City Congratulates Soccer Teams

Prior to the Monday, Dec. 17, North Myrtle Beach City Council meeting, Council members held an executive session, during which they discussed reappointment of members to the Planning Commission. Council took no action.

Using a PowerPoint presentation, the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce informed City Council of its many effective marketing and information sharing efforts on behalf of North Myrtle Beach prior to, during and after Hurricane Florence. The presentation is available for viewing or downloading at www.nmb.us under “Press Releases.”

City Council recognized North Myrtle Beach parks and recreation junior soccer teams ranging from 10-and-under to 17-and-under.
The 10-and-under team won the South Carolina Athletics Program Branch (SCAP) Eastern District Championship for its age group in exciting fashion, deciding the first two matches in overtime with penalty kick shoot-outs.

The 15-and-under team swept its matches to win the SCAP Eastern District Championship for its age group. The 17-and-under team won its fifth straight SCAP Eastern State Championship for its age group.
We congratulate team members and their coaches for these and other great soccer successes.

Employee Longevity Awards were presented to Animal Control Officer Holly Sigsworth Downey, Fire Lieutenant Michael Huber and Crew Leader I Bridgena Richardson. Provided in five-year intervals, Longevity Awards go to employees who provide excellent customer service.

City Council approved its regular meeting schedule for calendar year 2019. Meeting dates are January 7, February 4, February 25 and 26 Budget Retreat, March 4 and 18, April 1 and 15, May 6 and 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 7 and 21, November 4, December 2 and 16. Except for the budget retreat meeting, which occurs over two days at Wampee Plantation in Moncks Corner, Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

City Council reappointed Faye Chowning and Ron Nichols to the Accommodations Tax Committee and appointed Thomas Watts, Peyton Henley and Lynn Clyburn to the committee.

City Council approved first reading of a proposed ordinance to amend the zoning text accommodating small cell or micro cell facilities on city-owned public property or in public rights of way. The city regulates cell-tower antenna locations in North Myrtle Beach but only for macro sites, such as towers or monopoles. Advancements in technology have made micro or smaller cell installations possible, such as a cell-tower fully incorporated into a street light but the city’s zoning ordinance does not address the micro cell systems. The proposed ordinance seeks to remedy the situation, subject to engineering reviews and city lease or license agreements.

City Council approved first reading of a proposed ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance to create duplex “in common” (multiple buildings on one lot) development standards allowing the use within the R-2 and R-3 zoning districts. Minimum lot size would be five acres.

In residential zoning districts, the city’s current zoning ordinance allows for the construction of single-family homes and townhouses on land owned in common. In these developments, residents own their homes but own the land in common with all other homeowners, who also maintain it. In-common developments provide an attractive option for homeowners who prefer a uniform neighborhood appearance or want to avoid yard work. At this time, the zoning ordinance does not allow for duplexes in common but does allow for single-family homes and townhouses in common.

City Council approved a proposed ordinance to amend Section 4-8 of the city’s code of ordinances to be consistent with state law regarding the time an impounded animal is held prior to disposition. The city requires a seven-day hold and state law requires a five-day hold.

10 years old
Photo by Pat Dowling
City of North Myrtle Beach, 10-and-under junior soccer team won the SCAP Eastern District Championship.

15 years old
Photos by Pat Dowling
The 15-and-under soccer team won in their age group in the SCAP Eastern District Championship.

17 years old
The 17-and-under soccer team won in their age group for the fifth straight year.

Longevity Awards were presented by City Manager Mike Mahaney during the Monday night council meeting. Left to right are Bridgena Richardson, Holly Sigsworth Downey, Michael Huber and City Manager Mike Mahaney.