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Pine Knoll Shores
COMMISSIONER’S MEETING
By Yvette Bannen
One of the items on the Pine Knoll Shores Board of Commissioners consent
agenda was an application for a loan from the staite for the purpose of alleviating
storm-related flooding within specified areas of Pine Knoll Shores. Town Manager
Brian Kramer was authorized to execute and file a storm water grant application on
behalf of the town.
Kramer reported that four applications have been received to replace the town
hall HVAC system» and they are being considered. Also, Lot “C” adjacent to the
Public Safety Building will be used for beach parking, for storage of yard waste until
it can be picked up and for training purposes.
Laura LePore was introduced as a new senior police officer. She has considerable
police experience and will be the deputy police chief.
A lot of time was spent on three items under unfinished business. First was dis
cussion about paid parking at the public beach accesses. The town manager reported
on two plans that could be implemented quickly if beach accesses got overcrowded.
During the discussion, questions were raised about “day trippers” parking on side
streets because they don’t want to pay for parking. Commissioner Danehy thought
“day trippers” should pay for parking because the towns citizens pay for beach access
through their homeowner association dues. (See related story on “To Pay or Not Pay
to Park.”)
Second, Commissioner Corsello did a PowerPoint presentation on elements of
the beach plan, the proposed two municipal service districts and related beach tax
rates. Mayor Jones has conducted two public meetings as well as a meeting with the
Beacons Reach Master Association, explaining the need to start a “rainy day” fund
after the current bond is paid off in order to pay for beach nourishment the next
time it is needed. The proposed ratio for the two service districts will be 1:3.8 (non-
oceanfront to oceanfront). The town manager was authorized to call for a public
hearing on April 12. (See related story on “Elements of the Beach Plan.”) The exact
amount of the tax rate will be determined at budget meetings.
Third was consideration of purchasing a beach rescue truck. The 1999 Dodge
pick-up truck with approximately 70,000 miles that has been used to transport the
jet ski to the beach for emergency situations has a severely rusted chassis and cannot
be driven. One repair estimate has been received for $4,600 with a one-year warran
ty, and other estimates are expected. A new four-wheel drive truck bought through
a government contract will cost $22,000. Commissioner Danehy thought a depend
able tised vehicle could be purchased for around $13,000. No decision was made.
There was no new business to discuss. BOC meetings were scheduled on March
31 and April 7, at 6 p.m., to discuss the budget.
p. K. A.
By Barbara Lemons
If it’s March in Pine Knoll Shores, then it must be time to
go kayaking! Now' PKA paddlers can to hit the water with ease
using the new kayak launcher at Brock Basin. Walter Geist, PKA
Harbormaster, recently tested it out using his classic wooden
kayak that he made himself. A seasoned boater, Walter gave a resounding “thumbs
up” for the launcher, noting its unexpected stability when boarding, pushing off,
and returning to the dock.
Another tip from Walter—don’t forget about the kayak roller mounted on the
bulkhead next to the launcher. It’s a quick way to get a boat onto the ramp without
having to strain your back. Check out the photo of Walter enjoying just one of our
many PKA park amenities.
By Tom Powers
You may not have heard much from us in the last few months, but the Crystal
Coast Cruisers RV Club is alive and well. Many of us are “snowbirds,” and as the
weather gets colder, we head out in search for a warmer climate. And so it was not
all unusual that three couples from the club got together at an RV resort in Sarasota,
Florida, last month. Sarasota is our favorite Florida city. It’s small but has beautiful
white sand beaches, great shopping and an abundance of quality restaurants. The re
sort we stay at—Sun-N-Fun—is very well known in the RV world and has over 1000
campsites. During the winter, it is filled to capacity, and reservations need to be made
well in advance. Besides the pool, hot tubs, miniature golf, horseshoes, shuffleboard
and bocce, the resort has a host of activities going on every day such as lectures on
topics ranging from back pain to jewelry making. But probably the best thing about a
resort like this is the friends you make and get to renew every year.
Now that the weather is getting warmer, snowbirds are starting to migrate back
home. So when we resume our monthly meetings in April, I’m sure there will be lots
of stories to tell. We will also be welcoming new members Dennis and Sue Tomaso,
who recently bought an RV.
If you have an RV or are considering one, we welcome you to our dinner meet
ings, which are held the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Clamdigger
restaurant in Pine Knoll Shores. For more information, contact me at 240-3164 or by
e-mail at tom.powers@mac.com.
News from the Country Club of
the Crystal Coast
By Chip Chamberlin
Our golf course is open to the general public on a daily basis. Walk-ons
are always welcome. Or become a member and enjoy great golf, tennis, swim
ming and bridge games as well as great social and special events at very good
pricing. We ai'e looking for you and your family to join us. Membership in the
County Club of the Crystal Coast (CCCC) has never been more affordable
than during our spring membership campaign. The initiation fees are 50% off
for the full and sport memberships until April 30 (saving you up to $1,250),
and the membership dues are very attractive with a plain for every budget and
every recreational goal. This is an incredible value.
You are invited to come to our next open house on Friday April 15, at 7 p.m.
Bring your family and bring a neighbor. We’d like you to see the club, enjoy some
light hors d’oeuvres and beverages with us'and check us out. Let us know you are '
coming by calling 726-1034, ext. 12. Hurry on in as the 50% reduction of the initia
tion fee for full and sport membership will end soon.
CCCC is becoming well known as a great site for special events. We
offer weddings, reunions, business meetings, small parties, big parties, little
birthdays and big birthdays, tennis and golf events. If 2011 holds a special cel
ebration date for you, our club’s facilities may be available. We encourage you
to make your reservations early though, as booking for special events for this
year have already surpassed those booked in the last few years combined.
Come see us and consider that we might be just the right site for your next
celebration.
Spring brings with it a renewed commitment from many of us to get back
outside tor exercise and recreation, and what better way to do it than at a fine,
local recreation facility. CCCC has joined with the Parks and Recreation Com
mittee of Pine Knoll Shores to create a Recreation Guest Pass Program. Tlie rec
reation guest passes are being sold at town hall for only $25, with the proceeds
going to fund more town recreation activities. The pass will be good for 2011
and can be used for significant discounts at CCCC and other venues. Of course,
if you are a member of CCCC you are entitled to participate in cmy or all of these
activities and you’ll pay member pricing. Come see us and get great pricing
on golf, tennis and other fun activities. Also on the day you play golf or tennis
you’re a “member-for-the-day” and can enjoy excellent dining too.
Please come and visit us, and we’ll take you on a personal tour.
April 2011 I The Shoreline
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