September 2022
IN THIS ISSUE: Welcome / Monthly Review / Contributions / News & Notices / Coming Events / Department Feature / Photo Review
Welcome to September
WELCOME to the SEPTEMBER 2022 edition of THE CURRENT. Fun Fact: September is spelled with nine letters, and is also the ninth month of the year. No other months have the same amount of letters as their position in the calendar year. Another fun Fact: if that's the only "fun" fact you know about September, then you've clearly NOT been in the Town of Oak island very long!
So many people view September in the negative; the summer fun ends, the drudgery of school begins, and a wave of pumpkin spice flavoring washes over everything. But this is Oak island ... where seasons are only a state of mind! The fun doesn't stop just because the kids have traded their sandcastles for schoolbooks. There is always something new happening, and some social offering to bring together residents and visitors alike.
It doesn't matter if you're a full-time local, a part-time local, or simply a "heart-time local" - if you're looking for something exciting in your community, then put a little pumpkin spice in that summertime lemonade, and let's take a dip in the SEPTEMBER edition of THE CURRENT.
MONTHLY REVIEW
REMINDER: Information on all news items can be found on the Town Website at: www.OakIslandNC.gov/NEWS.
Council Recap
The Town Council's regular meeting on August 16, 2022 began with three public hearings. (1) , Council voted (Mayor Pro Tempore Bach abstained) to deny a proposed text amendment to Section 6.5 - Table of Uses and Activities - Restaurants, including fast food and drive thru. (2) Council voted unanimously to deny a proposed Zoning Map Amendment for Tax ID Parcel Number 233NA00101 from R-7 (Medium Density Residential) District to CR (Commercial Recreation) District. (3)A motion to approve proposed text amendments to Section 6.5 - Table of Uses and Activities, Section 7.27 - Dwelling, Single-Family (Large), and Section A.3 - Definitions of the Town of Oak Island Unified Development Ordinance, failed 3-2.
PRESENTATIONS: (1) The presentation by the Environmental Advisory Committee was moved to the September meeting. (2) A total of three (3) Oak Island Trees to Sea Citizenship Awards were presented (NOTE: This was moved to earlier in the meeting).
COUNCIL REPORTS: Councilman Martin said that after watching the playback of the Planning Board, he had discussed it with staff and learned there would be training scheduled. Councilman Blalock said that there are more people serving on the Par 3 Committee, and that there would be some new promotional materials.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: (1) Council appointed Terri Cartner and Kerri McCullough to the Planning Board. (2) Council unanimously re-appointed Bob Lloyd to the Brunswick County Airport Commission.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (1) Rick Patterson, Stormwater Administrator, submitted a written report, a copy of which is included in the meeting minutes. (2) Mike Emory, Communications Manager, gave a presentation on implementation of a Town-support A.R.T program, which is included in the meeting minutes. Mr. Edes said that there was a new law in July, that when a Declaration of a State of Emergency is lifted, that has to be posted just like the initial Declaration does.
NOTE: Monthly Department Reports are available to view any time on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/DEPT.
OLD BUSINESS: (1) (Paid Parking) Mayor Pro Tempore Bach said that he had input from Council. He also said that there would be public input before any decisions are made, and asked everyone to come prepared on September 6. Bach made a motion that if and when a paid parking system is adopted by Council, they would need to modify right-of-way regulations. Councilman Bill Craft seconded the motion, and the roll call vote was unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS: (1)Consideration of Contract with Moffatt & Nichol for Preparation of a Beach Management Plan necessitated by the Coastal Resources Commission’s recent adoption of rules repealing Development Line: Council approved this contract. (2) Councilman Bell made a motion to approve the amendment to Section 14-63 (noise ordinance) as presented. Mayor Pro Tempore Bach seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION: Due to the length of the meeting, the Council recessed the meeting until 4:00 PM on Friday, August 19. At that time, Council resumed the meeting and voted to go into Closed Session. Afterwards they returned to open session and adjourned the meeting.
To view the video, agenda, and minutes from this or any other Town Council meeting, just visit the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/MEETINGS, or click the link below.
Water Safety Stations Installed!
On Thursday, August 4, 2022, the Town of Oak Island formally announced a partnership with the Jack Helbig Memorial Foundation (JHMF), to provide $16,500 for establishing Water Safety Stations at ALL 65 of the Town's public Beach Access Locations.
