life opportunities in the city.

This investment from Frontier Communications will greatly contribute toward helping the city expand and add new quality of life opportunities, primarily at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex, a focal point for residents and visitors. The complex also generates millions additional annual revenue for the North Myrtle Beach business community.

“Frontier Communications believes in supporting the communities where we live and work,” said Marcy Fox, general manager, South Carolina East for Frontier. “As a telecommunications company, we invest regularly in communications infrastructure to better serve our residents and commercial customers. Our employees also serve on boards and volunteer in a wide variety of charitable organizations. We are very active in the community, helping to fund food banks and we believe in hiring and supporting our veterans. Our approach to business and society is a good fit for North Myrtle Beach.”

North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley said that the entire community appreciates Frontier Communications’ continuing investment in the city. She said that Frontier’s investment will help to grow more recreational and other opportunities for residents and visitors, which also aids economic development in the city.

“Frontier Communications is not required to make these sorts of investments,” Mayor Hatley said. “This is the way they do business. They have become part of the community and help us in many positive ways. We greatly appreciate their involvement.”

This is the second commitment since 2014 that Frontier has made to North Myrtle Beach to help improve the quality of city services opportunities. That year a $300,000 commitment was made to the city and was used in part to expand the city’s fiber optic network by another mile to extend connectivity to the lake front area at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. As a result, complementary Wi-Fi access is now provided to the lake front trail area and to the area around the amphitheater located within the park. 

The City also used a portion of the funding to establish live-streaming video and audio from all six baseball and softball fields at the park and sports complex. Additionally, there are three live stream cameras that provide overviews of the soccer and lacrosse complex, the baseball and softball area and the wake board park on the lake.

Mike Flynn, Frontier’s Southeast region president, attended the presentation ceremony.

“We are very pleased to help the city of North Myrtle Beach improve broadband and video communications options for its citizens,” said Flynn. “These are the types of network improvements Frontier routinely makes in all 29 states we serve. It’s great to see the city recognize the value and quality of live broadband networks offer to communities.”

About Frontier Communications Corporation

Frontier Communications Corporation, now a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company, is a leader in providing communications services to urban, suburban and rural communities in 29 states. Frontier offers a variety of services to residential customers over its fiber-optic and copper networks, including video, high-speed internet, advanced voice and Frontier Secure digital protection solutions. Frontier Business Edge offers communications solutions to small, medium and enterprise businesses. Frontier’s approximately 29,000 employees are based entirely in the United States. More information about Frontier is available at www.frontier.com.

For more information on Frontier Communications, contact Marcy Fox, general manager, South Carolina East for Frontier, Office: (843) 444-3230, Email: Marcy.fox@ftr.com.

PHOTO IDENTIFICATION – L-R: Councilman Fred Coyne, Frontier South Carolina East General Manager Marcy Fox, Councilwoman Nicole Fontana, Frontier Southeast Region President Mike Flynn, Mayor Marilyn Hatley, City Manager Mike Mahaney, Councilman Bob Cavanaugh, Frontier Area General Manager Todd Van Epps.

Nine North Myrtle Beach Veterans Presented with Quilts of Valor

On August 15, representatives of the local chapter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation presented nine veterans with Quilts of Valor. All of the recipients are also members of the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department.

Those receiving personal Quilts of Valor were Michael Baldasarre, Bryan Floyd, James Martin, Hannah McLaurin, Stephen Murphy, Robert Speedling, Ian Vaughn, J. Phillip Webster, and Keith Williams.

Quilts of Valor began in 2003. It is then that founder Catherine Roberts, whose son was deployed in Iraq, had a dream. In her dream, she saw a young man sitting on the side of the road in the middle of the night, hunched over. The permeating feeling in her dream was one of utter despair.

“I could see his war demons clustered around him,” she said, “dragging him down into an emotional gutter. Then, as if viewing a movie, I saw him in the next scene wrapped in a quilt. His whole demeanor had changed from one of despair to one of hope and well-being. The quilt had made this dramatic change. The message of my dream was— quilts equal healing.”

