Carolina Shores gearing up for annual retreat

CAROLINA SHORES—The town board of commissioners is getting ready for its annual retreat.
Same as last year, the day-long retreat is scheduled to take place at Brunswick Community College’s South Brunswick Islands Center on U.S. 17. This year’s retreat date is Monday, Feb. 4.
The retreat will kick off with commissioners’ usual monthly workshop, which precedes their monthly meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7.
According to town administrator Mike Hargett’s monthly report presented at the board’s January workshop and meeting, possible retreat topics can include operating procedures refinements, a proposed program called “neighbors helping neighbors,” a roadway enhancements program, board priorities and budget overview.

Roadway enhancements
Retreat agenda details will be finalized at the board’s direction.
According to Hargett, several possible enhancements to the town’s roads have been discussed. Those include sign posts, stop-sign bars, reflectors and lighting.
Town staff has proposed details be discussed “town-wide in a comprehensive manner through an in-house program,” with improvements to be conducted generally on a “worst-case-first basis,” according to Hargett.
Staff has proposed round, galvanized metal posts be used as the standard for street-sign installation throughout town. Replacements could begin in the Farm at Brunswick.

Street lighting

Hargett and public works supervisor Tom Donlon recently met with Brunswick Electric representatives for assistance with lighting replacement in conjunction with requests in the Village at Calabash.
Brunswick Electric representatives have indicated the type of fixtures in that community are primarily for ambience. In addition, increasing the number of lighting fixtures won’t achieve roadway lighting standards, Hargett said.

Reflectors and stop-sign bars
The staff proposes reflectors and stop-sign bars be installed initially at key intersections. Installation of reflectors would be focused on right-turn corners. Stop bars would be installed at major intersections and left turns at the outset.

Laura Lewis is a staff writer at the Beacon. Reach her at 754-6890 or email llewis@brunswickbeacon.com.