Despite challenges from shipping delays, supply chain issues, and signage production time, one of the main goals was to have these installed by Labor Day weekend. Thanks to many tireless efforts from Foundation members and the Public Works Department staff, in just 27 days that goal became a reality!
Public Works staff spent the last week in August installing a total of 68 Water Safety Stations on the beach side of all accesses, with each consisting of:
• A numbered post to identify location when calling 9-1-1
• A Rescue Tube from the Rescue Tube Foundation.
• A new sign, displaying current Beach Warning Flag condition and explanations, along with graphics showing instructions on how to use the Rescue Tube, and a QR code that links to links to the Beach Safety Page of the Town Website.
Kelly Helbig, Founder of JHMF was on hand for one of the final installations (pictured), and spoke with local media about how this joint effort provides an affordable and sustainable solution to help residents and visitors ensure their own personal safety.
The Jack Helbig Memorial Foundation (JHMF) is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Brunswick County since 2012. Their mission is to prevent drowning through education and awareness, which they achieve by establishing timely and needed partnerships with municipalities and response agencies. To learn more about the Foundation, their mission and community support, visit www.jackhelbig.org, or click the link below.
Beach Services Unit: Season Extension
Since their official launch in May of this year. the newly formed Beach Services Unit (BSU) has readily taken to their given tasks of serving Oak Island through the monitoring of public beach areas, Beach Access Locations, and parking areas.
Almost immediately since its inception, the BSU has taken on an even more visible public safety aspect of their duties. In late June it was announced that BSU staff would receive CPR training and begin flying the current Beach Warning Flags on their UTVs during patrols.
Less than a month later in July, when asked about the meaning of the flags, they added custom signage to the UTVs that both displayed the current flag color AND explained its meaning. In August, after seeing the positive impact the BSU presence was having in the community, Police Chief Charlie Morris announced the BSU would be extending its operation period for the 2022 season.
Originally only scheduled to operate through Labor Day, Chief Morris worked with the Town Manager and Finance Director to identify resources that would allow BSU service to continue through October 2, 2022.
The added FOUR weeks to the BSU schedule will help to ensure the safety of all beachgoers squeezing out those last few days of summer! To learn more about the Beach Services Unit, and the services they provide, just visit the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/BSU, or click the link below.
New Community Resource Officer Named
On August 15, 2022, Victor Denoble (pictured) was publicly named as the new Community Resource Officer for the Oak Island Police Department. With the transition approved on August 1, the department has since been working to re-establish this position, providing a new vehicle, office renovation, and updated resources.
Known as a “public to police problem solver,” the Community Resource Officer position will serve to enhance the relationship between the community and the Police Department. In this position, Officer Denoble will review statistics and community feedback for all areas of Oak Island and develop cooperative strategies to address current problems or emerging trends. Responsibilities also include attending community meetings, promoting crime prevention strategies, and organizing tested programs such as Coffee with a Cop, as well as innovative partnerships with local businesses and civic groups. The position will provide a more informal interaction with the public.
Officer Victor Denoble has well over a decade of law enforcement experience. The New York native first moved to North Carolina in 2007, where he worked for the Smithfield Police Department for 9 years before joining Oak Island in 2019. Denoble describes himself as a “family man” who after 15 years of marriage and two children, says it is his family that provides the motivation for how he interacts with the community: “As a Town we’re essentially one big family,” says Denoble. “I treat the members of this community just like a I do my own family and want them to know we’re open to talk with whenever there’s an issue.”
While a Community Resource Officer is not entirely new to Oak Island, this transition marks a re-launch of the program following its discontinuation in previous years. During discussion with the Town Council, Town Administration, and various members of the community, Police Chief Charlie Morris (himself a recent hire) saw an opportunity to not only re-launch the position, be also to update its mission and objectives as well. “Relaunching this position is an obvious choice for enhancing our community policing model,” said Chief Morris. “I know Officer Denoble will listen and work hard to build positive relationships within the community, to ensure problems are solved together.”
Officer Denoble has jumped to an immediate start in the new role, with activities and programs already planned to start in early September (See COMING EVENTS below). To learn more about the position and events coordinated, just visit the dedicated page of the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/CR or click the link below.
New "Short URL" for Faster "INFO"
Introducing: OKINC.INFO - a brand new online tool that can be rapidly distributed to deliver critical information presented on the Town Website.
