EMERALD TIDINGS - December 2023 | |
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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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Board of Commissioners: One Chapter Closes
The Emerald Isle Town Board consists of 5 elected Commissioners and the Mayor. The seated team includes Mayor Jason Holland, Commissioners Mark Taylor, Steve Finch, Floyd Messer, Jr., Jamie Vogel, and Jim Normile. Their last official day on the job will be Tuesday, December, 12, 2023.
Collectively, this group is responsible for securing $62 million in grant funding during the past 8-years. These non-local tax dollars are being invested in critical infrastructure projects and rolling apparatus for our community. To learn more, please visit the Current Projects link here: https://www.emeraldisle-nc.org/403/Current-Projects
The Town Board has placed substantial focus on enhancing service levels, including (1) the EI Beach Safety Program /USLA Certified Lifeguards, (2) inclusion of a fulltime EMS department, and now (3) a dually trained Fire/EMS department. Without hiring additional staff, the now joint Emerald Isle Fire and Rescue Department operates two ambulances year-round. Twelve members of the 27 person EIFD team are now certified Paramedics.
The Emerald Isle Police Department, along with a dedicated group of local volunteers, maintain an extensive Neighborhood Watch Program and support Community Oriented Policing. To address an increase in year-round activity along the shores of Emerald Isle, the Town Board adjusted Beach Driving Permit fees and invested the offsetting income to hire fulltime Beach Patrol officers. Now, an EIPD officer patrols the beaches of Emerald Isle 12-hours per day, 365 days per year.
Public Works continues to keep all things moving, including two separate yard debris trucks that operate 5-days per week. The Yard Debris Tracker feature on the Town’s website identifies the live location and monitors each stop performed by the route drivers. Over 32,000 individual stops were made in 2022 by the Yard Debris Trucks. If you want to know where a yard debris truck is located and when it may arrive in your area, please follow this link: https://www.emeraldisle-nc.org/230/Yard-Debris-Truck-Tracker
Each year, the Town of Emerald Isle completes a Progressive Goals list to address future goals for the 12-36 month timeframe. The list clearly marks out where local tax dollars will be invested, securing the greatest return for our citizens. You can find these goals here on our website: https://www.emeraldisle-nc.org/379/Progressive-Goals-List
Within the Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation system, acquisition of the McLean Spell Park and construction of the Emerald Isle Boat Ramp are directly related to members of this board. Most recently, improvements at the EIPR Community Center and grounds were supported by the entirety of elected officials.
As Commissioners Finch, Messer, Normile, and Vogel exit, a sincere thank you for your leadership and guidance. Your dedication to the people and environment that we know as Emerald Isle shines bright.
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Board of Commissioners: One Chapter Opens
The Emerald Isle Town Board will welcome four new members into office on the evening of Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
- A social meet and greet will take place from 5-6 PM.
- The official transition of power and swearing in ceremony will begin at 6:00 PM.
- Town Board meetings are held at 7500 Emerald Drive.
- Interested parties may also Live Stream the function via the Town’s Facebook Page.
The community and staff are excited as Roy D. Brownlow, Alesia Sanderson, Josh Sawyer, and Jay Wootten join the board. These newly elected persons will join returning officials, Commissioner Mark Taylor and Mayor Jason Holland. As a collective, this group will serve for the next 2-years.
An official onboarding process is slated for Wednesday, December 13. Each of the newly elected members will meet the Town’s Department leaders and tour all town owned facilities.
The peaceful transition of power is an exciting time, as new ideas are explored and further enhancements to the community are anticipated.
Official photographs and biographies of the incoming town board will take place in the month of December. Please visit the Town’s official website and be sure to follow our social media platforms to stay connected!
Emerald Isle 2023 Recap
Calendar year 2023 in Emerald Isle was another one for record books. Following is a brief overview of the major highlights and milestones accomplished by the Town.
The EIFD is excited to share that EI was blessed with a safe beach season this year. A combination of wonderful weather, a strategic effort by the USLA Certified Lifeguards, and good fortune produced excellent result along our local beaches.
A generous donation of $29,500 allowed for the public beach access walkway at Howe Street to be completely rebuilt. The new walkway was 100% donated and reconstructed in the summer. Thank you to the Huryn family.
A new culvert pipe was installed at Lee Avenue, serving Archer’s Creek. The entire project was funded by FEMA 428 grant dollars. The project was complete in July 2023.
Currently underway are three additional culvert pipe replacements along Archer’s Creek: Bogue Inlet Drive, Cedar Street, and Old Ferry. These projects are also funded by FEMA 428 grant funds and are expected to be complete by February 2024.
The Beach HEROES Program continued to develop and has reached thousands of guests. The program informs beach goers of ways to remain safe, while enjoying the water that surrounds Emerald Isle. Sunny the Sea Turtle was launched this summer. Sunny is an animated spokesperson that helps educate our younger residents and visitors.
