EMERALD TIDINGS - March 2024 | |
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Emerald Tidings, composed monthly by Town Manager Matt Zapp,
is the official newsletter of the Town of Emerald Isle, NC.
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Dear Emerald Residents,
As March arrives, I am delighted to extend a heartfelt greeting to each member of our community. This month's newsletter is brimming with exciting updates and noteworthy achievements!
Emerald Isle’s collective spirit of collaboration is alive and well. From engaging community stakeholder meetings to generous donations toward new holiday decorations, our community continues to thrive through active participation and generosity.
We encourage you to delve into the articles, events, and initiatives found in this issue. Learn about essential maintenance work being performed by our friends at CCEC, ensuring the reliability and safety of our electric system.
As the busy summer season approaches, let's continue to cultivate the unique charm and vitality that make Emerald such a special place to call home.
Warm Regards,
Matt Zapp
Town Manager
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Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival
Returns March 16
We're proud to present the 31st Annual St. Patrick's Festival in the Emerald Plantation!
Join us Friday, March 15th, for a special amusement ride armband night from 3 to 8 p.m. It's the perfect way to kick off the festivities.
On Saturday, March 16th, the fun begins early, with amusement rides running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. And don't miss out on the live music, arts and crafts, beer garden and more!
St. Patrick's entertainment
Main Stage (inside the beer garden, 21 and older ONLY)
10am- Highway Miles
11am- Dust Parade
12:15pm- Ashley LaRue Band
1:30pm- Monika James Band
2:45pm- Pure T Mommicked
4pm- Heart Stop
Secondary Stage (located in the parking lot by Shark’s Den – Family friendly)
11am- Pamlico Joe
12pm- Knok Knok
1pm- Pamlico Joe
2pm- Justin Castellano
Volunteer Sign Up Link
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EI Fishing Tournament Funds Help Light Up Emerald Isle
We're thrilled to announce that the Emerald Isle Fishing Tournament has made a generous donation of $7500 to the Emerald Isle Christmas Light Committee!
This contribution will greatly support their fundraising efforts for new Christmas lights in our town.
We're incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from the fishing community and their commitment to making Emerald Isle shine even brighter during the holiday season. Let's give a big round of applause to the Emerald Isle Fishing Tournament for their generosity and dedication to spreading holiday cheer!
If you would like to make a donation please make checks payable to The Town of Emerald Isle and send them to:
The Town of Emerald Isle
Attn: Laura Rotchford
7500 Emerald Drive
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
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Community Engagement Events in Emerald Isle | |
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On February 12, the Town of Emerald Isle hosted its annual update meetings at the Islander Hotel & Resort ballroom, fostering meaningful dialogue with local stakeholders. The event comprised two distinct sessions tailored to engage area business owners.
The morning session convened 80 professionals from the realty, rental, and commercial property sectors, while the afternoon session saw participation from 30 owners of restaurants, shops, bars, and stores in the area.
Highlights from the event included insights from CCTDA Director Jim Browder, who discussed the tourism development authority's ongoing initiatives during the realtor-focused session. Additionally, Kyle Lagos, a local businesswoman and CCTDA Board Member, presented pertinent CCTDA data during the afternoon meeting.
Town Manager Matt Zapp delivered comprehensive updates on Emerald Isle's status, sharing key facts, figures, and ongoing projects in a "State of Emerald Isle" update for attendees. Accompanying him were department heads from the police, fire, planning, public works, and parks system, offering valuable insights and addressing queries from participants.
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In another engagement effort, Mayor Jason Holland and Manager Zapp served as guest presenters at Leadership Carteret for the Class of 2024 later in February. Mayor Holland extended a warm welcome to the class, while Mr. Zapp provided essential information regarding the local government's operations.
Emerald Isle's Achievements in 2023:
- With a general tax rate of $0.165, Emerald Isle boasts the second-lowest tax rate among all North Carolina coastal towns.
- EIPD conducted 234,115 business checks in the community.
- EIPD achieved an impressive Average Response Time of 5.4 minutes.
- Public Works completed 35,283 Yard Debris stops, collecting 2,691 tons of material.
- A total of 60.7 tons of trash and 36.7 tons of recycling were removed from the beach by the Public Works department.
- The Planning Department issued 629 permits amounting to an improvement value of $62M.
- 707 individuals purchased annual memberships to the Community Center, attending 18,419 times throughout 2023.
- The combined EI Fire & Rescue department responded to a total of 1,368 incidents.
- EIFD Ocean Rescue played a crucial role in saving 95 individuals from ocean-related incidents, achieving a 100% survival rate for beachgoers.
- Traffic Count Numbers for 2023
- Bogue Inlet Pier saw 303,600 vehicles visit the pier.
- At the EORA, 51,048 vehicles used the parking lot.
- At the WORA, 70,389 vehicles used the parking lot.
- 4,145,070 vehicles traveled through the intersection of NC 58 + Coast Guard Road.