Longtime residents and visitors to Oak Island know that one of the most visible means of public messaging we have are the electronic message boards. They are great tools for delivering short, important messages on public safety and current events. However, the key word there is "short" - something the Town's website address is NOT.
A good website address, or "URL" is critical for not only getting information to the public, but doing it in a way that is easy to remember and access. After much work in 2021, the Town finally secured access to the more official ".gov" URL of www.OakIslandNC.gov.
While that is certainly accurate and easy to remember, it does get a bit long to display on character-limited platforms like the message boards, or even social media accounts like Twitter. That's why in late August, the Town secured the special "short URL" domain of OKINC.INFO.
This new short URL is not a replacement for the Town Website, but rather offers an enhancement for linking to vital content needed when the full website cannot be displayed. Because this URL can be "redirected" to any page of the Town Website needed, it can provide information during a wide array of events and scenarios. Currently, the URL directs to the Beach Safety Page, but be prepared to see it used in other capacities throughout the coming months as needed.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Each month, between the MONTHLY REVIEW and upcoming NEWS & NOTICES sections, you'll find CONTRIBUTIONS. This section features content contributed from various Town Departments and staff, as well as the Town's municipal and non-profit partner organizations. Regular contributing partner organizations include the Oak Island Fire Department, the Beach Preservation Society, the Friends of Parks Foundation, the Sea Turtle Protection Program, the Friends of the Library, and Oak Island Water Rescue, among others. For more information on the content presented in this section, please reach out to the contributing department or organization directly.
Fire Department Safety Brief: Now Hiring
On occasion, we get asked what we think is "the best thing about being a firefighter?" We could answer with something noble like "helping the community" or play it cool with "saving lives" or just be honest and say "turning on the lights and sirens." But honestly, its the people you work with every day that is the best thing (well, second best at least, 'cause those lights and sirens are pretty rad!).
It may sound a little overused to some, but working in the fire response field truly is like being a part of a big family. Just like every family though, it takes new members to keep it going!
So if you have a desire to help your community, and enjoy working in one of the best places on earth, the Oak Island Fire Department is HIRING!
We're seeking qualified individuals for role of Full Time Fire Equipment Operator / EMT Basic, with a starting salary / pay rate of between $41,875 - $51,412 depending on experience. Benefits include: BCBS Health, a Dental & Vision plan, Life Insurance, 401K retirement, Tuition Reimbursement, Annual & Sick Leave, Overtime Opportunities, and workout facility access.
So if you or someone you know is looking to help the community, save lives, and be a part of a great family of first responders, consider joining the Oak Island Fire Department today! For more information or to apply, just visit the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/JOBS or click the link below.
Beach Preservation Society: Free Public Lecture & Beach Sweep
The Oak Island Beach Preservation Society is hosting TWO major events in the month of September:
PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES: On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 7:00 PM, at 801 Ocean Event Center, a free in-person public lecture will be held featuring Dr. Liz Fuller, President of the Southport Historical Society.
Topic: The Story of Jessie Stevens Taylor and Hurricane Hazel.
On October 15, 1954, Hurricane Hazel, the only Category 4 hurricane to hit North Carolina in the 20th century, made landfall in Brunswick County. Liz will share stories of the storm's impact on Southport and Oak Island and the tireless efforts that 75-year-old Mrs. Jessie Taylor went to, to keep the community safe. Space is limited, and we ask everyone to register early! To register, visit beachoki.org/register.
COASTAL CLEANUP: Please join Oak Island Beach Preservation Society, Inc. on Saturday, September 17 at 8:30 AM at the Cabana at Se 46th St. & E Beach Drive (across from Middleton Park) for the Fall International Coastal Cleanup.
We will be "sweeping" the beach from McGlamery Street access all the way to the Point. Volunteers will be given a checklist to record the type and amount of trash collected. The data we collect will be shared with Ocean Conservancy. Simply email OKI.fall2022.cleanup@gmail.com to reserve a section of the beach in advance or come to the sign in table on September 17 to get an assignment.
Trash bags and a limited supply of gloves will be provided, so please feel free to provide your own gloves. Stay hydrated! Bring your own water.