Learn more about Sunny here: https://youtu.be/C1GCv-UHVD0
Emerald Isle was fortunate to receive grants funds to replace a series of critical emergency equipment. Following is a list of the items that were purchased (without any local tax dollars) and delivered in 2023:
- 2023 Ford F550 dump truck that is 4-wheel drive
- A new front-end loader with a bucket and attachments
- 3 Jet Skis and trailers for Ocean Rescue
- Ditch Witch Jet Vac Trailer to clean storm drains and lines
With use of FEMA 428 grant funds, Emerald Isle Public Works successfully built a renewable Yard Debris yard. The site, located on NC 58 in Peletier, is leased from the Coastal Environmental Partnership. The site allows for the temporary storage of yard debris materials. Annually, a contractor is selected to grind the wood into chips that are then recycled. The new site provides the EIPW’s team a closer location to store materials, saves Emerald Isle thousands of dollars per year, and is more environmentally friendly.
Annually, an average of 4 million cars access the intersection at NC 58 and Coast Guard Road. Daily, 26% of all cars coming onto the island turn down Coast Guard Road. To improve traffic flow, NCDOT assisted the Town of Emerald Isle and extended the turn lane on NC 58 leading to Coast Guard Road. This improvement was completed in first quarter of 2023 and was fully funded by NCDOT.
Many of Emerald Isle’s special events in 2023 were quite successful, including: The St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Western Carteret Fireworks Celebration, EI Fishing Tournament, and EI Marathon. Unfortunately, mother-nature won out and the annual Beach Music Festival was canceled. The EIPD Car Show also experienced bad weather this year, but the event was able to be rescheduled for November 18 and was a repeat hit.
ROADWAY PAVING
The Town receives an average of $150,000 a year via Powell Bill funds from the state of North Carolina. These dollars are invested in asphalt milling and paving.
On October 10, 2023, the BOC approved the lowest and best bid to repave the following streets:
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Ring Street, Old Ferry Road, Melaine Street, Connie Street, 23rd Street, 17th Street, and 2nd Street.
- Paving is weather dependent and should take place in December 2023 or January of 2024.
As we prepare for 2024 and beyond, many improvement projects remain. To remain up to date on each of the these initiatives, frequently visit the Current Projects list on the Town’s website: https://www.emeraldisle-nc.org/403/Current-Projects
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Upcoming Holiday Office Closures
The Town's Administrative Offices will be closed December 25, 26 and 27 to allow staff to spend time with loved ones around Christmas.
The Community Center will close at 12:30 p.m. on December 23 and will reopen on December 26.
The Police Department Lobby will close at 4 p.m. on December 24, and will be closed on Christmas Day.
In addition, the Town's Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, January 1, in observance of New Year's Day.
The Town of Emerald Isle would like to wish all a safe and happy holiday season!
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Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair December 2
Check out the Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, December 2, for area artisans and vendors with plenty of items for your holiday shopping needs!
You can support local and find unique gifts for your loved ones.
This event will be held from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the Emerald Isle Community Center, at 203 Leisure Lane.
Please note, all vendor spots have been filled at this time.
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Christmas Movie Night
December 8
On Friday, December 8th, Join us for a FREE, festive family event!
Immerse in heartwarming holiday cinema, enjoy FREE treats, cozy up in your Christmas jammies, and don't forget your lawn chair and blanket.
This event will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, December 8th, at the Community Center.
For more information, please contact Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation at 252-354-6350 or email Drew Conekin at dconekin@emeraldisle-nc.org.
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Blood Drive
December 15
The American Red Cross is in an emergency appeal, and has a critical need for donations.
This blood drive will be held from
1-5:30 p.m. at the Emerald Isle Community Center, at 203 Leisure Lane.
To schedule an appointment, please contact 1800-red cross, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call Kristin Willis at 252-341-1325.
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Emerald Isle Police Department
Food Drive
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Through December 29, the Emerald Isle Police Department is collecting items for the Backpack Friends.
Items can be dropped off at the Police Department at 7500 Emerald Drive.
Suggested Items:
• Chef Boyarde
• Tuna Pouches
• Easy Mac
• Granola Bars
• Oatmeal Packs
• Pop-Tarts
• Lance Crackers
• Rice Krispy Treats
• Applesauce Cups
• Fruit Cups
• Pudding Cups
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
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EI Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Applications Now Open
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. You can find the job
description and application on the Town's website.
The Emerald Isle Fire Department will begin testing in January, and training will start in mid-March. Lifeguards will be on the beach strand in phases, beginning April 1.
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Christmas Tree Safety Tips with EIFD
The Emerald Isle Fire Department worked with Santa Claus this year to bring you Christmas tree safety tips. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of your tree catching fire.
In addition, you can watch our video on kitchen safety advice, as you spend time preparing food for family and friends throughout the holiday season.
