Civic Affairs Meeting Notes
The next Civic Meeting is scheduled for June 17th at 6pm, and will be conducted in the same online format.
May 13, 2020
Link to Video https://www.hydecountync.gov/newsdetail_T73_R2412.php
OCBA Events Update - OCBA Events Coordinator Sara Teaster
Due to the guidelines on large gatherings from the CDC and the phased reopening plan for the State of North Carolina, all scheduled OCBA events for the 4th of July Holiday have been cancelled.
The OCBA will continue to move forward with all additional 2020 events as of now and are looking forward to planning 2021
Hyde County Public Schools - Superintendent Steve Basnight
Modular classroom building will be on the island hopefully by the end of the Month.
Elementary building and media center [library] will be raised this summer and the buildings in between of the Elementary building and the Gym will be removed.
The hope is to have this work completed during the summer so as to not disrupt classroom instruction. It is ambitious but we are working hard to make it happen.
A marker has been made on the school site to show the eventual raised height of the 9ft. Floor joists of Elementary Building are 18 1⁄2”, so base floor level will be 10 1⁄2 ‘
A very rough, preliminary drawing of classroom and space planning needs has been made with input from teachers and staff. There are ideas for a 2 story building and ideas for a 1 story building and the potential for an open space area, but the designs are very early and there will be opportunity for public input. Everything for the school would be enclosed from the elements, and we hope to add some site work to improve drainage as well.
Hope is to get into the media center for offices and library use and the elementary building by the start of the school year, and have the modular unit ready which will house an enclosed 10 classroom space.
Graduation plans are in the works for our 8 2020 graduates of the Ocracoke School. With only 8 graduates, we could still stay under CDC guidance on social distancing and still provide something close to the experience in a creative way. Looking at June 14th with a potential rain date of the 13th.
As for next school year, we are having state wide meetings almost daily to discuss next school year plan and what this will look like. Mr. Basnight has joined the Reopening Schools Task Force to help make recommendations with lots of stakeholders to give the best recommendations. Things are wide open now, but discussions have included that school might not look the same as it was in the past, but the conversation, needs, and situation is changing so quickly. The goal remains the same to provide the best education for our students. Will also be communicating with HHS to understand what needs will be put in practice as far as reopening in person classes.
In the next couple of weeks, we will be scheduling some meetings, in adherence to social distancing guidelines to review ideas for the new school buildings. Look for those announcements soon.
Questions? Are there any operating budget shortfalls that we should be concerned about?
Economically, this has been hard due to Dorian, and pandemic, state and national economy now also affected. We are working with all departments to address these potential issues. State legislature is working on plans.
Question? What is our student population post Hurricane?
Updated in December, population had dropped since storm. DPI projects 591 students for the district. Last Year pop dropped below 600 so we lost $110K based on numbers. We were the only division in the below 600 category, so state legislatures voted to remove that category , but the budget hasn’t been finalized so Hyde County Schools has not been able to recoup that loss of funding yet. Actual student population now is 560, but now to be funded on the 591 number DPI projects.
Hyde County Health Department - Luana Gibbs, Director; Misty Gibbs, Preparedness Coordinator; Roni Collier, Environmental Health Specialist
The Health Department reviewed all of the requirements and guidelines for businesses based on Executive Order 138, which moves NC toward reopening. These guidelines are for business owners, of different business types on how to reopen safely, social distancing requirements and recommendations and maintain employee Health.
These guidelines are included on the Hyde County Website, and have now been shared with the community. These downloadable packets include printable signs for your business entry. These documents provide detailed steps on procedures that businesses will need to take as we go into reopening.
This information includes set ups for restaurants, retail, lodging, and what to do if visitors become ill. Preprinted packets will be available at the Variety Store.
Note: As of 5pm May 23rd North Carolina has moved into a modified Phase Two. Both Phase 1 guidelines and requirements and the new Phase 2 guidelines are included in the resources below.
Resources:
Hyde County Health Presentation (including Printable Signs)
https://www.hydecountync.gov/HCHDOCBApresentation5-13-20.pdf
Phase 2 Guidelines:
https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/guidance#phase-2-easing-of-restrictions
NC State Program in association with NC Restaurant and Lodging Association, “Count On Me” (very similar to serve safe):
Hyde County Health Department:
NC Department of Health and Human Services:
Question? How is this information going to get out to restaurants and lodging owners?