According to Joan Wobbleton, head of the local chapter of Quilts of Valor,  volunteer teams donate their time and materials to make a quilt for veterans who have been touched by war. One person pieces the top, and another quilts it. The quilts are not provided to families or others, only to veterans. Each quilt recipient is encouraged to not put their quilt away in a chest or to display it as a museum piece but to use it when they feel the need to warm themselves, to feel better about life or themselves.

North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley was invited to address the recipients. She recalled those times as a child when she was scared or ill, and her mother or grandmother would put a quilt around her. She recalled that with the quilt around her, she would very soon feel safer, better, warmer, more loved and cared for. She encouraged the recipients to make their quilts a part of their lives. Mayor Hatley also thanked them for their service to their Country and their continuing service to North Myrtle Beach residents and visitors as Police Officers and Firefighter/EMTs.

Horry County Solicitor Jimmy Richardson also spoke. He reminded those in the audience that, while not everyone can make a quilt by hand, everyone can say "Thank You" to those who have served their Country, and to those who now serve their communities as Police Officers and Firefighter/EMTs.

PHOTO OF QUILT OF VALOR RECIPIENTS – Left to Right:  Mayor Pro Tem Terry White, City Councilman Bob Cavanaugh, Mayor Marilyn Hatley, Ian Vaughn, Michael Baldasarre, Stephen Murphy, Robert Speedling, Bryan Floyd, James Martin, Hannah McLaurin, Keith Williams, Phillip Webster, Horry County Solicitor Jimmy Richardson.

Representatives from Local Chapter of Quilts of Valor - Joan Wobbleton Fourth from Left

RESULTS: August 15 City Council Meeting

North Myrtle Beach, SC – August 15, 2016 – During the August 15 North Myrtle Beach City Council meeting, Zoning Enforcement Officer Dorian Dixon was named Employee of the Month. Every summer the zoning division must address minor violations of the city’s sign, tent and merchandise regulations, primarily by seasonal businesses. Seasonal businesses that have such violations tend to report violations being committed by their business competitors as competition for customers escalates during the summer months. Instead of having to issue dozens of citations for these violations, Dixon has done an extremely good job of using his diplomatic skills to achieve businesses compliance with city regulations, and he often achieves more peaceful interaction among competing businesses.

Dixon has also been positively singled out by residents for his assistance in helping to effectively address instances of disallowed home occupations in residential neighborhoods.

City Council also provided Employee Longevity Awards to nine employees. Receiving awards were Public Safety Officer Joshua Stevens (five years of service), Public Safety Officer Andrew Franklin (5), Public Safety OfficerAustin Bratton (5), Firefighter/EMT Craig Young (5), Firefighter/EMT James Johnson (5), Motor Equipment Operator James Gore (10), Public Safety Officer/Lifeguard Coordinator Munro Reed (10), Public Safety Officer/Lifeguard Coordinator Donald Constransitch (10), and Pump Mechanic II Christopher Wright (15).

Council passed second (final) reading of an ordinance annexing and zoning as R-1 (Single Family, Low Density Residential) one lot located in the Riverside Campground Subdivision. The property is located on Lot 2 within the Riverside Campground Subdivision off Little River Neck Road and is occupied by an existing detached single-family house. Surrounding land uses are vacant (Esperanza PDD within North Myrtle Beach's jurisdiction), Fire Station #4 (within North Myrtle Beach's jurisdiction) and single-family residential homes (within both jurisdictions).

Council passed second reading of an ordinance approving the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Development Agreement regarding the Robber's Roost PDD. The amendment to the development agreement clarifies the responsibilities of the various parties to the agreement regarding the cost of improvements to 11th Avenue North and Sea Hope Way.

City Council approved a request for a special event permit by the Grand Strand Running Club for the September 17, 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., BFF Pink Ribbon Run 5K/10K at Barefoot Resort. The event is a fundraiser for Susan G. Komen and other charities. The city is a co-sponsor.

City Council approved a request for a special event permit by The Society of Stranders (SOS) for the September 18, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., SOS Fun Sunday. The event will be held on 1^st Avenue South between Ocean Boulevard and Hillside Drive.

