Brenda Bethune

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).

The meeting commenced with the call to order and quorum confirmation. Key agenda items included modifications to the posted agenda, which involved the withdrawal of several sign permit applications (including those for Captain Benjamin's, Lucas Pizza, Meadow Edge, Carolina Social Brewers, and a Marriott location) and the movement of the oath of office to the beginning of the session. The Board addressed sign permit applications, notably for Basset, involving replacement of existing signage, modifications to monument signs, and discussions around height, landscaping, and EMC/reader board usage. A separate discussion and approval occurred for a blade sign for a new gym at Market Common, while the main building sign for the same gym was deferred pending a decision on proposed building paint colors (specifically considering black) and how it would affect the sign's appearance. The board emphasized that sign design must be proportionate and visually appealing, referencing existing local comparisons like Home Depot.

The session began with a required public hearing concerning the proposed franchise appointments for golf carts and mopeds, which the proposer indicated would be handled on a one-year basis. The workshop agenda featured a significant discussion regarding a request for a franchise agreement for the operation of a Pedal Pub vehicle by Global Leisure Management (GLM). GLM highlighted their experience operating the Skywheel, their commitment to safety protocols including pilot certification and liability waivers (stating no alcohol is permitted on the vehicles), and their intention to operate five bikes year-round, except for January. They emphasized the economic benefit to local businesses and their community involvement. The proposer also referenced their successful temporary operation under a special events permit in December, including route adjustments made in response to initial feedback regarding parking and traffic lane usage on Ocean Boulevard. GLM noted the majority of their demographic is age 55 and over and detailed their success operating under a franchise agreement in Conway, SC.