April 2021
IN THIS ISSUE: Welcome / Monthly Review (March, 2021) / News & Notices / Coming Events / Department Feature / Photo Review
Welcome to April
WELCOME to the APRIL edition of THE CURRENT. Many, many years ago, whomever coined the phrase "April showers bring May flowers" obviously had never taken a late winter's stroll through Smithville Township in North Carolina. Between the cold, drenching rains of February, and the sporadically inconsistent temperatures of March, it's a common hope that by the time April arrives, the flowers are already here to stay. Even if our native "flowers" are mostly just the Cordgrass and Needlerush found in the marsh, the seasonal turn from brown to green is still a welcome sight for sure. As more residents and visitors feel Spring's call to "get out and about," Oak Island has been keeping up the pace, in a race against nature to make ready the Town's facilities, infrastructure, and programs. With so much happening in the last few weeks, and yet still more to come, there's a lot to cover in this edition. So grab a comfy deck chair, set it in the shade beside your favorite Yaupon Holly bush, and get ready for a dive into the April 2021 edition of THE CURRENT.
MONTHLY REVIEW: MARCH
REMINDER: Information on all news items can be found on the Town Website at: www.OakIslandNC.com/NEWS.
Speaking of Sand ...
It is by far one of the most heavily discussed topics of interest among both residents and visitors alike. In development for years, the Beach Nourishment Master Plan, has more recently become an item of awareness, due to the nearing deadline to establish its source of funding. In short, the overall goal of the Master Plan is to achieve a "long-term" approach to beach preservation and nourishment. The idea being that by doing so, the Town could achieve recognition by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an Engineered Beach. This designation would potentially provide ongoing funding for storm recovery, other than emergency repairs. Building the beach areas of Oak Island to this standard now, not only provides resilience for future storms, but also protection for the Town’s utilities infrastructure; as well helping to ensure more consistent recovery funding from the federal government (FEMA).
As with any program of public benefit however, the key to its implementation (and success) lies in how it will be funded. For any beach town, nourishment projects can represent some of the largest financial planning commitments undertaken. Several funding options have been explored by the Town Council and financial consultants, and Council decided to pursue an "Assessment Option" in four (4) Service Districts throughout Town. Final decisions have not been made on setting the boundaries for each of the districts, or on the percentage of the total cost of the project each district should cover. Setting the map and district boundaries will be on the April 13 Town Council regular meeting agenda, and setting the percentages/amount to be paid in each district will be on the May 4 special meeting (1 pm in Council Chambers).
As with any local government action, especially those that directly affect the community served, public input is vital. The Town Council has scheduled a special "Town Hall" style meeting, on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, located on the second floor of the Town Hall, at 4601 E Oak Island Drive. This meeting will be your opportunity to share comments, and have questions answered regarding the proposed Beach Nourishment Master Plan. Engineering and financial consultants will be present, and no votes or actions by the Council are planned. The meeting is open to attend in person, and will also be broadcast live on OKI-TV (Spectrum Cable Channel 8), as well as livestreamed on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.com/MEETINGS. Please remember that seating in the Chambers is still limited due to COVID protocol; there will be sign-up sheets for comments (inside and outside he meeting room if necessary).
Full details on the Master Plan, including an interactive map of proposed service districts, Assessment Percentage Calculator, FAQ's, and a Plan Development History, can be found on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.com/BeachPlan, or by clicking the link below.
COVID-19 Response Updates
Although usually sent on Fridays, Brunswick County Health Services (BCHS) published their most recent COVID-19 Snapshot on Wednesday, March 31. In a marked shift from previous snapshots, Wednesday's release focused less on new case numbers and death rates, and almost exclusively on Brunswick County Health Services' (BCHS) ongoing public vaccination efforts.
BCHS is now scheduling vaccination appointments for all adults aged 16 or older, in Groups 1-5. As of the time of this publication, additional first-dose vaccination appointments were still available.
Although closed April 2 for Good Friday, the Brunswick County Public Health Call Line is still available for scheduling information at 910-253-2339.
