The Coaster
(Continued from page 12)
The sign caught my eye first. It pictured a country ham biscuit with the ham
protruding from the middle. Like a lot of guys, I am a visual person, so just seeing
a picture of the sizeable treat sent a signal to my brain, and my sense of smell and
taste responded in a hurry. The cars computer system picked up the signals from
my brain, or whatever had control of me, and directed me to the parking space
against my will. Thoughts of sweet tea and pork consumed me and overrode all else.
I think I shut off the engine, I really don’t know for sure, but as I headed into the
restaurant I was aware that someone had left an old blue and white Schwinn coaster
bike parked beside the newspaper rack. Beneath the bike chain I could see drops
of newly applied oil puddle on the concrete. I smiled as I remembered that the day
was Thursday and one of Madisons alternative exercise days. I made my purchase
and was headed for the door when I heard my name called. I turned to see Madison
seated at a four top table enjoying coffee and conversation with some of his friends.
They invited me to come and sit and help resolve the mysteries of the world. I
couldn’t know if they wanted another voice in the conversation or just another pair
of ears to validate their opinions, but I accepted the invitation and found a spot to
drop my take-out meal.
I quickly learned that this was a regular Thursday ritual, and over a period of
several years a small floating group of retired folks met there once every week. They
were certain they had somehow made the world a better place by convening these
problem-solving meetings. Today’s panel included folks with varied professional
histories, different religious affiliations and different political views. In short, they
represented a cross section of our beach society. Today’s topic was the news media,
and it was bouncing back and forth between the 24-hour cable stations and the
printed editions.
As I pulled up a chair to join the table, one of Madison’s friends, Eldon, finished
his thought with a quote from Thomas Jefferson: “Were it left to me to decide
whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without
a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” Eldon allowed as
how he and Thomas shared a profound appreciation for the free press.
I opened my take-out bag and the ham protruding from the steaming biscuit
demanded my immediate attention. As I yielded to the temptation to infuse my
body with enough salt to clear an icy highway, the third member of the group
offered his own opinion of the press and newspapers in general. They took turns
expressing opinions and offering occasional quotes, but each comment or rebuttal
was made and accepted in the spirit in which it was intended. This was an academic
debate. There was no name calling or labeling to be heard. They just had differing
opinions and enjoyed exchanging them. I watched them like it was a tennis match
and silently awarded points as I felt they were earned. Between gulps of ham biscuit
I expressed an opinion or two as well, and my thoughts were patiently considered.
When my sweet tea was finished, I excused myself, said I enjoyed being a part
of the group for the day and might come back another time. Driving home I
discovered that I was again in complete control of the car, but thought I could drink
about a gallon of water. I relived some of the earlier conversation shared among the
old friends in the fast food joint and thought about my own impressions of news
markets. Like Madison, I suppose we all tend to believe some of them are truthful
and others just plain wrong. Each of us picks a side, but we are reluctant to express
ourselves outside our own small cliques. I made a decision to go back for another
biscuit and join in the discussion another time.
A month had passed before my car once again tugged me into the parking lot
of the fast food clinic. The day was Thursday and as I got out of the c^r I paused
where the blue coaster should have been parked. It wasn’t there. I stepped inside,
looked into the dining section and spotted Madison’s buddies. There were three
of them sitting at a table for four; the extra chair was tilted forward on two legs
with the ladder back touching the table—a riderless horse. The three friends sat
silently staring into their coffee cups. I couldn’t make myself go over and ask about
Madison. I suddenly wasn’t hungry. I turned and left without ordering anything.
F=»iNE Knoll Shores
Commissioners Meeting
By Paige Gillespie
The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners was held on May 10 at town
haU. All commissioners were present. Commissioner Ted Goetzinger recused himself
from any discussion or votes regarding the Pine Knoll Boulevard and Highway 58
parcel. There were approximately 87 members of the public in attendance.
Mayor Jones gave an update on the Kayak for the Warriors events. Following the
beach run on May 27, the K4TW reception and auction will be held on June 1 at
the local aquarium, and the kayak and paddleboard race will be held on June 3.
During the first public comment session, five people spoke.
Town Manager Brian Kramer reported on several items:
• Senate Bill 126, which deals with the distribution of local sales and use tax,
was approved by the Senate Finance Committee and now goes to the House.
The forecast losses are larger than initially thought.
• The NC General Assembly has established a fund for coastal storm damage;
however, no money has been allocated.
• The tree removal project by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC)
along Highway 58 continues.
Building Inspector Jim Taylor reported that 64 permits were issued for an
estimated construction cost of $205,000.107 inspections were performed.
Fire Chief Jason Baker reported that the state has approved the station to
establish paramedic services. He anticipates doing this July 1 as personnel and
equipment are straightened out.
Police Chief Ryan Thompson reported that there have been fewer traffic incidents
at the crosswalks since the speed limit was lowered near the Hampton Inn.
Public Works Director Sonny Cunningham reported that the storm drains have
been rehabilitated, that mosquito spraying has begun and will continue twice a
week until the problem is under control, that there were two water main breaks,
and that work will begin soon on removing the old flagpole and installing the new
one at the public safety building.
A public hearing was held regarding the rezoning of the Pine Knoll Boulevard
and Highway 58 parcel. Nineteen people spoke.
Under unfinished business, Beaufort Mayor Richard Stanley, acting as town
attorney, presented two possible actions regarding the rezoning in question.
Following further discussion. Commissioner Edwards made a motion to table the
proposed rezoning of the Pine Knoll Boulevard and Highway 58 parcel for 60 days
to further study the available options. Commissioner Fulcher seconded the motion.
The motion passed 3-1, with Commissioner Corsello voting against it.
Commissioner Brodman made a motion to accept a resolution of intent to fund
pedestrian improvement projects. Commissioner Goetzinger seconded the motion.
The motion passed 4-1, with Commissioner Fulcher voting against it.
The proposed 2017-2018 budget was reviewed. Commissioner Fulcher made
a motion to remove $41,000 from the budget, which was earmarked for sidewalk
design. Commissioner Corsello seconded the motion. The motion was defeated
3-2, with Commissioners Brodman, Edwards and Goetzinger voting against it.
Under new business, a motion was made to accept Budget Amendment #4.
The motion passed unanimously. (Note: A budget amendment is customary at the
end of each fiscal year to account for revenues which have exceeded the original
budgeted estimate or will significantly fall short and expenses which have exceeded
or are estimated to exceed the original budgeted estimate.)
During the second public comment session, one person spoke.
The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be Wednesday, June 14, at 6
p.m. at town hall.
The full minutes of Board of Commissioners meetings are included in the agenda
packets that are publicly available through the calendar on the town website
(townofpks.com) and are sent out via email prior to the next months regular board
meeting. If you have questions about access to the minutes, contact Town Clerk Sarah
Williams at 247-4353, ext. 13.
June 2017 I The Shoreline. 13