Beach town gears up for tourist season

OCEAN ISLE BEACH—Eleven events/group activities are returning to Ocean Isle Beach in 2013.

On Tuesday morning during the board of commissioners’ regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve group activities by four organizations.

Girls on the Run/Stride 5K will return to the island on April 27, the South Brunswick Sea Turtle Festival returns on July 10, and Paws-Ability’s third annual Bicycle Poker Run will be Oct. 12.

The Ocean Isle Property Owners Association was approved for Concerts on the Coast 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays from May 24-Aug. 30. There will also be the annual Independence Day parade, a sand sculpture contest on Aug. 31 and a trash bash on Sept. 28. The property owners association was also approved for the annual Super Saturday activities on Nov. 30.

“These are all a part of the lifestyle of who and what we are,” Mayor Pro Tem Dean Walters said.

Sandbags

The board voted unanimously to purchase and install seven sandbags at a cost of $3,500 to replace damaged sandbags at Columbia Street on the east end of the island.

Adjacent property owners are replacing sandbags on their adjoining property and requested the town replace its own as well. If the town didn’t replace the sandbags, there would be a leveling issue.

“I make a motion that we do it to protect that area and the people that are willing to spend their own money to protect the area,” commissioner Bob Williams said.

“I think we have an obligation,” commissioner D.B. Grantham said.

In other business, the board:

•Voted to disband the airport advisory board and to extend its search for a new planning board member.

•Awarded a contract to the low bidder for rehabilitation of the Anson Street sewer pump station.

•Accepted a deed of dedication for conveyance of water, sewer and streets at East 4th and East 5th Street between Shallotte Boulevard and Charlotte Street.

•Granted a deed of easement to ATMC to facilitate extension/improvement of communications and cable television services.

•Discussed the need for additional crosswalks along First Street and approved an agreement to allow NCDOT to do the work and the town to reimburse them later.

•Approved an electronic auction of a 2003 Impala.