These achievements underscore Emerald Isle's commitment to community well-being and efficient governance, reflecting its vibrant and thriving environment.
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Project 1:
Carteret-Carven Electric Cooperative is planning to start maintenance/tree pruning on the system in Emerald Isle tentatively at the end of next week or on March 4th. This work will be conducted by Xylem Tree Experts, and they will be working on all overhead lines that service the town of Emerald Isle. The plan is to get as much done as possible until it is too congested then return to finish later in the year.
Crew leaders from Xylem Tree and CCEC will be talking with members as they move through the area to answer any questions or concerns, they may have. Members will possibly notice a difference in the tree pruning because of the specifications and updated guidelines recommended by the International Society of Arboriculture and American National Standards for Utility Pruning
The goal is to prune the complete system and not have to return for another 3 to 4 years. By using different pruning methods, we can alter growth to make this happen.
Project 2:
Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative will have a maintenance crew replacing poles and wires on Cedar Street, Forest Drive, Loblolly and a short section of Ocean Drive. Members have been contacted by CCEC. The project should take about 3-4 weeks to complete. Some short outages are expected and will be brief.
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PORT Presentation at PEP
Brooke Barnhill the Post Overdose Response Team Manager shared important information at the Emerald Isle Police Educating the Public event.
The Carteret County Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) provides outreach, engagement, and resource navigation to individuals who have serious opioid and other substance use challenges. This may include experiencing overdose, substance use emergencies, relapse and other concerns. The team includes Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) and their goal is to connect participants with the resources that they need and to support the individuals in moving towards the recovery pathway that works for them.
If you or someone you know could benefit from PORT services, call PORT today at (252) 247-1129 or email postODteam@carteretcountync.gov. Anyone can refer individuals to PORT, including wellness and recovery centers and behavioral health clinicians. PORT also partners with Carteret County Emergency Services departments and Law Enforcement agencies to connect individuals encountered for non-fatal overdoses with recovery resources.
Click The Link To Watch
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Jr. Lifeguard Camp Registration Opens April 1
Are you interested in camp opportunities for your children through the Town of Emerald Isle? Registration for Jr. Lifeguard Camp opens April 1, followed by registration for Summer Day Camp on April 10.
Summer Day Camp is held through Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation and spots are awarded through a lottery system.
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Job Opportunities with the Town of Emerald Isle
The Town of Emerald Isle is seeking candidates for several full-time, part-time and seasonal roles.
Visit our website for full job descriptions and applications:
Full-Time Positions:
- Human Resources Specialist
Part-Time Positions:
- Firefighters
- Paramedics
- Police Officers
Seasonal:
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Do you have what it takes to be an Emerald Isle Ocean Rescue Lifeguard, or know someone who does?
Applications are now open for lifeguard positions in 2024.
The Emerald Isle Fire Department will begin training in mid-March on an ongoing basis. Lifeguards will be on the beach strand in phases, starting April 1.
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Paid Parking begins April 13; Passes Available
Paid parking will begin on April 13, and two free passes are available for Emerald Isle taxpayers. Paid parking will be at the Eastern and Western Ocean Regional accesses.
In addition, Handicapped/100% Disabled Vet, Purple Heart or Emerald Isle Business Owners are eligible for one free permit. Supporting documentation must be uploaded when applying for this one free permit in these categories.
Parking pass applications will be available online only for the month of March, and will also be available in person beginning April 1. Starting on that date, you can apply at the Emerald Isle Police Department at 7500 Emerald Drive. You will need a current vehicle registration(s) and driver’s license when applying for your permit. You will receive an email when your pass is ready for pickup. If you have questions, please call EIPD at 252-354-2021.
Emerald Isle taxpayers are eligible to receive two annual free parking permits for the Eastern Ocean Regional and Western Ocean Regional accesses. These parking permits will be granted only for vehicles registered in the name of the taxpayer and are non-transferable.
The permit decal must be for the current year and be permanently affixed to the driver’s side windshield. Improper placement of decals may result in paying the parking fee, confiscation or possible citation. Lost or confiscated permits will not be reissued.
Paid beach parking will begin on on April 13 and will run through September 15. You can find additional details about paid parking and these passes on our website.
Paid Parking will once again range from $2-$4 per hour, with a maximum amount paid up to four hours. If you stay longer than this, you will only pay the four-hour price.
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Fire Safety Tip of the Month
"Close Before You Doze"
Research has proven that a closed bedroom door can help save your life by slowing the spread of flames and prevent heat, smoke, and deadly gases from filling your room.
For any additional information contact the Emerald Isle Fire Department.
Questions can be directed to Chief Matthias at bmatthias@emeraldisle-nc.org, or by calling 252-354-8696.
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The following information is being provided by the NC Forest Service.
What is laurel wilt?