Friends of Parks Foundation: Season Progress Report
As summer winds down, the Friends of Parks is happy to see progress and results on several fronts. The 8-inch square posts have been installed in the ground at Middleton Park, so that the seamster can now make final measurements to produce the shade sails we’ve been anxiously awaiting. This addition of shade will be a big change around the splash pad and Pirate Ship playground — both practically and visually. And we think people will love it! Special thanks to Town Manager, David Kelly for making this happen at a fraction of the anticipated cost!
We’re awaiting delivery on a brand new handicapped beach-access wheelchair. (Supply chain issues have delayed delivery of this much-needed item). In the meantime, the Parks Foundation is paying for the replacement parts needed on the six existing special-access chairs. The beach handicapped wheelchairs are at the Recreation Center and are available for free; simply stop by, reserve, and sign out.
Other big news: The Oculus-2 headsets we purchased have been programmed and delivered to the Ocean Education and Nature Centers! The four virtual-reality devices provide viewers with a 3-D underwater look at sea creatures from seventeen different locations from around the globe. This experience is a “game changer” for visitors; unlike anything you’ve seen before! (Children 13 and under must have an adult sign a usage wavier.)
And as autumn approaches, the Friends of Parks Board is looking forward to our next FUNdraising Pickle-Ball tournament, coming up Saturday-Sunday October 22-23 with a Friday evening skills competition that’ll add to the fun and help raise additional money for our parks. To find out more and to access a link for details and registration, please visit our new and improved website: okifriendsofparks.org. And finally, a shout-out “Thank You!” for the terrific and generous website transformation crafted by Mary Boose who’s work can be found at https://merrymermaid.biz.
Chamber of Commerce: 44th US Open King Mackerel Tournament
SOUTHPORT, NC - The 44th Annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is right around the corner. This year’s tournament will be September 29 - October 1 at Brunswick County’s Dutchman Creek Park. The U.S. Open is one of the largest king mackerel tournaments on the East Coast of the United States and part of the SKA (Southern Kingfish Association) Tournament Trail. In 2021, the tournament attracted 561 boats and paid out over $423,600. The Tournament has an all cash guaranteed prize structure that is not based on participation numbers. It pays 55 places in its primary prize category including $25,000 for the largest king mackerel. There are also forty sponsors such who add supplementary cash prizes to the event.
Registration – Early Bird Registration – Online, postmarked or at Chamber’s Welcome Center by midnight on Friday, September 9th . Online Registration – Available until 11pm on September 27th. Onsite Registration – September 29th from 10am-9pm at Dutchman Creek Park (4750 Fish Factory Road).
Packet Pickup – All registrants must come to Packet Pickup at Dutchman Creek Park between 10am-9pm on Thursday, September 29th. NowCat Band will perform at the Park from 4pm-7pm, playing an variety of music – yacht rock, country and blues. The Captain’s Meeting will be held in person and virtually on Thursday, September 29th at 7pm at Dutchman Creek Park or on www.usopenkmtlive.com It is strongly advised that all captains tune in or attend this meeting, as any rule changes or necessary clarifications will be announced at the meeting.
Weigh ins – Watch the tournament participants weigh their catch in person at Dutchman Creek or online. PointClickFish.com will stream weigh-ins at the scales LIVE from the tournament during peak weigh-ins on Friday from 2pm-5pm and Saturday from 2pm-4pm. You can pick up the link to the live feed at http://www.usopenkmtlive.com/.
The Awards Ceremony will be held virtually at www.usopenkmtlive.com and in person at Dutchman Creek Park beginning at 7:30pm on October 2nd. Prior to the awards ceremony Salty Dawgs - Coastal Carolina Party Band will perform at the Park from 4:30pm-7:30pm.
Tournament details are available on our website, www.usopenkmt.com, or for a brochure contact the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, 4433 Long Beach Road, SE, Southport, NC 28461. 910-457-5787 or 800-457-6964 or e-mail us at events@southport-oakisland.com.
NEWS & NOTICES of the MONTH
Council & Board Meetings
REMINDER: All televised public meetings listed below will be broadcast live on OKI-TV (Spectrum Cable channel 8 / 122), as well as livestreamed on the Town Website. Meeting agendas, minutes, and any livestreamed or recorded videos are available at www.OakIslandNC.gov/MEETINGS.
TOWN COUNCIL (televised) will hold a special called meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, located on the second floor of Town Hall at 4601 E Oak Island Drive.