Look for information from the Agriculture Extension Office, Hyde County Department of Health and Human Services. Look in email and on the Hyde County Website for additional information as updates become available.
*Note- This information was sent out through the OCBA email list, shared on OCBA Facebook Page, and the link is also included in these meeting notes.
Question? Have all of the required county inspections on pools been done on Ocracoke and when will pools open?
We are permitting pools as they are ready to be permitted, but they cannot operate until Governor allows reopening of pools.
Question? Will the Ocracoke Health Center be performing COVID tests?
Currently the Ocracoke Health Center is testing for COVID and will continue to do so. Please call the health center first and they will make an arrangement to perform a test. All health centers report back to county and state officials on testing.
Question? Will telemedicine continue at the Ocracoke Health Department?
This will be up to individual medical practices, but patients are advised to call the Health Clinic first before coming in to schedule a telemedicine appointment or if needed an in person appointment or test.
Ocracoke Health Center: https://ocracokehealthcenter.org/
Question? How many people on Ocracoke have been tested for COVID?
Do not have that information available at this time.
Question? Is Hyde County Health Department hiring contact tracers?
Hope that we can do contract tracing in house, but state recourses are available and are hiring contract tracers through CCNC
To apply:
https://www.communitycarenc.org/carolina-community-tracing-collaborative
Question? Can you repeat information on finding PPE supplies for residents or business owners, including masks and hand sanitizer on Ocracoke?
Look on restaurant supply companies and Amazon for larger purchases for you business. Variety Store and Ocracoke Island Trading Company are selling masks on island.
Question? Are there any resources available for business to recoup expenses for getting their businesses read to open with new requirements?
Kris Noble answers this with reminding community that our supportive SBA teams who have come to the island to help, perhaps could come again to discuss. Look for potential funding through the PPP Program and CARES Act
*Note- The SBDTC offers online learning and has a wealth of resources to assist the community.
https://www.albemarle.edu/programs-classes/noncredit/courses/small-business-center/
https://www.ncruralcenter.org/
Question? Will the business owners be responsible for enforcing the social distancing guidelines?
Yes. It will be up to business owners to post their policies, and state policies, as well as occupancy and to be the enforcers.
NCDOT Ferry Division - Jed Dixon
Schedule change started to increase Hatteras/Ocracoke ferry routes. We pulled a crew from Currituck Operations to help the team.
Met with Health Department Last week to help undergo preparations on how to clean and advice on social distancing procedures.
Brochures will be distributed to all ferry passengers about COVID 19 and the islands response.
Ferry Employee will be required to wear face masks. We have ordered additional masks for staff.
We are continuing with cleaning procedures for surfaces and boats.
Working on procedures on how to limit passengers in the lounge, but as weather get warmer, we will look at different protocols to ensure safety and social distancing, as well as comfort.
Budget is in a difficult situation, and is being monitored each week.
Question? Since passenger ferry will not be running, will the trams be running?
Hyde County - we are working on that and will have additional information soon.
For up to date Ferry Schedules and Delays:
https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/ferry/Documents/covid-19-ferry-schedule.pdf
NPS - Dave Hallac
Hurricane Dorian Updates- Visitors Center, funding has been secured from our regional office. Project has been delayed a bit so will not be open by Memorial Day weekend.
HVAC replacement underway in Visitor Center Restroom and restroom projects are still underway Three passenger Ferry bathrooms will be repaired and opened
Maintenance facility has been rebuilt
Staff housing is livable, but additional work is coming
Boat ramp retaining wall has been repaired; boast slips will take longer to repair. Pony Pens have received some repairs
Light Station most extensive damage of the Double Keepers Quarter and money is being sought for this repair work and will undergo a public process of discussion of the plans
Tideland Power Pole Project and NC DOT Sand Bag project are both active An Environmental Assessment of the Groin project is underway
Lifeguards will be in place on May 23rd, and bath house will be open in June Off road vehicle permits are through online purchase only: www.recreation.gov
All other permits issued must be based on state guidelines for crowd sizes including group events and weddings. Currently set at a maximum of 10 people.