City Council approved a request for a special event permit by The Society of Stranders (SOS) for the September 19, 12:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m., SOS Fun Monday. The event will be held on Main Street between Ocean Boulevard and Hillside Drive.

City Council passed a Resolution approving policies and procedures for tax-advantaged debt. City bond counsel Theo Dubose of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. advised that the city adopt the policies and procedures associated with the issuance of tax-advantaged bonds in order to ensure compliance with the various legal requirements associated with this type of debt.

Council tabled until its September 19 meeting second reading of an ordinance to petition rezoning of one lot approximately 6.4 acres in size located on Main Street from HC (Highway Commercial) to PDD (Planned Development District).

City Council passed a Resolution to authorize the Main Street Parking District Facility Plan, establishing an optional "fee in lieu" of parking.

During an August 1 meeting, City Council approved a “fee in lieu” ordinance, which allows a property owner to pay into a public parking development fund in lieu of providing their own required parking. The monies in the fund will be used to establish additional public parking in the Main Street area.

The Resolution passed at the August 15 meeting establishes the Main Street Parking District Facility Plan, which encompasses an area within the Main Street Priority Investment Activity Center Overlay. Within this area, property owners now have the option of establishing their own required parking or paying a fee in lieu to the city set at $25,000 per parking space. The monies collected will be used to establish public parking within the investment area bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, 2^nd Avenue North on the north, 2^nd Avenue South on the south, and Oak Drive on the west.

EMPLOYEE LONGEVITY AWARDS: L-R: James Johnson, City Manager Mike Mahaney, Christopher Wright, James Gore, Craig Young, Andrew Franklin, Austin Bratton, Joshua Stevens, Monty Reed, Donald Constransitch.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH: L-R: City Manager Mike Mahaney, Dorian Dixon.

Free August 12 Showing of The Good Dinosaur (PG) at McLean Park in North Myrtle Beach

The public is invited to enjoy a free August 11 showing of The Good Dinosaur (PG) at McLean Park in North Myrtle Beach. Movie starts 15 minutes after sunset (approximately 8:25 pm).

There will be a free fossil mining activity from 7– 8:15 pm for kids before the movie.

The free movie is part of the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department’s Movies @ McLean series sponsored by McLeod Seacoast (www.mcleodhealth.org).   

Patrons and movie-goers are encouraged to bring their beach chair or a blanket to sit on. Concessions will be available from the North Myrtle Beach Lions Club.

About The Good Dinosaur: Luckily for young Arlo, his parents and two siblings, the mighty dinosaurs were not wiped out 65 million years ago. When a rainstorm washes poor Arlo downriver, he ends up bruised, battered and miles away from home. Good fortune shines on the frightened dino when he meets Spot, a Neanderthal boy who offers his help and friendship. Together, the unlikely duo embark on an epic adventure to reunite Arlo with his beloved family.

Chocolate Chip & Co. Perform in a FREE August 11 Concert on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach

The public is invited to enjoy a free August 11, 7-9pm concert featuring Chocolate Chip & Co. on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Chocolate Chip & Co. is a high-energy group playing 70s, 80s, 90s dance tunes, disco, funk and soul.

The free concert is part of the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department’s Music on Main summer concert series sponsored by Anderson Brothers Bank (www.abbank.com).

Patrons and concert-goers are encouraged to bring their beach chairs.

For day of event weather information call the “Rec Check” hotline at (843) 280-5594 ext. 3, follow on facebook, or visit their website http://parks.nmb.us.

North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department Holds Record-Setting Fundraiser for the Special Olympics

During its August 3-5 "Cops on Doughnut Shops" fundraising effort at Krispy Kreme, 1300 Highway 17 South, the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department raised $38,047.50 for the Special Olympics.

The Cops on Doughnut Shops fundraiser is familiar to many communities across South Carolina and the nation. However, the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department effort stands as the most successful Cops on Doughnut Shops fundraiser anywhere to date.

It is also interesting to note that the North Myrtle Beach Krispy Kreme is the most profitable Krispy Kreme location in the United States.