PLANNING BOARD (televised) will hold a special called meeting on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 10:00 AM in the Council Chambers.
TOWN COUNCIL (televised) will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (non-televised) will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 8:30 AM in the Police Department Training Room, located on the second floor of the Police Department adjoining Town Hall at 4621 E Oak Island Drive.
PLANNING BOARD (televised) will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 10:30 AM in the Council Chambers, located on the second floor of Town Hall at 4601 E Oak Island Drive.
CLOSURES & HOLIDAYS
LABOR DAY: Administrative Offices for the Town of Oak Island will be CLOSED on Monday, September 5, 2022 in observance of Labor Day.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO interruption of Garbage & Recycling Collection services, however services may be delayed due to higher than normal volume
Police, fire, and other emergency services are not affected during any holiday closure, and are always available by calling 9-1-1. The Oak Island Pier will be open during their seasonal hours. All currently available parks and public Beach & Water Access locations and facilities will be open as well. For all 2022 closure dates available, the Holiday Calendar can be found on the Town Website at: www.OakIslandNC.gov/HOLIDAY.
Town Council & Planning Board Special Meeting Dates
As noted in the Council & Board Meetings section above, there are two distinct updates to the regular meeting schedules of both the Oak Island Town Council, and the Planning Board.
TOWN COUNCIL: A Special Meeting of the Oak Island Town Council has been called for Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 6:00 PM. This meeting will be held in the Council Chambers, located on the second floor of Town Hall at 4601 E. Oak Island Drive.
This will be a "Town Hall" format, for the purpose of presenting information and receiving public input on the topic of Paid Parking, with the following goals outlined:
• Ensuring public safety
• Preserving property rights
• Providing a revenue stream for beach improvement
• Developing a comprehensive plan for traffic management
A copy of the Paid Parking: Council Presentation is available for review prior to the meeting on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/MEETINGS.
PLANNING BOARD: The Oak Island Planning Board will hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers, located on the second floor of the Town Hall at 4601 E. Oak Island Drive.
The purpose of the Special Meeting will be to hold a Planning Board Training and to also work on the audit of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
Please note: ALL meetings will be broadcast LIVE on OKI-TV (Spectrum Cable channel 8 / 122), as well as livestreamed on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/MEETINGS.
Sunshine List Migration Notice
On July 1, 2022 the Town of Oak Island officially launched its new public notification system: OKInformation ("OKI + information"). The new system provides a streamlined way of receiving emails and emergency text notifications for general Town issues; but it also has many more benefits as well.
In addition to welcoming new subscribers, the Town has also been systematically migrating older email lists as well. Last month, the Recreation Department began utilizing those benefits by transitioning their email list to the Community Events & Recreation Updates category of OKInformation.
For month of September, the Town Clerk's "Sunshine List" will be migrated to the new Council & Board Meeting Notices category. For those unfamiliar with “sunshine laws” it's a term used to describe open government laws, because they help "shed light" on the government’s work. The term was first coined after the Government in the Sunshine Act was passed in 1976, one of a number of Freedom of Information Acts intended to create greater transparency in government.
The "Sunshine List" is the email list-serve the Town Clerk maintains to notify members of the media and other interested parties of various Council and Board activities, such as meeting dates and action reports. Moving forward, instead of coming from the Clerk's email directly, recipients on the list will now receive emails through the new OKInformation system.
This will allow for a faster, more efficient delivery of information. Emails will look slightly different, and have an easier to read layout. Users can also now unsubscribe at any time, by selecting the “Unsubscribe All” option at the bottom of each email
If you are a recipient on the Sunshine List and would like to change your preference, or if you are currently signed up for OKInformation and would like to add the Council & Board Meeting Notices category, simply visit the OKInformation login page at www.OakIslandNC.gov/INFO or click the link below.
Beach Drive Speed Limit Raised
If you prefer a leisurely cruise in you Low Speed Vehicle (LSVs), beginning in mid-September there will be one less street to go coasting down (at least until next Spring).
Each year in mid-May the North Carolina Department of Transportation lowers the speed limit along the Beach Drive to 35mph. This seasonal change help to accommodate the summer swell of visitors and part-time residents, but also has the benefit of allowing Low Speed Vehicles to safely, legally travel along the entire beach strand.
However, when the temperatures go down, the speed limit goes back up.
