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

During the Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners meeting on July 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, Commissioners Brownlow, Sanderson, Sawyer, and Wootten were present. Town Manager Frank Rush, Finance Director Laura Rotchford, and Town Clerk and Human Resources Specialist Jennifer Welborn, and Town Attorney Marc Celotto were also present.
• Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor was absent and unanimously excused from the meeting.
• Mayor Holland led the Pledge of Allegiance and opening prayer.
• Public Comment was held with three commenters from 6:02 to 6:08 PM.
• Mayor Holland reviewed follow-ups to public comments from the June 10, 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting and paper copies were available.
• The Board unanimously adopted the agenda.
• There were no conflicts of interest identified for any topics on the agenda.
• Public Works Director Joe Smith introduced two new fulltime Equipment Operators, Andrew Coffey and Joseph Fantini.
• Fire Chief Billy Matthias introduced new fulltime Firefighter, Eric Wilfong.
• Mayor Holland reviewed the public announcements and Town happenings.
• The Board approved items on the Consent Agenda, with Commissioner Brownlow abstaining from the vote due to an item concerning alcohol, which resulted in a “for” vote of 4-0.
• Retired US Air Force Lt Col Pete Benton presented a funding request for the 2025 Carteret County Veterans Day Parade which takes place in Morehead City each year. The Board unanimously approved a $2,500 donation in support of the event.
• Carteret Healthcare CEO, Kyle Marek, presented detailed plans for the new Western Carteret Medical Facility which will be located in Cedar Point. Construction is expected to begin in October of this year.
• Carteret County Tourism Development Authority Director, Jim Browder, presented on new wayfinding signs which will be installed to help create cohesiveness and branding throughout the county. The Board unanimously approved a Resolution Supporting the Carteret County Tourism Development Authority Wayfinding Sign Improvements.
• Town Manager, Frank Rush, and Fire Chief, Billy Matthias, presented on the Town’s Fire Station 2 rebuild project and the Board unanimously voted to approve the Resolution Authorizing a Design-Build Contract for New Fire Station 2 with D.R. Reynolds Company, Inc.
• The Board unanimously tabled the Board of Adjustment appointments until their August 12, 2025 meeting to allow for the solicitation of additional applicants. Anyone interested in serving may apply here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/EmeraldIsle2/ApplicationForAppointmentToBoardCommittee 
• The meeting unanimously adjourned at 7:24 PM. 

Meeting Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTW5h79WacY&feature=youtu.be 

Agenda Packet: https://www.emeraldisle-nc.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07082025-171