Sunset Beach council reappoints fireboard member, adopts tree ordinance and awards land-use contract

At its Nov. 3 meeting, the Sunset Beach Town Council approved several actions across personnel, ordinance and planning items.

By voice vote the council reappointed John Cook to the Fireman's Relief Board after a motion from a council member and a second. The reappointment came after the council noted five qualified candidates had applied and that Cook had been performing well in the role.

The council also adopted an amendment to Chapter 97 (streets and sidewalks, parades and special events), adding tree-ordinance rules and regulations subsections intended to support a Tree City USA application. Town Administrator Lisa Anglin said the ordinance change came at the recommendation of the tree board and that the Tree City USA application is due in December.

On planning, the council awarded a professional services contract to Anchor Pointe Planning for a comprehensive land use plan following an RFP and internal review process. Council members and staff who reviewed five proposals recommended Anchor Pointe as best addressing local needs. The contract was approved not to exceed $67,000, the amount budgeted for the work.

Town Administrator Anglin also updated the council on ongoing projects: the Jinx Creek realignment is in data-collection and survey mode pending agency modeling; the Main Street parking project is nearing completion on the north side and will move to the oceanfront side for low-speed vehicle spaces; Catchment 7 stormwater work is under way and both projects are on track for a Dec. 12 completion target; Majestic Oaks Park design is finalized and permitting is expected to take 45–75 days with bids anticipated in early 2026.

The council approved the consent agenda and closed the meeting after public comments and a call for voter turnout the following day.