Laurel wilt is a fungal disease of plants in the Laurel family that is carried from tree to tree by a small beetle called the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus). ). The disease has killed nearly all of the mature redbay (Persea borbonia), the most widely affected host, in affected areas south of North Carolina. The fungus that causes laurel wilt (Raffaelea lauricola) is very aggressive and mortality is thought to occur in trees attacked by a single female beetle.
Learn more about Laurel Wilt
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Apply For Your 2024 Golf Cart Permit
Golf cart permits are available for 2024 through the Emerald Isle Police Department. These permits expire on December 31 of each year, no matter when you last purchased a permit.
New this year: You will receive a golf cart safety keychain with your permit, that includes a QR code to our interactive golf cart map.
You can find the full list of golf cart rules and regulations on our website, along with your permit application. In addition, watch our video below for an overview of Emerald Isle's golf cart rules.
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Beach Driving Permit Applications Available
There is still time remaining in this beach driving season, and applications for the 2023-24 season are available online at www.emeraldisle-nc.org, or in person at the Police Department, at 7500 Emerald Drive.
You will receive an email alerting you when your permit is ready to be picked up at the EIPD.
The official beach driving season began Thursday, September 15th, and will conclude on April 30. Beach Driving is closed for April 1 - 10, in accordance with the ten-day break around Easter.
Watch the video below for information on the beach driving application process.
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Emerald Isle Neighborhood Watch
Join the Emerald Isle Neighborhood Watch in 2024! You can learn more information and helpful hints about keeping yourself and your neighborhood safe on our Neighborhood Watch webpage.
Don't forget to check out the latest Neighborhood Watch Newsletter.
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Stay Up To Date: Follow Us Online
The Town of Emerald Isle has a number of official online platforms you can use to stay connected to the latest news, upcoming events, the Parks and Recreation monthly calendars, our live beach and traffic cameras, and more.
You can also view the monthly Board of Commissioners meetings, which are live streamed on our Facebook page. These meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
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Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative Information
In January, the co-op announced that the cooperative’s board of directors approved a rate adjustment effective April 1, 2024. Members on residential and medium general service rates will see an adjustment in their facilities charge starting with April bills. The facilities charge is a fixed monthly fee that covers the costs of items associated with providing electricity to members, such as poles, wires, transformers, and meters. For the average CCEC residential member, the rate adjustment means paying $3.20 more per month. Beginning April 1, a typical member using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month will see their bill increase from $123.27 to $126.47. After the April rate adjustment, rates for CCEC members will remain below the average electricity rates in eastern North Carolina. For more information on the rate adjustment, visit ccemc.com/2024Rates.
Members can discuss the new rates and learn more about the co-op's energy-saving programs at our upcoming member discussion forums:
Emerald Isle Town Board Room, March 5 @ 6:30 p.m.
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum, March 7 @ 6:30 p.m.
Havelock Tourist & Event Center, March 12 @ 6:30 p.m.
More information regarding the member discussion forums can be found at ccemc.com/MemberForums.
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Bogue Banks Water Corporation
Bogue Banks Water Corporation (BBWC), is the non-profit water utility serving Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, and Salter Path, is embarking on an important initiative to secure the future of our water services. We are exploring the purchase of four lots situated within the eastern commercial zone of Emerald Isle. These lots, located at 3101 and 3103 Emerald Dr, and 3104 and 3106 Ocean Dr, are already zoned for commercial use and are conveniently adjacent to existing businesses such as Dollar General and Emerald Isle Mini Mart.
Moreover, within close proximity, CenturyLink operates a utility building while Carteret-Craven Electric Co-op has a substation behind the Emerald Isle Fire Station, further enhancing the utility infrastructure in the area. These lots have a history of hosting commercial enterprises, making them ideal for potential future water utility needs.
At present, BBWC does not have specific plans for the site but aims to secure it for future endeavors, which could range from establishing a well site, water treatment facility, water tower, or a combination thereof. However, to meet regulatory requirements for new drinking water wells, we need a minimum land area of 200’ by 200’, which is increasingly scarce in our service area due to extensive development on the island. The location of these lots, roughly in the middle of our service area, coupled with their size and existing infrastructure, makes them particularly promising for our future needs.
There are, however, restrictive covenants currently affecting the four lots BBWC intends to purchase, necessitating their removal to ensure flexible use in the future. To address this, our local NC House Representative, Celeste Cairns, has graciously agreed to sponsor a bill that would enable BBWC to condemn these restrictive covenants solely on those four lots after their purchase. In support of this endeavor, Cairns has requested the Town of Emerald Isle to pass a resolution endorsing BBWC's pursuit of the property and the removal of the covenants.
BBWC has presented this proposal at the Emerald Isle Commissioners meeting held on February 13th, 2024, and will do so again on March 12th, 2024. Prior to the March meeting, the town and commissioners will be seeking public feedback on this matter. We encourage you to participate in this important dialogue.
For more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to BBWC’s Executive Director, Seola Hill, at Shill@boguebankswater.com. Your engagement and support are vital as we endeavor to secure the future of water services for our community.
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