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Emerald Isle Christmas Parade Delights All | |
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Thank you to all who participated and viewed the 20th Annual Emerald Isle Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 25th!
Congratulations to the following winners:
Commercial: Piper and Grace Kids Apparel
Non-Commercial: Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol – The Sea Turtle Express
Congratulations!!!
Watch the full parade on the video below.
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2nd Annual Emerald Isle Car Show Raises Money For Shop With A Cop
The 2nd annual Emerald Isle Car Show was a huge success on November 18th and raised money toward the Emerald Isle Police Department's new Shop With A Cop program.
The funds raised will allow area children to go shopping with an EIPD officer this month for Christmas gifts.
This event would not have been possible without the generosity of our event sponsors and raffle donors, or the participants and spectators.
Special thanks to our event sponsors and raffle donors: Day5Art – logo artwork, Sol Bowls, TransImpact, Bar 1957, 77 West, RECOAST, Emerald Club, Chalk & Gibbs, Sharks Den, Michaelangelo's, Emerald Isle Wine Mart, JR Dunn Jewelers, Circle Pizza, Thundering Shrimp Tattoo, Bobby Watson's Carteret County Speedway, Emerald Isle Inn, Food Lion, 4 J's, Briggs Hardware, Lazzara's Pizza, Rucker Johns, Emerald Isle Books & Toys, Boque Inlet Pier, Brian and Denise Vadell, Emerald Isle Neighborhood Watch.
We still have fantastic merchandise left from our recent car show, and you can make a difference by purchasing these items at the police department during business hours. All proceeds will directly contribute to our Shop with a Cop event, spreading joy and holiday cheer to deserving children in our community.
Here's what's available:
- T-shirts: $10.00
- Koozies: $2.00
- Magnets: $2.00
Your purchase not only gets you some cool gear but also helps make the holiday season brighter for local kids. Thank you for your support! Together, we can make a positive impact on our community.
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Apply For Your 2024 Golf Cart Permit
Golf cart permits are now 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.
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
Beach driving permit applications for the 2023-24 season are currently 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.
Please note, the traffic pattern has changed this year when accessing the beach strand at the Point. Drivers should respect the roped off areas and follow the traffic flow. The new ingress and egress also applies to foot traffic.
Watch the video below for information on the beach driving application process.
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Register for the Medically Fragile List
Please note, that this registration service was previously handled through Carteret County Emergency Services. If you previously signed up through the County, you will need to register with the Emerald Isle Fire Department.
Emerald Isle Fire Department provides special medical care and/or help evacuating during disasters, including hurricanes, to those who are registered under the Medically Fragile List.
It is important to note that this form should be completed and submitted to the Emerald Isle Fire Department well in advance of impending disasters. If you or your family member are not already on this list, please take the time today to register.
Contact us at 252-354-2249 or 252-354-2445 if you have additional questions, or would like to register with the Medically Fragile list.
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Secure Your EMS Subscription
The Town of Emerald Isle is offering a subscription program to help offset the cost of ambulance transport. This optional annual subscription of $50 covers the direct costs of ambulance services not paid by your insurance. The $50 covers two people: the head of household, along with one other person. You may include others living in the household for an additional $10 each.
Your subscription begins two days after receipt of the application, payment, and acceptance by the Town of Emerald Isle's Fire Department and expires on June 30th, 2024. All subscription applicants must have some form of health insurance coverage other than Medicaid throughout the subscription service.
If insurance coverage is lost during the subscription service, the subscription is forfeited. There will be no refunds for canceled or forfeited memberships.
Sign up today for this service.
Please note, any subscriptions done prior to June 30, 2023, have expired. This program runs with the fiscal year (July 1 – June 30)
You can register online for the subscription program or call the Fire Department at 252-354-2249 or 252-354-2445 to complete the information over the phone. Make checks payable to: Town of Emerald Isle
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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
CCEC members will see a wholesale power cost adjustment (WPCA) credit of $5.00 per 1,000 kWh of electricity on December bills. CCEC's Board of Directors approved the WPCA credit at its November board meeting. The WPCA had been $0 from January - November.
The WPCA reflects increases or decreases in the cost of electricity the co-op purchases from its wholesale power supplier for distribution to its members. Our wholesale power costs have been slightly less than expected this year, and we are passing on those savings to you, our members. The lower cost comes, in part, from the co-op’s demand reduction efforts, such as our Connect to Save (connecttosavenc.com) smart thermostat program and time of use program (ccemc.com/TOU).
Our annual budget and rates are based on our best projections of what we expect to pay for electricity in the wholesale market and what our projected kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales are for the year. The WPCA is subject to change during the year to adjust when projected power costs and actual power costs fluctuate. The wholesale power cost adjustment clause has been in effect in all of CCEC’s rates since the 1970s and is a common practice among electric cooperatives nationwide.
In January, the WPCA will be set at $0.
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