Sunset Beach releases State of the Town

SUNSET BEACH, NC (WWAY) —  The Town of Sunset Beach takes a look back at all of their accomplishments from last year. From partnering with the NCDOT for construction of bike paths to hiring a new Chief of Police. The town said in the release that they have addressed and accomplished a substantial number of things.

Sidewalks for main street were approved, a new fire truck was purchased and multiple grants were received for other projects.

The Town released the following: “During the calendar year 2017, the Town Staff and Town Council has addressed and accomplished a substantial number of matters. A brief synopsis is as follows:

LITIGATION

• In August, the litigation between the Town of Sunset Beach, Coastal Communities at Ocean Ridge Plantation, LLC and its Surety on the Performance Bond for the enforcement of the Subdivision Improvements Agreement for Jaguar’s Lair was resolved by entry of a Settlement Agreement in the litigation and an Amended Subdivision Improvements Agreement providing for specific completion dates for various requirements of the development; To date, the requirements of the agreement are being met;

• In November, a Memorandum of Agreement in the litigation regarding the development known as Sunset Beach West was entered which provided that the property would remain in an undeveloped state, similar to Bird Island, which it adjoins, with resolution of commitments required by the State pending and expected to be finalized by the end of May of this year;

• Threatened litigation regarding zoning of Riverside Drive and other undeveloped parcels was avoided by rezoning;

PROJECTS

• The Shoreline Management and Pre-Dredging Analysis proceeded with an additional Shellfish Study, Historical Study, and scoping meetings held with various permitting agencies and decision was made to proceed with a three part dredging application; A project up-date from our consultant is on the agenda for February 20;

• A Stormwater Infrastructure Study, Management Plan and Capital Improvements Plan was adopted to address stormwater issues;

• Satisfaction of the grant requirements for the Town Park was completed;

• Resident requested paving of Cobia and North Shore Dr. East was approved with paving to be completed this Spring;

• Sidewalks for Main Street were approved, designed proceeded with completion of construction anticipated this year;

• In cooperation with NCDOT, bike lanes were approved along Sunset Boulevard to be constructed before this Memorial Day;

• Town Hall Parking Lot was repaved;

• Improvements were made to the interior of Town Hall to include, painting, and re-configuration of offices for the Inspection Department;

• Design of a Living Shoreline to protect erosion along the Town Park shoreline of the Intracoastal was approved;

• Beach Access walkways were re-constructed;

• An up-dated CAMA Land Use Plan was adopted;

• Repair of the roof of Fire Station #1 was contracted and funded;

• The Beach Rules for the use of tents and cabanas were revised;

• The Rules for use of the Town Park were revised;

PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT

• Ken Klamar was hired as the new Chief of Police;

• The position of Stormwater Manager was created and that position was filled by a new hire;

• Vacant firefighter positions were filled and three additional firefighters were hired;

• A new fire truck was purchased;

• GIS software was purchased;

• Financial Software was up-dated;

• A new Records Management system was purchased;

• Acceptance of procedure for the use of Credit Card payments was received;

• A new Dump Truck for DPW was purchased;

• 2 new police vehicles were purchased;

• A new pick-up truck for the fire department beach patrol was purchased;

• A vehicle for the Inspections Department was purchased;

PROJECTS FUNDED

• Construction of Bike Paths from Fibbers to the round-a-bout was partnered with NCDOT in connection with the repaving of Sunset Boulevard to be completed this Spring;

• A $100,000 grant was received for construction of the sidewalks Main Street;

• A grant of $34,450 was received for the design and construction of Living Shoreline.

All of the foregoing was accomplished within the FY 2018 budget with no municipal tax rate increase.

2018 “