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.

City of North Myrtle Beach to begin spraying for mosquitoes one month earlier than usual

The City of North Myrtle Beach usually begins spraying for mosquitoes in mid-May but will begin spraying about one month earlier this year due to expectations for a larger than normal mosquito population. Record rainfall and flooding have left the ground saturated, presenting a perfect scenario for breeding mosquitoes. Spraying for mosquitoes normally continues through mid-September but can vary by a few weeks in either direction, depending on the weather.

The City sprays Malathion weekly using ultra-low volume foggers that are professionally calibrated and certified to meet EPA requirements. Please refer to this EPA website for common facts about Malathion: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides
  
The City sprays for one hour (30 minutes before and after sunrise and sunset) on the following fixed schedule:
  •  Tuesday Evening: Windy Hill, Timber Ridge subdivision, Airport Blvd. Area, Pinewood Acres subdivision and Barefoot Resort development
  •  Wednesday Morning: 28th S to 15th S , Barefoot Landing, Commons Blvd., and City ball fields
  •  Wednesday Evening: 15th Ave. South to 18th Ave. North, Vereen's Marina (13th Avenue North), Waterway Mobile Home Park, Belle Park, Robbers Roost and Sea Side Plantation
  •   Thursday Evening: 18th Ave. North to Little River Neck Rd., Creekside, Myrtle Beach RV, Foxfire Village, Tidewater and Charleston Landing.
Take steps to reduce breeding opportunities on your property

Property owners can take steps to eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes:
  • Drain, fill, or eliminate sites that have standing water.
  • Empty or throw away containers that have standing water. Even a small bottle cap filled with water can serve as a breeding ground for hundreds of mosquitoes.
  • Make sure gutters are free of debris
Keep mosquitoes outside:
  • Use air conditioning or make sure that you repair and use window and door screens.
Avoid Mosquitoes:
  •  Most mosquito species bite during dawn, dusk, twilight hours, and night. Some species bite during the day, especially in wooded or other shaded areas. Do what you can to avoid exposure.
  • When weather permits, wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Wear insect repellent:
  • Insect repellant is safe when used as directed. Insect repellent is the best way to protect yourself from mosquito bites.