At the start of the August 3-5 fundraising effort, North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Director Jay Fernandez, who has always supported the Special Olympics, promised his personnel that, if they raised $10,000 he would have his hair dyed Garnett red in a tip of the hat to the University of South Carolina. City Manager Mike Mahaney pledged that, if Public Safety personnel raised $25,000 he would have his hair dyed part Clemson University orange and part Coastal Carolina University teal.

Today (August 8), the two lived up to their promises and received their dye jobs at the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety building. Many hands were invited to apply parts of the total dye jobs, and all participated with great zest!

Congratulations to North Myrtle Beach Public Safety personnel for their record-setting fundraising effort!

A tube of red on the left for Jay Fernandez and, tubes of teal and orange on the right for Mike Mahaney…

The realization sinks in… This is actually going to happen!

Dana Griffin, Public Safety coordinator for the record-setting fundraiser, applies the first dab of dye to Jay’s Hair

Mayor Marilyn Hatley and Councilwoman Nicole Fontana were among those who contributed to Mike’ coloring.

Jay Fernandez decides that a little stress eating is in order…

All dolled up, Jay Fernandez and Mike Mahaney are proud of their new hairdos…

People express relief in different ways….

This appears to be THE MOMENT that Jay Fernandez saw his dye job for the very first time…

And then, it’s back to business…

Congratulations to our Public Safety Department for a Great Job! And many thanks to Mike Mahaney and Jay Fernandez for being such good sports and great leaders!

North Myrtle Beach Tree City Committee August Tree of the Month Award

The North Myrtle Beach Tree City Committee’s August Tree of the Month Award recognizes a group of Longleaf pines located on several different parcels of land along Madison Drive near 20th Avenue south. The trees bear scars of wounds from sap harvesting many years ago.

The Long Leaf pine is native to coastal South Carolina and it grows well in the sandy local soil. The trees were the source of naval stores (resin, turpentine, and timber) for the shipbuilding industry around which so much of the original economy and development of Horry County was founded. 

Those wishing to learn more about this tree and its contribution to local history are invited to a free August 18, 11:00 a.m., seminar at the North Myrtle Beach Library, 910 1^st Avenue South. The seminar is free but attendance is limited to 40 people. John Ford, a local resident and self-taught tree historian, will present more in-depth information on the Longleaf Pine, its historical and economic significance to our area, and the importance of preservation. Ford lived in North Myrtle Beach for 40 years. His parents and grandparents created in him an interest in  the ocean, rivers, the forest, and nature in general. Ford also studied archaeology on his own. 

RESULTS: August 3 Public Hearing & Special Called City Council Meeting

North Myrtle Beach, SC – August 3, 2016 – During a special called August 3 meeting, the North Myrtle Beach City Council passed first reading of an ordinance to approve “the first amendment to the amended and restated development agreement regarding the Robber’s Roost Planned Development District (PDD).” The meeting was preceded by the second Public Hearing on the same ordinance.

The primary purpose of the proposed amendment to the development agreement is to clarify the responsibilities of the various parties to the agreement regarding the cost of improvements to 11th Avenue North and Sea Hope Way.

Per the development agreement, the commercial developer for phase 3A of the PDD, which is the undeveloped section parallel to Highway 17 and located between the bank and the area where Sea Hope Way currently extends from the Coastal North Shopping Center, will be responsible for the construction of this section of Sea Hope Way.

The development agreement also states that, if the commercial developer has not completed the construction of Sea Hope Way from 11th Avenue North to the area off of Sea Hope Way where the residential section of the PDD will be constructed (Phase 4C), then the residential developer will be responsible for completing this section of Sea Hope Way.

When it comes to the cost of roadway improvements to 11^th Avenue North, the residential developer will contribute $350,000. The bank located at the corner of 11th Avenue North and Highway 17 was originally to have contributed $40,000 but previously installed roadway improvements in excess of $40,000, and will not be required to make any additional contributions to the cost of the improvements to 11th Avenue North. The city will be responsible for the cost of the roadway improvements in excess of the mentioned contributions.

