Atlantic Beach Women’s Club asks council for memo of agreement and permission to fundraise on town property

Denise Clark, president of the Atlantic Beach Women’s Club, presented the group’s accomplishments and formal requests to the Town of Atlantic Beach on July 10. Clark said the club has grown to about 70 members and now meets at the Carteret Community Theater after outgrowing town meeting space. “Bring Women together to Connect and Strengthen the Atlantic Beach Community,” she said, describing the club’s mission and volunteer work, including Adopt‑a‑Highway cleanups, planting and maintaining public flower beds, and support for first responders.

The club requested a Memo of Agreement that clarifies how it may use town property for fundraising events, sell merchandise at town‑sponsored events, display banners, and coordinate vendor sales. Phyllis Gay described planned fundraisers — an e‑bike raffle partnership with local businesses, reusable shopping bags with maps to local businesses, and branded flags and merchandise — and asked for clarity about ordinances, town bylaws, and required approvals.

Town Manager John O'Daniel told the group council appreciated their service and would route requests through staff; council agreed to discuss the details at a future work session and may seek legal guidance or examples from nearby towns. Council instructed the club to coordinate with the Town Manager as a primary contact for next steps.

The work session record shows no formal change to town policy at the July 10 meeting; any adjustments to permit sales, banner rules, or use of town property would require staff review and formal council action.