J.O. Baldwin

The City Council meeting included an executive session to discuss board appointments, the sale of city property, and a legal briefing. Key business matters included the proclamation of Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, the appointment of members to the Accommodations Tax Committee, and the extension of franchise agreements for parasail and banana boat operators. The Council also reviewed ordinances related to zoning amendments for mechanical equipment screening, construction board of appeals codification, and parking regulations. Additionally, the Council addressed traffic study concerns regarding the Chick-Fil-A site amendment, discussed pedestrian gates for the Champions Boulevard Commercial development, and heard a presentation on the Park & Sports Complex economic impact.

The meeting agenda included a review of the Parks and Recreation Monthly Report, an overview of the fiscal year 26-27 budget request, and the Director's report. Additionally, the commission held a public comment period and provided time for member announcements.

The council administered the Oath of Office to a new member and issued a proclamation for the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. The meeting addressed consent items including the adoption of bylaws for the Public Arts Commission, various pre-annexation agreements, and approvals for upcoming community beach events. Legislative actions included the passage of zoning ordinances for inground pools and property annexations, as well as an amendment to a development agreement. New business discussions covered zoning requirements for mechanical equipment screening, annexation proposals, and development agreements for commercial projects. The council postponed an amendment regarding a PDD site change due to traffic concerns and denied a requested amendment for rear yard setbacks in a resort district. The session concluded with an executive session regarding legal proceedings and committee appointments.

The meeting included an Executive Session for a legal briefing on the annexation and zoning designation of Buffkin Road and discussion concerning a property transfer to North Strand Helping Hand. Key actions involved approving various consent items, including the evaluation and salary of the City Attorney and approving several events for 2026, such as the SOS Parade and the Ocean Drive Beach Music Festival. Unfinished Business primarily consisted of second readings for several amendments to Chapter 23 (Zoning) regarding beach cabanas and subdivision signs. Further zoning amendments concerning nuisance parties and impeding public passage were also approved after discussion about liability. New Business included approving an investment in the South Carolina Local Government Investment Pool, first readings for ordinances defining inground pools and annexing/zoning Buffkin Road parcels, and approving the first amendment to the Lauret Associates Tract Development Agreement, which addressed road completion deadlines. Public comment raised concerns regarding earlier receipt of agenda packets, a request for animal shelter funding, and a suggestion for a smoking ban on the beach.

The Technical Review Committee meeting addressed several new applications and associated staff comments. The application for Blueberry Grill Overflow Parking (TRC-26-3) was postponed until the February 19th meeting. For OD Arcade Lounge and Grill (CR-26-10), Public Works noted the requirement for an SCDOT encroachment permit for work in public rights-of-way, the Building department noted a missing site plan, and Planning requested a survey to delineate private property from the public ROW, while noting positive but conditional feedback from the public arts commission regarding ROW placement. The Insite Conway NMB Project (TRC-24-34) received numerous technical comments regarding utility standards (using City of NMB standard details vs. GSWSA), required easements for a force main and access road (due to the cancellation of the Doctors Care construction), dumpster pad standards, water line looping visibility, and the need for an SCDOT encroachment permit. Zoning comments for this project included requirements for a 5' rear perimeter buffer with specific trees, earth-toned buildings, and ensuring the parcel does not front Highway 17. Fire review indicated that the proposed two fire hydrants might be insufficient for required fire flow.