The development agreement also provides for the schedule of when the remaining balance of $201,666.66 of the $500,000 for the utilities relocation fund will be due. The commercial developer will pay the city $100,833.33 prior to the issuance of a building permit for phase 3A of the development and the residential developer shall pay a total of $100,833.33 as follows:

$33,611.11 shall be paid prior to the issuance of a building permit for phase 4A;

$33,611.11 shall be paid prior to the issuance of a building permit for phase 4C; and

$33,611.11 shall be paid prior to the issuance of a building permit for phase 4E.

The development agreement also contains a formula to apportion the cost of an upgrade to the existing pump station based on Equivalent Residential Units (ERU), which will be shared on a percentage basis between the city, the residential developer and the commercial developer. The pump station upgrade will occur in the facility’s current location on city-owned property.

RESULTS: August 1 North Myrtle Beach City Council Meeting

North Myrtle Beach, SC – August 2, 2016 – During the August 1 North Myrtle Beach City Council meeting, Council passed second (final) reading of an ordinance to adopt the International Building Code. Standard codes relating to the regulation of construction activities are typically revised every three years.

City Council passed second reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 20, Land Development Regulations, of the City’s Code of Ordinances. The text amendment to the Land Development Regulations clarifies the process by which private streets may be converted to public streets. Prior to the amendment, the Land Development Regulations addressed construction and acceptance of new public streets, but were silent with respect to the conversion of existing private streets.

To protect the City's financial posture, a procedure for evaluation of these streets is now in effect, requiring maintenance bonds or other measures to bring the streets into an acceptable condition. The condition of such streets will be evaluated by the public works department and, if immediate maintenance or retrofitting of the streets or drainage systems is required, the department will come up with a cost estimate for that work. Then a resolution to convert the private streets to public streets will be considered by City Council, with a recommendation by public works that a maintenance fee be paid in advance. Council will decide whether to assess the fee and/or accept the streets.

City Council passed second reading of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Text Amendment as it pertains to the Main Street Priority Investment Activity Center overlay concerning required parking.

Council tabled until its August 15 meeting second reading of an ordinance to petition rezoning of one lot approximately 6.4 acres in size located on Main Street from HC (Highway Commercial) to PDD (Planned Development District).

Council denied first reading of an ordinance to amend the zoning maps to apply the R-1H (Historic Low Density) overlay zone to three lots located at 519 and 521 21st Avenue North.

Council denied first reading of an ordinance to rezone one lot located at the corner of 33rd Avenue South and Wiley Drive from R-1 (Single FamilyResidential Low-Density) to NC (Neighborhood Commercial).

Council passed first reading of an ordinance to annex and zone one lot located in the Riverside Campground Subdivision. The subject area is identified as Low Density Residential on the Future Land Use Map, which recommends zoning designations of R-1, R-1A and R-18. The proposed zoning designation, R-1, is a recommended zoning district for the subject area.

The property is contiguous to the City limits and is zoned MSF 10 (Single-Family Residential) under Horry County’s jurisdiction. The property is located on Lot 2 within the Riverside Campground Subdivision off Little River Neck Road and occupied by an existing detached single-family house. Surrounding land uses are vacant (Esperanza PDD within North Myrtle Beach's jurisdiction), Fire Station #4 (within North Myrtle Beach's jurisdiction) and single-family residential homes (within both jurisdictions). If annexed, the subject area would be designated as R-1 (Single Family, Low-Density Residential).

Council passed a resolution in support of the completion of the I-73 Corridor in South Carolina. The resolution includes the statement that the North Myrtle Beach City Council “does hereby resolve and reaffirm its unwavering support for I-73 and desire for the U S. Army Corps of Engineers to promptly issue a construction permit enabling I-73, a Pathway of Progress for South Carolina, to finally become a reality.”

A study performed by Coastal Carolina University projects that during the construction of I-73 7,700 new jobs would be created; and a study performed by Chmura Economics & Analytics estimates that the completed roadway would result in the creation of 22,300 new jobs.

