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At the Manteo Board of Commissioners meeting on Feb. 12, 2025, three property owners rose to speak during public comments about stormwater flooding. A fourth property owner was in the audience and brought photos.

Randy Fenninger, of 307 Sir Walter Raleigh St., was the first speaker. Four properties are constantly flooded. A ditch runs behind properties on Sir Walter Raleigh St. and Budleigh St., which is higher. Stormwater flows from Budleigh down the ditch and eventually to a pipe and to the sound. In 2019, wind driven water came through the pipe and flooded the yards.

Fenninger said “make this project a priority.”

Next up was Michael McOwen. He read from a presentation he made in 2012 about stormwater flooding. He said, it’s been “happening for a long time.”

Jamie Reibel has the home were the ditch meets the pipe. “It does flood.”

Fenninger said town manager Melissa Dickerson followed up. Two staff members from the town’s resilience project were due in town the next day. Fenninger and McOwen met with the two staffers.

Fenninger also reported that as soon as the strategic planning process is completed, a professional will turn his attention to a townwide stormwater study.

Also during public comment, LeVern Davis Parker, chair of the Maritime History Task Force, reminded the commissioners about the task force presentation in January. She asked the board to approve the plan as a concept so the task force can move forward.

In other matters, the commissioners approved:

1. The 2025 audit engagement letter with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co., P.A., of Wilmington. The fee is not to exceed $32,250.

– A fee schedule update.

– Adopted the Outer Banks Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan as the first step.

2. Vested the Town of Manteo with the responsibility, authority and the means to:

(a) Inform all concerned parties of this action.

(b) Cooperate with federal, state and local agencies and private firms which undertake to study, survey, map and identify floodplain areas, and cooperate with neighboring communities with respect to management of adjoining floodplain areas in order to prevent exacerbation of existing hazard impacts.

3. Appoints Town of Manteo Emergency Management to assure that the Hazard Mitigation Plan is reviewed annually and every five years as specified in the plan to assure that the plan is in compliance with all state and federal regulations and that any needed revisions or amendments to the plan are developed and presented to the Town of Manteo Board of Commissioners for consideration.
4. Agrees to take such other official action as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the objectives of the Hazard Mitigation Plan.

– A commercial dock rental. Randy Graham asked to dock his OBX Tiki Time, a Coast Guard licensed vessel that accommodates up to 45 passengers at the Manteo marina. The dock proposed is closest to the gazebo. Offerings will include both private and public tours, where guests can enjoy dolphin watching, as well as historic excursions through Wanchese, exploring the rich heritage of this commercial fishing village and its duck hunting history. The cost is $660 per month from April 1 to Oct. 31 and $470 per month from Nov. 1 through March 31.

– The bid from Shane Clark Construction for $102,000 to redeck the pier leading to and surrounding the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. Seven bid responses were returned. Town of Manteo was awarded a CAMA Access Improvement Grant for the project. The commissioners authorized Dickerson to negotiate a general services agreement with Shane Clark Construction. Commissioner Tod Clissold told the staff and commissioners that the project “needs to be done by May.”

Dickerson discussed the budget calendar. These dates may be not be finalized:

– March 5, 2025: Public comment period for input on community needs, requests, concerns and desires for the upcoming fiscal year.

– April 2, 2025: Proposed budget presented to the Board of Commissioners for consideration and notice of public hearing to be held on May 7, 2025.

– May 7, 2025: Public hearing for proposed FY 2025-2026 budget ordinance.

– June 4, 2025: If approved, adoption of budget ordinance for FY 2025-2026.

– June 18, 2025: Back up date for budget ordinance adoption for FY 2025-2026

– July 1, 2025: FY 2025-2026 begins.

The commissioners made the following appointments:

– Board of Adjustment: reappointed Hannah Forslund, Clarence Lewis and Stuart Wescott

– Main Street Advisory Board: Debra Johnson

– Community-Police Advisory Board: Mackenzie Flynn, a Manteo High School senior, member of AVID, Town of Manteo intern, and a women’s soccer state champion. She intends to major in political science in college.

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