03/05/2024
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Happy Friday Surfside Beach; of course, I have to lead with the pier this week. Youโve all probably heard that the town received its certificate of occupancy at the Tuesday council meeting. That means that the lessees can now have contractors come in to finish their buildings to suit. Drippyโs Ice Cream contracted with Consensus so it is well into the process. Perryโs Bait & Tackle claims it needs only weeks to be ready, and just this morning, I met with Administrator Vincent and Surf Diner ownership, who is also looking forward to finishing its building, though that is a much more extensive project. We expect the plans from Whistling Duck soon. Most of all, we will be looking to allow all of you on the pier as soon as it makes sense.
Staying with the pier, Town Council voted to remove the dedication plaque; it is already gone. I know this was a very sensitive issue and I voted in support, but I donโt feel any sense of victory. During the campaign, I said it was premature to install it, others mentioned the division within council during this time and the fact that previous councils and administrators were omitted. In the end, this was a sore spot for many in town; I want to create a clean break and hope the entire town can move forward from here. We still have to decide if we will do anything about rededication; as mentioned last week, I will look into setting up a survey for next Friday.
A forensic audit was another major topic, centering on a few specific events going back as much as 10 years. The good news is that all funds were accounted for. On the other hand, the forensic audit showed vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the townโs accounting practices and documentation that must be addressed. The townโs annual audit was also positive. Reviewing with the administrator and finance director after the meeting, I am confident improvements will be made in both practice and transparency.
Town Council passed the 2nd reading of the parking fee changes. Prior to the meeting, the entire council received an email from a resident requesting that it allow parking pass use in the pier lot. I am pleased that collectively, the Council provided a sound business rationale for the decision, which I forwarded to the resident who understood and appreciated the response. I truly believe that if we respect the input of residents, work together, and focus on the best for the town, the majority of issues can be solved with a minimum of drama.
We also heard in the meeting that the town is getting ready to kick off its spring season next weekend with ANYTHING BUT BBQ FEAST next Friday, March 8, and the Surfside Beach BBQ Festival on Saturday, March 9, both at Yaupon Parking Lot. And itโs not too early to think about the Town of Surfside Beach's Happy 60th Birthday Surfside Beach celebration on Thursday evening, March 14. I will be on Carolina AM on WFXB with our Communications Coordinator Tabitha Mull Wednesday morning, March 6, to talk about the BBQ Fest. More info on these can be found on the townโs website or page. I will be looking forward to meeting many of you at these events.
I need to conclude with a couple of housekeeping items. I need to cancel my Monday morning office hours for March 4 as I will be out of town at that time. In addition, I mentioned that I hoped to get a pier dedication survey out next week. Please click the link to subscribe if you want to be sure you are included in the opportunity to respond. https://surfsidebeach.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=31950ed6397027aed0f0bbed3&id=de6c8db91a
I will be back in touch soon.
Mayor Robert Krouse
Town of Surfside Beach
210 U.S. Highway 17 South Surfside Beach, SC 29575
P | 843-913-6330
M | 843-995-6714
E | [email protected]
โThe Family Beachโ