Council passed a resolution approving a $1.8 million Letter of Credit for Spoils Basin # 320. On May 16, 2016 the City entered into an agreement with Horry County in order to use its Spoils Basin #320 for temporary storage of material dredged during the Cherry Grove dredging project. The agreement requires the City to provide a letter of credit to the County in the amount of $1.8 million 30 days prior to the initial disposal of material into the basin.

Since the project has moved forward and the assessment district has been established, dredging bids have been received, and financing has been obtained, it is time to acquire the letter of credit. NBSC has agreed to provide the City with the letter of credit for one-quarter percent. The Council resolution was required for the bank to issue the letter of credit.

Council passed a resolution approving an agreement to provide law enforcement assistance to the l5th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit. The City has been providing police officers to the l5th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit for several years for the purpose of enforcing laws throughout the County which prohibit criminal activity related to unlawful drugs and controlled substances. The resolution authorizes the City Manager to sign the agreement.

City Council members informally discussed the potential for holding a referendum on a one percent sales tax for out of area tourism marketing. A referendum would give North Myrtle Beach voters the opportunity to decide whether or not they want such a tax. Council members decided that it would be appropriate for the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce to request a referendum in a letter to City Council, if that is an objective the organization wants to pursue. In May, the Chamber had requested by letter that City Council vote by supermajority to enact the one cent sales tax immediately, but Council elected not to do so.

North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce President Marc Jordan was in attendance at the meeting and told Council that he would bring the idea of a referendum back to his board of directors for discussion.

City Council members also informally discussed the potential for adding protections for heritage trees to the City’s tree ordinance. Council asked staff to compare North Myrtle Beach’s heritage tree requirements with those of other cities, and to return to Council with that information.

The Catalinas Perform in a FREE August 4 Concert in the Horseshoe on Main Street, North Myrtle Beach

Enjoy a free August 4, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. concert featuring The Catalinas in the Horseshoe on Main Street, North Myrtle Beach. Founded in 1957, The Catalinas remain one of the most popular bands in the southeast. Although known for their beach music hits, such as, “Summertime’s Callin’ Me”, the band plays all styles of music.

The free concert is part of the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department’s Music on Main summer concert series sponsored by Anderson Brothers Bank (www.abbank.com).

Patrons and concert-goers are encouraged to bring their beach chairs.

Golf carts prohibited in the Horseshoe for this concert.

For day of event weather information call the “Rec Check” hotline at (843) 280-5594 ext. 3, follow us on facebook, or visit their website http://parks.nmb.us.

I-73 Update 30-Day Public Comment Period

Charleston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers has placed the permit for I-73 on public notice. This is one of the last steps in the process to getting the construction permit for I-73. While the 30-day comment period is perceived by some as a formality, it is an important and necessary step and signals what Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce hopes is the end of a very complicated process.

With this in mind, we need to actively comment on the construction of I-73. To help you write a letter, MBACC is providing you with key facts supporting I-73 or you can download one of the letters below, sign, mail or return to MBACC to deliver for you. You can email your letter to Kathy.Richardson@VisitMyrtleBeach.com or drop it off at MBACC, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach. Each letter below highlights a key reason to build I-73. Please only submit one letter.

• I-73 Jobs Letter
• I-73 Safety Letter
• I-73 Tourism Letter
• I-73 General Letter

• Click here to view SCDOT I-73 Public Notice
• Mail letters to:
  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  Charleston District, Columbia Field Office
  1835 Assembly St., Ste. 865 B-1
  Columbia, SC 29201
  Attn: Stephen A. Brumagin, Project Manager 

RESULTS: July 18 City Council Meeting

During the July 18 North Myrtle Beach City Council meeting, Employee Longevity Awards were presented to Heavy Equipment Operator/Welder Jimmy Wilson (20 years of service), Crew Leader I Isaiah Livingston (20), Fire Battalion Chief Mike Davis (20), Custodian Jackie McCullough (15), Motor Equipment Operator Lamorris Gore (10), Permit Clerk Betty Viles (10), Maintenance Worker Robert Jackson (10), Motor Equipment Operator Danny Vereen (5), Firefighter/EMT Joshua Beck (5). The City presents Longevity Awards in five year increments to employees who provide consistently excellent customer service.

