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Nags Head commissioners recognized two sets of Town employees with Lifesaving Award presentations during the February 5 regular session meeting.

According to Police Chief Perry Hale and Fire Chief Randy Wells, on December 23 Thomas Wayne Umphlett, 63, suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed behind the wheel while driving on US 158 near West Seachase Drive.

Police Officers Kana Hashigami and Terrance Flaugher responded and provided chest compression and used an automated external defibrillator. On arrival, Fire Captain James Moseman, Lieutenant Hayden Poulin and firefighters Jose Ramirez and Will Roepcke then provided other crucial lifesaving assistance that stabilized Umphlett’s condition until EMS could take over.

“These heroes turned into my angels,” said Umphlett, who attended the meeting with his fiancée. “No words can express how much I appreciate them.”

Mayor Ben Cahoon said “This is the kind of moment that fills us with pride. It is a joyful occasion for the Town to recognize the extraordinary efforts of our first responders, who perform miracles every day.”

Following those presentations, Wells described a second response just 29 days later.

On January 20, Moseman, Poulin and Ramirez responded to a resident in cardiac arrest at an assisted living facility. Wells said their efforts in the second call to action successfully resuscitated and ultimately saved the resident’s life.

Other employee recognition included Jackie Szymanski recognized as the town’s new tax collector, deputy finance officer Brooke Norris and Police Officer First Class Terrance Flaugher were each commended for completing five years of service, and tax collector Linda Bittner retired after 10 years with Nags Head, while Carolyn Morris retired after 30 years as Nags Head town clerk.

A special presentation was held for Morris, who received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. “A cornerstone of Nags Head’s administration, Morris was praised for her professionalism, commitment, and invaluable contributions to the community. Since joining the Town in 1995, she has played a critical role in maintaining government transparency, ensuring efficient operations, and supporting both elected officials and residents,” stated a Town of Nags Head news release issued February 10.

“Carolyn is the very embodiment of the Town’s stated mission, supporting and serving our citizens and visitors, with municipal services delivered in an open, respectful, and responsive manner,” said Mayor Ben Cahoon. “She may have even provided inspiration for that mission.” Cahoon also read a resolution from the North Carolina Municipal Clerks Association written on Morris’s behalf, noted the release.

“Her retirement marks the end of an era for Nags Head, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of public servants. The Town of Nags Head extends its heartfelt appreciation to Carolyn Morris for her decades of service and wishes her a fulfilling and well-earned retirement,” the release continued.

Making a report on behalf of the Dare County Housing Task Force at the February 5 meeting, Donna Creef and Malcolm Fearing advised that the 28-member team looks at four essential aspects of housing: available housing, attainable housing, sustainable housing and acceptable housing. Also, since there is competition between permanent residents and seasonal residents, there is a focus on short-term and long-term solutions to address housing issues affecting Dare County residents, business owners and the local workforce.

Although Nags Head may have been North Carolina’s first tourist destination, affordable housing is not a new issue.

Some of the recommendations in the group’s report include:
– Investigate development of housing units on government-owned land.
– Investigate expansion/revision of the 2004 legislation to allow local governments to
develop housing programs for their employees with incomes that exceed 80% AMI.
– Contract with the UNC School of Government (or other qualified agency) to assist Task Force members with the establishment of a housing non-profit agency.
– Start-up funding of a full-time non-profit agency or department that focuses on housing.
– Work with the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS^® and other stakeholder groups to develop outreach programs about NCHFA first-time purchaser programs.
– Encourage local governments in Dare County to consider the adoption of land use regulations for their jurisdictions to allow ADUs, duplex lot sizes consistent with single-family lot sizes, small-scale multifamily structures by right, and other employee workforce housing standards.

It was also noted that part of the team will be included in a UNC-sponsored 18-month study of housing in North Carolina. The aim is to connect communities with resources and tools needed to assess and make decision on how to respond to local housing needs.

Other reports included:
– An update from county manager Robert L. Outten on repairs to the county water line from Pirate’s Cove to Pond Island. According to Outten, boring a new 30-inch water main down 8 feet under the sound is expensive but also the best option with an April 30 completion date.
– A summary of the fall beach survey results in accordance with the town’s Beach Monitoring and Maintenance Plan from Beth Sciaudone with the firm Moffatt and Nichol.
– An update on the new Public Services Facility construction work by town engineer David Ryan, who said site work is almost completed and a canopy is being constructed to extend over the new fuel pumps.
– Planning director Kelly Wyatt gave information on temporary and permanent residential yard signage regulations which was followed by a discussion on accessory dwelling units.
– A 40×80 town fitness center will replace the current facility at 105 West Seachase Drive and have room for lifeguard housing. A site plan should be ready by April.

Action items for the day included an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard starting pay increase to $20 per hour to be consistent with other northern beach pay rates and stay competitive with the local market.

Commissioners amended code language to allow for seven days from when water non-payment fee is applied to when the water is cut off as a final grace period to receive payment before water service is disconnected. Once water is disconnected, the entire amount of the bill must be paid, including late fee, non-payment fee and if applicable, meter deposit deficiency, in order for the water service to be turned back on.

The consent agenda passed with a $55,000 budget amendment for building maintenance and repair, tax adjustment report, request to advertise delinquent taxes, three year July 4th fireworks contract with Zambelli, and request for public hearing to consider proposed financing for FY 25 projects (Ocean Rescue housing and purchase of 4222 S. Croatan Highway in Nags Head).

After four deadlocked attempts to fill a vacant commissioner position from a list of 14 applicants, commissioners elected to delay the selection process until the March 5 meeting.

Those interested in being appointed to serve out Kevin Brinkley’s unexpired term in the order applications were received include:
1. Travis Zickefoose
2. David C. Thompson
3. Marvin T. Demers
4. Basil R. Belsches III
5. David Elder
6. Thomas Hine
7. Arthur Gordon (Don) Milbrath Jr.
8. William “Bill” Bell
9. Megan M. Vaughan
10. John Kenny
11. Stephanie Morgan
12. Charles (David) Roberts
13. Mark Ballog
14. Keith Sawyer

Other actions for the day included approving a March 3-7 Safety Week Proclamation, approving a draft list of appropriations and policy legislative priorities to send to the town’s lobbying firm, Ward and Smith, and in closed session considered a personnel matter and reviewed December 2023 to December 2024 closed session minutes with some but not all minutes approved.

There was also a brief discussion on a need for bicycle safety, and Mayor Ben Cahoon advised that the offshore wind energy task force established by Gov. Roy Cooper has been disbanded by Gov. Josh Stein.

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