Atlantic Beach Town Meeting

Town Honors Heroes

At its May 19 meeting the town of Atlantic Beach formally recognized US Coast Guard Petty Officer Alan Scott Cantrell for unselfish actions, with a Proclamation of Heroic Effort, 08-05-01, citing his “clear thinking and quick action” in the water rescue of resident Gloria Moseley on April 18. Moseley had suffered a head injury after an accidental fall from a dock and Cantrell, who was off duty at the time, immediately came to her assistance. Upon her recommendation, Capt. Michael Ussery and Lt. Brian Prior, both of the police department, and fire department members Capt. Greg White, Lt. Wayne Woods, and firefighters James Invick and Corey Lail were honored as well. Boatswain Mate 1st Class Cantrell also received a citation by members of the Coast Guard to accompany the award of the Coast Guard Commendation Medal following the proclamation. Cantrell is stationed aboard the Coast Guard cutter Staten Island.

Dredging of Channel

On a motion by council members Ed Briley, seconded by Kenneth Ide, a budget amendment request pertaining the dredging of the channel was added to the action agenda. Referring to the increasing difficulties boats have using the channel, especially at low tide as stated by Captain Stacy’s Sonny Davis, Briley commented that the town now faced an emergency situation. After discussion which addressed how the town would get the necessary funds needed for the project, as well as making sure this would remain a one-time expenditure, the motion by Briley and Ide to approve Budget Amendment 13 in the amount of $40,000 (for dredging work to be capped at this amount through Jun 30) carried unanimously. 

Jumping the Gun on Phase II

Resident James Willis III made a presentation on the topic, “Jumping the Gun on the Phase II Designation in Atlantic Beach.” Willis defined exactly who is designated for coverage in the program and explained that Federal law (40CFR 122.32) requires communities and public entities that own or operate an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) that is discharging to the waters of the US, satisfy two conditions to obtain an NPDES Phase II storm water permit. Those conditions require the MS4 be located in an urbanized area as determined by the latest Decennial Census of the Bureau of the Census and the community or public entity is designated by NPDES, permitting authority to the Environmental Management Commission (EMC). He pointed out that the EMC at its July 2007 meeting had not approved a motion designating the Atlantic Beach Phase II community. He added that the town should take care of its stormwater outfalls and avoid being designated, which would be a considerable savings to the community.

Mayor outlines Mission Statement

Upon the request of Billy Brewer, Mayor A. B. “Trace” Cooper defined the council’s mission statement for its first year:

1)      Lower taxes and cost of living.

2)     Coming up with better, long-range plans, including the UDO.

3)     Address stormwater issues.

4)     Plan for dredging.

 “I’m proud of how far along we are,” Cooper said.

Board of Adjustment

Mayor Pro Tem Harry Archer made motion, seconded by Ken Ide, to reappoint Darrel Lawrence, George Bailey, Gary Plough and Gene Walz (alternate) to the Board of Adjustment for terms running July 1, through June 30, 2011. The motion passed unanimously.

Citizens’ Comments:

During citizen’s comments, resident Joe Tarascio stated, “Frankly, I wasn’t surprised by the budget numbers. I wasn’t surprised that you had a low turnout for the comment period. It’s kind of hard to do the listening you need to do when it’s an empty room, which I think you’re going to find accompanies your position. You’re going to find a lot of silence that you’re trying to listen to. In any case, I’m real happy that you maintained the reserve fund at 47%. A few months back it was sacrilege to get it to 40%. I think it’s a good move. I think it makes sense. As long as it’s managed properly, it’s in the best interests of the town.” He also stated that he believes stormwater costs have to be spread evenly over the people in this town.

Resident Billy Brewer also mentioned the “Food Lion” property. “If we’re going to take that property and turn it into some kind of recreational facility,” he said, “I think that’s great. But, a lot of us were mislead to the notion that the reason we bought the parking lot to begin with was some sort of waste water treatment facility. A lot of us had that impression. If that property is not going to be utilized for the advantage of the citizens of AB, I say sell it, and get the money back.” 

Harry Archer commented that the property at the old Food Lion site was not bought for waste water. Rather, he stated, “It was bought for the purpose of the town needing additional space. It was purchased for the need of a government complex, fire department, police department, administrative offices and public works,” he added.

Ken Ide Thanks Town

Stating that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer, Councilman Ken Ide expressed his appreciation for the tremendous support he has received from Atlantic Beach, from the council and from the people of the town. “I cannot believe it.... It means so much … to have people behind you, who have emailed me, called me, and [sent] presents. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you. “My words fall short of my feelings. And, I say this most sincerely … my God, if you have to go through something like this, why would you want to do it anyplace else but here?” 

Read more articles in the May print edition of Island Review.

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