Kitty Hawk Town Council Addresses Local Developments and Initiatives

The Kitty Hawk Town Council convened for its regular session on Monday, September 9, 2024, recognizing two key employees and proceeding with several community initiatives. Officer Aaron Nelson was acknowledged for his dedicated five years of service with the local Police Department. Additionally, Greg Hardin was introduced as the newest member of the Public Works team.

The council commenced their meeting by approving the consent agenda. This included the minutes from the August 5 regular session, a proclamation for Diaper Need Awareness Week scheduled from September 23-29, updates to the employee handbook with respect to accommodations for pregnant workers, and a budget transfer of $12,600 for replacing an air conditioning unit at the fire station.

A public hearing on October 7 was set to consider reclassifying piers as a permitted use and allowing a maximum pier length of 400 feet. Despite a Planning Board report indicating no new regulations were necessary for roosters, existing noise ordinances would suffice.

The council supported a draft ordinance by Ron Tumolo concerning the protection of live oaks, a tree native to Kitty Hawk renowned for its durability and beauty. The proposal, which seeks to make the live oak the official tree of Kitty Hawk and includes guidelines for its management, was sent to the Planning Board for review with an arborist consultation requested.

Approval was granted to the Kitty Hawk Recreation Committee to develop a walking trail around Town Hall. Originally proposed in 1987, the current plan includes a 2-mile trail with possible connections to the Sandpiper Cay condominium complex, involving bridges over lowland areas. The project cost could be substantially reduced with volunteer efforts.

Discussions regarding a new two-lot subdivision on a 2.41-acre parcel along West Kitty Hawk Road were also held. The property, zoned as a village commercial district, contains two family dwellings and no new infrastructure is planned.

The council also approved a 6% salary increase for town law enforcement officers to maintain competitive pay standards, effective September 14, 2024. This adjustment, partly funded by unspent budget allocations, aims to have a long-term impact on police salary planning.

In administrative updates, Town Manager Melody Clopton reported on ongoing construction at the police department, the commencement of the annual audit, the removal of lifeguard stands, and the start of on-demand waste and chipping services. Lastly, a closed session was held to discuss the legal case Mina v. Town of Kitty Hawk, et al.