City of Myrtle Beach

The workshop agenda included several key reports and updates. Discussion topics covered the 2026 Legislative Priorities, an update on the Zoning Code Rewrite, the Budget Workshop, and an update on the Market Common Traffic Calming. The session included a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss the city's form of government and conduct evaluations for the City Manager and City Attorney, followed by a motion to exit Executive Session.

The proceedings commenced with a public hearing regarding proposed ordinances on golf cart and moped rental conveyances, which concluded without public comment. Key discussions during the workshop session included an update from the YMCA concerning the return of the World's Largest Rubber Duck and their long-term plans, and a presentation by New Directions detailing their shelter services and potential new women's shelter plans. The regular meeting involved the proclamation for Myrtle Beach 24-hour Endurance Winners and a communications update. Public commentary raised concerns about the services provided by New Directions, requested restrictions on gun shows at the convention center, and noted issues with feral cats. The Consent Agenda involved the second reading of multiple ordinances granting franchise agreements for golf cart and moped rentals, renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding with the South Carolina Department of Social Services, and approval of a Mutual Aid Agreement with the 15th Judicial Circuit Law Enforcement Network. Under the Regular Agenda, the Council reviewed the first reading of the ordinance to enact the 2026 City of Myrtle Beach Comprehensive Plan, focusing on the Population Element update. Various appointments and reappointments were processed for the Ocean View Memorial Foundation, Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, Beach Advisory Committee, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Human Rights Commission. The session concluded with an Executive Session concerning eligible legal or personnel matters, followed by adjournment.

The meeting focused on the introduction and presentation by The Talon Group, a potential lobbying firm seeking to represent the City of Myrtle Beach in Colombia. The representatives detailed their experience in state and local government affairs, including backgrounds in the South Carolina legislature, SLED, and private sector roles. Key discussion points included their strategy for achieving client goals, their experience with state funding processes like competitive grants (formerly earmarks), and their approach to communication with council members. They also discussed their capacity to assist with federal funding requests through contacts with congressional members and staff, while confirming that their primary engagement would be focused on state-level legislative work in Colombia.

The meeting addressed several matters of business, primarily involving land use petitions. Key discussions included a petition to annex approximately 8.7 acres off 48th Avenue North and rezone the area from Horry County General Residential to Myrtle Beach R5 single-family detached residential. Financial analysis indicated a projected annual loss of $16,920, although community representatives argued for annexation based on filling in 'donut holes,' community desire for incorporation, and service improvements, noting that Myrtle Beach currently provides first response emergency services. The commission ultimately recommended approval of this annexation request. Other items included a request to subdivide approximately 42 acres on the corner of Third Avenue North and Flag Street into two lots, and a request to subdivide approximately 2.88 acres off 48th Avenue North into two lots.

The meeting initiated with a roll call. A primary agenda item involved a request from the applicant to continue the discussion until the next meeting, which was subsequently approved. Subsequent discussions centered on a request by Robert S. Jackson agent for annexing approximately 65 acres off 29th Avenue North and rezoning the area from Horry County Highway commercial to the 29th Avenue North Spiritual Center zoning. A second request involved annexing approximately 3,394.77 square feet off 29th Avenue North and rezoning it to the 29th Avenue Spiritual Center Park. The final substantive item concerned creating a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the 29th Avenue North Spiritual Center. Commissioners engaged in detailed questioning regarding the development phasing, particularly concerning the timeline and location of a new school building versus the renovation of the existing school, and the handling of setbacks, especially near Top Golf. The staff clarified that the conceptual exhibits provided are illustrative and that specific details like landscaping will be subject to final approval by the Community Appearance Board (CAB).