MEETING RECAP: April 8, 2025 - Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

During the Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners meeting on April 8, 2025, the following actions were taken. 

NOTE: Official minutes will be produced, reviewed, and approved at the next open public BOC meeting.

• Mayor Holland and all Commissioners were present. Town Attorneys Marc Celotto and Tommy Kellis were also present.
• Mayor Holland led the opening prayer, to include Trent Lins and his family.
• Public Comment was held with three commenters from 6:03 to 6:10 PM.
• Mayor Holland reviewed follow-ups to public comments from the March 11, 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting and paper copies were available.
• The Board unanimously adopted the agenda.
• A video played showing public announcements and Town happenings. 
• The Adaptive Surf Project of North Carolina presented on their nonprofit organization and possible local events. 
• Interim Planning Director Rudi Rudolph presented on the Bogue Inlet Channel Relocation Project, celebrating the project’s 20-year anniversary. 
• Fire Chief Billy Matthias introduced the department’s newest hire, Sharla Sineath, who was present at the meeting and shared some brief remarks.
• Police Chief Michael Panzarella recognized Senior Sergeant Clayton Pittman for receiving his Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. 
• Interim Manager Randy Martin and Finance Officer Laura Rotchford presented updates regarding property tax revaluations and tax rates.
• The Board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda.
• The Board voted 4-1 to require any future elected or reelected official to complete UNC School of Government’s "Essentials of Municipal Government" training (which also covers the state law requirement for ethics training) within 12 months of election day or reconsider their position, step down, and let the remaining Board fill their position per procedure. Commissioner Wootten opposed.
• The Board appointed Maury Galey (3-2, with Brownlow and Wootten opposed) and Judy Starke (5-0) to the Bike & Pedestrian Committee.
• The Board unanimously voted to dissolve the Golf Cart Advisory Committee. 
• The Board voted to table the appointments to the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment until their May 13, 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting. 
• The Board unanimously voted to dissolve the Dog Park Committee and keep its funds in a reserve account, where they currently sit.
• Town staff gave an update on NCLM’s Health Benefits Insurance Pool closure, and the Board unanimously voted to authorize Interim Town Manager Randy Martin to execute a replacement health benefits agreement as appropriate.
• The Board voted 3-2 to NOT adopt the proposed changes to Sections 6.3.2(2)(C)(i) and 6.3.2(2)(C)(ii) of Emerald Isle’s Unified Development Ordinance pertaining to Maintenance Agreements for 1 and 2 Family Dwelling Unit Developments with over 10,000 square feet of land disturbance, with Commissioners Brownlow and Wootten opposed. 
• The Board unanimously approved the proposed changes to Emerald Isle’s Unified Development Ordinance as a result of changes in the NC General Statutes adopted prior to the conclusion of the General Assembly’s Short Session. These changes include the addition of Section 7.4, Section 6.6.9, Section 6.6.10, and Section 2.4.11(2)(H) and amendments to Section 10.2, adding three definitions to the section.
• Mayor Holland, the Town Attorneys, Commissioners, Interim Town Manager Randy Martin, Finance Director Laura Rotchford and Town Clerk Jennifer Welborn entered into a Closed Session Pursuant to § NCGS 143-318.11(a)(6) from approximately 7:56 PM until 8:24 PM.
• The Board unanimously voted to appoint Frank Rush as the new Town Manager. 
• Town Attorney, Marc Celotto presented updates from UNC School of Government’s Municipal Attorneys Winter Conference, emphasizing the importance of social media and artificial intelligence policies for Town employees. 
• The meeting unanimously adjourned at 8:29 PM. 

Meeting Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-WUl6lzrSw

Agenda Packet: https://www.emeraldisle-nc.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-163

Jennifer Welborn

Town Clerk / Human Resources

April 10, 2025