Boat Ramp parking will be open, but through a grant from federal highways we will start a resurfacing project.
Visitor Center will remain closed, but restrooms will be open.
Campground will open on Memorial Day weekend, with limited sites. 40 sites only will be available and is already sold out. Registration and Payments are made through the on line system only.
Guidance may change as virus information progresses.
Question? Due to social distancing needs, will the area that lifeguards patrol be expanded and will additional lifeguards be hired?
Current contract is for a 100 meter patrol area at lifeguard beach, and signs will be posted to encourage social distancing. If this becomes an issue, we can revisit the contract.
Question? If you take your boat over for the day can you leave your trailer parked for the day?
Yes
Hyde County - Commissioner Tom Pahl and County Manger Kris Noble
Commissioner Tom Pahl - Thanks to all in the Park service and Ferry Division for all of the support and working with us as we address two crises at a time. Thank you to the Health Department and emergency services. Thanks to all of our Ocracoke Businesses for their continued hard work. The work will fall on various people to continue this effort, as business owners are called upon to set up their own businesses to operate safely, and we thank them for this.
Kris Noble- Press Release Information
https://www.hydecountync.gov/newslist.php
If you are not on the Hyde County email list, you can sign up here:
https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001rxf2VXOUUET2GIzO2sBlBDBO6iA7-lgi
Many public hearings have been going on, and we have been learning how to best use remote technology to conduct meetings
For future county meetings, a voicemail box will be available to record public comments to be played during meeting. To leave a comment, call: 252-926-5288
Board of Equalization and Review - performed tax assessment based on value and condition of home in January of 2020. May 4th Equalization reviews began for those who are appealing the tax assessment based on damages. Please register for the board of E&R. You can apply until June 1st
Call 252-926-4669 for questions on property tax.
Flood Map Public Hearing- A flood study has been done for Hyde County. This reduced the required - elevation height for buildings, but community felt the suggested height was not acceptable. On Ocracoke we will keep the flood elevation to 9’ and non residential structures will be 7 1⁄2‘ flood elevation
For ADA compliance, for each inch of elevation you are required to have a foot of ramp. This can be difficult for businesses to adhere to Flood Ordinances and be ADA compliant.
June 1st voting will happen on the new proposed flood maps; Ocracoke Development Ordinance- Church steeples are to be exempt from the height ordinance
Nonconforming structures did have 180 days to build back in their same footprint after a storm, now will have 365 days to apply for the building permit to bring structure
Question? Can you address the discrepancy in the Visitor return date of May 16th and the Stay at home order ending on the 22nd?
Stay at home order was set with Dare County. Visitors are coming back on the 16th and felt this was important to allow for the start of economic recovery, but people are still advised to social distance or stay at home. This is now a loosely defined stay at home order.
Question? Can you give some trash updates and address issues of full bins?
Our new contract will start on June 1st. These next few weeks will remain a bit challenging but we are working closely with our current contractor to add some pulls, and an additional contractor will be coming to the island to help clean out containers prior to our June 1st changer over. We are optimistic about this coming season.
Speak with Dave Johnson if you are planning a project to get his guidance on C&D Dump schedules and if you need yard waste chipping. We are currently pricing a new chipper (ours was lost in Dorian) and Custom Tree Care is coming to help with this in the interim.
Question? The message board leaving the village says ‘Stay Home” and community members were wondering if we could change this message board?
We will speak with Jed Dixon. We would like people to have the message to be safe but feel welcomed to the island.
Hyde County Sheriff Department - Sheriff Jason Daniels
Questions- Will there be any changes to procedures with visitors returning?
Our procedures have remained and will remain the same.
Questions- Will you and your team be wearing masks?
In situations where the 6’ social distancing requirements cannot be met, we will be wearing masks.
Question- What if you see someone out in the public not wearing a mask?
A mask is a suggestion not a requirement, however, if a store owner requires a masks be worn, a business owner can ask someone to leave, and then if they don’t leave they can be charged with trespassing.
Question - Can people pet Rocky?
Rocky is the Sheriff Department’s yellow lab. Always speak with a canine handler first before petting any service dog.
Adjourn
Next OCBA Civic Meeting scheduled for 6pm on June 17th.