Police Sergeant Raymond Pollack was named Supervisor of the Quarter for his successful role in coordinating the 11^th Annual Palmetto Police Motorcycle Skills Competition held April 5-9 in North Myrtle Beach. The North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety was the host agency and the event brought together 51 motorcycle officers and their families from towns and cities in the United States and Canada. The annual competition helps to enhance motorcycle skills and at the same time enhances safety.

The event also raised about $10,000 for Camp Happy Days. Since 1982, over 1,500 children with cancer and their families have benefitted from Camp Happy Days’ cost-free, year-round programs. Camp Happy Days welcomes all children with cancer across South Carolina without charge. For more information, visit www.camphappydays.org.

The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach offered City Council a presentation on its accomplishments in 2015 and reviewed some of its future goals. According to the Humane Society Executive Director Sandi Kendrick, in 2015  762 animals were adopted, 115 were reunited with their owners, 122 were fixed through S.N.A.P., and 699 were micro-chipped. 122 animals were fostered and 1,061 homeless animals were provided shelter. 310 volunteers donated 10,155 hours of their time. 49,000 pounds of pet food were donated.

In 2015, the Humane Society incurred $387,557 in total expenses for animal care, employee payroll, insurance, supplies and other expenses. Total income received during that year was $383,243 largely from adoption fees, micro-chipping, donations, the City of North Myrtle Beach, events, fundraisers and other sources.

The Humane Society is also focused on achieving a larger, more modern building in which to house pets and do its work.

Current shelter conditions include kennels that have concrete floors that are not sealed properly or at all, which can contribute to the spread of disease. Chain link fencing exists between kennels, which allows nose to nose contact and creates opportunity for the transmission of disease. The kennels generally are in poor condition and require replacement. The shelter is inadequate for current programs and not viable for new programs. As the city has grown over the years, so has the need for more shelter space.

The Humane Society has begun the process of moving forward to build a new facility, which will take the help of the entire community. Requests for Information with conceptual building designs have been completed and reviewed. Preliminary schematics and pricing have been received. Preliminary materials and strategies for a capital marketing campaign have been received.

A new facility would provide a safe, efficient and sanitary environment for animals and staff; an appealing place for residents to adopt pets and volunteer; space in which to hold events and fundraisers; and space to provide pet education programs.

Following Kendrick’s presentation, Mayor Marilyn Hatley thanked the Humane Society for its work, and assured Kendrick that the City and the community would be involved in helping to shape a positive future for the Society’s important work in North Myrtle Beach.

Council passed motions to approve special events permits for the 13^th Annual Irish Italian International Festival to be held 10am-4pm September 24 on Main Street, the 911 Candlelight Memorial Vigil to be held 7pm-8pm September 11 on Main Street, and the Trifecta Triathlon to be held 7:30am-10am September 11 on Main Street.

Council passed first reading of an ordinance to adopt the International Building Code. Standard codes relating to the regulation of construction activities are typically revised every three years. On July 1, 2016, in compliance with Section 6-9-50(A) of the South Carolina Code of Laws, 1976 as amended, the South Carolina Building Codes Council (BCC) formally adopted the following construction related codes for mandatory enforcement by all jurisdictions within the state. The mandatory codes that must be adopted include:

(1) International Building Code, 2015 Edition, with the S.C. Modifications.

(2) International Residential Code, 2015 Edition, with the S.C. Modifications

(3) International Fire Code, 2015 Edition, with the S.C. Modifications.

(4) International Mechanical Code, 2015 Edition.

(5) International Plumbing Code, 2015 Edition.

(6) International Fuel Gas Code, 2015 Edition.

(7) International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2015 Edition.

(8) International Energy Conservation Code, 2009 Edition.

(9) National Electrical Code, 2014 Edition.

City Council tabled until its August 15 meeting a petition to rezone one lot approximately 6.4 acres in size located on Main Street from HC (Highway Commercial) to PDD (Planned Development District).