As a reminder, the Town of Oak Island announced reinstated walk-in access for the Town Hall, Public Services Building, Police Station, and all Fire Stations on March 1. This reopening followed several weeks of restricted access in February, due to increased COVID-positive case numbers among staff. As part of the reopening, and to adhere to State and Federal regulations, properly worn face coverings remain mandated while inside all facilities. Those who are unable or choosing not to wear a mask, may still conduct business with the Town of Oak Island via phone, online, or through use of the Town Dropbox, located on SE 47th Street (in the gravel parking lot by the basketball court). Contact with any department or staff member can be made online through the contact forms on the CONTACT US page of the Town website at www.OakIslandNC.com/CONTACT.
All information related to Town, County, and State response to COVID-19 can be accessed from the Coronavirus Response Information page of the Town Website. To view this page, visit www.OakIslandNC.com/COVID or click the link below.
Parking? Where's 'The Point'?
Because it was used for so long as a staging area following Hurricane Isaias, it's hard to remember “The Point” parking lot at the end of West Beach Drive as anything other than a giant sand debris pile. However, with the sand gone and summer on the way, questions are starting to arise on when will it be ready to use? Or rather, when will it officially be ready? While a ride by on a good weather day will show there are residents and visitors using the lot already (despite the numerous “No Parking” signs), this is strongly NOT recommended. The lot still contains nails, screws, and other small, sharp pieces of storm debris which would cause a bad day for tires or feet!
Prior to reopening, a healthy application of packed, ABC rock and gravel is planed for the lot, along with parking bumpers, signage, and even portable restrooms (if COVID protocols allow). As of April 1, the Public Works Department has a standing order for the gravel, with expected delivery in the next 1-2 weeks. An official lot opening is anticipated by mid-month.
This project has been added to the PROJECTS page of the Town Website, where users can keep track of the progress made. To view this page, visit www.OakIslandNC.com/PROJECTS or click the link below.
Berms, Dunes, & Direct Access
EDITOR'S NOTE: This information was updated on April 7, 2021, due to revised information provided to the Town.
Following the impacts of Hurricane Isaias in August 2020, the Town immediately began an emergency sand push, to construct non-vegetative "berms" to provide needed protection for development, people, and wildlife. Regulation of these berms, and more specifically, what can be constructed on and around them, are heavily influenced by the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), and the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management. To accommodate the directives from State and Federal regulating authorities, guidelines for direct beach access in the Town of Oak Island are divided into two (2) areas: EAST and WEST, separated by Middleton Avenue.
Stairs & Walkways may be added to new or damaged structures that have been broken off above ground level; however, stairs must now be oriented parallel to the berm, cannot extend toward the water, and must not be built into, on, or over the berms.
Direct Access for all beachfront properties WEST of Middleton Ave will be permitted through a single or shared pathway per residence / property, with a maximum width of six feet (6') across; as permitted by CAMA regulations. Pathways must be identified by individual property owners through installation of either markers, flags, guide rope, OR the optional use of non-permanent, slatted wooden or composite roll-out matting.
If used, matting must not be fastened or attached to any existing structures, cannot use subsurface anchors (pilings, posts, etc.), must cross directly over the top of berm, and cannot extend beyond the toe (base) of the berm, or the normal high tide line (whichever is more restrictive).
(NOTE: Walking in undesignated areas, playing, digging, cutting, or other disruptive modifications to the berm are not allowed. Access for properties not on the beachfront will be through designated Beach Access Locations.)
Direct Access over the berms, is currently not available for individual beachfront properties EAST of Middleton Ave. This is largely due to their location within the Sea Turtle Protection Program area.
Access in these areas are provided either through shared pathways the Town will install (at intervals of approximately 180 feet), or one of the many public Beach Access Locations the Town provides at most street ends. Sand fencing, along with post and rope will be installed to deter walking over the berms.
Full details (along with helpful graphics and visualizations) for these new regulations have been provided on the Direct Beach Access Information page of the Town Website. To access this page, visit www.OakIslandNC.com/DirectAccess or click the link below.
Progress at a Walking Pace
Despite delays early on in the project due to February's wet weather, March has been a good month for progress on repairs to the The Davis Canal Pedestrian Walkovers.
