Atlantic Beach council renews interim manager contract, approves planning-assistance renewal and tables municipal judge appointment

Mayor Jake Evans led the Town of Atlantic Beach council Aug. 5 in approving two contract renewals and tabling a judgeship appointment.

On a motion to renew the interim town manager's contract, the council voted: Edward Campbell Nay; Josephine Isom Yay; Jacqueline Gore Yay; John David No; Mayor Jake Evans Yay. The motion carried, renewing the interim manager's contract by a 3-2 margin.

The council then took up an appointment of a municipal judge and, after a motion to table, voted to postpone the matter for a future meeting. Mayor Evans asked for tabling and the motion passed on roll call, delaying any appointment or contract discussion.

Later under New Business the council considered a contract renewal with Waccamaw Regional Council for planning technical assistance. Council discussion included a request by one member that staff seek competing bids before future renewals. The roll-call vote on the Waccamaw contract matched earlier split voting patterns: Campbell Nay; Isom and Gore Yay; David No; Evans Yay. The motion passed.

Council members who voted against the renewal measures did not propose a formal amendment or a substitute motion at the meeting. Council members who supported the renewals said continuity of services and existing vendor relationships justified the votes; those opposing signaled concern about competitive procurement and wanting additional bids before future renewals.

The meeting record shows the council handled personnel and procurement items as formal motions, distinct from nonbinding recommendations from boards or commissions.