City Council passed first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 20, Land Development Regulations, of the City’s Code of Ordinances. City staff is proposing a text amendment to the Land Development Regulations to clarify the process by which private streets may be converted to public streets. The Land Development Regulations address construction and acceptance of new public streets, but are silent with respect to the conversion of existing private streets.

To protect the City's financial posture, a procedure for evaluation of these streets should be established, with the possible requirement of maintenance bonds or other measures to bring the streets into an acceptable condition. The condition of such streets would be evaluated by the public works department, and if immediate maintenance or retrofitting of the streets or drainage systems is required, the department would come up with a cost estimate for that work. Then a resolution to convert them to public streets could be considered by City Council, with a recommendation by public works that a maintenance fee be paid in advance. Council would decide whether to assess the fee and/or accept the streets.

City Council passed first reading of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Text Amendment as it pertains to the Main Street Priority Investment Activity Center overlay concerning required parking.

Following Council's direction, staff referred back to the Planning Commission for its further consideration the original text amendment considered by Council in May. The revised amendment included a "fee-in-lieu" alternative, wherein a property owner could pay into a public parking development fund in lieu of providing their own required parking. The fee-in-lieu money would be used by the City to create additional parking in the Main Street area. The fee schedule has not been determined and would need to be established by Council at a future date.

L-R City Mgr. Mike Mahaney, Mike Davis, Jackie McCullough, Isaiah Livingston, Betty Viles, Robert Jackson, Danny Vereen, Joshua Beck, Lamorris Gore, Jimmy Wilson

L-R City Manager Mike Mahaney and Sergeant Raymond Pollack

North Myrtle Beach Fire/Rescue Takes Delivery of New Pierce 95-foot Mid-Mount Fire Truck

On July 15, North Myrtle Beach Fire/Rescue took delivery of a 2016 Pierce 95-foot Mid-Mount fire truck on an Arrow XT chassis. The new truck, which is now the city’s primary tower ladder, has been designated Truck 714 and is located at Fire Station #1, Second Avenue South.

The fire truck cost $1.2 million and was paid for out of the City’s capital improvements fund over two fiscal years. A fire truck of this type has an effective lifespan of about 20 years.

The new truck replaces a 1996 KME Aerial Cat 102 foot Rear-Mounted Aerial, which has been moved to another city fire station as a reserve apparatus. The KME served the City well as its primary tower ladder for 20 years. It was replaced due to its age and condition.

With the purchase of the new Pierce, the department has its third operational aerial device within the city limits.

The new fire truck features a 2000 gallons per minute Hale pump; 300 gallon poly tank; TAC-4 independent suspension; a 500 horse power Detroit (DD13) with an Allison Transmission; LED Headlights; an Onan 10Kw generator with two 150 foot cord reels; David Clarke Headsets for clear in-truck communication; seating for six fire/rescue personnel; and the Pierce Command Zone Multiplex System with monitors inside the cab, at the ladder turntable, and in the basket of the 95 foot aerial ladder. The truck also features a four-camera DVR system that allows for video recording of fire scenes for training purposes. The ladder compliment on the truck comes to 206 feet of ground ladders, including two 35 foot, two 28 foot, two 16 foot, an 18 foot, and a 10 foot attic ladders. A Little Giant Ladder also has a custom made storage box above the pump panel to save on compartment space.  

In North Myrtle Beach, police and fire personnel are cross-trained, and this influenced the new truck’s paint scheme and some of its features. The latest trend in fire truck colors has been a black over red paint scheme, but with neighboring fire departments already sporting that or a similar design, North Myrtle Beach Fire/Rescue decided to go with dark metallic blue over red, a reflection of the department’s cross-trained personnel—blue for police and red for fire/rescue. The colors can be seen well at night and in daylight. 

The truck also features several blue emergency lights, which may be a first for this region and possibly the state. Compared to other colors, blue is a very effective emergency light color and can been seen from farther away. The primary emergency lights are red.

The truck uses three Whelen Freedom Mini Light Bars as the primary light bar configuration. North Myrtle Beach’s street system is built on a grid, which means fire trucks need a lot of side angle lighting for visibility.