New pilings have been driven, and work is now proceeding on foot boards and handrails. At the current rate of progress, the walkover connecting SE 9th Street to 9th Place E, is expected to be completed by the end of April.
Once completed, contractors will immediately move to work on the walkover connecting SE 20th Street to 19th Place E. Due to its overall shorter length and needed repair area, the second walkover of the project is expected to be completed by the end of May
Full details on these projects, and updates on their progress, can be found on the PROJECTS page of the Town Website. To view this page, simply visit www.OakIslandNC.com/PROJECTS or click the link below.
NEWS & NOTICES: MARCH
Council & Board Meetings
REMINDER: Information on all Council and Board meetings can be found on the Town Website at: www.OakIslandNC.com/CALENDAR.
TOWN COUNCILwill hold a Special Called Meeting, on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, located on the second floor of the Town Hall, at 4601 E Oak Island Drive. This "Town Hall" style meeting will be for the purpose of receiving comments and questions regarding the proposed Beach Nourishment Master Plan. Engineering and financial consultants will be present. No votes or actions by the Council are planned. The meeting is open to attend in person, and will also be broadcast live on OKI-TV (Spectrum Cable Channel 8), as well as livestreamed on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.com/MEETINGS.
TOWN COUNCIL will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 beginning at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, located on the second floor of the Town Hall, at 4601 E Oak Island Drive. The meeting is open to attend in person, and will also be broadcast live on OKI-TV (Spectrum Cable Channel 8), as well as livestreamed on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.com/MEETINGS.
TOWN COUNCIL will host a series of Special Budget Workshops on: Tuesday, April 20 / Thursday, April 22 / Tuesday, April 27 / Thursday, April 29. All workshops will begin at 10:00 AM each day, and be held in the in the Council Chambers, located on the second floor of Town Hall, at 4601 E Oak Island Drive. NOTE: All of these meetings will be broadcast live on OKI-TV (Spectrum Cable channel 8), as well as livestreamed on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.com/MEETINGS.
PLANNING BOARD will hold its regular meeting on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 10:30 AM in the Council Chambers, located on the second floor of Town Hall, at 4601 E Oak Island Drive. NOTE: This meeting will be broadcast live on OKI-TV (Spectrum Cable channel 8), as well as livestreamed on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.com/MEETINGS.
Closures & Holidays
Administrative Offices for the Town of Oak Island will be CLOSED on Friday, April 2, 2021 in observance of Good Friday. Please note the additional availability information for the following services: Police, Fire, and other emergency services will be available, as always by calling 911 / The Garbage & Recycling Convenience Site, located at 4110 Airport Road will be CLOSED on both Friday and Saturday, April 3 / The Recreation Center will be CLOSED, and will reopen on on Saturday, April 3, 2021 / The Oak Island Par 3 Golf Course will be OPEN normal hours / The Oak Island Pier will be OPEN normal hours / All currently available parks and public access facilities will be OPEN.
REMINDER: the full Holiday Closure Calendar can be found on the Town Website at: www.OakIslandNC.com/HOLIDAY.
Springtime Sounding Sirens
Duke Energy and county officials will conduct a siren test around the Brunswick Nuclear Plant for 5 - 30 seconds, between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.
The 38 sirens within 10 miles of the Brunswick Nuclear Plant will sound for 5 - 30 seconds. To ensure they are functioning properly, it may be necessary to test some sirens more than once. Testing is performed in cooperation with emergency officials in Brunswick and New Hanover counties, who are responsible for sounding the sirens. This information is reflected in the 2021 Brunswick Nuclear Emergency Preparedness booklets sent to residents living within the 10-mile Brunswick Nuclear Plant Emergency Planning Zone.
Because this is a test, local broadcasting stations will not interrupt regular programming to broadcast Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages. If there were ever a real emergency at the plant requiring the sirens to be sounded, local radio and television stations would broadcast information and instructions to the public.
For more information about the outdoor warning sirens, visit the Duke Energy website at www.duke-energy.com/NuclearEP or click the link below.
Calling All Cleaners!
On Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 9:30 AM - NOON, the Oak Island Environmental Advisory Committee will sponsor a Marsh Cleanup. This project is being assisted by the Oak Island Public Works Department. Participants will meet at the Oak Island Recreation Center, located at 3003 E Oak Island Drive, and will start the cleanup from the Tidalwaves Kayak & Canoe Launch at the end of SE 31st Street.
As noted in the promotional materials released by the Committee, "This is a great way for families, students, service groups, and neighbors to join together and show community support to protect our environment and have fun."
Appropriate clothing, including closed-toe shoes is required, and adequate sun protection is strongly encouraged. Work gloves are a must-have! Trash bags and refreshments will be provided! Pre-registration is not required, but is strongly encouraged, to allow for planning of materials; and to have contact information for cancellation notices due to inclement weather.
For more information or to register, contact Lee Butzin at 910-368-6498, or email leebutzin@gmail.com, or click the link below.
Free Cleanup Week
From April 12 - April 17, 2021, the Brunswick County Solid Waste Department will be holding their annual Free Cleanup Week.
During this week, Brunswick County property owners and residents may dispose of all materials, except for regular household trash and hazardous waste, free of charge at the Brunswick County Landfill. Metal, tires, electronics, latex paint, and yard debris must be placed in their designated area.
Normal tipping fees will be charged for businesses and commercial vehicles. All users must show proof of Brunswick County property ownership or residency.
The Brunswick County Solid Waste Department hosts two such events each year, one week in April and the other in September. The Brunswick County Landfill is located at 172 Landfill Road NE, in Bolivia, and is open Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM, and Saturdays from 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM. To learn more about the event, or the Department in general, visit the Brunswick County Website at www.brunswickcountync.gov/solid-waste-and-recycling or click the link below.
COMING EVENTS
REMINDER: Information on all special events, recreation programs, and educational activities can be found on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.com/EVENTS.
SAFETY NOTICE: COVID response protocols will be in place for all listed activities, including but not limited to: hand sanitizing stations, one-way traffic at the market, one person per vendor booth, social distancing marking and signage, with mask wearing encouraged by all.
OKI Easter Spring Fling Market & Music
WHEN: Saturday, April 3 • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Middleton Park (Behind Town Hall) • 4610 E Dolphin Drive
WHO: Open to all
COST: FREE to attend
ABOUT: Kick off your Easter weekend with the Oak Island Spring Fling Market & Music at Middleton Park! Support local Brunswick County craft and food vendors and find unique beach-crafts for the home, or as vacation souvenirs. Live entertainment from the band Dave’s Not Home will be available from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Middleton Amphitheater stage, while spectators can listen from socially distanced spacing marked on the grass.
NOTE: All vendor spaces for the Market have been filled, so this is sure to be a busy and exciting event, with lots to see, hear, and enjoy!
The Great Easter Scavenger Hunt on Oak Island
WHEN: Packet Pickup 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM on April 1, Scavenger Hunt 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on April 3
WHERE: (Semi-virtual program) Sites to be utilized include: Middleton Park, Bill Smith Park, Veterans Park, Templeton Park, Oak Island Recreation Center Grounds, Heron Lookout, May Moore Park, Oak Island Park 3, Register Park, Nature Center
WHO: All Ages
COST: FREE
ABOUT: The Great Easter Scavenger Hunt will take place from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 3, and utilize TEN (10) different locations throughout Oak Island. The startup packet will include a list of the rules, a stamp sheet, and the first clue. Additional clues will be found at each following site visited. The clues will be laminated and affixed at each site and monitored by an attendant to make sure they are not taken; and that each group completes their challenge before seeing the next clue. Groups will then have their stamp sheet marked with a special stamp. All challenges will be creative and COVID-safe. Once finished with the scavenger hunt, groups will turn in stamp sheets at the Recreation Center, to then receive a completion certificate, along with candy bag or eggs.
Spring Fling Movies in the Park
WHEN: Friday, April 23 (starting at Dusk)
WHERE: Middleton Park
WHO: All Ages
COST: Free
ABOUT: Gather the family and bring a favorite beach chair or blanket, to watch a family friendly movie under the stars! Movies begin at dusk, and concessions will be available.
