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Dare County’s new commissioners approved several items in an early December meeting. Topics include building project actions, a contract approval and appointments.

Building Projects

In December, the board amended the Capital Project Ordinance for the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division. The amendment is for the design of a new evidence storage locker and office. The design fee is $181,818. The amendment also increases the Series 2025A Limited Obligation Bonds. The design contract is an amendment to the Master Service agreement with Oakley Collier Architects. County manager Robert L. Outten granted permission to sign the contract.

In subsequent December action, Dare County published a request for qualifications for five projects, one of which is the new evidence storage locker and office. Qualifications from interested contractors are due Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 by 3 p.m.

In a second construction action, the board approved the pre-construction fee submitted by Barnhill Contracting Company, the construction manager at risk for the county’s Early College. The fee is $110,633. The action increases the construction manager at risk line item and the Series 2025B Limited Obligation Bond by $110,633.

Yearly Contract Approved

The commissioners approved the contract with McGuireWoods Consulting to “provide lobbying and governmental relations services to Dare County and agrees to represent the interests of the County, as directed by the County, before the North Carolina General Assembly.”

The fixed fee is $5,000 per month plus expenses. The fee has not been changed. The contract starts on the first day of the 2025 regular session and continues until the 2025 session adjourns.

Electronic Devices/Internet Access/No Expectation of Privacy

As of Oct. 1, 2024, a new section of General Statutes 143-805 prohibits local governments from allowing pornography to be viewed on local governments’ networks or devices.

No later than Jan. 1, 2025, local governments are required to update current policy and delete any existing pornography. The adopted policy includes new prohibitions on allowing pornography to be viewed, exceptions to the prohibitions and disciplinary action up to dismissal. Six exceptions are listed, such as investigating or prosecuting crimes, law enforcement training, protecting human life, participating in judicial proceedings.

This policy applies to all county employees, elected officials, appointees, contractors, volunteers, interns and any individuals authorized to use county-provided technology resources.

The county is required to file a yearly report about unauthorized viewing of pornography by Aug. 1 of each year to the state chief information officer.

Consent Agenda

The commissioners approved minutes from previous board meetings and the tax collector’s report. The commissioners also:

– Approved a new contract with Spectrum to upgrade the Administration Building backup internet and Current TV video streaming connection to 100/100 fiber. The cost appears to be $799 with a $250 installation fee.

– Closed out the COVID-19 Fund, transferring $2,893 to the General Fund. At the end of the 2024 fiscal year, an estimate was used as to the final number. The $2,893 was left in the fund balance.

– Made arrangements to hire a new investments safekeeper. Since 2008, Wells Fargo Securities has functioned as investments safekeeper, but the business informed “almost all” of its North Carolina clients that the service will be discontinued Dec. 31, 2024.

Based on recommendations and on fees, which is 1.5 basis points of balance held or $24,000 per year, the recommendation to the board is to tap First Citizens Wealth as the investments safekeeper. The board authorized the county manager to sign the contract once it is in satisfactory form.

Appointments

– Aging Advisory Council for the Albemarle Commission: Lara Lewis from Manteo as the new director of the Virginia Tillett Community Center. She has agreed to accept this assignment. Sandy Pace, the previous director of the community center, has retired from Dare County.

– Board of Equalization and Review: reappointed Nelson “Skip” Jones, Jonathan Waddill, Jeffrey Scott, Terry Gore and Charles Evans.

– Dare County Tourism Board (two-year terms):

Richard Hess, from the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, reappointed

Tonia Cohen, from Outer Banks Hotel/Motel Association, reappointed

Brenda Chasen, Town of Duck, appointed

Mark Batenic, Town of Southern Shores, reappointed

Tod Clissold, Town of Manteo, reappointed

Dennis Robinson, Hatteras Island at-large, reappointed.

– Game & Wildlife Commission: Anthony Lloyd appointed to replace Kyle Perry, who resigned. Commissioner Mary Ellon Ballance recused herself as a close family member was in the list of applicants.

– Land Transfer Tax Appeals Board: Ruth Stetson was appointed to represent the Town of Manteo.

– Special Motor Vehicle Valuation Review Board: reappointed Danny Couch, Dock Sawyer, David Light.

Following the regular meeting, the board held a closed session. Outten reported that the board gave advice on a real estate purchase and a litigation matter.

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