Starting in mid-September, that speed limit is raised back to 45mph to allow for faster access to some of the more far-reaching areas of Oak Island. The exact date of the change isn't published, to keep drivers focused on the road signs, but is usually around the 15th or so.
This doesn't mean LSVs are fully cut off though; as Dolphin Drive, Pelican Drive, Kings Lynn Drive, and even a brief stint on Marsh Hen Drive are all viable alternate routes. As always, LSVs can still cross over any 45mph street, so getting to your favorite Beach Access Location is as simple as turning south on the appropriately numbered street.
Are you new to the world of Low Speed Vehicles, or maybe just need a refresher on what is and isn't allowed? No problem! All information on LSVs and Mobility Device Access in Oak Island can be found on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/LSV, or by clicking the link below.
Tax Notification Reprints Available By Request
As reported by the Town of Oak Island on August 24, the Town's Finance Department discovered a software error in the program used to print billing, which resulted in the tax rates being displayed incorrectly on all mailed 2022 Tax Notices.
while the total amounts showing due are correct, the error does cause a misprint of the tax rates calculated for the total.
CORRECT TAX RATES ARE:
• Ad Valorem: $0.23
• Sand Fund: $0.05
• Sewer District Fee: $601.78
This error was only printed on 2022 Tax Notices, and affects ALL Tax Notices recently mailed out from the Town. This error has since been resolved and all new billing is printing correctly.
If desired, new notifications which display the correct rates are available by request. For further questions or to request an updated notice, please contact the Town of Oak Island Finance Department at 910-278-5011. You can also use the Customer Service Contact Form at www.OakIslandNC.gov/FINANCE or simply click the link below.
COMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS
REMINDER: Information on all special events, recreation programs, and educational activities can be found on the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/EVENTS.
Coffee with a Cop
WHEN: Friday, Sept 9, 2022 • 8:30 AM
WHERE: OKI Scoop Shop & Donuts, 4922 E Oak Island Drive
ABOUT: Come out and join your neighbors and police officers for a time of great coffee and conversation! There's no formal agenda or presentations, just an opportunity to ask questions and get to know the officers who serve Oak Island.
This program is coordinated by the Oak Island Community Resource Officer, working to enhance the relationship between the community and the Police. To learn more, visit www.OakIslandNC.gov/CR or simply click the link below.
Dutchman Dinghy Dash
WHEN: Saturday, September 17, 2022 • 10:00 AM
WHERE: Bill Smith Park • 4410 Fish Factory Road
ABOUT: The "D3" race will bring together multiple first responder agencies,, Town departments, local businesses, and all nautical minded residents for a day of fun and friendly competition on the water. The D3 will challenge builders to travel approximately 400' in homemade cardboard boats ... without sinking!
REGISTRATION: Available on the day of the event, or through pre-registration at the Oak Island Police Department until Monday September 12, 2022.
ENTRY FEE: is a donation of at least $10 worth of non-perishable goods (canned goods, utensils, etc.) for use in future charitable events.
This program is coordinated by the Oak Island Community Resource Officer, working to enhance the relationship between the community and the Police. To learn more, visit www.OakIslandNC.gov/CR or simply click the link below.
Labor Day Surf-Off
WHEN: Saturday, September 3rd, 2022 • 8:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE: Ocean Crest Pier
COST: $40 per person • +$30 per additional category
REGISTRATION: www.LiveHeats.com
ABOUT: Celebrate with Oak Island Recreation Department this Labor Day Weekend for the 2022 Labor Day Surf Off! Welcoming contestests ranging from beginners through seasoned surfers, this year's event will host categories for youth, teens, and adults. The Labor Day Surf Off will also featurea paddleboard race, as well as an open bodyboarding category.
Live & Local: Market + Music
WHEN: September – October • Saturdays • 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Market) • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Concert)
WHERE: Middleton Park (SE 46th St.)
COST: Free to Attend
AGES: All Ages
ABOUT: Already dreading the end of summer's Farmer's Market and Summer Concert Series? Fall in love with the Town of Oak Island this autumn as OKI Recreation Department Island continues the best of summer living all season long. Connect with your coastal community in Middleton Park each week Department for an evening of live music, local food and craft vendors as residents and visitors embrace active island living. For questions simply reach out to Recreation Program Supervisor, Ryan Gordon at rgordon@oakislandnc.gov.
