Holden Beach Commissioners appoint committee members

HOLDEN BEACH—Commissioners reshaped the town’s roster of non-mandated committees at their board meeting last week.

But not all board members were pleased with the committees’ overhaul. The committee nominations were approved 4 votes to 1 vote, with commissioner Gary Staley casting the lone dissenting vote against the changes.

Staley has argued at previous board meetings the board should discuss the committee appointments at a workshop rather than as a single agenda item.

Board members also approved an ordinance amendment, which changed the staffing requirements of the emergency preparedness committee, Mayor Alan Holden to serve on the committee.

The vote passed 4-1, with Staley again dissenting. In addition to the town staff required to serve on the emergency preparedness committee, Staley said the board cut four at-large positions.

With the ordinance change, required members include Holden, town manager David Hewett, police chief Wally Layne, planning and inspections director Jason Walker and public works director Chris Clemmons. Newly appointed members include commissioner Ken Kyser, mayor pro tem Sandy Miller and at-large member Ken Weston.

At-large committee members Gay Atkins, Bill Cohen, Chris Critz, John Heimlich and Ken Weston were not re-appointed to serve on the committee. Staley, who previously served on the committee, was not re-appointed.

The following at-large committee members were appointed to the shoreline protection committee: Karen Fleischhauer, Kay Fuller, Dennis Harrington, Allen Williams and Sheila Young.

The following people were appointed to the public area improvement committee: Ruby Broadwell, Rob Collinson, Jane Decker, Bill Landis and Carol Moneypenny.

Ben Burnside, Allison Best and Ron Skubic were appointed to the audit committee.

The land use plan committee was kept intact until the town’s land use plan is finalized. Those committee members are Gay Atkins, Gary Gurganus, Pat Sandifer, Peggy Schiavone and Staley.

Commissioners also set a budget and dredging workshop for 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 16 at Holden Beach Chapel’s Fellowship Hall.