Be sure to follow the Recreation Department Facebook page for further announcements on movie titles at www.Facebook.com/OakIslandRecreation or click the link below.
Oak Island Farmers' & Artisans' Market
WHEN: Mondays • 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM • May 24 - September 6
WHERE: Middleton Park (Behind Town Hall) • 4610 E Dolphin Drive
WHO: All Ages
COST: FREE to attend or shop / Vendor Fees of $15 Daily or $200 Seasonal ($40 savings!)
ABOUT: The Market is great opportunity to see, and financially support the very best of Oak Island's local farmer and artisan community. Baked goods, produce, handmade crafts, and artistic masterpieces are just a few of the many treasures waiting to be uncovered at the popular annual tradition, which runs throughout the summer season.
For more information on the Market itself or to become a vendor, visit www.OakIslandNC.com/MARKET or click the link below.
DEPARTMENT FEATURE: OKI PIER COMPLEX
In 1954, following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Hazel, there was a massive push to rebuild the communities within Oak Island. Not only to build them back, but to build them back, better. With more offerings to the surrounding communities and region. One result of that effort was the opening of the new Yaupon Beach Fishing Pier in 1955. In the more than six and a half decades since the initial construction, storms have blown, names have changed, and additional facilities have been added, but the Pier has stood as the icon of enjoyment for countless residents and visitors. The Pier itself has undergone multiple rebuilds, first in 1972, then 1993, and most recently in 2017 after Hurricane Matthew. Ownership of the Pier has changed hands throughout the years, and with the additions of a restaurant, coffeehouse, and the 801 Ocean event center, the property it sits on eventually grew into the now familiar OKI Pier Complex.
It's at the OKI Pier Complex where the current and future chapters of this area come to life. Five distinct components makeup the OKI Pier Complex: the Pier itself, Pier House, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, and 801 Ocean Event Center. Acquired by the Town of Oak Island in 2009, the Pier bears the distinction of being the first municipally owned pier in the state of North Carolina. While operation was privately leased for nearly a decade, it reopened under direct management of the Town, following the completion of the Hurricane Matthew rebuild in 2019. A marvel of modern marine engineering, the OKI Pier stands at 27 feet high and 880 feet long ... the highest and newest in the state of North Carolina! It provides 30 stations for King fishing, handicap accessible portions, and a unique "grated" center section, which allows for sea water to pass through during the waves of large storms, preventing floor boards from being pushed up.
During the same time the Town acquired the building at 801 Ocean Drive. If ever there was a true chameleon of versatility, this building was the example. Having been everything from an arcade, to a restaurant, and even a skating rink, its varied past ultimately defined the future of 801 Ocean. Given the wide array of roles it had played, it seemed only natural to have the building fill the much needed role of a flexible "event space" meeting facility. With a walk-in cooler, nearly 2,000 square feet of floor space, and an unbeatable pier-side view, the aptly named 801 Ocean has quickly become Oak Island's premier oceanfront venue. Despite the impacts of COVID-19 on the live event industry, it has quickly proven itself as an ideal location for all types of celebrations and events.
Rounding out the OKI Pier Complex is the Pier House, offering everything the casual pier walker or even seasoned angler might need for a day out in the sun. In the same building are the privately leased KoKo Cabana restaurant, for those with a serious appetite for lunch and dinner, along with Ruby's Coffeehouse & Eatery, where caffeinated and sweet treats abound.
PROFILE: Pier Complex Manager: Lisa Mattiace probably didn't expect to wind up spending her days helping to plan beach weddings, or citing record sized fish catches on a pier; but then, who does? It's such an interesting and unique combination of skills however, that Lisa was quite arguably the best person for the job.
Having lived much of her professional life in academia, Mattiace worked for 4 different universities throughout her career in West Virginia, Colorado and Ohio. Add to that a few other states lived in for non-academic work or family reasons, and it becomes clear how Lisa developed such a unique ability to connect and communicate with people from all walks of life.
