THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 8, 1995 TAG: 9503080510
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SOUTHERN SHORES LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
Talk of consolidating services among north beach communities got a cool reception Tuesday from elected officials in this Outer Banks town.
Speaking to the Southern Shores Town Council, Kill Devil Hills Commissioner Bill Morris discussed his town's efforts to find ways for north beach communities to share more services.
Morris chairs a three-member Kill Devil Hills committee formed to study consolidation.
Southern Shores Mayor Pro Tem Carl Berntsen said there is a ``strong feeling'' in Southern Shores that the town should remain as it is.
``At this time, we don't know of anything (concerning consolidation) that could be of benefit to us,'' Berntsen said.
Berntsen also pointed out that Southern Shores has an advantage over other beach communities, because it has the lowest property tax rate of Dare County's five municipalities.
Morris said his committee is not trying to alter the identity of any community.
``We're looking at things that would benefit all of the towns,'' Morris said. ``We want to see what each community can bring in terms of resources, and see how we can help the towns do things more efficiently.''
In other action at Monday's meeting, the Southern Shores town council:
Unanimously approved a revised zoning ordinance. The 74-page document makes few substantive changes. However, owners who wish to sell and/or rent their property may now use two separate signs. The new ordinance contains provisions calling for civil penalties in the event that an ordinance is violated.
Approved a new seven-year franchise agreement with Falcon Cable television.
Swore in the newest member of the five-member town council, Dick Wood. Wood replaces Myra Ledyard, who resigned earlier this year.
Approved $40,000 for in-kind services over the next two years for Project Blue Sky, an effort to help home-builders and owners build safer homes.
Set a public hearing for its April meeting concerning possible restrictions on the use of personal watercraft on Jean Guite Bay and on Roanoke Sound.
Unanimously approved a $200 donation to the Town of Manteo's Fourth of July fireworks display. by CNB