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Duck Town Council members and staff took time to recognize Duck director of community development Joe Heard at the May 7 Town Council meeting for his extraordinary service and dedication to the town.

Heard came to Duck as director of community development in September 2014 after working eight years in Kitty Hawk.

A member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, American Planning Association, N.C. Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources, Local Sediment Control Program, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and as a N.C. Division of Coastal Management CAMA local permit officer, Heard has received several honors and awards during his professional career.

A key team player respected by all, Heard has provided guidance to town councils, planning boards and boards of adjustment in various development discussions and projects. From July 20, 2020 through February 15, 2021, he even filled in as interim town manager in addition to fulfilling his regular community development duties.

During Wednesday’s regular session meeting, town manager Drew Havens read a resolution commending Heard for his guidance on planning, land use, environmental and economic issues while serving with a level of professionalism, fairness and a genuine commitment to the community. Acknowledging him as a true steward of the town’s vision and values, it was noted that Heard has consistently exemplified excellence in public service.

Heard will be retiring at the end of this month.

Also recognized at Wednesday’s meeting was Mitchell Ardinger for earning the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate, awarded by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.

During the presentation, Police Chief Jeff Ackerman advised that the advanced certificate is a prestigious certification for law enforcement professionals who have completed a combination of advanced training, education and several years of service. It reflects a high level of professionalism and a strong commitment to ongoing development in the field of law enforcement.

Following that award recognition, Ardinger was promoted to corporal.

Taking up the first of two public hearings, council approved a zoning ordinance change to Subsection 156.137(J)(5)(c) that reduces the town’s minimum tree replacement size from three inches down to two inches in caliper. Since only two of the nine regional nurseries Duck staff contacted have the larger size trees readily available, the update is expected to overcome the availability issue and help lessen any financial impact. All other standards and penalties remain in place.

The next hearing included a review by the town manager on a proposed $13,123,845 FY 2025-2026 budget for regular operations, capital improvements and debt service requirements. While $3,398,535 less than the 24-25 budget, it is based on an $0.18 ad valorem tax rate which represents a 2.45 cent increase.

According to Havens, a look at the current economy and possible pre-pandemic levels of revenue ahead led to a conclusion that a small increase would be needed to maintain the town’s current level of services. The proposed budget also sets the tax rates at $0.0798 for MSD-A and $0.189 for MSD-B, both at revenue neutral rates.

A draft of the budget scheduled to be adopted at the June 4 meeting is available for public inspection in the town clerk’s office and can be seen from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or anytime online at ducknc.gov/town-council/budget/.

With terms for each of the seven Board of Adjustment members set to expire at the end of June, council directed staff to advertise for the positions to see if other individuals are interested in serving.

The Board of Adjustment has five regular members and two alternates who hear and decide zoning regulation appeals. Alternates are called on to actively participate only when a regular member is absent or otherwise unable to participate. Council may reappoint any or all current members, or select a new applicant at the June meeting. Current regular members are Olin Finch, Carol Powell, Miriam Rollin, David Flowers and Tim McKeithan. Alternates are Thomas Burton and Warren Stembridge.

June also marks the end of a multi-year contract with Emerald Forest, Inc. for beach grass planting. Requests for bids to protect the dune system brought three qualified responses.

Caribbean Landscaping had the lowest bid at $99,817.35, Albemarle Landscaping was next at $109,800 and Emerald Forest entered the highest bid of $115,459.44. It was noted, however, that the lowest bidder has limited experience with contracts the size Duck requires, and staff recommended that if Caribbean is selected a one-year contract with an option to renew for an additional two years would be best.

A motion to accept the Caribbean Landscaping bid was approved with the town manager to sign a one-year contract with an option to renew for an additional two years.

The only new business item was discussion and a vote to allow some residential additions to match existing nonconforming roofline heights up to a maximum of one additional foot.

As approved, the provision is only for single-family dwellings that exceed the maximum height limit built prior to July 3, 2002. The addition must conform with all other code regulations and additional requests for a greater height will still require a special use permit. Duck was incorporated May 1, 2002.

Other business for the day included authorizing the town manager to draft a letter from the mayor in support of Senate Bill 576 and approval of a consent agenda with minutes from the April 2 and April 16 meeting minutes, a resolution declaring the week of May 11-17 as National Memorial Police Week and a $13,685 budget amendment for a pedestrian improvement project.

The next Duck Town Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4 at 1 p.m.

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