Connor Winstead

The Planning Board engaged in a comprehensive review of zoning text amendments, focusing on Chapter 156 regarding land use, definitions, district regulations, and exemptions. Key discussions involved refining definitions for ambient noise, arcades, dwellings, impervious surfaces, and lot coverage, including the potential use of graphical aids to improve clarity. The Board also reviewed special use permit standards, childcare facility regulations, and electronic gaming operations. Additionally, the meeting included a discussion on the Planning Board's rules of procedure, the scheduling of comprehensive land use plan updates, and a status update on town projects such as playground replacements and shoreline seagrass management.

The Council discussed the Employee Recognition Program and recognized graduates of the 2026 FLOCK Academy. Key actions included the approval of a resolution honoring Deputy Police Chief Melissa Clark upon her retirement and the presentation of her badge and sidearm. The Council also considered and adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance and the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. Additionally, they approved a contract for the purchase and installation of playground equipment at Duck Town Park, received departmental updates from various town departments, reviewed financial presentations, and adopted resolutions amending personnel policies and establishing a Capital Projects Reserve Fund. Discussions were also held regarding dead sea grass accumulation along the sound shoreline and a proposed public engagement event on the matter.

The meeting includes the swearing-in of new members, election of officers, and a review of a final written order in the matter of Knotts v. Town of Duck. Public hearings will address variance requests for a ground-level bathroom below the regulatory flood protection elevation at 116 Skimmer Way and a request to retain a concrete pool deck at 109 Settlers Lane.

The Planning Board engaged in an e-module learning session regarding local development regulations and conducted a comprehensive review of the zoning ordinance, specifically focusing on definitions within Chapter 156. Key topics included establishing a formal definition for arcades, with a consensus on a four-device threshold, and evaluating potential revisions to definitions for dwelling, setback, impervious surface, lot coverage, and other land-use terms. Staff provided updates on town projects and discussed the status of various zoning text amendments, with further deliberations scheduled for future meetings to align with the town's Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

The Council held a mid-month meeting to discuss the draft budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. The Town Manager presented revenue trends, including changes in fund balance appropriations and grant revenue, alongside an expenditure summary categorized by department and expenditure type. The discussion focused on addressing a projected revenue shortfall, reviewing departmental needs such as equipment replacements for the Police and Fire departments, and preparing for a formal budget presentation at a future public hearing.