PLEASE NOTE: There are MANY fun, educational, and exciting events and programs planned for the month ahead (way too many to list here)! For a complete list of upcoming activities, contact the Recreation Department at 910-278-5518, or visit the EVENTS & PROGRAMS page of the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/EVENTS, or just click the link below.
DEPARTMENT FEATURE: BUILDING DEPARTMENT
It has been said before that "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail" ... wait, we know what your thinking! "Isn't that literally the opening line from last month's Department Spotlight on the Planning Department?" Yes it is, observant reader ... and with good reason! While those words are absolutely true when planning a project, they take on a whole new real-world application when you actually start to build that project.
Like the Planning Department featured last month, if the "Building Department" is an unfamiliar term, that's because it didn't formally exist until earlier this year. Near the start of the current fiscal year back in July, Development Services was officially divided into two, distinct departments. Working closely alongside the also newly formed Planning Department, the Building Department helps to meet the demands of the Town's growing population, and currently active development. Both Building and Planning are standalone departments, yet partners in providing the services offered to help with Town development.
The new Building Department is primarily responsible for overseeing all current construction within the Town jurisdiction. This involves the implementation of building codes, inspections, and standards for constructed structures. Building Codes are the rules that specify the standards for these structures. They ensure structural integrity; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical system safety, as well as accessibility and practical, achievable levels of energy efficiency. Building codes underpin the work of architects, engineers, builders and developers.
PROFILE: Building Director, Steve Edwards is a longtime resident, 5-generations deep in the Oak Island area. Steve has been serving the residents of Oak Island for over two decades; most recently as the Development Services Director, prior to heading up the new Building Department in 2022. Prior to moving into his role as a department head in 2012, Steve had been with the Town since 2000, starting as a field inspector that same year.
"I've been other places, and served other communities, but this is home" Edwards remarked about the familiarity that comes from serving your community. "All my life, construction and this area have been two constants."
Never one to settle on past accomplishments, Steve Edwards is always working to stay up-to-date with modern standards, and keeps a watchful eye towards the future changes. He actively maintains Level III Certification in multiple disciplines of construction, building codes, and commercial development, and leads the Department staff in ensuring construction throughout Oak Island is kept to a high standard.
The Building Department staff work to ensure that builders maintain strict adherence to current building codes and standards; which given the sheer amount of area development in recent years, is a constant effort. the Department's staff is currently made up of eight employees, which include the Building Codes Director (Steve Edwards), two (2) Permit Specialists, a Senior Code Enforcement Officer, and four (4) additional Code Enforcement Officers
The Building Department operates within the standards of state building codes, which establish the minimum requirements to accommodate the public's safety, health, and general welfare. These requirements ensure consistency from the trades responsible for structural integrity, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. Adhering to these codes not only provides for personal safety, but energy efficiency in the structure as well. By the time you enter a new home or commercial building, the Department's inspectors have seen virtually every one of that structures individual components!
The Department is also responsible for coordinating and managing the Town's Damage Assessment Team (DAT). This important group of mostly volunteers, serve to visually assess and report damage amounts following a natural or manmade disaster, such as a hurricane. The Department collates their data, analyzes that information, and creates a report for the Town and any Federal Government agencies involved in the recovery process. Disaster Assessment Team Applications are usually accepted in the early spring, to allow for adequate training ahead of the Hurricane Season.
To learn more about the Building Department's responsibilities, along with a full listing of the permits they provide, just visit their page of the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/BD, or click the link below. To contact the Department directly, just call 910-201-5024, or use the Department Contact form at www.OakIslandNC.gov/CONTACT.
PHOTO REVIEW
PLEASE NOTE: The Photo Review section contains reader-submitted photos, and allows for greater exposure of the artistic contributions made by members of the Oak Island community. Submissions are donated and not compensated by any means other than the courtesy credit below. Please view the captions for information on this month's contributors. To contribute a submission, please email the photo along with a description of the date, location, and photographer or business name to: photos@oakislandnc.gov.
Thank you for reading this edition of THE CURRENT. This information is produced by the Town of Oak Island Communications Office and is intended for information and educational purposes only. Any perceived endorsements or promotion of any 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.gov/CONTACT, call 910-278-5011, or email info@oakislandnc.gov.
©2022 Town of Oak Island, NC. All Rights Reserved.
Credits:
Created with images by Michael Scott Emory, Shawn Barry