"It's about interacting with people, hearing their stories" Mattiace said regarding her management style "you want to provide an experience, so that when people leave here, they tell others 'oh, you should be at here at Oak Island'." This ability for personal connection, when combined with a lifetime of professional event coordination, makes for a consistent customer service experience. Whether it's welcoming an individual angler on the OKI Pier, or facilitating a 200 person wedding at 801 Ocean.
DOUBLE PROFILE: Pier Attendants: Cynthia Grant (left) and Carolyn Riggan (right) have both been working at the OKI Pier since it opened under Town management in 2019. With Carolyn starting on opening day, and Cynthia joining two weeks later, they have encountered just about every kind of amateur, serious angler, and all onlookers in between.
Greeting customers at the Pier House with a smile as big as the Texas sky of her native state, Cynthia spoke at length about how she happily traded even the best days of previous jobs for a "bad day" at the Pier. "Everyday you're meeting folks from all over the nation, and you know they may have to go back to an office or some crowded city" Grant remarked, gesturing toward the open ocean "but this is your office. I get to come here each day to all of this."
Carolyn agreed, noting that customers of the Pier House quickly realize it's not just sunscreen and bait they offer, but valuable knowledge and experience. "I've been fishing my whole life, it's not just something I do, it's something I KNOW," Riggan said with a confident grin "I like using that to help people. It's more enjoyable when you catch something!"
Riggan and Grant join 10 other Pier Attendants, added to Lisa Mattiace for a total of 13 staff members at the OKI Pier Complex. In addition to their retail duties inside the Pier House, Attendants work to maintain a safe environment, as well as an enjoyable experience for all those on the Pier as well. The Complex operates every day of the year and only closes due to adverse weather conditions. On any given day of the week, you're likely to see fishing lines being cast off the Pier, bait being sold in the Pier House, or a crowd of event attendees taking selfies at the doors of 801 Ocean.
For many people, the Pier or 801 Ocean may be their only connection to Oak Island. Serious anglers may drive hundreds of miles just to fish from this spot, or family members may fly in from other states just to attend a wedding at the event center. Because of this, Mattiace, and all of the Pier Complex Staff try to treat their roles as more "Ambassadors for the Town" rather than "municipal employee." Multiple times throughout the day, Pier Attendants can be seen wiping and sanitizing hand rails, cleaning restrooms, or even socializing with Pier guests. All the while the Complex Manager is repeatedly bouncing back and from one building to the other; providing solutions for event planning requests, or discussing the latest fishing reports with Pier-goers.
The Pier is always free to walk on to enjoy the sights, and Town holds the fishing license for all on the Pier, so no individual license is needed. Just pay for a seasonal of day pass, and drop a line! Last year, despite being closed for two months due to COVID response, the Pier accommodated nearly 14,300 anglers alone (not including those just walking). In 2021, Lisa Mattiace estimates that number will be well over 20,000. Similarly, she sees the use of 801 Ocean growing well. Venturing beyond the assumed use of "beach wedding" venue, she is working to incorporate new cultural and corporate events options, such as concerts, company retreats, and art festivals.
If you ever find yourself on the east end of Town, and are looking for a good day of fishing, a nice hot meal, or the perfect spot to host your family reunion, check out the OKI Pier Complex. Hours of operation are currently 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily, open year round. The OKI Pier is located at 705 Ocean Drive, and the 801 Ocean Event Center is at ... well, you've probably figured that part out by now! For full details, you can call 910-523-8166 or visit their pages on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.com/PIER and www.OakIslandNC.com/801, respectively.
PHOTO REVIEW: MARCH 2021
Thank you for reading the April 2021 edition of THE CURRENT. This information is produced by the Town of Oak Island Communications Office, and is for information and educational purposes only. Any perceived endorsements or promotion of third party products, services, or organizations is unintentional. For more information on any of the departments or services provided by the Town of Oak Island, visit www.OakIslandNC.com, call 910-278-5011, or email OKI-info@ci.oak-island.nc.us.
©2021 Town of Oak Island NC. All Rights Reserved.
Credits:
Created with images by Michael Scott Emory, Shawn Barry, and Rebecca Squires