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.